One of the benefits of our partnership with the Missouri Baptist Convention is access to their revitalization tools and team. They call it the Resound Network. It is a movement of pastors and churches who partner with regional leaders to engage in a revitalization process. The Resound Network is passionate about infusing new life into churches so that they resound … Read More
Advance the Mission by Developing Leaders
As I interact with pastors, I often see the weariness in their eyes of advancing the mission of the church with little to no team. As we discuss the value of investing in others, the key factors are often time and quality control. It’s true that it takes more time to equip and develop a team than it does to … Read More
Text-Driven Preaching Workshop
A couple of years ago, I went to a preaching workshop in Graham, TX. I had been to conferences before and always enjoyed the content and breakouts. If you are like me, conferences provide an information overload that sometimes leaves me feeling overwhelmed at how to implement what I learn. Now don’t get me wrong, I love the content and … Read More
Pitfalls in Ministry
A pitfall is an unexpected danger or difficulty. Pitfalls are hidden or camouflaged, so one can come out of nowhere. Therefore, on the trail or walking through life, caution is needed. This imagery is true in ministry, as well. Despite knowing they exist one must be on the lookout. It’s also helpful to have an extra set of eyes to … Read More
Caring for Souls Together
“The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” Proverbs 15:33. In 2006, I began my first teaching job as a high-school math and science teacher at MFL MarMac High School in Monona, Iowa. I was a newlywed, had just moved from suburban Billings to rural Iowa, was fresh out of college, ready to shape … Read More
Contextualized Ministry Guides Montana Pastor in Outreach
By Scott Barkley, posted August 16, 2022 in Churches and Ministry SHELBY, Mont. (BP) – You wouldn’t think a pastor would have much in common with the bassist for one of rock’s legendary bands, but there’s a connection to be made. Chad Scarborough and First Baptist Church will mark nine years together in October. As a Texas native, Scarborough could identify with the Old … Read More
Responding to the Historic Flooding in Montana
When the waters of Rock Creek began to surge across its banks into homes and businesses in Red Lodge, Montana, the members of the Church of the Rockies began to respond. At first, it was neighbor helping neighbor, checking on one another and offering aid. Then, the Red Cross arrived. The church family quickly began to volunteer to be the … Read More
A Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
As you look out on your congregation, what do you see? Do you see an abundance of potential resources, co-laborers, and disciple makers? Or, do you view your church family through the lens of scarcity? There really isn’t much there to work with, is there? What you believe about them is what you will see in them. Think about that … Read More
What’s the Difference between Shepherding & Disciple Making?
Clarity breeds brevity. Lack of clarity leads to lots of words. Our churches today lack clarity on disciple making. That confusion is evident by the long list of words used interchangeably such as discipleship, coaching, mentoring, disciple making, and shepherding. Unfortunately, these words aren’t synonyms. Instead of clarifying the call to make disciples, they complicate and confuse. In the past … Read More
The Disciple Maker Card
In any discipleship process, relationships are essential. A disciple maker is seeking to engage the heart of a new believer, or a disciple partner, with spiritual truths that lead to life transformation. These spiritual conversations have a high view of Scripture and emphasize our response to the Holy Spirit. What is God saying? What are you going to do about it? Discipleship can be … Read More