Enduring Churches Podcast with Alan and Trent: Recent Episodes
EnduringChurches
Episode 390: Mismatched Hires?
Today Alan and Trent interact with
"Autopsy of a Mismatched Hire"
ByAndy JohnsonJuly 14, 2026
https://baptistsearchpartners.com/2026/07/14/autopsy-of-a-mismatched-hire/
Episode 382: Trent's Interview with Ray Carty of Hannibal-LaGrange University
Learn more about HLG
How much Money does a Church Need in Reserve
- Is it time-based
- 3 months, 6 months, 9 months
- Is it budget-based
- Is it staff-based
- Is it insurance-based
Some considerations
- Ministry versus security
- Giving trends
- Budgetary changes
- staff….
- utilities
- Insurance changes
Episode 379: When a Bias For Action is a Bad Thing
Most of us have what you’d call a bias for action. We want to make things happen. When is that a negative?
- When accuracy matters more than speed
- When we don’t have much evidence
- When we are avoiding pushback
- When we continually shift priorities
- When we intentionally harm others
Episode 377: Thinking About the Church Schedule
Consider :
your people’s schedules
- time
- traditions
- needs
- workers
- space
- training
Episode 376: That Crazy Little Thing Called EQ
How you respond under pressure…
How you handle conflict…
How you process emotions…
How you communicate with people…
We got this idea from leaders.church. The how you respond came from them. Everything else is Trent and II talking through them.
Episode 374: All About Traditions
Trent and alan discuss the good and bad of traditions in the church.
Episode 372: Do's and Don'ts of Leading a Staff
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Do value each team member as a co-laborer in the mission; do not treat them as merely an employee.
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Do provide intentional training and ongoing feedback; do not assume growth will occur without guidance.
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Do affirm and support your staff publicly; do not undermine them through criticism or negative speech.
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Do address concerns privately and directly; do not correct or criticize in front of others.
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Do practice honest, consistent evaluation; do not allow negative feedback to come as a surprise.
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Do regularly express appreciation; do not allow your staff’s contributions to go unrecognized.
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Do handle dismissal with care, clarity, and compassion; do not act with arrogance or insensitivity.
371: How to Respond to Criticism
A special thanks to Dana Young for this note on facing criticism.
1st admit that you are not perfect. Jesus was the only perfect human to walk the earth, and you are not Him. Take ownership and admit that you always have room for improvement.
2nd assess whether the criticism is constructive or destructive. Is it intended to help you improve or to tear you down? Take the constructive and ignore the destructive. If the criticism was meant to harm you, ignore it and move on. Do not dwell on it. (If the criticism is from an anonymous critic, do not waste your time.)
3rd take a breath. Do not respond immediately. Take time to ponder and consider how the criticism can make you better.
4th thank the person for caring enough to offer their opinion. If they didn’t think you could improve, they wouldn’t have come to you. They could have chosen to complain to other people about you instead of coming to you.
5th ask the Lord for wisdom (James 1:5) (Proverbs 15) Seek direction from the Holy Spirit. See this as an opportunity to improve. Be teachable and humble.
6th make the improvement and move forward. Do not get stuck in a negative thought pattern regarding the criticism. Focus on the good.
1 Peter 5:1-10
Episode 370: 7 Keys for Moving People from Guests to Engaged Members
- Make sure you ask for contact information, remembering that less is more. You need a name and a contact method, preferably a phone number. If they put kids in your care, you can ask for more information for safety reasons. But don't overtask.
- Reach out quickly; the more quickly we reach out, the more powerful the statement. A quick text to say thank you, along with the promise of a phone call at a certain time later, makes a meaningful statement. Also, make sure it's more than just a pastor. Another layperson adds greatly to the conversation.
- When you do talk with them, ask questions, don't just give them information. Too often, we want to tell them about everything going on at the church. Let them ask you the questions. They will realize they matter to you.
- Be honest and unashamed about who you are. If they don't like your worship style, don't apologize for how you do it. If you don't have a large student ministry, don't apologize, but be enthusiastic about the type you would like to build.
- Be gracious if they are not sure; they will come back. Remind them of other churches in the area and encourage them to find the place God wants them to be. We are kingdom collaborators, not kingdom competitors.
- Offer a membership class. Churches with effective membership classes tend to attract more guests and see more people join.
- Work to connect people with a Sunday School or small group. People stick when we find ways to connect them with others.
Episode 369: Onboarding
Onboarding
Most churches don’t put much thought into onboarding new paid staff or new volunteers
For all
1–Is there a written job description for the position?
2–What are the written expectations?
3–Are there any unwritten expectations- landmines
For volunteers
1–Is there a time limit for this volunteer position- ie. is there an out or not.
2–Can you explain briefly what success looks like for this position?
3–Who does this person work with and who can this volunteer go to with problems
4–Will there be an evaluation to hold this person accountable? Who will do the evaluation and how often?
For staff
1–How does this person line out or set up their benefits?
2–How is this person evaluated and how often?
3–Who can this person go to if there are problems?
4–Who is this person over? (Responsible for)
5–What is the real chain of authority in the church?
Episode 368 - 4 ways we might overestimate or underestimate our preaching
4 ways we overestimate
1. We overestimate preaching a discipleship tool.
2. We overestimate preaching as an evangelism tool.
3. We overestimate our performance.
4. We overestimate our influence.
4 ways we underestimate
1. We undervalue the importance of connection
2. We undervalue the power of the Spirit to change lives
3. We undervalue the importance of our preparation
4. We undervalue our influence...
Episode 367: Enduring Work of Pre-marital Guidance
Resources:
Marriage by Paul David Tripp
Symbis by Les and Leslie Parrot
Love and respect by Emerson Egritch
Videos by Mark Gungor Focus on the family Marriage mentoring - seasoned with newlyweds
Having couple-friends who esteem marriage
- won’t let you talk bad about your spouse
Marriage retreats- check up from the neck up
Weekly calendaring - creating connection, date-time, and sabbath time
Episode 366: 8 Ways to Use a Budget Surplus
- Fund a deferred maintenance account
- Increase your mission giving.
- Subsidize mission trips among your members.
- Support a church plant.
- Start a new ministry.
- Explore staff need and staff pay.
- Consider building improvements.
- Begin a fund for Insurance/Self-insurance.
Episode 365: 7 Ways to Make Your Church Ready for Easter
Attractional versus Attractive
- Make sure your property is clean and prepared. You get one opportunity to make a first impression.
- Build a sense of expectancy. Talk about how significant the day is. We are celebrating a risen Savior! We should expect the power of the resurrection to overwhelm.
- Train your church to greet guests, especially by inviting them to sit with them.
- Greet people in the parking lot, you'll be amazed at the positive effect this can have.
- Determine how you will plan to get together guest cards that day. This is a day I would encourage everyone to get a registration card and consider offering a donation as an incentive to fill it out. For instance, for each new guest who fills out the registration card, the church will give $10 to our "local mission" or Annie Armstrong…. People are glad to know they are helping a cause.
- Plan your gospel presentation…as pastors, we sometimes become sloppy, but think about who your guests might be, make sure you free yourself from too much "religious speak."
- Involve kids. I always loved having children in the service, and I often did a children's message or had one of our children's workers do an object lesson.
What Makes Pastoral Ministry a Question Mark after Year 10?
1. Ministry has become our occupation not our calling.
2. Our leadership and methods sometimes grow stagnant.
3. We focus too much of on energy on internal church matters.
4. We believe we have earned the right to make most of the decisions.
5. We fail to be honest about the present condition of the church.
6. We only focus on problem people - not those who want to grow
Ask some hard questions:
- Am I still growing as a Christian leader?
- Do I have a dream/vision I can share?
- Am I developing others?
- Do others have a voice?
Episode363: Where Do You Find Pastors and Staff
Trent and Alan discuss finding candidates for pastoral ministry and church staff.
Episode 362: Spaced Out
- Assess your space constantly.
- Look for where you are not maximizing your space.
- Chairs over pews...
- Creative possibilities for extra space....
- in the 70's churches had classes meeting in old buses outside the building
- Plan Multiple services/ classes
-change everyone's schedule
Communication
1. Communicate a "no ownership of spaces" mindset
2. Communicate the benefits of growth.
3. Honor the sacrifices of people and empathize with their pain.
Episode 360: Doomed to Repeat It!!
Here are some questions for you to consider ( some questions adapted from Henry Blackaby's book Flickering Lamps) 1. How was your church started - was it started from a split from another church? Or was it an intentional plant from another church? 2. What did the founders intend when they started your church? Was there a specific group they were trying to reach? Was the church to have a unique focus? 3. How is the church different from when it was established? Is that good? 4. How does your church glorify God? What are some aspects in which it does not glorify God as it should? 5. In what ways is your church making disciples? In what ways is it failing to make disciples? Is your congregation focused at all on making disciples "of all nations"? 6. What are you doing currently to impact the nations for Christ? What has your church done in the past? How long ago was that? 7. How is your church's presence currently making a positive impact on your community? When it began, was it seen as a positive force? Would people miss your church if it were gone? 8. What are some sins for which your church needs to repent? What is your plan for getting your church to do so? When and how?
Episode 359: The Trust Axis of Leadership
The diagram is for personal use; any professional or publication use requires proper attribution.
Trust Axis Diagram
358: Need a Team of Volunteers?
From Gary McIntosh in The 10 Key Roles of a Pastor
- Look at every person as a potential team member
- Encourage people to serve the Lord on the basis of their love for Him.
- Don't downplay the role; magnify it.
- Don't recruit in the hallway. (Make an appointment)
- Introduce potential recruits to those already in the same ministry.
- in a small church, you might have to go outside your church
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Never expect an immediate answer
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Follow Up
- Train Them
Episode 357: How to End and Begin a New Year! Evaluation - By this time, the Christmas programs are usually over, and parties are wrapping up. So take a lunch with your staff or leadership and do some evaluation. First of all, pay for their lunch - its a good investment. Second, ask them to evaluate a few things.1. 1. How do you feel that your area of ministry is handling life? 2. How would you rate our church's health from 1 to 10? 3. How do others you know rate our church's health? 4. Do you feel like you matter in our ministry? 5. How do you feel about your relationship with me, your lead pastor?
Episode 356: 10 Days of Christmas
A laid-back, fun episode
10 more volunteers - or 10 more discipled followers of Jesus9 more ideas of how to share the Christmas story8 less commercials each time I want to watch a ball game7 more Christmas gift ideas for my family and staff6 hostess Christmas tree cakes5 Golden givers4 deacons serving3 more hours with my kids2 more White Elephant parties - NOT1 more person brought to Jesus
Episode 355: Mistakes that Still Make Stop and Think1. Making changes without the best information 2. Not setting clear expectations for leadership 3. Adding members too easily 4. Not letting people go graciously 5. Not sharing my leadership sooner. 6. Not joining a community of pastors sooner 7. Not taking all my vacation time each year 8. Preaching too much - not taking sabbath
Episode 354: 5 Communication Skills I Want to Develop
I want to develop better skills in... 1. Asking more impactful Questions 2. Listening to others more clearly 3. Telling stories more compellingly 4. Employing empathy sincerely 5. Preaching with connectivity
Episode 352: Look under the hood1. For knowledge, we need to know where things are... for example, my car battery is under my passenger seat... 2. For maintenance and prevention, we need to stop and take time to gain perspective 3. .For repairs - what is broken or not working right 4. For a rebuild - sometimes we recognize we have to start over.
Episode 351: The Church Being the Church
How can we care for people?* Value all people highly. Jesus does. * Open a/partner with local food pantries to help provide basic needs. * Be uncompromising in our gospel witness. * Consider teaching essential work skills and offering counseling services to individuals. * Establish clear guidelines to determine how your church can effectively meet the needs of its members. * Partner with other churches in meeting needs. * Acknowledge that we may be taken advantage of by some people, but our obedience is not bound by another’s response. * Don’t grow weary in doing good.
Episode 350: How to Lead Change
In our words:* I see something that needs to change * I know where we need to change * I think about the timing of the change * I recognize why this change will be hard * I enlist people who share my heart * I address the "elephants in the room" lovingly but firmly * I acknowledge failure is an option, but so is success. * I stay the course long enough to gain a clear picture of the results
See John Kotter
- 8 step E-book See the writing of Tod Bolsinger See Dan Heath
Episode 349: How to Talk About Church Finances
- Have an open and transparent perspective on church finances
- Avoid apologizing for talking about the subject
- Preach and teach on the subject naturally
- When it's in the text
- When it's a good illustration
- When there's a specific need
- Accept responsibility for being the primary spokesman for your church's finances.
- Share stories of God's faithfulness
- Keep numbers in front of people
- Talk about estate planning
- Be faithful in your own stewardship
Episode 348: How To Plan For Revival What is revival1. Malcolm McDow and Alvin Reid "revival is God's invasion into the lives of one or more off His people in order to awaken them spiritually for Kingdom ministry." 1. personal 2. Institutional 3. Regional 4. specialized - like youth ie Jesus Movement 5. national 6. global 2. Jonathon Edward's 5 signs of revival 1. Increased esteem for the true Jesus: People have a greater love and high regard for Jesus Christ, recognizing him as the Son of God and the savior of sinners. 2. Opposition to Satan's kingdom: The Holy Spirit works against the interests of Satan's kingdom, causing people to turn away from sin. 3. A greater love for the Scriptures: People develop a deeper love and trust in the Bible as the inspired and truthful Word of God. 4. Movement from error to truth: People are led from falsehood into truth and gain the ability to discern between spiritual light and darkness. 5. An increase in love for God and man: There is a genuine increase in love for God and for fellow human beings, particularly demonstrated through humility. 3. Praying John Hyde 5 Questions 1. Are you praying for quickening in your own life...your fellow workers, and in the church? 2. Are you longing for greater power of the Holy Spirit...are you convicted that you cannot go on without this power? 3. Will you pray that you will not be ashamed of Jesus? 4. Do you believe that prayer is the great means for securing this spiritual awakening? 5. Will you set apart one–half hour each day to pray for awakening? 4. McDow and Reid Steps to Revival 1. Recognize the need 2. Repent of sin 3. Obedience to God 4. Exercise of Faith 5. Revival does not occur where 1. Biblical authority is minimized 2. Prayer is neglected 3. Obedience is optional
Episode 347: How to Lead An Invitation
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Before you ever preach: Spend significant time praying and asking what God wants his people to do.
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The Response begins before the invitation time.
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Ask people to start responding long before you actually give the invitation.
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Don't be too quick - you can take your time
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Many pastors through in a phrase or 2. Some end by saying that's all I have
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Let the scripture and the lesson lead to the invitation
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a review or summary from the text
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Lead in naturally - don't stop and start
- Make it personal
- Be Clear: Give exact steps - tell your church how they should respond.
- Be Direct - ask them to take a specific action
- Invite them to the community
- Give everyone some way to respond - not just a first-time decision to follow Jesus.
Take away their fears or concerns.* No one here is judging you - Satan wants people to believe that everyone is judging them - this is a lie. So remind folks that everyone else is cheering them on.
Keep the invitation open after the serviceEncourage prayerfulness in the churchAn Example (Michael Gabbert)
Episode 346: How to Keep Volunteers Engaged....
How can we say thanks - Children's minister example 1. Words of thanks 2. Meaningful personalized gifts 3. Experiences with you* Take them to a conference * A concert * A nice dinner
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Ask them what they need to be great - Equipping volunteers shows that you care and want the best for them. It also shows that you believe they are valuable to the ministry* + resources
- training events
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Take time to get to know them and what energizes them* + spiritual gifts inventory
- personality inventories
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Make a big deal about them in front of the church* + shows the church that the ministry they are doing is important
- encourages the volunteer
- encourages others to volunteer
When recruiting volunteers, never say* + Don't say "This is easy." + It won't take much time + You won't have to do much
Episode 345: How To Train Sunday School Teachers Five steps for Sunday School Growth (Arthur Flake)* + - 1. Know the possibilities * Church leaders need to put together their expectations * What is Sunday School/small groups supposed to accomplish + Evangelism + Discipleship + Support - 2. Enlarge the organization * multiplying classes * Church leaders need to consistently share about the importance of Sunday School/small groups - 3. Provide space and equipment * What you will teach * Room sizes and capacities - 4. Enlist the leaders - 5. Go after the people
Vetting process-spiritually mature-calling-teachable, coachable-dedicated-likable Initial trainingTechnical -how to move beyond reading a lessonPeople skills - probably more important than teaching skills* + how to cultivate interaction + how to handle difficult people or situations
Class structure* + teacher + community + hospitality
Ongoing TrainingMust be a priorityMust be budgetedMust be scheduledBased on what skills teachers are supposed to be learning and what Sunday School is to accomplish Provide ongoing supportTalk with themHave teachers meet together to brainstorm and encourageResource ThemToolsBring in denominational support staff to teach teachers
Episode 344: How to Care For Orphans and Widows
- Recognize that you have widows and /or orphans in your church and community. Single Moms (and single dads)
- Caring For Widows
- Be intentional. Assign specific people to serve specific widows. Call them. Send cards. Help them with home and auto repairs. Visit and take meals. Give them a hug. Hold their hand.
- Widow and widower banquets
- Caring for Orphans
- Encourage church members to become foster parents. (Example: Amy in Yuma asked God for a sign) Support foster families
- How many children in America need foster homes?
- Support Christian children's homes.
- Don't just assume that the government is going to take care of orphans. Volunteer.
- Raise funds.
- Don't just assume that the government is going to take care of orphans. Volunteer.
- Consider mentoring programs
- Example: The Buzzards (little brothers). Pair up a man with an orphan boy to teach them what a dad would teach.
