Article Archive
Please click below to view any of the articles in our archive.
Maybe you are considering planting a new church and would like to know if this is a calling from God. Or, maybe you have an interest in becoming a church planter and want to know if you should take the next step in that direction. If your answer is yes to one of the above statements, read this blog for some advice or encouragement as you seek discernment from God and others.
Maybe you are considering planting a new church and would like to know if this is a calling from God. Or, maybe you have an interest in becoming a church planter and want to know if you should take the next step in that direction. If your answer is yes to one of the above statements, read this blog for some advice or encouragement as you seek discernment from God and others.
I will never forget an initial coaching session over the phone with an ethnic pastor. I was born and raised in the US and he was born and raised in a Middle-eastern location where Christians are frequently persecuted. I had known him for about a year and wanted to establish a coaching relationship to help him in his ministry. The purpose of my first coaching call to him was to establish a relationship with him as his coach. I also wanted to explain what our coaching conversations would be all about. After our conversation, it dawned on me that sometimes, coaching ministry leaders will not work, at least initially. My story and commentary may help you understand more about when coaching may not work.
Healthy churches do a lot if it. And, they do it well. Communication is a top priority for churches that want to remain healthy and be effective in ministry for the Lord and His Kingdom. I'm sure you want that for your church. This blog focuses on just one area of church life and ministry – your search for and calling of a new pastor. And reflecting on its contents just might help you improve other areas of ministry. Read on to find out more.
A.T. Pierson once said, "There has never been a spiritual awakening in any country or locality that did not begin in united prayer." If there's ever a time for prayer in your church, it's during a season of transition between lead pastors. Consider the huge need for change and preparation in your church before a new pastor is called. Consider the following needs:
It all started when a torrential rainstorm river began to flow into the Pacific Northwest. Several days of rain, not the usual heavy mist known in the Northwest, poured into the rivers, flatlands, and streams all around us. The smaller communities of Sumas, Nooksack, Everson, Ferndale, and to a lesser extent, Lynden where we call our home, were affected and a disaster occurred. Many had to leave their flooded homes at a moment's notice with only the clothes on their backs and a few personal items. Not only homes and apartments, but churches, schools, and businesses were damaged as floodwaters poured into them from rapidly rising rivers and heavy rains that continued over several days. Read on to know how you and your church can respond.
Help! We are now in-between lead pastors and are considering using an interim. What are our options? Read on to begin discovering the pastoral needs of your church and the value of calling the right kind of interim to help meet your needs.
I like lists so here's another one. This one is for church members who are working on trying to find and call a new pastor in a church that's in-between lead pastors.
Ever wonder what a newly called pastor thinks when beginning a ministry at a new church? Check out this blog to see some of the assumptions that a pastor carries into a church.
Wondering what you can do to increase your ministry effectiveness during the Covid-19 crisis? Try picking up your phone. This blog describes how this season of social isolation might be a good time to talk.