One of the most difficult times for churches is when they are seeking new pastoral leadership. Smaller churches have the most difficulty since many pastors will not even consider smaller churches. Even medium size churches often discover it is more difficult to find a new pastor than in the past.
There are a lot of reasons for this, but for our denomination the problem is very simple. We have more churches than ministers. Many of the pastors we do have are nearing retirement and not interested in a new church, and some ministers seeking placement simply do not have the qualifications many churches seek.
For 14 years I served as an Area Minister in our region, and one of my tasks was to assist churches seeking new pastors. It seemed like every year it became more difficult to find suitable candidates for these churches to interview. Some of this was because the churches had unreasonable expectations, but often the problem was that the candidate lacked the skills or experience the church needed. I've been retired for two years now, but I understand the problem has not improved.
It's important that churches seeking pastors not get discouraged or in a big hurry. I often told search committees that having no pastor was better than having the wrong pastor. It was not uncommon for many of our churches to spend 18-24 months seeking a pastor, and in some cases it took even longer.
Churches need to make sure their expectations for a new pastor are reasonable. I'm sorry, requiring a pastor to have a PhD to serve a church of 40 people is not a reasonable expectation. Even requiring an MDiv may not be a reasonable expectation for these churches. Churches might also think through the requirement that their pastor leads a Bible study every Wednesday night for six people. That time could probably be better spent doing something else.
Some churches cannot stand the idea of not having a pastor. I've seen some churches call the first person who came down the road with a cross around his neck and often lived to regret it. Spend time determining what your church needs in a pastor and begin seeking individuals who can provide that. Check every reference, even some that might not be listed on the resume. Today it makes sense to do a background check on your final candidate before presenting him or her to the church. If your church selects good people for the search committee, and they take their time, your chances of finding the right person for your church will be much higher.
This should be a time of intense prayer, not only by the search committee but by the entire church. Seeking a pastor is a spiritual adventure. You need to invite God to be part of this search because He already knows the person He's prepared to lead your church.
If your church is part of a denomination, it's also a good idea to invite a denominational leader to be part of your search. There may be some things he or she will know about candidates that you are considering that will not show up on a resume. They may also know people who are not actively seeking to move but might be open to such a move.
Thursday, June 21, 2018
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
The pastor's library
I've written numerous times about how important a good library is for a minister. When I first began my ministry in 1981 my books would fit in a three foot section of one book shelf. As I sit here typing this I am looking at five seven foot tall bookshelves filled to overflowing plus two four foot bookshelves also filled. I realize some ministers have basements filled with bookshelves, but I feel pretty good about the books I've accumulated as a bivocational minister. Plus, I've given away and sold around 100 of my ministry-related books over the years.
Of course, at some point this becomes a problem. In a couple of months I will turn 70 years old. I am nearing the end of a term as the Transitional Pastor of a nearby church and have no idea if another similar ministry will be offered to me. I keep telling my wife I don't want her stuck with these books, and yet I struggle getting rid of most of them...just in case!
Recently I was talking to the wife of a pastor friend of mine. He has retired but is serving as an interim pastor. When they moved from their parsonage she gave away many of his books and boxed up the rest. He now has to tell her if he needs certain books so she can get them for him. As she explained, they moved into a much smaller house, and it wasn't possible for him to have shelves for his books. Maybe I just need to downsize to force myself to part with most of my library!
At some point I'll find a solution that makes sense and is one I can live with. Until then, I encourage you younger readers to invest in good books. I realize books are expensive today, but they still make a great investment for anyone involved in ministry. Don't be afraid to invest in quality books written by respected authors that speak to challenges you or your church are facing or that address issues important to you.
I also encourage you to not limit your reading to theology and ministry related books. To be effective in ministry it's important to understand people and the things that impact their lives. I have a number of books that focus on business issues, secular leadership, personal finance, and understanding the reasons people act and think as they do. I not only want to be able to exegete the Scriptures; I want to be able to exegete our culture as well so I can speak to it.