- Encourage mentoring Programs - Fathers in the Field
- after-school tutoring projects
- Encourage church members to become foster parents. (Example: Amy in Yuma asked God for a sign) Support foster families
- Single moms are another area of need
- physical, emotional, and financial burden
- car repairs
- school supplies
- care groups
- physical, emotional, and financial burden
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Episode 343: How to Disciple Ingredients of Discipleship• Build a relationship. Discipleship always happens in a relationship.◦ First pray and ask God to show you someone who needs to be discipled.• Read the Bible together◦ Simply ask them, “Will you read the Bible with me?”• Do Ministry together◦ Train up the person who will replace you Discipleship always happens in relationships. Who has God placed in your life? What is their learning style?VisualAuditoryKenesthetic 4 Discipleship Questions (ask these each time you meet for discipleship)* Where have you seen God working recently? * What have you been learning from your own Bible reading lately? * Who have you been praying for to share Jesus with? * Are you too busy to be discipled?
3 Discipleship stances* + Discipleship needs a consistent process. - * What is your plan? 90 percent of pastors said they had no plan for discipleship * Survival kit * New city catechism * Disciplemakingstages.com * The Lost Art of Disciplemaking by Leroy Elms + Discipleship needs evaluation - * We have to have a way of measuring progress. + Discipleship needs to be reproductive - * Can we move more and more people into it?
Episode 342: The Rise of the Generations
https://www.barna.com/research/young-adults-lead-resurgence-in-church-attendance/ Millennials and Gen Z lead the way in church attendance? Good news for our future, why?* The world's systems don't work * Softening of the heart * Changing the landscape of the church * An opportunity
How we interact...
- Sincerity - our actions should represent
- Simplicity - our operations and systems
- Significant - our purpose
- Small - intimacy matters
Episode341: Our Interaction on 13 Things You Should Never Say from the Pulpit
Link to Joe McKeever's 2015 Article
Episode 340: More on Technology: 5 Questions to Consider
- Websites versus social media?
- To app or not to app?
- To go sermon snippets or full length?
- To AI or not to AI?
- Hard lines or Cell phones?
- 911 service requires a hard line for accurate location services
Episode 339: Multi-tasking in Ministry1. Take your family with you to a meeting or hospital visit but include a dinner or ice cream date after. 2. Discipleship on the road. Take a person you are discipling on the road with you. In the car = captive audience and allows for some great conversations. 3. Use Evernote or another software to work on sermons or plans while waiting somewhere or use notes on your iphone 4. Read on the go. Audible is a great tool for allowing you to "read" a book by listening as you drive 1. Use library apps to read books or listen to books 5. Strategic working lunches.
2 Reminders* Make room for divine interruptions * There are times when multi-tasking is not appropriate!!!!
5 Areas in Need of Critical Training
- Deacons
- more than an oversight board
- Sunday School Teachers
- lack of care
- lack of interaction
- lack of outreach
- Children's and Student Ministry leaders
- generational changes
- new challenges
- Safety teams
- not just about getting to "carry" at church
- Finance committees
- could pick several specific committees, but this one is greatly needed
Episode 336: Evangelism: Old School Advice for a Modern World
George Hunter's "Grand Strategy" (1979) suggests:
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Those who visit your church
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Those who desire membership in your church
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Those who have recently lost faith
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Those among whom churches or religious movements are growing
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Those of the same homogeneous unit as your membership
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Those with conscious needs your ministry can address
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Those who are in transition
Episode 334: Our Interview With the Succession Sherpa, Will Heath
Please check out the Succesion Sherpa here
Get Will's book Embracing Succession here
Four things we overvalue and undervalue in our churches: Overvalue the pulpit and undervalue the classroom Overvalue our position our undervalue our (influence) responsibility Overvalue tradition and undervalue history Overvalue programs and undervalue process
Episode 331: What is the Speed Limit of Your Church
Parking lot School zone Residential Main Road Highway Autobahn
Episode 330: An Especially Needed Ministry (from Episode 15)
Here is the major question you have to wrestle with - will our church do "Ministry to" or "Ministry team" Where to start1. Start with a conversation - * Make sure to have a line of communication with family members * Have those with limitations - take you on a tour of your church 2. Work on access - make your buildings accessible * all on one level * Ramps and elevators - legal issues in new buildings * playgrounds * bathrooms * wide doors * Certain paint colors and media issues
Invite those folks to participate and make it possible* We have started with children - making it easy for them to participate in musicals * Camp - whole nutha animal - Falls creek * Adults - its harder to get them involved - but ask and don't give up.
Our goal is to create as many pathways for service as possible Love 1 God, Love All People - who in your church is underserved?
Episode329: 5 Ways to Take Advantage of Summer in Your Church
- Relationship strengthening
- Leveraging opportunities
- Hard and soft resets
- Personal pauses and planning
- Short-term projects
Episode 328: 7 Voices We Need to Hear
Voice of the LordVoice of Wise CounselVoice of our SpouseVoice InsideVoice of the CommunityVoice of WarningVoice of the World
Episode 327: A Word for Leaders Straight from God's Word
1 Peter 5:1-11 1. Focus on the flock God has given you. Be loyal2. Be glad and speak well of your calling and your church.3. Serve with your people4. Be humble before your church. Vs 5-65. Don't worry vs 76. Vs 8 work to protect your mind and your character 7. You're not alone in your struggle8. God's got this
Episode 326: How Can We Call Out the Called?
- Preach and teach on calling
- Give opportunities to allow people to respond to a call
- Speak well of your calling
- Listen and Observe and Ask
- Look for those who are leading and others are listening to
- Listen to those who are wanting to volunteer for ministry
- Offer opportunities for exploration
- Have a process for training
- Take them with you on ministry visits
- Keep communication lines open
Episode #:325 Six Money Wasters1. Hiring the wrong person 2. Cutting back on missions giving 3. Not looking for ways to use your facilities 4. Maintaining vehicles you never use 5. Spending money on inwardly focused ministry and not outreach 6. Delaying maintenance
Episode 324: Avoiding Structural Damage
Questions to ask about your structure1. Does it work? 2. Is it too centralized in one place? 1. a person/pastor 2. a deacon team or board 3. Does it represent multiple segments of your church community? 4. Can it accommodate growth?
Some other things to consider1. Get examples from effective churches 2. Train up and empower others 1. Allow for as many decisions to be made at the lowest level possible 3. Evaluate your structure often 4. Continually look for new leaders 5. Get outside help.
Episode 323: Eight Thoughts on Your Church and Prayer
- You can't give away what you don't own. As a leader/pastor you must be a person of prayer!
- Teach and preach on prayer often
- Offer a guided prayer time each week
- Offer a church-wide 40 day prayer/fasting event event
- Offer a single, dedicated prayer service
- Add a prayer wall
- Use a tool to encourage prayer
- a church had ladies make quits and people tied strings on the quilt when they payed for the person.
- Give men especially a reason to pray for their kids/wife - give them a card to stick on their car mirror or send a text to encourage them to pray now.
- Set a specific time to pray each day - based on a scripture
- Make prayer central in the worship service.
Episode 322: 7 Ways to Sabotage Change in Your Churc
- Thinking your position gives you the right to make change
- Refusing to gather input from multiple perspectives
- Falsely assuming everyone is or should be an an early adopter of change
- Making the wrong changes
- Moving too fast or to slow
- Giving up too soon
- Praying too little
Is Your Welcome Center Welcoming? 1. Don't assume your church is good at welcoming guests. 2. Designate a welcome area and keep it highly visible. 3. Get volunteers who will make welcoming a passion. 4. Train your volunteers regularly. 5. Announce your welcome area during the service. 6. Gather only essential information. 7. Follow up as quickly as possible.
Episode 320: 5 Thoughts About Communio
- Think about its frequency strategically
- Think about its placement in the service
- Think broadly in how you structure it.
- passive - people receive the elements
- active - people must perform an action to receive elements
- purpose - ties it to a larger focus (remembering the cost of forgiveness, forgiving others, self-examination...)
- Think about informal opportunities for communion
- Think about asking others for their ideas for sharing communion
Episode 319: Does Your Church Have an Acts 1:8 Strategy
- take a look at your yearly stats for the last 5 to 10 years.
- Look for attendance trends
- Look for baptism trends
- Look for Missions giving and involvement trends
- Ask the hard questions
- Are we currently doing or planning to do a gospel outreach effort in our local community?
- Are we currently doing or planning to do a gospel outreach effort in our state?
- Are we currently doing or planning to do a gospel outreach effort in our nation or region?
- Are we currently doing or planning to do a gospel outreach effort in our world?
- Missions doesn't equal projects - Missions always equals sharing the gospel
- Size doesn't matter
- Church size doesn't give us an excuse
- Its ok to start with a small group going and sharing.
- Going to one area usually overflows to other areas
- more people care about your ministry than you realize
- more people know about your churches strengths and its problems than you would believe
- the church down the street has just as many issues as your church does
- your congregations has something to offer God's Kingdom.
- God has a purpose and plan for you right now
Episode 317: Time Change: Preparing for Transitions It seems that every doctor’s appointment I have now requires some kind of prep work and most of it is unpleasant. If you’re not there you will be someday. Why? Because time in this world is not static and life moves on. Someone once said that all pastors are interims. From a time standpoint, that is certainly true. Because of this, we have a responsibility in setting a tone for times of transition. Succession planning is a hot topic in ministry circles. But succession only works where people have a healthy view of transitions. As church leaders, how we handle transitions of people in and out of our churches will have a great impact on the future of the church and the health of their transitions. Here are a few things we can do to help build a healthy environment for transitions: 1) Celebrate people who have a calling to ministry and send them with your blessing. 2) When people move, consider commissioning them to their new community, encouraging them to find a Biblical church, joining and serving in it. 3) When people leave due to church conflict, continue to love them, and pray for them. Be sure you have exhausted every chance at reconciliation. 4) Celebrate lay leaders who have served faithfully for a long time and help them plan succession for their area of ministry. 5) Talk about transition, preach about transition. In the flow of preaching, the Bible has a lot to say about transitions (healthy and unhealthy) in the lives of the patriarchs, the kings, the prophets. Jesus’ preparation for the disciples to minister without Him is a good example as well as Paul’s later writings where his death seems immanent.
Episode 316: When Is too Much
Can You have too much women's ministry and men's ministry?Can you have too much student ministry and children's ministry? 1. Does it take away from the family dynamic? 2. Does it undercut the corporate gathering? 3. Are they taking away from evangelism? 4. Are they creating opportunities for outreach and service? 5. Are they a breeding ground for gossip? 6. Do they complement one another? 7. Do they have a strategic plan and purpose?
Episode 315: Riley Prather
Enjoy our talk with Riley Prather a church planter/pastor from Conneticut. He also works with the SEND Network of the SBC
Episode 314: Crisis Leadership Here are what I call 5 “P”s for crisis management:1. Preparation - have you built a collaborative team to walk with you and help you in crisis? 2. People - your leadership team, your lay leaders, your church, and your community are all affected by a crisis. How are you prepared to minister and communicate with each group? Jeff Iorg You cannot lead if you cannot bring and inflict pain 3. Process - you have to work through a process. Differing situations require different processes, but you have to commit to working the process. 4. Perception - like it or not, how we handle a crisis will reflect on us personally, on the church, and on the Lord. We need to communicate quickly, clearly, and honestly with as much information as is appropriate.Remember that everything you do from the platform disciples your congregation. 5. Possibilities - COVID taught all of us that crisis also brings forward possibilities. In the business world, they speak about organizational learning. Certainly our churches learn and grow. For us, it goes deeper, a crisis is an opportunity to demonstrate our faith is real. All for His good and for His glory! Put these in your back pocket, hopefully you won’t need them often, but they will be there when you need them.
Episode 313: 5 Mistakes In Our Preaching Plan
- We get tunnel vision and miss the bigger picture
- We get fixated on one style and one method
- We plan for only our voice to be heard
- We forget the importance of flexibility
- We preach at issues.
Episode 312: Why its Important for Church Leaders to have a Godly Handle on their Money
Ecclesiastes 5:10 Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.So we need to ask what is it that you really love? What gives you a sense of fulfillment?Of course we would say God - but remember in Revelation 2 Jesus commends the church at Ephesus for many things but ends saying they have left their first love. So why is this so important to work on.1. We are an example to our church in all parts of our lives. 2. Any questions about handling money ethically can stop giving and crush a ministry. 3. We can't trust both God and money - every day its a choice 4. Money is a high anxiety topic 5. We feel inadequate because we weren’t trained to deal with it. 6. People’s giving pays our salary, so we feel defensive. 7. Other people think they know more than we do (and sometimes they do).
Tips to keep away from financial temptations1. Pastor or wife should not be the ones who count and deposit money given 2. Ministry leaders and their spouses should be in constant communication about their finances - no hiding - transparency 3. Do your best to be debt free - this will help you keep the temptation to get more in control. When you have less pressure to pay bills, you have less temptation to get money. 4. Do your best to NOT know who gives what 5. Don't have people hand you money - if they try to- refer them to someone else. 6. Get an accountant who knows ministry taxes 7. Always check and double check on investment counselors
Episode 311: Where are the Kids?
- Are you prepared for kids
- pray for families
- a compelling place for kids
- safe and clean
- background checks, policies and procedures
- technology
- Is your service family friendly
- "We want kids, but we don't want to adapt our service."
- make them feel wanted
- allow more kids into your service
- let kids participate
- Embrace families when they visit and get to know their friends
- adopt families who visit
- go to their school and sporting events
- relationships matter
- Create partnership opportunities with like-minded churches with more resources.
- not a competition
- many larger churches would like to help smaller churches, but don't know how.
- Don't take it personally when families don't stick.
- family dynamics can leave us feeling discouraged.
- or grandparents - now they follow their grandkids
Episode 310: Routine or Rigidity
Routines are important
1. Build strong habits
2. Help us work efficiently
3. Fits in with our personalities
4. Gives us a sense of control
Rigidity means we cannot flex our routine
1. When we can't meet needs of our church, because of our insistence on our schedule
2. When an change in our routine ruins our day.
3. Can lead to behavioral issues such as depression, obsessive compulsion, anxiety...
Some suggestions:
- Think of your schedule in blocks or sections that have built in flexibility
- Be prepared for interruptions
- Trust God with your schedule
- Get input from people close to you
Episode309: 4 Skills I Wish I Worked On Sooner
Coaching* How to walk with people * How to encourage growth in people
Conflict Mediation* How to view conflict positively * How to engage properly * When to get outside help
Consultation* How to see things with fresh eyes * How to evaluate objectively
Counseling* How to listen * How to help others find solutions
Episode 307: All Hat - No Cows...and Can I Retire Yet?
Thank you for helping us get to 10,000 downloads!
Catch the article from Mark Dance we interacted with today1
Episode 306: Our Interview With Keeney Dickenson on Prayer
Keeney is the pastor of FBC Crockett, TX and consultant on prayer with the Southern Baptists of Texas.
You can learn more and order his new book Prayer Powered Pulpit here
Episode 305: Habits to Start in 2025
Build your own spiritual lifehow can you grow intentionally in 2025 Pray over the seats in the church auditorium Make time to pray with other pastors Build good communication pattens in the churchconsistentconcisecaring Set aside time each week to be creative - we are created in the image of a creative God Prioritize your marriage and familydate your wifelisten to your wife Working on a particular area of ministryDevelop Focus From James Clear "To learn, wander. To achieve, focus."
Episode 304: Making Your Own traditions
Christmas is a time of family traditionsBut sometimes you can't be with family1. Live too far away 2. Grown kids have other family
It's a struggle for most pastor families to put their family before the churchSet date boundaries earlyFor newly married pastors- talk through traditions you had as kids. Pick the ones you want to continueSo make sure to start or protect family traditionsYour young kids need those traditions and memories1. Read the Christmas story 2. Celebrating advent 3. Adopting a family in need 4. Occ shoeboxes 5. Serve at a community Christmas dinner 6. Missions offering 7. Our tradition of opening presents early because we would be traveling
Does your church do a Christmas Eve service? Should you?
Episode 303: How do we engage the next generation?
- Reaching kids and reaching students are different
- Gen Z & alphas
- Activity-based ministry is out
- Meaningfulness and sincerity
- why they matter
- why their spiritual lives matter
- Relationships still matter
- especially unpaid people
- they want to partner with you
Episode302: Why How We Grow Matters
Areas we should see consistent growth1. Our ability to empathize 2. Our willingness to accept criticism 3. Our desire to train new leaders 4. Our capacity to live at a ministry pace 5. Our knowledge of our own strengths and weaknesses
Why is this important1. because ministry is hard, and most people don't understand it. 2. because life is challenging and filled with conflict and trouble. 3. because people fail to reach their potential 4. because we cannot be everything for everyone 5. because we struggle spiritually
Episode302: Our Interview with Dave Hastings of Standing Stone Ministries
Want to know more?
Standing Stone Ministry
Episode 301: The Ever-Changing Church Landscape The influence Non-Denominationalism (the only form of church that is really adding) 1. Speaks to the issue of organizational distrust 2. Speaks to the issue of church "free agency" 3. Reflects a rejection traditional models of church 4. Demonstrate a disdain for labels...for example "I attend a Baptist church but I'm not Baptist." 5. Shows people want to own their faith and have concern about someone dictating faith to them. 6. Draws people with smaller bureaucracy.
