The weather is warming up, so I’m thinking about wetting a hook! A fresh filling of the bait bucket with live bait always seems to have the promise of a hopeful day of fishing. The bucket of new and fresh bait signifies a day of high expectations of what might bite the bait, new stories to be told of the … Read More
In Finding and Keeping Volunteers, Be Direct
By Scott Barkley, posted September 5, 2023 in Churches and Ministry HATTIESBURG, Miss. (BP) – Building a volunteer team isn’t just about what you do, but what you don’t. It is about extending a personal invitation, said Drew Chapman, Next Steps and Outreach pastor at Temple Baptist Church. It is about training. It is about assessing the best place for service and communicating expectations. … Read More
Recruiting students to serve in the church
By Aaron Summers, posted August 2, 2023 in Lifeway As a new school year approaches, many church leaders seek church members who can serve in the church. In a Lifeway Research study of Protestant churchgoers, 66% said they did not volunteer for a charity (ministry, church, or non-ministry) in the last year. Could the gap between desire and action stem from our failure to trust younger … Read More
Building a Healthy Ministry Culture
As a young adult, I loved Jesus and truly believed that those who loved and served Jesus would function with joy, enthusiasm, unity, and a Kingdom mindset. I was so naïve. On the outside, all appeared well in my local church. There was the illusion that we all had the same heartbeat for Gospel ministry, but when it came to … 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
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
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
How is your Spiritual Love Tank?
Do you ever feel like you are running on empty and there is nothing left to give? You are not alone, pastor. If we are not careful, the unrelenting pressures of life and ministry can put stress and strain on our relationships and leave us emotionally unhealthy. Though we know the value and promise of “Abide” from John 15, our … Read More
Pandemic prompts churches to consider permanent changes
By Tess Schoonhoven, posted September 4, 2020 in Churches and Ministry, COVID-19 HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (BP) – Every church has adjusted some aspects of ministry since the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic. But even as the effects of COVID-19 continue to press into the modern landscape of the evangelical church, some congregations are already turning from the question of how to shift from the current … Read More
Don’t Grow Weary in Doing Well
Early on in our ministry in Montana, my wife and I were easily discouraged. We were certain of God’s call. We were prayerful. We were relational in our approach and we were faithful to teach and share the Truth of Scripture. We were experiencing God’s presence and provision, but we were not seeing much spiritual fruit. Planting and growing a … Read More
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