Earlier this year I boxed up some of my books, cut my name off the front page and sold the box at one of my auctions. About a month ago I stopped at a yard sale and found 2-3 of those books in the sale. I checked, and there was the place where I had cut out my name so I knew they were my books. I did a quick calculation and decided I had paid about $200.00 for the books in that box. It sold for about $5.00, and now the books are showing up in yard sales! There's a lot about that which could upset me, but it didn't. My prayer is that God will bring those books into the lives of people who need to read the material found in them. If reading those books transforms their lives that will be far better than them remaining on my shelves gathering dust until I decide to read them again.
Of course, at some point this becomes a problem. In a couple of months I will turn 70 years old. I am nearing the end of a term as the Transitional Pastor of a nearby church and have no idea if another similar ministry will be offered to me. I keep telling my wife I don't want her stuck with these books, and yet I struggle getting rid of most of them...just in case!
Recently I was talking to the wife of a pastor friend of mine. He has retired but is serving as an interim pastor. When they moved from their parsonage she gave away many of his books and boxed up the rest. He now has to tell her if he needs certain books so she can get them for him. As she explained, they moved into a much smaller house, and it wasn't possible for him to have shelves for his books. Maybe I just need to downsize to force myself to part with most of my library!
At some point I'll find a solution that makes sense and is one I can live with. Until then, I encourage you younger readers to invest in good books. I realize books are expensive today, but they still make a great investment for anyone involved in ministry. Don't be afraid to invest in quality books written by respected authors that speak to challenges you or your church are facing or that address issues important to you.
I also encourage you to not limit your reading to theology and ministry related books. To be effective in ministry it's important to understand people and the things that impact their lives. I have a number of books that focus on business issues, secular leadership, personal finance, and understanding the reasons people act and think as they do. I not only want to be able to exegete the Scriptures; I want to be able to exegete our culture as well so I can speak to it.
Earlier this year I boxed up some of my books, cut my name off the front page and sold the box at one of my auctions. About a month ago I stopped at a yard sale and found 2-3 of those books in the sale. I checked, and there was the place where I had cut out my name so I knew they were my books. I did a quick calculation and decided I had paid about $200.00 for the books in that box. It sold for about $5.00, and now the books are showing up in yard sales! There's a lot about that which could upset me, but it didn't. My prayer is that God will bring those books into the lives of people who need to read the material found in them. If reading those books transforms their lives that will be far better than them remaining on my shelves gathering dust until I decide to read them again.
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Blessed are the peacemakers
In Matthew 5: 9 Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." As President Trump meets with the ruler of North Korea one cannot help but be reminded of this verse. This is a truly historic occasion as the leaders of the United States and North Korea sit down to talk face to face.
Obviously, it is too early to know the outcome of this discussion. Even if an agreement is reached, North Korea has been known to violate previous agreements. Still...having both sides sitting down to discuss a new possible agreement is better than the threats both sides were making just a few months ago.
Regardless of one's political bent, I struggle to understand the continued attacks against our president, especially during this important time in history. From Democrat leaders to professional athletes to actors and actresses it seems that each of them try to outdo one another with their profane attacks against President Trump. It's fine to disagree with his political views but to continue to attack him personally is outrageous and damaging to our nation. At this time North Korea and the world needs to see this nation supporting the president as he negotiates with North Korea.
Regardless of whether one is Democrat or Republican, this is the time Christians need to pray for our president and the discussions occurring in Singapore. These discussions could impact the world in which our grandchildren will live. That makes them vitally important in my opinion. If you want to criticize President Trump's political views later, that's fine, but for now let's pray for him and all those representing the United States and the free world in these discussions.
Obviously, it is too early to know the outcome of this discussion. Even if an agreement is reached, North Korea has been known to violate previous agreements. Still...having both sides sitting down to discuss a new possible agreement is better than the threats both sides were making just a few months ago.