If you are a denominational church what can you do.1. Recognize your people are largely more indifferent towards your denomination than you are. 2. Make sure your local identity is clear. 3. Inform but don't over-inform people about your denomination
If you are non-denominational1. Make sure your theology is clear 2. Look for ways to collaborate with like-minded churches 3. Consider future leadership needs
Episode300: 5 Coming Attractions You Don't Need to Miss
Coming attractions are a big part of a movie experience. What does the future at a movie theater hold? WELL fewer people go to the movies and most people don’t have a clue what movies are coming out in the near future. Times have shifted. I was in Colorado perfoming a wedding this past weekend. Something really struck me. Two locations…one where a mega church once stood in what would be (in my estimation be building worth in the tens of millions of dollars). The other is a church that at one time housed maybe 250 people in an amazing location and a property worth several million. Neither church congregation even exists today. Tragic! This story plays several times over in Colorado and all across our nation. We would be short-sighted not to pay attention to the lessons we can learn from coming attractions. I know from these two churches’ stories that the mega church died due to scandal and the other church died with a leader who had a track record of terrible leadership. - Alan What are some of the coming attractions we must see? 1) expect a growing distrust of clergy and organizations. In many people’s minds, the larger the organization, the larger cover-ups must be. 2) Expect a need to change leadership style. Once upon a time, strong leaders led, and followers followed. Today, strong leaders build a collaborative team and lead through teams. 3) Expect unchurched people to be messy additions to your congregation. When a new family attends your church, they may have little or no church background. Do you have clear pathways to help their faith grow? People will come your way if you do. 4) Expect some churches to fail. I don’t want to see any of our churches fail, but reality tells a different story. Failure to adapt and change, failure to be outreach-minded… Most churches wait until they are too far down the death trail to get help. All churches end - but that does not mean they failed - They are placed by God at a place in time and location on purpose for a purpose! 5) Expect buildings to get more costly. Churches should consider asking how the building use can increase. Home school co-ops, chamber of commerce meetings, business leader lunches…put your buildings to use. Busy buildings are more financially viable.
Episode 299: Serving Up Some Summer: Serving with Summer Missionaries
I know its November but in order to have a summer missionary serve in your ministry, you have to start now if not earlier. Should we have summer missionaries serve with us?1. Inexpensive staff 2. Short term commitment 3. Helps a young person learn about ministry
How to prepare1. Plan out the who what when why and how 1. Who - why type of person would be best to serve with you?also how many ie 1 male or female or 2 male or 2 female 2. What would you want them to do? Will that be enough to keep them busy? Be reasonable and allow for some time off and fun experiences. 3. Set up schedule - typical is June 1 to July 30 4. Be prepared to explain the why to your church so that you have buy in for providing housing and other needs 5. How will you provide their needs? Housing, food, transportation.
How to find a summer missionary -Do 1-5 in December Do 6-9 in January through April 1. Start by asking other area churches 2. Connect with local College Campus ministries 3. Ask your state or national denomination 4. Develop your elevator speech 1. Why should they come to serve with you? 2. What will they experience? 3. What is the time frame of service? 4. It should sound fun! 5. Develop marketing materials - fliers and other items with QR that leads to a website explaining your place of service. 6. Interview potential missionaries 7. Have them take a personality inventory 8. ask yourself "could I deal with this person daily for 2 months?" 9. Make a commitment to help them grow. - plan to have them do bible study with you and meet weekly 10. During the summer plan a couple of fun activities to take them on. 11. Send them home feeling blessed - financially, swag etc (get your church to make a big blessing bag to send with them back to school. 12. Keep in touch. Send text or cards letting them know you are praying for them in school.
Episode 298: Our Interview With Kevin Baker of Martha Rd Baptist Church in Altus Oklahoma
Kevin has served MRBC for over twenty years. Aln once pastored the church.
Episode #294: The Irreplaceable Role of Patience Understanding Patience 1. Patience is forged through difficulty 1. Job 2. 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, so that you may have great endurance and patience, joyfully ." CSB Col 1:11–3:12. 3. 10 Brothers and sisters, take the prophets who spoke in the Lord’s name as an example of suffering and patience. - CSB Jas 5:10–2 4. 2 Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and teaching. - CSB 2 Ti 4:2 5. So often, wherever we see patience in the Bible, we see a struggle of some kind 2. We have struggles with difficult people 3. We have struggles with uncontrollable circumstances 4. We have struggles with ourselves
Some helps for developing patience1. Press the pause button * time to think and reflect intentionally
Pray unceasingly* giving our struggles to God
Practice empathy* Seek to understand others
Prune your emotions* what is healthy and what is unhealthy?
Press on* stay the course, it may take longer than you expect
Episode 293: 6 Leadership Postures for Pastoral Leadership
- Shepherd
- servant leadership
- Kenneth Gangel Feeeding and Leading, Team Leadership,
- Henry Blackaby, Spiritual Leadership
- Visionary
- visionary leadership
- John Maxwell
- Coach
- transformational leadership
- Leighton Ford - Transforming Leadership
- Keith Webb- The COACH Model for Christian Leadership
- Clinician
- authentic leadership
-
- Aubrey Malphurs - anything, he's so good!
-
- Jim Wilder - Rare Leadership
-
- Scazzero - The Emotionally Healthy Leader
-
- health of self and others
- proponent of health
- authentic leadership
- Strategist
- adaptive leadership
- change
- Tod Bolsinger - Canoeing the Mountains and more
- Lame Duck
- succession planning
- William Vanderbloemen
Episode292: Ten Commandements for Effective Committees/Teams
- Thou shalt acknowledge with humility what thou bringest, and bringest not, to the table.2. Know and understand with all thy heart the purpose of thy team or committee.3. Thou shalt come to meetings well-prepared, lest thou fall short in contribution.4. Participate fully in the process, for half-heartedness is a disservice to thy team.5. Stay focused on the task at hand, letting not distractions lead thee astray.6. Value the input of all, for wisdom is found in the multitude of voices.7. Thou shalt communicate with honesty and clarity, fostering trust amongst thy peers.8. Reaffirm thy action items, that all may know the path forward.9. Support the decision of thy team or committee, even when it is not thine own.10. Forsake not the prayer life of thy team or committee, for it is the foundation of all thy efforts.
Episode 291: 4 Reasons Your Church Struggles with Change
Episode 291: 4 Reasons Your Church Struggles with Change1. History: People think of their church as they did at their personal points of conversion 1. change threatens their history 2. change threatens their structure and control 3. grief 2. Fear: People are afraid they won't like the change 1. not all change works out well 2. the unknown is always risky 3. Trust: People question leadership motivation more than ever before 1. transitions and search teams 2. people follow their closest relationships 1. peer pressure is both positive and negative 4. Communication: People feel like change is forced on them
Possible reactionsLeaders give up on change = church declines and diesLeaders push change too fast = church rebels and maybe splits; pastor loses credibilityLeaders push change alone = pastor loses credibility; most likely limits his tenure Some thoughts:1. Make history your friend, not your enemy...celebrate the past. 2. Acknowledge the emotional nature of change. Vulnerability helps. 3. Let trustworthiness and faithfulness become your personal ambition. 4. Over-communicate on a two-way street. Allow for feedback to your communication.
Episode 290: What is it We Do?
Trent and Alan are Associational Mission strategists...we answer the question what it is we do in that role.
Episode 289: Business Meetings Gone Wild Have the meeting before the meeting Have and follow your agenda* what is process for new business matters
Don't take it personal Keep by Robert's Rules of Order Don't expect the worst. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. * Don't be afraid to table an item to get more info or to meet privately
- Don't be afraid to turn your business meeting into a prayer meeting.
Episode 288: Is Marketing a Dirty Word
So today we need to ask and answer 2 main questions1. is marketing wrong in church life? 2. if we choose to market our church - how can we do it well?
Is it wrong to market or promote our church? Promoting or marketing our church (in my mind ) is just getting the word out about your church including when and where it meets. It also includes what types of ministry happen at your church. Informing...Marketers will tell you its critical to brand loyalty... Are we selling out to the culture if we promote or advertise our church?Ask yourself a couple of questionsWho in your church is inviting people?How does your church share information about activities?----- See also Episode 64
Episode 287: What College Football Can Teach Us About Ministry
- We should have a sense of excitement and passion about our ministry and our church.
- Coaching is a great picture of ministry roles and responsibilities.
- Some weeks are pretty easy, some weeks are pretty tough.
- Expect the unexpected upset.
- Your whole church lives in a transfer portal world.
- People are watching!
- Don't forget you are surrounded by excited fans...clouds of witnesses
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Episode 285: The Patience Problem
3 Areas where our impatience can create problems...1. Leading Change 1. when the process is slower than it should be 2. when resistance is high 2. Leading People 1. when lay leaders move at a slower pace 2. when disciples grow more slowly then we expect 3. Leading ourselves 1. when we recognize our shortcomings more than our strengths 2. when we feel defeated
3 places our impatience flares up1. In leadership meetings 2. In business meetings 3. In our homes
3 things to do to improve patience1. recognize the signs of impatience in your life and ministry 1. anxiety, anger, frustration, withdrawl... 2. expect things to move more slowly then they should 1. allow people to get their minds around an issue 2. allow others to have their input 3. press the pause button...esp in business meetings 3. give it over 1. easy to say, hard to do 2. releasing our impatience in prayer is worthwhile
Epsiode 284: Endding Summer on a High Note
- Take a vacation
- Get outa dodge - sometimes the only way you can actually have a vacation is to literally get away.
- At least 3 days
- Catch up time with your family. There is no such thing as quality time - only quantity time.
- Mental vacation-
- Invite another preacher or speaker to come to your church for a couple of Sundays.
- Missionaries or retired missionaries
- Convention staff
- Let your other staff speak
- give a young person a chance to grow
- Do a retreat to regather your thoughts and plan
- Find a local camp that will let you stay for free
- Go to a bed and breakfast
- Create a "hard stop" in your ministry between summer and fall activities.
- creates a natural break
- establishes a new launching point.
Episode 283: A Prayer and Action Plan
Increase My... Capacity Character Competence Compassion
Episode283: Does Your Church Need a Safety Team Why "Safety" over "Security" Should you have a church safety team? What is involved in putting a team together?* training * insurance
Who to have on the team and who not to have on the team.* background checks * interviews * ongoing training
What is the responsibility of a church safety team?* to keep the congregation as safe as possible from external and internal dangers or threats.
Episode 281: Unmeasured: Our Interaction with a Recent Article
Read the Tithely Article Here:
Episode 280: Can Anything Good Come From Stormy "C"s?
- We learn the depth of our our faith life.
- prayer
- trust
- We learn perseverance
- We learn something about our leadership style
- We learn something about relationships
- We learn something to apply in the future
- We learn something we can share with another
- We learn something about timing
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Episode 279: Should Your Church Have a Succession Plan
What is a succession plan?
Is a succession plan possible in a small church?
Should a church have a succession plan for staff?
What are important things to consider?
What are steps we should take?
Episode 278: Breaking Up With Some Bad Ideas
- That bigger is always better
- That addition beats multiplication
- That leadership equals power
- That present success guarantees future success
- That weaknesses are always exploited
- That busyness equals productivity
- That no one can do it as good as I can
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Episode 276: VBS Never Ends on A Friday (or Thursday)
VBS is not an end but a beginning
With the Attenders
1. You should have family information
2. Follow Up with kids who make decisions
3. Follow up with unchurched families
1. By sending a thank you
2. By a phone call
3. With another invitation
4. A plan to follow up later
With the Workers
1. Honest feedback is critical
2. What was successful?
3. What could have been better?
4. Where were resources well-used?
5. Where were resources wasted?
With the Church
1. Thank people publicly for supporting VBS
2. Share stories that show its impact
Episode 276: 8 Areas of Continuing Improvements
The Lifeway Research Article from 2022
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Episode275: These Are the People in Your Neighborhood
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Episode 273: Mirrored Moments
Biblical example* David- "you are that man"
note: not all moments are that drastic, but we wake up, hopefully come to some relaizations 1. Our pride has taken us on a ride. 2. We stopped yearning for learning. 3. We preach but we don't do outreach. 4. We want to lead but we don't want to bleed. 5. Our passion isn't in fashion.
Episode272: Working Outside Your Sweet Spot
When we have to do things we don't enjoy and don't do well...1. Self-aware - you have to know 1. your personality 1. social vs not social... 2. your giftedness and skills 1. administrative leader - management 2. visionary leader 3. not a strong leader... 3. interests 1. attending certain events... 2. Necessity 1. does it have to be me? 2. does someone have the skill set? 3. can someone else learn the skills? 3. You can only survive this way for a time. 1. spend a majority of your time in your areas of strength
Episode 271: Should I Go Back to School
Should I go back to School?1. What is your ministry and personal purpose? 1. are you lacking something? 2. are you looking to something? 2. What is the support level of your family and church? 3. What will the impact be on your family and church? 4. How will you account for the financial impact? 5. Where will you choose? 1. theological alignment versus diversity 2. location 3. program - I called and asked questions 6. Bachelor's 7. Master's level - 1. basic skills in church and ministry 2. or ThM - more academic degree, less on practical skills 8. DMin - 1. practical advanced degree to hone specific ministry skills 2. project in ministry 9. PhD - 1. a research based degree 2. Dissertation 10. other options 1. conferences 2. internships 3. mentorships 4. certifications 11. Pray aout the decision and seek advice from others
Episode270: Help! I'm in a Preaching Slump!
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsiteWhy do we get into a slump?1. You have been in a season of extreme busyness 2. You've been dealing with conflict in church or at home 3. Your spiritual life isn't as vibrant 4. You have or haven't been away from the pulpit for a while 5. You are neglecting good sermon preparation habits 6. You are not thinking enough of the congregation (preaching at them)
How do we get out?1. Still yourself 2. Fall in love with the Word of God 3. PRAY 4. Take a couple of weeks as a break 5. Develop your own sermon skills...examine another preacher's methods, read books... 6. Get input from your congregation 7. Remember you are the vessel, God is the One at work.
Episode 269: How To Receive A Mission Team
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite 1. Plan your projects well in advance 1. Have a well thought out list of things to do 2. Have contacts ready 3. Have supplies ready 2. Make sure you know about the team coming 1. Know their leader and know that you can trust them 2. Know their capabilities (Construction, evangelism, children etc.) 3. Communication is key 1. Communicate about expectations for the church and for the mission team 2. Communicate expectations 3. Communicate about sleeping arrangements and meals 4. Communicate about materials the mission team is expected to bring with them. 5. Communicate with your church about the team coming and expect them to be involved. 4. Plan your calendar well 1. 6 months out - 1. make sure you have all your projects planned 2. make sure you have approval from your church of costs and plans 2. 3 months out - 1. check with team and make sure their questions are answered. 3. 1 month out - 1. check with all local leaders to make sure things are in place. 4. week of - 1. Pep rally for your church to get them excited and remind them of the expectations 5. afterwards - 1. evaluate
Epsiode 268: How to Call a Pastor 2024 Pastors, If you retire or leave a church in a healthy manner, you have an obligation to set up your church for success.* Are the bylaws up to date, clear, and workable + you must follow your bylaws * Do you have an external contact for your search team. Every search team needs training
- Move past the human nature side of things...
- Know that without guidance the tendency is to swing from extreme to extreme
- pastors in the past
- good pastors - what did they do
- not good pastors - what did they do
- pastors in the past
- Make preaching the last element you discover about the candidate
- The right person is more important than the right preacher
- character
- leadership
- theology
- family
- emotional intelligence
- The right person is more important than the right preacher
- Know that without guidance the tendency is to swing from extreme to extreme
- Use a well-stablished process, hopefully you've gotten training
- a clear job description
- a clear budget
- a clear list of qualities
- what are the non-negotiables
- know where to put out requests for resumes
- respond to everyone who sends you a direct resume
- Try to avoid going through resumes one at a time; set a date to go through them together
- Communicate
- communicate with your church often
- have your church pray for you
- communicate with candidates as needed
- communicate written and unwritten expectations
- avoid bringing in multiple candidates to see "who you like best"
- find your one candidate and interview them
- Bring them in at the appropriate time
- communicate with your church often
Keep your search committee together for a year to serve as the mediator with your new pastor1. meet once a month and talk about how things are going 2. be the first line of defense for your pastor family
Remember you are inviting a leader to fulfill the church’s vision, not your own.
Episode 267: Planning an Excellent Mission Trip
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite Principle to keep in mind: God calls every believe to be on mission!We can participate by Praying, Giving and Going Jesus himself gave us the model in Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 1. We need to be Holy Spirit powered and guided
So prayer is critical to be in tune with God through His Holy Spirit2. On mission we are to witness of Jesus. Missions can look like many things and have lots of different activities, but if there is no witnessing about Jesus - then it is not a God-honoring mission trip 3. We start local (Jerusalem) - if you won't witness locally, then you won't on the other side of the world. So your trip is just a vacation 4. Judea - look for opportunities in your state and region 5. Samaria - in our nation and to people that you might not ever feel comfortable around. Everyone on earth is the subject of God's love!
- Uttermost parts of the earth -
Planning:1. Connect with a good mission agency 2. Have a local contact person to work with 3. Make a trip there prior to taking a group - so you know what to expect and are able to prepare your group. 4. Be flexible 5. Know your purpose...work, evangelism, support... 6. Don't go with an agenda etched in stone - ask what the people there need.
