This ten week course (5 sessions for two hours each) offers an environment of learning from one another and how-to approaches for resourcing additional funds for the church plant. At the same time the course will address practical ideas for …
5 Things to Consider Before Planting a Church
5 Things to Consider Before Planting a Church Gathered for Sunday dinner, parents asked their two youngsters what they had learned in Sunday School. “It was great,” enthused their seven-year-old son. “Our teacher said the boys were better than girls!” …
Eleven Signs You’re in Crisis Mode
Eleven Signs You’re in Crisis Mode Friends who met in biking events thought it would be great to take a summer tour on a tandem. Soon, however, their differing personalities grated. On a long, steady mountain climb they pumped without …
5 Things a Leader Should Do Every Day
5 Things a Leader Should Do Every Day A young girl came home from school with a tummy ache. “You need something to eat,” said her mom. “Your tummy aches because there’s nothing in it.” A quick snack remedied the …
Handling Failure—In Ourselves and Others
Handling Failure—In Ourselves and Others Some years ago a psychologist named Aldrich published a fascinating article about his work in social services, spending most of his time with teenagers who had been arrested for shoplifting or other theft. Aldrich interviewed …
Understanding of and adherence to pastoral ethics and practices
Demonstrate understanding, skill and compassion in caring for persons and congregations. give evidence of appropriate care and empathy toward persons in various crises show a grasp of the challenges and opportunities emerging in the various stages of life exhibit an …
Capability to Minister within the Church
Demonstrate the understanding and skill required to lead the people of God in faithfulness to their mission, including the areas of discipleship, evangelism, and leadership. give evidence of an understanding of approaches to discipleship and capacity discipling individuals toward multiplication …
Perspective
Our participation in the present humanity of this world drives us often toward distinctions, separations, bigotry, and racism—even in the church. That was powerfully brought home to me during our time as missionaries in Nigeria. We were received with openness …
Competition and Prejudice
As a seminary intern in St. Louis, Missouri, I was part of a Jewish-Christian Dialogue group. We were seeking to understand one another’s traditions, work together for the good of our neighborhoods, and promote tolerance and respect in society. I …
Commissioned Pastor Candidate Process and Finances
The first step is to have a conversation with your local church pastor. The second step is to receive a recommendation by your consistory. The third step in the Commissioned Pastor process is that of being affirmed by Classis leaders. …