Regardless of one's political bent, I struggle to understand the continued attacks against our president, especially during this important time in history. From Democrat leaders to professional athletes to actors and actresses it seems that each of them try to outdo one another with their profane attacks against President Trump. It's fine to disagree with his political views but to continue to attack him personally is outrageous and damaging to our nation. At this time North Korea and the world needs to see this nation supporting the president as he negotiates with North Korea.
Regardless of whether one is Democrat or Republican, this is the time Christians need to pray for our president and the discussions occurring in Singapore. These discussions could impact the world in which our grandchildren will live. That makes them vitally important in my opinion. If you want to criticize President Trump's political views later, that's fine, but for now let's pray for him and all those representing the United States and the free world in these discussions.
Monday, June 11, 2018
The future of denominations
For years we've been hearing that denominations will soon cease to exist. It's true that there is far less loyalty to denominations today than existed in the past. When I was growing up we moved several times, and each time we found a Baptist church nearby to attend. The denominational label is not what people initially look for today.
Many denominations report declining memberships. Some have reduced staff and mission work due to declining budgets. I've talked with several pastors who tell me their denominations do not offer the support they once did.
While these are realities I do not believe they predict the end of denominations. Perhaps some will merge with other denominations, but in the end we will continue to see denominational life continue.
Last week I had the opportunity to hear Dr. Lee Spitzer, General Secretary of the American Baptist Churches USA. Lee was called to this position about a year ago. He wanted to meet with pastors and church leaders to hear their stories and to share some of what the ABCUSA is doing today. His first stop was in our region of Indiana.
I've known Lee for several years. Although we've only had limited contact I know him to be a man who has a strong commitment to the Great Commission and to local churches. For that alone I expressed to him how pleased I was he was called to lead our denomination.
As he shared stories of wonderful things happening in many of our churches and across the mission field I was reminded this is why we are part of a denomination. Even the strongest megachurches cannot do everything a denomination of churches can do in as many places. It is our coming together to combine our talents and our treasures that enable us to send missionaries around the world and enter into partnership agreements with other denominations to do ministry together. The 90 minutes we were together went by too quickly as I enjoyed hearing the stories of how God is moving in and through our denomination.
Some pastors and churches question why they remain a part of their denomination. Not knowing every situation I cannot answer their questions, but I can say that I am glad to be a part of a denomination that is actively seeking to fulfill the Great Commission and have a positive impact for the Kingdom of God throughout the world.
Our denomination is not perfect. No human organization is, but I see God working through our various ministries to transform the lives of people around the world. That is something I want to be a part of for as long as I live.
Many denominations report declining memberships. Some have reduced staff and mission work due to declining budgets. I've talked with several pastors who tell me their denominations do not offer the support they once did.
While these are realities I do not believe they predict the end of denominations. Perhaps some will merge with other denominations, but in the end we will continue to see denominational life continue.
Last week I had the opportunity to hear Dr. Lee Spitzer, General Secretary of the American Baptist Churches USA. Lee was called to this position about a year ago. He wanted to meet with pastors and church leaders to hear their stories and to share some of what the ABCUSA is doing today. His first stop was in our region of Indiana.
I've known Lee for several years. Although we've only had limited contact I know him to be a man who has a strong commitment to the Great Commission and to local churches. For that alone I expressed to him how pleased I was he was called to lead our denomination.
As he shared stories of wonderful things happening in many of our churches and across the mission field I was reminded this is why we are part of a denomination. Even the strongest megachurches cannot do everything a denomination of churches can do in as many places. It is our coming together to combine our talents and our treasures that enable us to send missionaries around the world and enter into partnership agreements with other denominations to do ministry together. The 90 minutes we were together went by too quickly as I enjoyed hearing the stories of how God is moving in and through our denomination.
Some pastors and churches question why they remain a part of their denomination. Not knowing every situation I cannot answer their questions, but I can say that I am glad to be a part of a denomination that is actively seeking to fulfill the Great Commission and have a positive impact for the Kingdom of God throughout the world.
Our denomination is not perfect. No human organization is, but I see God working through our various ministries to transform the lives of people around the world. That is something I want to be a part of for as long as I live.
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