Episode266: Our Interview With Church Revitalization Pastor Matthew Timmons
Matt is the Pastor at Norwood Heights Baptist Church in Palestine, TX
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Episode 265: What You Will Experience as a Pastor Article and Our Interaction with Them
The article: 5 Things you will experience as a pastor
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Episode 264: 7 Wrong Turns in Ministry 7 wrong turns in ministry1. Leading with an "I've got it all figured out" mindset. 2. Misdiagnosing questions and disagreement as a battlefield. 3. Failing to admit mistakes. 4. Not valuing the time making change takes. 5. Leading alone 6. Just not leading 7. Leading on empty
263: Best Advice for New Pastors
From a pastors circle group
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com
Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com
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Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsiteEpisode 262: Preaching to the 3rd Context
Two areas of exegesis:
1. The Text
2. Your Congregation
3. Culture
1. religious culture
2. outside culture
Tim Keller’s Six Practices for Addressing Culture (103ff)
1. Use Accessible or Well-Explained Vocabulary
2. Employ Respected Authorities to Strengthen Your Theses
3. Demonstrate an Understanding of Doubts and Objections
4. Affirm in Order to Challenge Baseline Cultural Narratives
5. Make Gospel Offers That Push on the Culture’s Pressure Points
6. Call for Gospel Motivation
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite Episode 261: The Most Unused Spiritual Disciplines ”Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.“Luke 9:23 NIV Be still and know that I am God Psalm 46:10We are human beings not human doingsBut we feel guilty if we are not going 100 miles per hour.Ask a fellow minister how they are doing and most times you will hear a litany of all they are doing or hear them say oh I’m so busy! Dallas Willard divides the disciplines into two classes:disciplines of abstinence (solitude, silence, fasting, frugality, chastity, secrecy, and sacrifice) anddisciplines of engagement (study, worship, celebration, service, prayer, fellowship, confession, and submission). 1. Sabbath 2. Solitude 3. Stillness 4. Fasting 5. Prayer -extended times 6. Worship - individually and corporately
Episode 260: Love Your Congregation
Trent and Alan discuss the importance of loving your congregation.
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite Episode 259: Preparing for a Long Term Pastorate If you want to have a pastor who sticks around for a long time- then you have to prepare for that and communicate that to the pastor Why should you want a pastor to stick around for a long time?1. People don't trust a pastor until he's been there around 3 plus years 2. A church can grow when their is security
7 Keys1. Pay * plan for evaluations each year and opportunities for raises * Christmas bonuses are expected * Pastor appreciation month can be depressing if your pastor receives no encouragement - especially monetarily
Vacation* protect their vacation time * hold them accountable to use their vacation time ( all of it )
Sabbatical* set up a system of sabbatical time that is available at every 5 years * give them a month away to study a topic and to refresh
Education and growth opportunities* Send them to conferences
Encourage involvement in pastor support groups outside of the churchSupport and encourage your pastor publiclyPray for your pastor regularly
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsiteEpisode 258: What Can I Do While out of a Ministry Position?
1.Get involved in a healthy church and let that church family get close to you
2.spend more time with your family
3.Serve without an angle
4.Take time to reflect
Selah - pause and reflect
1. what is God teaching me now?
2. what has God taught me in the past?
3. How am I better equipped because of what I have learned?
5.Get a clearer picture of yourself - take assessments
6. Keep learning -take a class at a local college - Remember that most churches are looking for a co-vocational minister. Make yourself more hireable.
Read lots - fill your toolbox
7.Learn new skills
8.Connect with pastors
9.Consider hybrid types of ministries
10.Trust God
Remember that God doesn't waste anything - so your time in the interim is not wasted time. God will use this. Look at this time as a time of investment!
We had some audio issues on our new episode, enjoy this look back at a an episode from the fall of 2020.
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsiteEpisode257:A Look Back at the Rule of Good Starts (episode 80)
- A good start requires pre-planning.
- Free energy
- Practice a ministry,
- run through the highs and lows of what you expect.
- COVID has revealed this is a weakness in our culture.
- Rate of change/marketing
- A good start requires intentional effort.
- Mindset
- If we don’t care about the start, it's harder to care about the results.
- Not moving too fast or too slow
- A good start sets the right tone.
- Out front making adjustments to keep you there
- Prepares you to be in a hold out versus a catch up position.
- A good start sets you up to go the distance.
- You still have the majority of the work to do
- It’s easier to embrace pain out front than in the back.
- The good news bad starts are hard to recover from, but not impossible.
- Pray more!
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite Episode 256:What Can a Pastorless Church Do? Lay leaders carry a heavy burden in this time. If you are a pastor, keep a link to this available for your lay leaders. Refocus on church's purpose - move from internal focus to external focus1. Know the why the church exists. 2. Take some time to find out who we are. 3. What is our gifting and calling - be specific? 4. Where is our ministry field? 5. When is now - not waiting.
Stay focused on the basics1. Dedicate yourselves to small groups and discipleship. 2. Keep a spirit of prayer and expectation in worship. 3. Listen to your key servers: Now is a perfect time to have listening sessions with different groups in your church such as teachers, parents, staff, worship team etc. 4. Listen to your community.
Set a good direction: 1. Maintain a resource list of people who can help you. 2. Determine if you need an interim. 3. Make sure you know your organizational process for calling a pastor (bylaws) and have a good process of operations. 4. Audit your facilities and finances in preparation for a new pastor. 5. Plan to support your new pastor. - know what you can pay a new pastor.
Episode 255: Trent and Dana on their Voice of the Martyrs Trip
We recently took a group to Voice of the Martyrs in Bartlesville, OKVOM supports persecuted Christians in hostile and restricted nations around the world. persecution.com Interdenominational They focus on the following 4 areas:1. Persecution Response 1. They support families of martyred Believers for as long as needed 2. Bibles to the Nations 1. Owning a Bible is illegal in many nations. Voice of the Martyrs believes that every Believer deserves to have a Bible in their own language 3. Front-line Ministry 1. VOM seeks to connect with the local churches in each nation where they are supporting the persecuted 4. Fellowship of Believers 1. Our brothers and sisters need us to pray for them to know they are not alone
We heard from several front-line workers (Jonathan, Allen, Josh) who shared stories with us about the brothers and sisters, and they asked us to tell their stories to Believers when we came back home.* The pastors who wept when the VOM team prayed for them at the end of the meeting * The Believers in Central Asia who do not yet have Bible in their heart language because the publisher will not allow VOM to smuggle them into the country * The pastor who rides his bicycle into villages where the gospel has not been preached. Sometimes people respond and accept Jesus. Sometimes the people beat him. But he gets up and rides his bicycle to the next village.
Download the VOM App and read their books, watch their videos, listen to their VOM Radio podcast, pray for the persecuted, and much more. Sign up to receive their free monthly magazine.
Episode 254: Care 4 Pastors Care 4 Pastors Conference in Austin Texascare4pastors.comgreatcommandment.net Hosts Great Commandment Network Guidestone Speakers wereMark DanceRonnie FloydDavid Kinnaman David Kinnaman owner and CEO of Barna research - Resilient DisciplesAre our pastors actually part of the body of the local church or is it just a day job?We are responsible for everything but control nothingGlenn Packiam The Resilient Pastor book Whole life DiscipleshipFaithRelationshipsWellnessVocation or callingFinancesOnly 9% are resilient in these areas - according to BarnaHow do we integrate authenticity into whole life discipleship Mark Dance - Start to Finish Book Talked about the need for Sabbath = STOPGift to receivecommand to obeyProven Plan that worksPerson to love - Jesus Affinity group - issues keeping churches from moving forwardPrayerlessness - Developing a prayer group to undergird your pastorisolation -expectations - G6 pastor and wives marriage retreat - for free
Episode 253: 7 Ways to Help Your Marriage Through Ministry (with Rachelle Small)
- Talking about the Good things in ministry, not just the problems.
- Timing of when you talk about things
- Encouraging each other's spiritual growth
- Learning how to difficult conversation
- Speaking posotively about your spouse in public
- Supporting your ministry spouse in her ministry efforts
- Maintaining open communication when ministry is interfering with home
Episode 252: Looking Forward to 2024 Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Episode 251: Switching Horses
Today Trent and Alan talk through their interactions with an article on Church Switchers. Make sure to visit the article below.
Read Aaron Earls' article: Church Switchers Highlight Reasons for Congregational Change
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Give your church the gift of a healthy you* spiritually * physically * emotionally * home
Give your church the gift of consistent effort* work hard * be faithful
Give your church the gift of your continued learning* communication and preaching * administratively * doctrinally * demographically
Give your church the gift of good theology* "But suppose in our preaching we are careful to demonstrate that the authority in which we preach inheres neither in us as individuals , nor primarily in our office as clergy or preachers, nor even in the church whose members and accredited pastors we may be, but supremely in the word of God which we expound?" -John Stott
Give your church the gift of a sense of humor* Learn to laugh at yourself * Learn to not take everything so seriously
Give the church the gift of prayer* pray for them * invite them to pray for you
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsiteEpisode 249: Keeping it fresh at Christmas and Easter
Keeping it fresh1. Maintain your series 2. Pray 3. Change your perspective 4. Keep a look out. 5. Tell your story 6. Invite another minister to come and preach 7. Let Children and Youth tell the story
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsiteEpisode 247: Build-A Sunday School Teacher
This person can make or break so much of your church 1. Has an outreach mindset 2. Has a passion for the class * loves them * prays for them * ministers to them
Has committed to the long haulHas good study habits* Committed to study scripture and background material * not just Saturday night
Has teaching skills,/is learning how to teach* Willing to ask good questions * Not a lecturer - get everyone involved
Has the ability to apply:* Can make the lesson relevant to life today! - make it come alive!
Has people skills - Doesn't let one person take over the class discussionHas the ability to accept constructive criticism
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsiteEpisode 246: Build-A-Deacon
In 1 Timothy 3:8-12 Paul lays out the qualifications for a deacon:
- A deacon is self-controlled in speech, appetites, and actions (1 Tim. 3:8; see also 1 Tim. 3:11). According to Paul, deacons must be “dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.”
- A deacon is sound in the faith (1 Tim. 3:9). Deacons must “hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience,” which means that they must have a firm grip on the truths of the gospel and live consistently with those truths.
- A deacon has been tested (1 Tim. 3:10). Paul writes, “Let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.” Practically, this means that deacons should have a proven track record of faithful service before they are appointed to the office of deacon.
- If married, a deacon is faithful to his spouse (1 Tim. 3:12). If single, the deacon must honor Christ with his body (1 Cor. 6:18-19).
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A deacon manages his children and household well (1 Tim. 3:12). Does the way he manages his household indicate that he will faithfully serve the church’s needs? The basic message is that deacons are to be Christians whose trustworthiness, self-control, and soundness in the faith shows that they are able to be trusted (i) to faithfully care for the church’s physical needs and (ii) to serve as an example of faithful service to others.
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Student of God's Word
- Integrity
- Unifier
- Servant -hearted
- Positivity
- A formal or informal teacher
- Faithfully consistent
- Proactive
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsiteEpisode 245: Build a Student Minister
1 Able to go without sleep - live on pizza
1a. A coachable spirit
2 A Disciple-maker
3 Mission-mindedness
4 Collaborative
5 Communication and people skills
6 Team player
7 Technological awareness
8 Family-focused ministry
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsiteEpisode 244: Build-a-Worship-Leader
If you could build your music minister- what would be your 8 must haves
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They are authentic worshippers both privately and publicly.
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They demonstrate humility ( a non-diva)
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They love God's word
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They lead out...eyes open, proper communicationn
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They are teachers and are teachable
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They are team builders
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They work with the whole staff team well
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They are involved in other areas of church life.
Episode 243: Build-a-Pastor
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite Like build a bear - but if you could build a great pastor - what would be 8 “must haves”
Snowman
1 - A sincere personal faith
2 - A loving, caring person
3 - A hard worker
4 - A good communicator
5 - A willing learner
6 - A capable leader
7 - A humble disposition
8 - An engagement with other pastors (accountability)
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsiteEpisdode 242: Just Keep Leading
The Bible on Endurance* 22 You will be hated by everyone because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. -- Matthew 10:22 (CSB) * 11 Up to the present hour we are both hungry and thirsty; we are poorly clothed, roughly treated, homeless; 12 we labor, working with our own hands. When we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; 13 when we are slandered, we respond graciously. Even now, we are like the scum of the earth, like everyone’s garbage. -- 1 Corinthians 4:11-13 (CSB) * 6 Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. -- 1 Corinthians 13:6-7 (CSB) * 5 But as for you, exercise self-control in everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. -- 2 Timothy 4:5 (CSB)
Endurance is a powerful word:* Requires a willingness to pay the price...a willingness to train * Requires big shoulders to accept the responsibility...a willingness to lead * Causes physical reactions...a willingness to know yourself * Works best with a coach or accountability system...a willingness to share and learn * Leads to benefits...a willingness to get through
Want to know more about physical endurance read Alex Hutchinson's Endure
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite Episode 240: 5 issues you're probably talking about in your preaching The issue if identity - what does it mean to be "in Christ" The issue of anxiety - providing a "non-anxious presenece" The issue of failure - failure seems so final in a cancel culture The issue of resilience - how do we get up when we've been knocked down The issue of morality - how individual choices affect others
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsiteEpisode 239: Insider Training
Calling out vs calling in
- Encourage your church folks to stay in
In their secular job
In their families
In their community - Insider Training:
mentorships
apprenticeships
training events
ongoing activities like Sunday School/small groups
Episode 238: How to Respond when Tech Goes Haywire So how do we handle when things go wrong?What types of technology go haywireWhat could possibly go wrong1 electricity goes out2 internet goes down3 sound board on the fritz4 Projector/tv not working for song words5 Copiers6 phone systems7 fire alarms8 live stream 1. Sound and microphone 2. screens and data 3. other: like electrical outages
2roads1. the Freak out road 2. the laugh it off road
Some things to considerMay we suggest a 3rd option. A teachable moment1. Training more people in the area of technology 2. Make sure batteries are fresh 3. Upload videos early and check connection early 4. Make your technology as good as you can, and go simple when its simple is better.
Opportunity: technology ministry for older church members
Episode 237:More About What We Do
Enjoy This conversation about the roles Alan and Trent fulfill as associational leaders.
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Episode 236: 10 Ideas to Help You with Your 2024 Budget
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite 1. Pray for your budget
2. Look at your past trends
- per capita giving
- growth or decline patterns
3. Ask, do people in my church know our church's vision and priorities?
4. Expect insurances to increase significantly
- health insurance
- facility insurance and umbrella coverage
5. Speak truthfully regarding items in your budget.
6. Recognize the value of people
- a smaller, well compensated staff will accomplish more than a larger poorly compensated staff.
- well-compensated does not always mean full-time
- stipends are more common approach than ever before
7. Be a tithing church
- give in the same measure or better than you expect.
8. Unused space is more costly than ever; plan to use your space creatively.
9. Put something in a fund to provide for long-term maintenance issues.
10. Pray some more!
Episode 235: How to Welcome Well
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsiteDon’t do this
1. Ignore or turn away
2. Frown
3. Pass by
4. Be invasive
5. Take the back row
Do this instead
1. Smile. Number one key
2. Wave - international symbol that all will recognize
3. Say “hi welcome to our church - my name is _____”
4. Ask few questions.
5. Invite a guest to sit near you.
6. Ask if they have any questions.
7. walk with them to guest area or nursery etc
Episode 234: Am I a Lead Follower?
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
Am I a follower before I am a leader? Am I setting a reasonable pace? Am I "in love" with leading? Am I too busy leading? Do I have a bad attitude about the concept of following? As a pastor - am I following Jesus in faith As a worship leader - am I a lead worshipper As a youth minister - am I leading young people to higher ground
Episode233: Revivals: Check Yes or No?
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite Questions that arose...
- Answer the question: What is a revival?
- revival is for God's people
- crusade/outreach for lost - Answer the question: How does revival take place?
- Only God can launch a revival
- We can have a hopeful expectation - Know your people to know what is needed.
- Make sure any speaker/preacher aligns with your philosophy of ministry.
- Have a plan for preparing your people
- Recognize that whether or not you use revivals or crusades, our people need to hear another voice on occasion.
- The "unplanned" revival that happens from the natural activity of God's work is powerful.
- A revival gathering is no magic bullet.
- Do the work of discipleship.
- Know God longs for all His churches to be full of life.
Episode232:Do We Revere Scripture?
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
Westminster Confession "The authority of the holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed and obeyed, dependeth not upon the testimony of any man or church, but wholly upon God (who is truth itself), the Author thereof; and therefore it is to be received, because it is the Word of God."
Every great movement of God has been grounded in Scripture. We believe every enduring church has its roots firmly in Scripture.
Do we as pastors revere and hold holy God’s holy scripture?
Do we study it first before any other book for a sermon?
Do we encourage our flock to bring their Bible to church ?
Do we encourage our flock to study their Bible outside of church?
Do we encourage our flock to memorize scripture?
Episode231: Culture Takes Time
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
Episode 230: Tent And Dana from Interlaken, Switzerland
As summer draws to a close, Trent and Dane remind us about the importance of time away.
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
Episode 228: Ka-Ching: Talking About Money
- Let the Bible determine when and how often you talk about money.
- If you preach systematically, the subject will come up.
- Plan a sermon series on money, finances, stewardship.
- They might be different in meaning, but people interpret them the same way
- Avoid apologizing for preaching on the subject.
- Hypocrisy in this area is unforgivable to many.
- You shouldn’t apologize for God’s word
- Ask yourself - Do I want my church family to be blessed?
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Malachi 3:10 New International Version (NIV)
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Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
- Speak honestly and clearly
- define your terms: tithe, offerings, generosity, stewardship
- the ministry needs resources
- Keep your church budget available and talk about it
- Everybody has limits and boundaries on their income and expenditures. They recognize that for the church.
- Share stories, and let others share stories
- Use small groups
Two controversial statements: 1. If your church is not practicing good stewardship, don't preach on the subject. - WHAT? 2. if you are not practicing good stewardship, don't preach on the subject. - WHAT?
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website Episode 227: 10 Statements About Healthy Churches
Ten Statements about Healthy Churches:
- The pastor is spiritually healthy and growing. A church tends to follow its leader.
- The pastor is a collaborative leader. Our best idea is rarely the best idea. The best ideas are filtered through others where they can become something better.
- The church has a way of connecting people to smaller groups. A large gathering cannot do discipleship effectively. Do people want to connect with what you are doing?
- The church welcomes and equips new leaders. Think from a teaching perspective. The more teachers trained and equipped, the more groups you can have.
- People regularly invite guests to church with them. Healthy churches have guests, because people are excited to share their church with others.
- The church deals with conflict constructively. Healthy churches have as much conflict as many unhealthy churches, they just deal with it constructively.
