This one goes out to all my brother-pastors who find yourselves, for whatever reason, searching for your next ministry assignment. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the author of this post finds himself right there with you. I trust we are good company for one another. Regardless of where you are in your search (and depending on … Continue reading In the Meantime
Church Polity vs. Church Politics
I was listening to a podcast several weeks ago and a pastor was providing a number of solid ideas on leading a church through change. That’s something that many pastors have been faced with and no doubt the episode was well-received by their listeners. I found myself identifying with the pastor, appreciating his wisdom, and … Continue reading Church Polity vs. Church Politics
Five Pastoral Reflections
I’ve only been a Senior Pastor for a total of six months. This means, of course, that I have no access to any grand wisdom. However, I wanted to offer up five reflections on my first six months as pastor. 1. Set Your Routine Everyone wants a piece of the pie. Most people are well-intentioned … Continue reading Five Pastoral Reflections
The Underlying Premise of Congregationalism
Recent years have seen an increase in discussions concerning polity. Historically, the leadership of any given church has taken on one of several forms: an episcopal church structure wherein the leadership of a given local church is overseen by a bishop or bishops outside the local church, a presbyterian form of church governance wherein the … Continue reading The Underlying Premise of Congregationalism
Authority, Submission, and Scripture
Several years ago I found myself in a difficult conversation with some leaders in our church about women teaching and preaching in the church. Though I taught complementarianism, these men believed that the church should be more inclusive and cease its historic “oppression” against women. I insisted that the offices of the church—elders and deacons—were … Continue reading Authority, Submission, and Scripture