- The church values intentionality over busyness. Healthy churches care more about “why” they do something than other churches. The “why” matters.
- Prayer is more than a time-filler. Healthy churches spend dedicated time in prayer.
- The church is optimistic ad joyful. The battle is already won, and the gates of hell cannot stand against Christ’s church. If optimism should thrive anywhere, it should be in church.
- The church spends more time looking forward than it does looking backwards.
In healthy churches people are excited about what God is going to do next. In unhealthy churches, people lament what has been.
If your church isn’t healthy what steps can you take to get to health personally and collectively? Are you connected with others who can feed into you a healthy perspective? Church health is fragile. We have to take great care to maintain it.
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
Episode 226: Five skills worth developing further 1. Your people skills - compassion and passion (Lencioni) - challenging through love 2. Your organizational awareness - what's going on in your church - how do things get done in your church 3. Church trends and church history - what can we learn from - what should we expect 4. Your own internal workings - emotional intelligence - spiritual development - self-assessment 5. Communication - conflict resolution - openness - encouragement
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
Episode 225: Cross-training Your Church
Areas Crucial to cross-training Finances Administration Technology Teaching & Preaching
Episode 224: Do's and Don't in Resignations
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
When its you?
Is it the right time?
- Start with the right people
- Be gracious
- Be direct and positive - appreciative but confident in your decision
- Keep as little delay as possible in telling your key leaders and the whole church
- know some people will be upset you're leaving or that you did not meet with them personally.
- know your leadership influence is pretty much over in that environment
- make sure your church has key information
When its a staff member:
- What are the circumstances?
- When its for a person who has served well - be gracious and supportive - determine who is going to read the resignation - give the church an opportunity to show their appreciation
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website Episode 223: Do You Have a True Friend?
Article from Christian Post
African proverb "You can go faster alone But you can go much farther together"
Is it possible for a pastor to have a true friend? * its hard to find a friend at my church * I find it hard to trust enough to be honest with someone from my church * I worry if I share with someone from church - everyone will find out
What does a true friend do? * Will come any time - any where to help * Keeps confidences * will be understanding but also honest * They will check in on you from time to time * They look out for your best interests * They will give you an honest review of potential ideas * They will be a guard for you AND your family
What does a pastor have to do to have a true friend? * They have to be willing to open up to someone * They have to be willing to be vulnerable * They need to pray for discernment to know who to trust. * They have to take time
Episode 222: Are You Teaching Your People to Pray?
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website Pastor, Teach us to Pray One. Model good praying for your congregation, pastor. “Being examples to the flock” (I Peter 5:3).
Two. Teach us to pray faithfully in the privacy of your home/office/car without ever telling anyone. Let this be between you and the Lord. Anything less turns us into hypocrites. Telling people to do what we are not doing is never good.
Three. But in worship services, understand that people will be learning from you how to pray.They’re listening, and they are learning.
Four. Therefore, give advance thought to your public prayers. Work on praying better and more effectively.
Five. Always be aware that people are not only praying with you, but listening to how you pray so they will know how to do it better. Even if they are not aware of it, they will be copying some of the things you do.
Six. . Teach us to pray when in public prayer:
–Most public prayers should be short. Especially, those spontaneous prayers which we all do from time to time should be brief and to the point. Otherwise we will ramble and become repetitious.
When you pray in public, you are speaking to the Lord on behalf of everyone there. So, your prayer says “we” and “our,” not “me” and “mine.” See the Lord’s prayer for guidelines on this.
–The exception to short public prayers is when you are praying a formal dedicatory prayer, such as for an ordination of a minister, the dedication of a building, or some such. David’s and Solomon’s prayers for the temple were long and profound and inspiring.
Seven. You will also want to teach us about our private prayer.
–To have a definite time and place for prayer, preferably in the morning, and in a spot where you can leave your Bible and notebook.
–To continue praying throughout the day, in snippets (aka “prayer arrows”), as they have a moment here and there. This surely is what “praying always” means.
–To pray as Jesus did: Beginning with praise, and then moving into our requests, and ending with praise and committal.
–To excise dead phrases from their prayers.
–To retain a sense of holiness in their prayer while at the same time being conversational.
Episode 221: Together in NOLA
Link to Episode 120 Ranger Danger
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
Episode 219: 6 Shifts to Consider in Disciple Making
- From surface belief to conviction
- "We are not transformed by facts and information, but by what we believe in our bones" - Jessie Cruickshank
- From instruction to imitation (observation then imitation)
- walking in the steps of Jesus
- From programming to identification
- I am learning disipleship versus I am a disciple
- From corporate to individual
- Individualized rather than a one size fits all
- mentor as guides ( a life to observe)
- From option to expectation
- we often make discipleships sound optional
- Are you willing to be discipled? If not willing to make a commitment and give the time - then you are not a follower of Jesus.
- discipleship is a culture
- From passive to active
- do we just hope for results or do we see results?
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Episode 218: When You Say Yes To VBS
- Find and train a VBS director (could be sports camp...)
- Select the optimum time and dates for your context
- early, mid, late summer
- am or pm
- M-F, Tu-Sat, Su-Th, once a week for 5 weeks....
- Train and support your workers
- What is the role of the pastor?
- whatever you want it to be
- Be involved
- Be available
- Be evangelistic
- Some of our best suggestions
- Alan: Pray with your workers before the day begins
- Alan: I often was the funny skit guy
- Alan: get down on a kids level to talk with them
- Alan: mingle and talk with parents when they are picking up their kids. (we did not allow for drive by pick ups)
- Trent: lead music and teach actions
- Help with video and audiovisual
- Help with registration
- Lead in pledges
- Follow up on decisions; keep family information for other events (get their permission)
- Schedule baptisms soon
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Episode 217: Shuffling Shepherds and Sickly Sheep
Does Shuffling of shepherds produce sickly sheep?Churches and denominations have developed a bad habit of shuffling shepherds. This has lots of effects on churches 1. Discipleship is cut short 1. Teach them to observe (great commission KJV) 2. Vision is cut short 1. churches continue the same bad cycles and never move forward. 3. The sheep suffer: Bad shepherds are moved to new locations and continue to kill the sheep 4. The shepherd is not trusted: Trust is never developed 1. You don't become someone's pastor till . . . 5. Wolves move in: Other bad intentioned and selfish leaders move in - wolf in sheep's clothing.
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
7 ways to boost attendance: 1. Be evangelistic and see people baptized. * its the evidence of a fruitful ministry * Always be on mission! local and beyond!
Have a vibrant, multiplying small group ministry.* small segments grow more quickly
Talk about the importance of regular church attendance>* if we don't address it, what should we expect? * avoid guilting
Build a sense of expectation.* a culture of high expectations is not a negative * Expectation = excitement = I want to invite my friends
Use special emphasis.* not as successful as they once were, but can be successful
Reach out to first time guests quickly* The quicker you respond to a guest's visit, the more likely they are to return.
Make connecting easy* don't ask for too much * don't speak as if everyone knows everything you are talking about.
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Episode 215: Responding to a New Pastoral Life Cycle
Thom Rainer and Church Answers have revised the pastoral life cycle: https://churchanswers.com/blog/the-life-cycle-of-a-pastor-updated/ * + Honeymoon: 0 to 6 months. + Challenges and conflict: 6 months to 4 years. + Acceptance and stability: Year 4 to year 7. + Inflection point: Year 7 to year 10. + Mystery: After year 10
Some reactions to this: 1. Honeymoons are shorter and might not even exist * bad processes in finding a pastor * unhealthy pastors moving from church to church * distrust of organizational leaders
Inflection points* will the church move in a positive or negative direction * connection to other pastors * willingness to re-evaluate one's own leadership * habits of personal spiritual health
Mystery of the long tenure* no pattern * larger church versus smaller church * rural versus urban versus suburban * "fire in the belly" or "just hanging on"
Must re-establish your leadership every 2-3 years rather than every 4-5 yearsEverything is sped up. Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Episode 214: Summertime Summertime is a time of opportunity 1. To experiment 1. try some new things especially in outreach 2. allow new people to explore new leadership roles 2. To eliminate 3. To establish momentum 4. To evangelize 5. To enjoy
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Episode 212: What We've Been Reading
Alan's List1. RARE Leadership by Wilder and Warner * brain science and leadership (Fast track versus slow track) + identity is fast track, but we tend to try an grow spiritually on the slow track) * Remain Relational * Act Like Yourself * Return to Joy * Endure Hardships Well + why accountability fails -its fear based
Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte* organizing and gaining more productivity out of ourselves through leveraging technology
The Servant: A Simple Story About the True Essence of Leadership by James HunterSeveral Books about WWII1. A Higher Call - Adam Makos 2. Taregt Tokyo - by James M .Scott 3. Race of Aces - John Bruning
Valley Forge by Drury and Clavin Trent's List I am a terrible reader but listen to audio books on audible - subscription holds me accountable1. Made to Stick Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die * By: Chip Heath, Dan Heath 2. Winning the War in Your Mind Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life * By: Craig Groeschel 3. The Ruthless Elimination of HurryHow to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World * By: John Mark Comer 4. What Got You Here Won't Get You ThereHow Successful People Become Even More Successful * By: Marshall Goldsmith, Mark Reiter 5. Any book by Jon Gordon 1. The Energy Bus 2. Training camp 3. The Carpenter 4. The Seed 6. Canoeing the Mountains Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory * By: Tod Bolsinger
Getting ready to start1. Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Difficult People Over 325 Ready-to-Use Words and Phrases for Working with Challenging Personalities * By: Renee Evenson
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Episode 211: Blind Spots in Preaching
- We fail to get their attention
- We fail to include and explain doctrine.
- We fail to include apologetics.
- We fail to call for action.
- We mis-read our audience.
- overestimate their spirituality
- underestimate their spirituality
We are unbalanced in our preaching.* all Bible genre's + short series, we tend to focus on our "pet" subjects + long series, we tend not to get into other portions of the Bible * multiple style and methods
We preach too often. Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Episode 210: Moving On Up, Pt 2
When moving a person internally, consider.... Evaluation1. Evaluate the relationship between this person and church and you as leader 2. Evaluate the ministry 3. Evaluate the gifts for a different ministry
Conversation4. Are they interested in a change 5. Do they love the church
TimingIf everything is positive1. from your view 2. from the potential person of change's view 3. from the church view
Then what is the best time to make the change?1. Are there times of business that need to be avoided? youth - summer 2. Are there church events that need to be planned for? Music - Christmas program 3. Are there training opportunities that you want this person to attend?
Major principles1. Lots of prayer 2. lots of open communication - no one likes to feel that they have been left out of the loop or that you're trying to get rid of them.
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Episode 209: Moving On Up, pt1 To keep good talent, many churches are moving staff to new positions in the church.example - Youth minister is getting older and doesn't want to do all the youth stuff anymore. example - Music minister is getting older but sees that the church needs to change direction to reach younger people. He doesn't feel equipped to lead differently but loves the church and would like to stay there. Is it a good idea to hire from within: The benefits:1. An insider can probably cut the transition time down for the congregation. 2. An insider knows how the church works. 3. An insider has some key relationships already in tact. 4. An insider has an awareness of the church history.
The cautions:1. The personal transition time for the leader often happens at a slower pace. 2. An insider is tempted to make changes too quickly because they have such a deep awareness of what is wrong. 3. An insider may not have the ability to take on a role at a different level.
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Episode 208: When to Make An Event Disappear How do you determine an event your church has is outliving it's purpose?1. Gather post-event information * the next event is determined by the outcome of the last event
Consider an event's purpose?* Does it match your purpose? * What is the goal + outreach + inreach + service
Consider your ability to do the event well* differing expectations for different events + church picnic versus a regional conference. * people power * resources
Consider the benefit of the event.* Is it worth the effort? Or could something else have yielded better results? * Is your church energized?
Consider the cost?* Was the investment of time, talent, and treasures representative of the benefit?
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Episode 207: 5 Ways To Derail Your Ministry
5 Ways To Derail Your Ministry as soon as it starts1. We stop learning. 2. We inflate our egos. 3. We lose our sense of timing. * too fast or too slow with changes
We create an echo chamber.We look a the past with contempt.* history * people
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Episode 205: Interview With Laurie Acker of Small Church Ministry
Find our more about Laurie's ministry here: Small Church Ministry
Reach out to us:
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Episode 204: Are You Loving the Bride Well?
Pastor are you loving the Bride?1. with all your mind? 1. are you lusting after another church? 2. are you giving complete attention to your church? 3. Are you only serving half heartedly at your current church 4. 2. With all your strength? 1. are you working at least what is expected or more for your bride? 2. are you leading in outreach? 3. are you at church events? 4. are you fully engaged and serving with your church family? 3. with all your heart and mouth? 1. are you speaking well of your church? 2. are you speaking well of your job?
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Episode 202: Raising Expectations From Zero
If you don't plant, you won't harvest. We need to build a sense of expectations: 1. Plan for guests * how do make them feel welcome * plan for the guests you want have * don't make your guests targets
Plan for decisions* are you asking for those * how are you gonna handle those * don't put people on the spot
Plan for new members* how are you going to receive new members * New members class? * "Expectations are landmines, you can lose a limb if you don't know what they are."
Plan for outreach and missions* how are you going to to reach your community and world
Expect people to step out and lead* staff & volunteers + job descriptions + for accountability
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Episode 201: Preacher or Pastor Difference between a preacher and a pastorA Preacher is:1. Has the wrong motivation * in it for the money * in it for name recognition
Tends to live in his own worldKeeps church relationships at a distanceIsn't there when neededruns out of things to say quickly A Pastor is:1. Is motivated by God's Word 2. Gets involved in the lives of His congregation 3. Allows for the joy and pain of close church relationships 4. Is all in when needed 5. Because he knows his people and God's Word always has something to say.
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Episode 200: 8 Revelations from Our First 200 Episodes
- We know a lot less than we than we thought.
- Lone Ranger Pastors are far too common. see episode 120
- The cultural shifts in churches over the life of our podcast has been monumental.
- We started pre-covid
- Covid exaggerated the health or lack of health of churches
- The Pastoral shortage and church leader shortage is growing faster than anyone thought
The local church is important because it is God's chosen instrument to reach the worldThe love affair with Mega church culture is over.* small is the new large
The local pastor1. needs to be lifted up - but not worshipped 2. needs to be leading the church - but not burned out
They are not coming back - so reach out to them like pre-Christians and bring them in again.We have more to say
Episode 199: The Meeting Before the Meeting
Many times pastors and church leaders bring on themselves and on their church undo stress - because they have not had the meeting before the meeting. Questions to ask yourself1. who is most invested in the topic we will be discussing? 1. ask them to explain why this is important to them. 2. what are the non negotiables - things they won't give in on 2. who among the member is most highly regarded and trusted? 1. answer all questions this person may have about the upcoming meeting.b 2. ask if they would support the item being voted on - if not why not. 3. ask them what potential problems they see. 3. who is most likely to stir the pot? 1. ask what info they would need 2. ask what questions they could see coming up during the meeting
These are the folks that you might want to have a meeting before the meeting with. If you have these meetings you will accomplish these things:1. 1. you will avoid most conflict 2. as a leader you will be able to guide the conversation by sharing the most important info or leading others to share that info. 3. You will have the opportunity to have the answers ahead of time to questions that will probably come up during the actual meeting!
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Episode 198: Preparing for a Storm Here are some thoughts on how to be weather aware and prepare your facility and people. Checking roads* who does this? * how long before the service? * Leadership who decides if service is cancelled?
Communicating closureWhat places do you communicate* + Social media/texting + Local TV + Local Radio + Send out robo call + Website * designate one person to do communication
Cancelled if School cancels in case of snow do this:* clearing sidewalks * greeters and helpers * mop to dry up water on the floor
in case of rain do this:* have umbrellas handy for greeters to help people from cars * mop to dry up water on the floor
In case of tornado do this:* does the church have a designated shelter? * do teachers and leaders know where? * Communicate to families that everyone is ok
For wind do this:some places have high winds from time to time and need people stationed at doors to hold on to the door.
We all work differently, but some of the things I have done: 1. A Word for the year In October, I begin praying God would give me a "word" for the coming year. For instance this year was "design." I knew God was leading our association in a new direction. Just as God designed the world with intentional purpose, we need to set up our association with a deliberate design. In the past, the word has been "discipleship" or "trust." The word sets the tone for the year. For me this year is "construct." We are in the process of building a new associational model based on our new design. 2. A vision series As a senior pastor January was a month where I would always take a Sunday to lay out a visionary message for the church. From the time I sensed I had my "word" from God, I had opportunity to examine the Scripture more closely. Since the word usually arose from my own study, that process was typically natural, but sometimes the word would lead me down a pathway of study that challenged me and surprised me. The most important part in preaching a vision series is that you can share what the church should look like at the end of the year. A vision sermon might be one week, but most of mine ended up being two to four weeks. 3. Personal Development What are you going to do to grow yourself over the next year? Many pastors don't have an intentional plan of growth. One example I can remember is a sense where I needed to grow a bigger desire for international missions. I registered for a February conference across the country held by a church passionate about missions. By Easter, I had taken a trip to Lebanon, and my church was joining me in developing a greater passion for missions. Books, Conferences, accountability groups or cohorts, seminary or certifications...what are you going to do to develop your skills? (As the churches of DTBA, we are here to help you in this.) 4. A Challenge to be addressed In ministry, we all grow frustrated with the infrequent attendance issues of our congregation. One year, I challenged our church to address this issue. I asked them to consider their attendance patterns and challenged them to see if greater faithfulness made a difference in their lives. For many it did. We reaped the benefits, we also felt the challenge as it was a year the enemy really attacked our church. That year I saw the benefit of addressing challenges directly. Because we were learning to face obstacles, we were able to overcome them more easily. Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Episode196: How Things Will Be Different in 2023 Outside forces 1. Economy 2. Political pressures 3. Growing secularism
Trent's Plan1. Evaluate the past year 1. What went right and what did God Bless? 2. What was frustrating? 2. Take the temperature of the congregation - are they hot or cold overall in their desire to serve Jesus? 3. Plan a sermon skeleton - episode 193 4. Do you have a vision for your church? 1. If yes - then share it again 2. If no then - pray and seek God for His vision 5. Did your church do any mission trips in the past year? 1. If yes - then remind them of those and plan more for 23 2. If no - why not? Ask your church why they have not 6. Did your church do any major efforts to serve the community? 1. If yes - celebrate that and ask the church to pray about the next effort. 2. If no - share the needs of the community with the church and ask them to pray for God's compassion!
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Episode 195: 8 Momentum Makers
Want to build momentum?
- Baptisms
- Community Engagement
- A guest speaker
- Host a conference
- A special emphasis
- Mission trips
- Paying off a debt/ sometimes building a facility
- People Called to ministry
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Episode 194: Guard the Trust
Some Things A Pastor Must Protect
- What is taught in the church
- Guest speaker
- Sunday school classes or small groups
- shadow pastor
- doctrinal alignment...our own theology
- How your people are treated and treat one another
- Vision
- Momentum
- Thermostat - maybe the one on the wall, but you create an atmosphere
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Episode 193: Planning Your Sermon Retreat
Beforehand:* know yourself and your preaching style + short series vs long series vs books vs mixed * build up your resources + do you need to order some resources? + Do you have enough resources * find your place for a retreat - 2-3 days + Christian camp/retreat center + hotel + house rental * Enlist prayer partners
Supplies:* Calendars; holidays, school calendar, special events * study resources * plenty of paper and/or computer templates * plans for a physical activity + a walk + a sport
The retreat:* Spend time in prayer * Set blocks of time to do your work (2- hour blocks) * Read the texts or series of texts * Refer to study materials * complete outlines or cross references * take your breaks * Begin to write down notations regarding your passages
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.comContact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.comFacebookWebsite
Episode 192: Paint By Number: The Metrics that Matter
Pastors get together from time to time - and we would encourage you to do that. But when church people get together - they start comparing. This is not healthy. We get hung up on the numbers
Context determines what your metrics need to be
We compare attendance # Pastors Music program Youth and children program
So lets change the numbers. Here are some numbers you should start comparing. Paint these numbers - People called out to ministry - new volunteers - new teachers - hours spent serving the community
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
Episode 191: Membership Matters
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
Episode 190: Communicating Well Pastors and leaders in local churches are now in a time where they are forced to use multiple lines of communication What is the goal of your communication? The goal will sometimes determine the channel. What is the speed of communication needed? 1. know your people and how they communicate 1. Communication by age group 2. Communication by interest group 2. become familiar with multiple platforms for communication. 1. Social Media 1. Facebook 2. Twitter 3. Snapchat 4. You Tube 2. Podcasts/videocasts 3. Print 1. bulletin 2. newsletter 3. newspaper 4. Web page 5. Radio 6. Phone calls 7. Texting/email 8. Movie Theater
Suggestions for communication * Short and direct * Answer the question "how does this benefit me?" * Communicate often, but don't wear out your welcome.
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
Episode 189: Finding Your Voice
How does a person discover their own voice?
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Listen to many voices
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Use your voice often
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Develop a feedback loop
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Ask yourself how you are different when you preach or speak
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Know it takes time
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
Episode 188: Pastoring a Family Guided Church
How does a family get into places of power in a church?
- They are often faithful givers
- They are often willing servers
- They are often strong relationally
Which of the characteristics do you not want?
When does it become a problem?
- When giving has conditions
- When service isn't shared
- When relationships are severed
- When there is a leadership void -churches that change pastors a lot often have this dynamic.
How to deal with the dynamic:
- Identify them quickly. Easy notice who people look at when groups enter the building. Notice who always has people around them.
- Be able to identify your vision clearly.
- Build relationships with all people, but build bridges to the family of influence.
- Whenever a leadership void opens, fill it with someone outside the family as quickly as possible.
- See warning signs of potential trouble and work to align the family with the church' vision.
- Be patient. In the first 5 years, you will likely not have more influence than the family. Beyond the first 5 years, you begin to gain the credibility.
- Avoid backbiting and when necessary hold your ground.
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
Episode 187: How Saying No Can Change Your Life Do you feel overwhelmed? Do you constantly feel tired? Do you constantly feel like you're in a hurry? Do you have trouble focusing on one person? Some issues we commonly face * People pleasers * Hurry Sickness
Real boundaries require definite answers - No I'm sorry I can't do that Examples: * No I can't work on my laptop in the recliner - * No I can't visit about work after 5:30 * No I can't answer the phone during dinner
How do you balance the need to work after 5:30; when you are expected to have worked throughout the day? How do you manage expectations of church members who work all day and volunteer on nights and weekends? No is not laziness * laziness can become a real problem * "no" is more about working a strategic plan and working smarter
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
Episode185: Some Things You Cannot Control 5 Things we seek to Control at Times, but we cannot. 1. You cannot control the speed of change, only your response to it. 2. You cannot control the spiritual maturity of another, only the process you provide. 3. You cannot control the movement of God's Spirit, only the preparation in prayer you have done. 4. You cannot control the attendance of your people, only how you react to their absence. 5. You cannot control the giving in your church, only the stewardship of what you receive.
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
Episode183: How to Make a Hospital Visit
- Make sure the person wants a visit
- Check with the hospital about visit protocols - gown up and follow if requested
- Introduce yourself to other family members
- Don’t stay too long. 10 minutes is plenty unless you are waiting with the family during a surgery
- Never sit on the bed
- Pray with the person and family before you leave
- leave a note if they are sleeping - don't wake them up
- Leave when the doctor comes in
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
Episode182: Is Your Church Really a Friendly Church? Most churches think they are friendly and welcoming but are they really? Every church thinks its friendly. The People - 1. They love the people they know -they think they are friendly because they get excited about visiting with folks they know. 2. They have a welcoming time - is that really good 3. What used to happen - stand up, welcome badges 4. We have a welcome team - greeters - are they doing their job 5. Is the pastor accessible? - is he setting the tone - is he real 6. Is there anyone who would invite a guest to sit with them
The place 1. The foyer - vestibule with no windows straight into the sanctuary where they are having sunday school 2. Greeting area needs to be about as big as sanctuary - the place where you do life needs to be as big as where you talk about life 3. Does the drive way seem welcoming? Is it inviting and clean? Is it easy to see where to go 4. Welcome station and parking lot greeters are great. 5. Is your foyer junked up ?
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
Episode181: Big Picture Thinking
Thinking for a Change - John Maxwell
"Big picture thinkers are Hope dealers." - Lance Lang of Hope is Alive Ministries
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
Episode 179: What We Teach Outside the Gathering
We don’t realize that we are teaching outside of worship. We put lots of study and effort into our sermons but people learn and remember much more of what they learn from us outside of the pulpit. * They learn from watching us navigate life * They learn from watching our marriage and how we treat our spouse * They learn grace from watching us deal with our kids
Timothy Set an example Make it your ambition to live a quiet life * What are you teaching about family?
* What are you teaching about sabbath? And vacation? I taught my folks wrong lessons for so many years because I never used all my vacation and never really rested in God on a sabbath. * What are you teaching about emotional health? * What are you teaching your folks about peace?
Episode 178: Changing Course Today we need to do some hard evaluation of our churches and ourselves. 1. How has my church changed in the past 3 years? 2. How have I changed in the past 3 years? 3. Has my church changed for the better? 4. Have I changed for the better? 5. Am I capable of leading my church into the next 3-5 years?
We've learned that change is inevitable and inescapable. We have also learned that changing gracefully takes skill. But change seems to be speeding up - even in our more rural areas. How do I keep myself up with changes and prepare myself to lead my church? How do I prepare my church for even more change?
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
Episode 177: Is your calendar killing you?
For more about self care, check out https://standingstoneministry.org Is it possible to take control back and make your calendar a tool that actually works for you instead of against you? Principles to calendar by 1. divide your day into 3 sections and only allow yourself to schedule 2 * morning * afternoon * evening
set office hours and stick to them as much as possible
Publicize your office hours and days
set time to study and prepare
calendar your time off and vacation time in advance as much as possible and protect it
take a weekend away every month or at least every quarter - literally out of town
Coordinate calendar with your spouse
Start your Monday with a meeting to schedule important tasks
take every possible vacation day and day off with your family
Find fun - not phone
Episode 176: Generosity in Uncertain Times Principal #1: If you want generous givers, be a generous church. * give to missions * invest in your people
Principal #2: Generosity must be discussed and modeled by the person in the pulpit. * can't ignore the importance of generosity, even if its uncomfortable * people pay attention, if you are not generous with your time and resources, neither will they.
Principal #3: The best way to set up your giving parameters is on a proportional basis. * setting generosity giving on a percentage basis covers you in times of abundance as well as in times of scarcity
Principal #4: Remember the role of planning ahead. * The Joseph plan....put some aside in the better times for the trying times.
Principal #5: Share stories of generosity. Principal #6: Living generously allows the freedom for God to supply our need. * A closed fist cannot receive.
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
Episode 175: Do Mission Trips Matter?
Mission Trips Matter!
- They are essential for for church health
- They expand our church's missional footprint
- They enlarge your church's vision
- They change your personal perspective
Keys to a good mission trip 1. find a person of peace 2. Take off your watch 3. Don't be a person of fear 4. work local but also Look beyond your local area 5. talk about it - tell the story - not statistics 6. Be flexible with all things
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
Episode 174: The Danger of Isolation
Why do we isolate ourselves? * hurt * pride * bad theology * fear of being wrong or looking bad
Leads to isolated relationships - * physical and emotional distance * diminishing trust * a lack of discipleship
isolated thinking * confirmation bias * unimproved ideas * low buy in * ever changing ideas
When you act alone, you'll find yourself alone. Train leaders in your church * allow them to give honest feedback * be big enough to accept it
Find 2 or three people you trust outside your church who understand your role. * other church leader * organizational leader * trusted friend
More than accountability, they have to help you bring out the best you.
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
Episode 173: Is Your Invitation Inviting?
The loneliest place in the world - pastor standing in front of his congregation during invitation. Sometimes our invitations are not inviting What is an invitation? Does your church do or expect an invitation? Are your folks used to coming and praying at the altar? Is there a culture of worship at the altar? Is it important to have an invitation during every service? Is every invitation supposed to be the same? Dealing with children and youth Tips to make it more inviting 1. know your audience 2. Don't presssure 3. create an atmosphere of safety for decisions and for prayer at the altar 4. Don't make it an add on
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
Episode 172: Structural Damage
Churches sometimes make failure possible with these structural problems:
- Deacon's who control and don't serve
- Pastors who control everything
- Leadership teams that are too big or too small
- Useless committees and teams
- temas versus committees
- indefinite commitments
- Unreviewed documents
- constitution every 5 years
- build so you can grow 5 x times bigger
- by-laws every couple of years
- policies every year
- constitution every 5 years
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
Episode 171: Rachelle and Dana Join Us to talk Encouragement
We hope you enjoy this special edition on July 4 featuring a discussion with our wives on the subject of encouragement.
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
Episode 170: All the Premarital Stuff Had a conversation with a pastor - He was preparing for a wedding - Many pastors don't do weddings enough to have a plan - So here is a plan! Why Pre-marital counseling is important 1. Deal with issues now that would cause fights later 2. Opportunity to make sure the couple is "evenly yoked" (2 Corinthians 6:14) 1. if not share Jesus with them both 3. Develop a relationship so they feel they have someone to turn to later when they are struggling. 4. Very few couples have godly marriages to mentor them. Even kids who grew up in Christian homes may not have had parents who were intentional about training them how to be a godly husband/wife. 5. Even if you do not want to do the counseling for the couple, you must encourage them to seek counseling from a Christian counselor or another pastor. You will still need to meet with them to plan the ceremony.
When should premarital counseling begin? 1. The answer to this relates to the next question but recommend 3 months before wedding 2. Pastor in Colorado who does pre-engagement counseling. If you haven't done counseling with him before you get engaged, he won't do your wedding. His reason is that once a couple is engaged, it is nearly impossible to tell them they shouldn't get married if you feel they are incompatible.
How many sessions? 1. Recommend 6 sessions if this is the first marriage for both. 2. Recommend 8 sessions if this is not the first marriage for either. 1. Mention Bill and Jen Rogers Stepfamily Mission Possible ministry. [Link to Episode 157] Many stepfamily couples will benefit from hearing from couples who have been through similar circumstances.
What should happen during a counseling session? 1. Sessions should only last 1 hour 1. 30 minutes for ceremony planning - remind them that this is their ceremony - not mom's 2. 30 minutes for counseling ( some issues may come up during the ceremony planning that may uncover a counseling need)
What tools should we use? Trent and Dana (I recommend that you include your spouse) recommend the SYMBIS tool. [Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott symbis.com] We have our own schedule but SYMBIS helps you keep a schedule and make sure you have input from the couple and that you cover all the relevant topics. * + Communication + Conflict + Finances + Sex + Expectations + In-laws + Spirituality + Friends + Common interests
Wedding rehearsal - tips to keep it from being a circus 1. Please have a rehearsal with all the folks who will be involved in the ceremony. 2. If possible have the rehearsal after the rehearsal dinner. 3. Rehearsal should only last 30 minutes 1. introduce yourself to family and wedding party - then pray 2. place everyone on the stage and get bride's approval for placement of people 3. practice leaving 4. practice entering and getting into place 5. talk through schedule and make sure everyone knows what they are doing (rings, handing off bouquet etc) 6. If you have the ceremony planned before hand with the couple - this will go smoothly - the rehearsal is not the time to make decisions. 7. If one of the "moms" tries to make changes - simply respond with "I appreciate your ideas but this is how the couple would like things to happen." 8. last thing is to tell everyone what time to be there for pictures and ask who will bring the marriage license
Wedding day 1. check in with Bridal party 2. check in with groom dudes 3. Make sure rings and marriage license are there 4. make sure you have all that you need including printed ceremony and mic if necessary 5. after the ceremony, sign the marriage license and talk to the couple about their plan for filing it with the county clerk
Episode 169: Breaking Up is Hard to Do! Conflict will usually need to end in one of four ways: 1. Compromise 2. Concession 3. Coexistence 4. Coercion
If you pastor long enough, you will deal with this situation...a moment you and someone else or a group of people have to agree to disagree, but there is not enough agreement to keep the parties together. Example: Paul and Barnabas over John Mark * This wasn't a theological issue * Conflict of vision and leadership styles * We don't know all the outcomes relationally, but it appears that the separation did not end their relationship. * That should be our goal
Some questions to ask: 1. Are there other options? Can we compromise, Can I lose this battle? 2. How much are my emotions controlling my thoughts and my conversation? 3. Can I bless the other person? 4. How does my response reflect the character of Christ? 5. Am I leaving a door open for reconciliation?
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
Episode 168: he Servant Leadership Soapbox The frustration is that leadership has been confused with seeking power and servanthood has been associated with nobility * power is the most intoxicating force in the world. and when it gets associated with money or sex, its even more powerful * dares to bring down everyone around it.
We need leaders who have the heart of servants. * John Maxwell suggested leadership is influence...most definitions I see use a word like influence or motivation. * Leadership is powerful, but it is not power * People in ministries are to be influencers. * Leadership occurs naturally, you cannot hide influence. * It's opposite is follower; the fair critique is that many leaders have forgotten they too are followers
We need servants who have a true piety * a servant performs duties on behalf of another * servanthood is only as strong as the reason behind the service. + wicked servant in some of Jesus' parables. * Not all servants are noble, just like not all leaders are power hungry. + do we serve wanting others to see us or do we serve because it's the right thing to do. * Its opposite is master, seeking to have others serve us. + Master is the condition of people who have no desire to serve, only want to be served.
We should all strive to be good servants. We should develop our leadership to enhance our influence.
Episode 167: One Year In
Today, Trent and Alan talk about reflections to make one year into a new ministry.
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
Episode 166: Do You Procrastinate
Why do we procrastinate? Worry - If you're like me I overthink things and I worry about reactions of others.
We think too much - Things can become huge in my mind - but they really are very small
The 5 rule - If it won't matter in 5 years then don't spend 5 minutes worrying about it
Lots of Distractions It’s not easy to keep focused in a world full of distractions.
Some things we just don't like to do - or we are not good at them What things do you put off because you don't enjoy them? Make a list and do them First and Fast
personality type
But there are 3 steps you can take to end procrastination:
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- Forgive yourself. - you're normal
Please realize we don’t procrastinate because we’re lazy. The solution is not ‘time management’ or psyching ourselves up.
We procrastinate because our self-worth is hurt in some way. We doubt our capacities or haven’t learned yet to manage our emotions.
That’s why we need to re-shape our belief in ourselves, and that starts by forgiving ourselves!
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- Set up a realistic goal.
The next step is to set up an inspiring but achievable goal.
Why do we set such far away goals like becoming billionaires or changing the world? Many times it’s because we know they can’t be achieved in the short term, so we protect ourselves from ‘failing’ on them.
Do this instead: challenge yourself to very, very small things. Depending on your level of procrastination it can be things like finishing this email, getting up from bed, or sending one report.
The most difficult part is always to start, so make it easy and start small. 3. 3. Accomplish it step by step.
Break your big goals into small, little chunks.
- Celebrate accomplishment
Every time that you accomplish something, celebrate! Overcoming procrastination is about building your self-esteem way more than forcing yourself to work.
God has created you to do good works and He has prepared them in advance!
- Gather a team
The things you hate to do are the same things that God has created someone else with the skills and desire to do well. So ask for help!!!!!
Episode 165: How To Recapture Lost Vision
Signs of lost vision:
- declining church
- lack of joy
- strife
- nothing that rallies the congregation
Why do we lose vision?
- tired - stopped seeking God
- frustrated - we stop learning
How do we recapture vision
- Go back to basics: start with the Gospel
- Get involved with a visionary
- Find encouragers
- Change your outlook: be positive and set an optimistic tone
- In some cases, ask if it's time to move on.
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
Episode 164: Does the Size of a Church Matter? If size is used as a sole determinant of God's favor, then absolutely not. However understanding your churches size is important? * Size can be a useful indicator * Size can identify certain challenges + under 50 - "family church mentality" - hard for new people to have a voice + under 125 - "shepherding challenge" - one staff person can only do so much + under 500 - "structuring continued success" - organizational issues and small groups + Larger churches - "Personality Driven or Jesus Driven" - a unique challenge
Size is fluid for most churches, however some churches practice intentional sizing Discipleship and leadership development are critical at any size, but it looks different The smaller the size, the quicker change can take place, but often the consequences of those changes is quite high. Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
- your experience
The ultimate Question?
- Is God pleased?
- my preparation?
- my heart?
- my attitude
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com Facebook Website
Episode 162: Trust: The Currency of Change
Church revitalization is about leading change, and to lead change within the church, there must be trust.
A pastor cannot force a church or people to trust, instead, the pastor must build trust by demonstrating trustworthiness.
Building trust in your church will allow you to instigate change
Here are the statements from the PRA that are used to assess character that builds trust. 1. The pastor is viewed as a person others can trust. 2. The pastor has a confident certainty in words they speak. 3. The pastor can own up to personal struggles and failures and quickly asks for forgiveness from others. 4. The pastor reflects Christ-likeness in words and deeds. 5. The pastor demonstrates the character traits expected in others.
- The pastor is looked to as a model for good attitude and right behavior. 7. The pastor is able to keep confidences and does not exaggerate.
- The pastor is a trusted counselor for many people.
- The pastor is competent with all the necessary skills of a pastor.
- The pastor knows how to build consensus and does it regularly.
trust is built based upon two components: character and competence. Each of these is further broken down into two additional categories:
intent and integrity. Intent, or the heart of character, is further broken down into three elements: caring, humility and openness.
Integrity is broken down into three elements as well: honesty, fairness and authenticity.
Competence is broken down into capability and results.
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com
Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enduringchurches
Website: https://enduringchurches.com
Episode 160:Old Made New
Old things new
1 simple programs for simple discipleship
example: Bible Drill
2 smaller auditoriums; bigger fellowship areas
3 Circuit Riding Preachers
4 The importance of the neighborhood
5. Renewed interest in prayer gatherings
What did we miss?
alan@dtabtogether.com
office@gvbamo.com
Episode 160: Undigested Thinking
Carey Nieuwhof's blog
Carey Nieuwhof addressed 4 types of thinking that will sabotage you. One of those, undigested thinking" got us to thinking about some experiences we have observed.
Trent's Thoughts I have a ton of notes and notebooks from conferences. 1. I pile them in the book shelf 2. I Forget the great lesson 3. I don't make any plans
* Find one idea or lesson and calendar an action immediately * Brainstorm and write notes of how to implement that one idea * How do you make it work for you in your setting?
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com
Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enduringchurches
Website: https://enduringchurches.com
Epsiode159: Are You Coaching?
Are you intentionally coaching Someone in your church? Another pastor? Scripture gives us examples and a plan. Abraham and Isaac Isaac and Jacob Elijah and Elisha David and Solomon Jesus and Peter Jesus and Judas Barnabas and Paul Paul and John Mark Paul and Timothy CORPUS Contacts: Alan: Alan@dtbatogether.com Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com www.enduringchurches.com
Episode158: Endurance Breakers
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Building neglect - falling apart - smells - clutter - get outside eyes - children's area
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Worship woes - is it the same it has been for the last 30 years - you can be contemporary, traditional, or blended, but you can't be 1990 in any of those formats
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Guest neglect - No greeting area - Not welcoming - spotlighting
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Insufficient Technology - website out of date - bad video quality - poor audio quality
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Little expectation - don't plan for guests, you won't have guests - no new member class
- Unwillingness to change - desperation is the catalyst
- Uncaring hearts toward outsiders - closed off to the community
Is there hope? If our church has 1 or many of these characteristics, is there hope?
Begin with prayer - return to your first love Loving others will only happen as an overflow. First command - love and be loved by God Second command - overflow into others
Episode 157: Our Interview With Bill and Jenn Rogers
A great number of people in our churches are in some form of a blended family. How are we helping families endure?
Bill and Jenn Rogers are here to help you! Get to know them here
Ministry Leaders | Bulletin Insert Invite Bill & Jen | Schedule a Call Podcast | stepfamilypodcast.com Email | hello@stepfamilypodcast.com FB Group | Stepfamily Mastermind Insta | @stepfamily_mission_possible
Episode 155: Don’t Become a Professional Pharisee We pass judgement on those who are “successful “ We pass judgement on those who write books We critique those who speak at conferences Why are we so critical? 1. We are very insecure 2. We are self absorbed 3. We are afraid our people will like them better than us 4. We have a mistaken theology * God can defend himself
We judge ourselves by our intentions and always give ourselves the benefit of the doubt We judge others by what we think is their evil plan based on someone’s social media post Why don’t we give others the benefit of the doubt? Judge yourself with the same measure that you judge others Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com
Episode 156: Dear Younger Me
Mercy Me Video
6 statements I would like to say to myself
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I am not the Holy Spirit
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Take the High Road
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Discernment in taking requests - no to more things - yes to more things
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Say "I don't know" more often
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Say "I'm sorry" more quickly
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Engage with more pastors
Contact Alan: alan@dtbatogether.com Contact Trent: gasconadevalleybaptist@gmail.com
Episode 154: Becoming a Good Ministry Candidate
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Bathe any ministry move or desire in prayer.
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Consider the needs of churches.
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Consider yourself and your family.
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Ask yourself if co-vocational is a possibility
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Put together a quality resume - no gaps - spell checked - normal fonts - both succinct and comprehensive - good references
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Answer uncomfortable questions up front
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Be a humble candidate
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- a student of your role
- a student of the community
- vulnerability in your deficiencies
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Practice restraint and patience
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- churches typically move slowly - churches don't appreciate aggression in a ministry candidate
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Talk with others alan@enduringchurches.consulting trent@enduringchurches.consulting Facebook
Episode153: The Tensions of Discipleship
The tensions of discipleship people versus process - if its all process people lose interest - if its all people the process can be shortchanged
macro versus micro - the large gathering cannot replace the small gathering for effectiveness in making strong disciples - the micro is enhanced by the vision and support of the large gathering
hard accountability versus soft accountability - clear expectations generate better results - rigidity can frustrate growth - Level of organization
leadership development versus spiritual growth - disciples creates leaders - good leaders may or may not create good disciples
Discipleship measurements - % of people serving in the church - % of people involved in outreach, evangelism, and missions - time spent in prayer and the Bible - commitment to a small group or mentoring relationship
Canoeing the Mountains
Here are the books and resources compiled on the topic of discipleship.
Behold Your God by John Snyder Celebration of Discipline by Foster Conversion and Discipleship by Hull Desiring God by John Piper Disciplemaking by Billie Hanks Discipleship Essesntials by Ogden Exerpiencing God by Henry Blackaby Into the Depths of God by Miller Knowing God by JI Packer MasterLife by Avery Willis Real Life Discipleship Training Manual Saturate by Vanderstelt Spiritual Disciplines of the Christian Life by Don Whitney The Pursuit of God by Tozer
Enduring Churches
Alan@enduringchurches.consulting
trent@enduringchurches.consulting
Episode 152: Why Do Churches Keep Bad Pastors What is a bad pastor? One who does not fulfill his calling to pastor. * Bad speaker * Bad leader * Immoral * Doesn’t care for the flock * Mercy hire - just coasting
Why does a church allow them to stay? * They don’t realize how bad they are * Haven’t experienced a good pastor * They don't know what to do * They don’t want to rock the boat because some folks love him
They think he is the best they can get - has a pulse Location Salary Dying church Don’t like conflict epnduringchurches.com alan@enduringchurches.consulting trent@enduringchurches.consulting
Episode 151: The Insulated Pastor
Insulated = protected Insulated = not feeling and not caring
Insulated pastors - enter ministry with eyes closed to the world around them - have a false set of expectations - have a hard time relating to church members - Have no experience working in the secular world - Don’t visit people in their work settings Mark Hutt. “ I never knew a pastor who could actually do something “
Help with new topics and share this with other folks. contact us today Enduringchurches.com alan@enduringchurches.consulting trent@enduringchurches.consulting
Episode 150: The Embattled Pastor The great resignation is effecting everyone - including churches. Pastors are resigning from churches. Why? Isn't ministry the best job in the world? Yes and no I was told "if you can do anything else - do it" Ministry is seeing the greatness and glory of God impacting people but the old joke among pastors is that ministry would be lots of fun if it wasn't for the people. People are all sinful. The basis of sin is self or selfishness. so our selfishness runs amok and makes for a war between people. Because we all want what we want and don't really care about what other people need. That even happens in church. There is usually a power struggle happening in churches. Lots of time that is a struggle between Pastors and Shadow Pastors (those who are trying to take control in the shadows.) This constant struggle or war or battle - takes a toll on Pastors Embattled pastors are in constant fights with members, often over trivial matters. How does the battle affect pastors? * Fear * Anger * Giving in * Cynicism * Developing a fight first mentality
But our battle is not against flesh and blood - those folks in your pews are not your enemy! Overcoming these only happens with * Trust in God * Love and empathy for People + addressing issues * You have to be a person of prayer * You have to have group of folks praying for you
Sometimes you have to walk away from the church. Contact us at enduringchurches.com email us alan@enduringchurches.consulting trent@encuringchurches.consulting
Episode 149: The Plateaued Pastor
The agenda driven pastor goes in with an agenda, but hardly anyone goes into a pastorate planning to plateau. * unclear vision * feel they have done all they can do there (buildings, Programs * lazy habits + not reading + not going to conferences + not meeting with a mentor * tiredness + not taking vacations or a sabbatical * avoiding challenges * close to retirement - someone else will do it
Episode 148: The Agenda Driven Pastor
Agenda driven pastors... * tend have a plan before they ever go somewhere * place relationships in a secondary position to projects * move from project to project, place to place...ie climbing the ladder * can make themselves obsolete.
Are your accomplishments people-based or project-based? While churches needs to complete projects, our role is to invest in and equip disciples. * Seek forgiveness - Ex Jacob seeking forgiveness from Esau * Prioritize people * Value the moment * Learn something new
Episode147: The Over-Confident/Ego-Driven Pastor
Luke 14:8. Don’t take the seat of honor or you will be humiliated Matthew 6:5 don’t be like the Pharisees who like to be seen by men So there is a balance here that we have to strike * Security vs insecurity * Proud vs humble * Ability vs inability
Matt Monge - Ego Driven Leaders Kill Churches If you sense your ego might be inflated? * Humble yourself before the Lord * Humble yourself before your people * Prepare for your crash, because an unchecked ego always crashes
Ask yourself "who am I trying to make famous?" Isaiah 26:8 Who has the right to speak into my life? When I only get people to follow me as a pastor - what happens to the church when I leave? see also Episode 29 - Invisible Leadership Episode 62 - Is My Need to Be Right Killing the Church
Insecurity shows up in several ways * lack of confidence that prevents a leader from trying new things
* a critical spirit or cynical or stressed out or unteachable
* giving up easily when encountering obstacles or when trying to please people
* Insecure is not always shy or self-deprecating. Sometimes it comes across as bluster that is trying to overcompensate for insecurity.
How do you overcome insecurity? If it’s in your job - how does that affect your thoughts and actions? If it’s in your ability to speak well? If it’s in your ability to grow your church? What should your security be based on? If your sense of worth and sense of security comes from anything other than Jesus - you will struggle From Zach Young: It’s foundational. If you don’t start with identity then you’ve missed it, and you’ll end up spending the rest of your life “searching for yourself.” We have to understand who God is and what He created us for. If we don’t operate out of that identity, then we start working out of our own thoughts, abilities, and so on. And that’s how we become anxious, depressed, burnt out, and insecure. Because we are working towards an identity instead of from it. So for me, God had to get me to stop and reevaluate. I had to ask am I in this thing based on what I think or feel, or am I in this because I understand how loved I am. God had to teach me what I am really created for and what my purpose is… which is simply relationship. That’s what the entire Bible is all about. Just knowing God and being known by him. And when we understand that, then all of a sudden, that’s my only concern. And now I don’t have all of this pressure to perform, or create an identity, or any of the other absurd things we put ourselves through. Now all of a sudden, my only job is to enjoy God and tell others that I am enjoying God. So to encourage another follower of Jesus, I would say slow down. Ask the dumb questions. And most importantly ask God to show you who you are. And a true test to see if you really believe that you are who God says you are… go look yourself in the mirror for 5 minutes straight and speak nothing but identity. I guarantee God will begin to show you where your heart really is. I’ll put it this way. I’ve been a young adult pastor for a year now, and literally for the entire year I’ve only taught on one thing… identity in Christ.
Episode 145: Let's Change the Scorecard
Old scoreboard Nickels- giving Noses - attendance to worship or events
Jonathan Edwards - Distinguishing Marks A steady accumulation of decisions - might be - but not if no discipleship follows. Large attendance - maybe. . . emotional experience - maybe. . .
- Growing esteem of Jesus Christ
- A discernable sense of repentance
- A dogged devotion to the word of God
- An interest in Theology and doctrine
- An evident love for God and neighbor
A Fruitful church is empowered by the Holy Spirit and have a heart for those outside the church
New expanded scoreboard Add these Sent out Engaging conversations Impact opportunities in the community Mission opportunities given to new people relationships restored
A church can be fruitful and not huge
- Are those being baptized continuing to walk in the faith a year or 2 or 5 later?
- How many of our people are being trained to disciple others?
- What percentage of the church are involved in small group?
- How many of our people can articulate the gospel clearly
- what percentage of our folks are serving in the community.
- What is the reputation of the church in the community?
Missional Renaissance by Reggie McNeal
Episode 144: How to be a Better Leader in 2022
- What is our measurement of Leadership?
- is it # of followers or something more
- character of Christ taking root
- you can identify others you helping grow
- is it # of followers or something more
- What are we doing to study leadership?
- mentors
- reading and listening
- placing yourself in circumstances
- Identify your blind spots.
- ask others to help you see what you don't see
- increase your self-awareness
- Improve your skills in difficult conversations.
- can't avoid them
- Crucial Conversations
- Share more leadership so you have room to grow
- Jethro and Disciples
- you can't share it if you're teaching and modeling it
- Identify areas likely to de-rail your leadership
Episode143: How to be a Better Pastor in 2022
- Get to know yourself better
- The Eureka moment is when they began to see their own strengths and weaknesses clearly.
- Listen more
- Pray for and with your people more often.
- Be vulnerable
- Invest in key individuals
- Share the burden
Episode142: How toBecome a Better Preacher in 2022
What keeps us from growing? * Fear of facing our deficiencies * Feeling it doesn’t matter * Lack of awareness
You improve. when you... Listen to others * variety of styles; don just listen to one style.
Listen to yourself * Be self-aware
Read books about preaching Talk with other preachers Find your own voice * Are you imitating? * Are you sincere?
Episode 141: Formulating a Vision for 2022
Today, Trent and Alan talk through visioning for the coming year.
You start with the big picture, for Alan it is often a word, for Trent its mostly about a phrase or idea. Everything builds on that foundation.
Episode140:Don't Judge Me
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” 2 Corinthians 13:5 NIV https://2corinthians.bible/2-corinthians-13-5 Should we “judge” others * Judgement returns as you give * We make judgements, but we are not the final judge
Judgements we must make 1. Inspecting the fruitfulness of the church 2. Recognizing the spiritual condition of the church 3. Protecting the church from divisive or sinful behaviors 4. Determining the direction of the church
No outside of church 1. The lost already stand condemned 2. We hurt evangelism when we judge the lost for acting lost 3. We hurt God's heart when we judge who is receptive and who is not
Speak the truth in love Eph 4:15 Don't only preach what's wrong, demonstrate what's right
Episode 139: Unforgiveness - the Poison Pill for Your Ministry We as ministers preach about God's great forgiveness and even about how we are to forgive others. But sometimes we struggle with forgiving those who have wronged us. "I can forgive, but I cannot forget, is only another way of saying, I will not forgive. Forgiveness ought to be like a cancelled note - torn in two, and burned up, so that it never can be shown against one." - Henry Ward Beecher How unforgiveness affects our ministry 1. Poisons our hearts toward showing grace 2. Poisons our tongues 3. Poisons what we show our church
Steps to forgiving 1. Recognize that you're showing a double standard. 2. Recognize that your showing forgiveness doesn't lessen how they hurt you. 3. Recognize that your forgiveness isn't dependent on their attitude. 4. Don't bring up your past hurts any more to yourself, your family, and your church.
Don't be held captive by past hurts - release yourself to show a new picture to your church.
Episode 138: Setting the Tone for the Holidays
How do we set a good tone for the holidays.
Our churches need us to embody the celebratory nature of Christmas, now more than ever.
- Practice what you preach...be thankful.
- Have a purpose to your activities.
- Block some time away early.
- Include your family.
- Think opportunities, don't berate your Christmas only attenders.
- Be generous.
- Laugh a lot.
- Take some time to look forward with Hope and joy!
Episode 137: Ministry's Hardest Decisions
- Decision to allow someone to speak at your church
- Decision to move (and when to tell your congregation)
- Decision to remove someone from ministry
- Decision to ask someone to leave your church
- Decision to confront an issue or person - really spiritual warfare
- Decision to be in ministry-it shouldn’t be something you just jump into. “If you can do anything else, then you should.” If you aren’t called to ministry, you won’t last.
- Decision to resign
- Decision to retire
Episode 137: Know Your Church's Heart
There are some simple questions you can and should ask people in your church to understand their heart... It would be good to ask these of your : 1. ministry staff 2. Deacons or elders 3. Sunday school teachers 4. youth or different age groups
Questions to ask 1. Why does this church exist? 2. What gets this church excited? 3. What gets you excited in church? 4. What ministry does this church do? 5. What ministry does your age group do? 6. Who was the last person baptized in your church? 7. Who was the last person to join your church? 8. What things are the sacred cow of your church - you dare not change? 9. What're three things we should stop doing? What are three things we should keep doing?
Episode 135: Target Practice
1 Peter 2:9-12
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. -- 1 Peter 2:9-10 (CSB)
Does your church have a target problems 1. A floating target? * Following fads * Constantly redefining the target
- The wrong target?
- Shooting at a metric that Jesus didn’t
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Bodies, Baptisms and Budgets
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No target?
- Not intentional
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If you aim at nothing - you will hit it every time
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The target
- The church exists for one timeless purpose- to glorify God by making disciples
3 identities on the target 1. We are worshippers. Vs 5 and 9
- We are family
Not just as individuals but collectively “One another” is used over 70 times in scripture We are sharing life together
- We are missionaries to everyone else
Vs 11-12 Our identity fuels us And directs us
Episode 134: Encouraging Signs In Local Churches
Alan and Trent talk from their heart about observations they have made over the last months.
Episode 133: No Other Gods
6 potential "false gods" in our ministry Placing people above God 1. Will cause you to live in fear 2. Will cause you to stop speaking the truth
Placing security above God Placing comfort above God Placing a paycheck above God Placing family above God Placing preference above God alan@enduringchurches.consulting trent@enduringchurches.consulting
Episode 132: Symptoms of A Critical Church Culture Many of our churches in the United States have developed a critical culture Criticism - a Critical Cricket a Fault Finder an Idea Incinerator a Results Rebel (never good enough) A critical spirit tears down those around us and robs us of our own ability to enjoy life. When we become overly critical, we miss out on the beauty that God has placed in this world. Small blessings go unnoticed, and we stop being thankful. Overcoming a critical spirit requires gratefulness, a willingness to forgive, an accurate understanding of God’s grace (it’s free!), an intentional refocusing of our thoughts, and a commitment to share the truth in love. Complaining - inner 2 year old wants something what happens to a critical church 1. The church is made up of people. So when people are complainers and critical - it spreads like a cancer.
2. It runs people off - because it makes people uncomfortable
folks don't like conflict it runs pastors off 3. Some folks will join in because they like gossip - scripture calls it a tasty morsel.
4. A church can gain a reputation of being critical
Overcoming a critical spirit is a matter of sanctification, and we have the Holy Spirit’s help with that . 1. submit to God, 2. read His Word, 3. develop a thankful heart 4. and pray for grace, we will find that the critical spirit gives up control to the Holy Spirit of Christ. 5. address the issue
Episode 131: Efficiency Versus Effectiveness
In ministry we have to remember that efficiency can sometimes kill your ministry
- We are working on God’s timeline and in his power
- We are dealing with people
- Our people need our undivided attention
- Hearing their story will change your view of them
- Listening takes time
Are you more worried about the schedule in the bulletin or in allowing God to work and be in charge?
Episode 130:
Satisfied?
“...Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” verse 4
For reading and meditation: Luke 4:1-4
We remember Satan is a counterfeiter. He creates fake items to dangle in front of God’s children as substitutes for God’s real items. Jesus is truly hungry in this passage and in need of some sustenance. Satan offers him mere calories - sweet bread.
Jesus knows there is an item far more satisfying than bread. Jesus knows experiencing God’s presence is really satisfying; a deep down, unbeatable satisfaction. See Psalm 16:11. “In Your presence is fullness of joy.” The one Hebrew word translated fullness of joy (soba) refers to real satisfaction. Jesus knew remaining in God’s presence was His source of real satisfaction. He would not forfeit the beauty of real satisfaction to experience the fleeting satisfaction of eating a few sweet calories of bread.
Have you and I eaten some of Satan’s sweets when we were hungry? How satisfying was it for you? Those in Christ look to God to satisfy them. It is in His power and by His strength we stand, move, and have our being. It is our intimate walk with God that sustains. Let’s not forfeit our walk with God for one sweet bite of a fake.
Be a tourist
Be a food critic
Be a tour guide
Be a chamber spokesperson
Three elements to consider * constitution * bylaws * Policies and procedures
Constitution is broad and covers governing values and principles. * The overarching thought is " who we are?" * Relates to a person * changes on rare occasions in big moments when married, or become a parent... or experience a tragedy. * for a church big moments can cause a shift and need to re-identify a church. + time after a scandal + years of conflict + merger + a season of explosive growth
Bylaws are the specific governing properties that arise from the constitution. * The overarching thought is "how do we do this? " * Relates to the skeletal system * Should be reviewed often and amended or changed every few years. + Have laws changed? + Has culture shifted? - ex. fewer business meetings + Has leadership changed? + Is the structure effective? + Was something not addressed that should be addressed? + Are you following them, which is technically a legal requirement.
Policies and procedures * The over-arching thought is "what is important to us?" * Cover the ever-changing details of church operations * Relates to the skin and organs * should be examined yearly for effectiveness + should be maintained by church leadership + should be available and affirmed by leadership + protect people within the church and the church itself + define roles and responsibilities within the church
Remember: 1. Organizational structures are not forever - one reason the Bible doesn't give us an exact structure. 2. Don't over complicate our documents: Constitution is like a page or two, bylaws a few pages; policies and procedures are much more comprehensive, but also most easily changed. 3. Use a team to evaluate, don't just trust yourself 4. Remember you are legally responsible to follow your constitution and bylaws.
Episode 128: Lengthening Out Your Pastor's Tenure
6 Questions to consider in increasing pastor tenure in your church 1. Can you pay your pastor enough to keep him? 2. Can the power paradigm shift? 3. Are there unaddressed trust issues? 4. Does the pastor fit your context? 5. Are you making it hard for your pastor to leave? 6. Are you taking a stand against harmful voices in the church?
Episode 127: Can it be Revitalized?
The buzzword in church life is revitalization. Everyone is talking about it because it's a huge need. So We need to talk about revitalization 1. Churches need to be honest about their situation and their numbers. When was the last time your church had a baptism? When was the last time your church welcomed a new member? When was the last time your church welcomed a new baby to the church family? 2. Churches need to make a decision- what are they actually willing to do and change? 3. Then the church has to commit to follow through 4. Churches need some outside help to show them reality and possibilities.
Churches in decline need to face some hard realities Revitalize - the long term plan to renew their health through a change of vision and strategic change. Need a plan Replant - A church can relaunch with a new name and plan - but they must have a partnering church to a. foster b. adopt c. financially support Repurpose - Creatively steward facilities for the continued glory of the larger kingdom of God So start now and look at your church - do you need revitalized in some way?
Episode 126: 6 Pastor's Who Won't Likely Endure
6 types of pastors who will struggle to endure 1. The know it all pastor. 2. The self-centered pastor. 3. The lazy pastor. 4. The emotionally unintelligent pastor. 5. The unspiritual pastor. 6. The isolated pastor
Some corrective actions... * Be teachable * Know Yourself * Work hard * Love your family and your flock + Can't love who you don't know * Remember you are on a spiritual journey * Build relationships and accountability with other pastors
Episode 125: Separation Anxiety We see it all the time in ministry. - someone who has been very involved in the church. Suddenly they begin to distance themselves from everyone. How do you handle this separation? Is it important or not? Satan loves to separate us from our family. We will never get to the right places until we listen to the right voices. Most of the time we wait too long to ask. We don't want to offend.
Episode 124: When to Add a New Service
- You are at practical capacity
- Pre-COVID was 80%, but its probably less now
You can meet a different audience at a different time
- might be a different day
You are trying to create a new worship feel/style
- Are you avoiding conflict or are you meeting needs?
You want to create more preaching opportunities
- Are you equipping so many people in ministry, they need outlets to serve.
Some keys to think about 1. Give people time to process the change 2. Try it for a trial basis 3. Make sure you can build the volunteer team needed 4. Create opportunities for the church family to share common causes and experiences.
Episode 123: Guests and the Gifts We Give Them
- A primary gift thats has you church name/logo/mission
- a bag of some type
- a mug
- a folder
- Information about the church
- general information
- specific ministries, esp. kids, students, and missions
- a set of links or QR code
- A book
- We Wants You Here by Thom Rainer
- a short book about the importance of a church
- a book your church is studying together
- A gospel presentation
- tract/video link to one
- Gift cards
- coffee shop...
- A notification that a gift is being made in the guest's honor to a local mission for picking up a bag.
- Something for the kids
- T-shirts
- Candy
Episode 122: Compassion Fatigue People who are caregivers are at risk for developing compassion fatigue because they become overwhelmed with caring for others. What is Compassion Fatigue? "Compassion fatigue, also known as second-hand shock and secondary stress reaction, describes a type of stress that results from helping or wanting to help those who are traumatized or under significant emotional duress." https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychpedia/compassion-fatigue Merriam Webster medical definition: the physical and mental exhaustion and emotional withdrawal experienced by those who care for sick or traumatized people over an extended period of time "Unlike burnout, which is caused by everyday work stresses (dealing with insurance companies, making treatment choices), compassion fatigue results from taking on the emotional burden of a patient's agony."— Tim Jarvis Examples: People stopping in at the church asking for help Covid-19 illness and death Counselors hearing traumatic stories from their clients Pastors ministering to families in crisis How do you recognize it? Compassion fatigue can take a physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional toll on people who experience it. Common symptoms of compassion fatigue include: * Chronic physical and emotional exhaustion * Anxious and intrusive thoughts * Cynicism * Irritability * Feelings of self-contempt * Difficulty sleeping * Numbness or feelings of having nothing left to give * Headaches * Poor job satisfaction
What are solutions for compassion fatigue? 1. Recognizing you have it is half the battle 2. Realize that you are not the savior of the world 3. Daily quiet time with God 4. Set healthy boundaries 5. Make self care a top priority 1. reduce your stress load 2. get enough sleep 3. take vacations 4. exercise 5. eat healthy 6. journal
Episode 121: Starting Over
How do you?
- Don't burn your bridges
- If you carry anger from a previous place of ministry - it will show to others and will put up barriers to new relationships
* Remember what it was like the last time you had to begin
* Be bold - take the first steps to reach out to new people
* Learn the story of what has lead your church to its present place
* Listen to people, hear their stories
* Look for the big opportunity - person of peace
* Establish good habits
Episode 120: Ranger Danger
Dangers of a Lone Ranger Ministry 1. Lack of encouragement 2. Lack of accountability 3. Loss of an outside perspective 4. Limited support 5. Likelihood of burnout
3 Be's to think about Be available Be vulnerable Be coachable
Episode 119: Transitions
Transitions are ...a reality ...necessary ...emotional ...stress filled ...an opportunity
Episode 118: Bite Your Tongue
(recorded in early June)
1 Peter 3:10 For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Recently I have been in places where I wanted to tell someone off because I was tired of their attitude etc. 6 times we need to hold our tongues * Profanity and course language * Speaking in anger * Untimely sarcasm * Insensitivity * Tearing down others * Gossip
When should we speak out? * when we are protecting someone else
Unity is a huge valuable commodity in our churches. So we should do all we can to protect unity. That may mean giving up our right to blow up the church with our words.
Episode 117: From Nashville With Love
Change is forever in front of us. Today we look at the organizational struggle of change.
Why we struggle:
- People leading change sometimes hate change.
- Most change happens without asking our opinion.
- The church is about to experience change like it’s not seen in centuries.
- It will take years to figure out what happened
How to deal with it: 1. Add some change and see how it grows in you. 2. Roll with changes that involve any non-essential doctrine of faith. 3. Pray for those who will become the key leaders of change
Episode 116: 5 Areas to Improve Communication
- In our preaching - with our congregation - how is it different? - Engaging more than the mind - Heightened emphasis on experience and application - video files and series
- In our leadership - with staff/lay leaders - the more sensitive, the more direct
- In our written communication i.e. emails - can't unsend
- In our social media - stays out there
- In our homes - don't give them the leftovers of your attitude - communicate love first before frustration or disappointment
Episode 115: Exegeting Your Audience
Who are the people that commonly attend your services? * spiritual maturity? * common issues or struggles? * deficiencies or weaknesses?
note: don't forget your online attenders Who are the guests that attend your church? * how are they different from your regular attenders? * what are the unchurched like in your community?
What is your community's culture? * urban, suburban, rural? * fast, slow * values * employers
Are you connecting with the heart and the head?
Episode 114: Enjoy Your Ministry
Focusing on the hard parts and the parts of ministry that suck the life out of you will turn you negative about all of ministry. But there is so much good
Jeremiah 29:11 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Your call to ministry was given by God in order to bless you. He wants you to be blessed and have joy.
God didn't call you to ministry in order to punish you. God gave you your ministry as a gift to bless you.
We get used to talking negatively about ministry. We talk about the hard things and the parts we don't enjoy - but maybe its time to focus on the parts we do enjoy.
Enjoy the parts that energize you * What do you do on a weekly basis that gets you excited? * What things do you get to do that cause you to really smile?
Enjoy the right now * Sometimes we get so caught up looking to the future - that we forget to enjoy what is happening today.
Enjoy the people * The people are the blessing - There are some that cause us trouble - but there are so many more who are an absolute blessing. Focus on those.
Enjoy the place * They say the grass is always greener somewhere else * The reality is the grass is always greener over the septic tank * every place has its problems. * look around and count the blessings of where you are now.
God has placed you where you are today in order to gift you and grow you!
Every place of ministry can be better. Let us come and help you see the blessings and the potential.
Episode 112: Jealous Much
As ministers you would think that we are a very confident lot - we sure have a lot of bluster that looks confident. Unfortunately - our bluster covers up a boatload of inadequate feelings. We compare ourselves to others all the time and we struggle with feelings of Jealousy when we look at other ministers.
The joke is that when asked about church attendance - we speak ministerially which means we inflate our numbers to inflate our ego.
What happens when we compare? 1. when we compare ourselves to others - we lessen our calling by God. 2. when we compare ourselves to others - we turn a shared effort into a competition. 3. when we compare ourselves to others - we tend to focus on non-essentials.
What does Jealousy do to us? * creates unwarranted stress. * destroys healthy relationships * implodes your image
Book - When People are Big and God is Small
Episode 111: Thinking Outside In
You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Reminder: Your building is not likely your first impression; that's your website. Your building and property do matter....What do people see? 1. Does it fit your context? 2. Is it clearly marked and visible? * signage * lighting
- Is it clean and cared for?
- Parking issues?
- get rid of the Pastor's privileged parking spot
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parking lot?
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Have you driven in as a first time person?
-
example of our bridge crossing
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Do people know where to go?
- Signs
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Greeters
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Is your property "open" or "closed"
- park?
- other?
Episode 110: An Empty Tank
Have you ever felt like you had nothing to give to your church, your family - anyone? Are you feeling overwhelmed by the demands of ministry. * An empty bucket can't feed anyone. * Sometimes we give and give and give. But we never take time to be filled and fed ourselves.
Our ministry won't go far on an empty tank. In fact you may consider getting of the road of ministry all together.
So what causes an empty tank? Some major causes:
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Compassion fatigue
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Decision fatigue
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Success fatigue
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Personal fatigue
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Physical fatigue
Signs:
How can we turn things around - You should listen to our podcast that came out last week called - wanna get away!
How is your worship time? Jesus said the number one thing we need to focus on is loving God.
You have to get to a place where you can take time for yourself and God
You can't give what you don't have.
Read - Leading on Empty by Wayne Cordeiro Didn't See It Coming - Carey Nieuwhof
From Tim Stevens 1. Get some far-away friends. perspective 2. Amp up your learning. 3. Take a sabbatical. 4. Find a hobby. 5. Build a team 6. Get counseling 7. Do something else 8. Go somewhere else
https://www.vanderbloemen.com/blog/8-tips-for-pastors-struggling-with-burnout
Episode 109: Wanna Get Away
We all wanna get away, but why do we Need a get away? * Our mental state needs refreshed - restarting your computer * Our perspective needs widened - no signal here - gotta move * Our skills need sharpened - reloading software & adding new * Our relationships need renewed - Reconnecting to the network
which one do you need? * A Mental health getaway
* Marriage/Family Getaway
* Spiritual Growth Getaway
* Professional Getaway
* Planning Getaway
* Staff/ volunteer getaway
7 Lessons Learned While Preaching a Doctrinal Sermon Series
- We need to stretch my study muscles more often.
- We have a need to be continual learners.
- Doctrines include a lot of repetition and common foundations.
- Application and illustrations are hard for doctrinal sermons.
- People know less than one would think about doctrine.
- It's okay to not answer every question. Creating curiosity is important.
- Run your preaching plan by trusted sources.
A Missions Mindset Makes a Difference
- Missions are not an excuse to not be on mission.
- Missions do not negate our own community's needs.
- Missions can build a stronger sense of missional activity in the lives of church members.
Cultivating the Missions Mindset 1. Develop an Acts 1:8 culture and mindset (Jerusalem, Judea, uttermost parts all at the same time) and an "as you go" evangelism strategy (Matthew 10:7-14, 28:18-20) 2. Present mission opportunities every month. 3. Find ways to minister in your own community. 4. Take your church on family mission trips. 5. Pray regularly that God will call missionaries from your church. 6. Encourage people to live in the same way the act while doing missions.
Episode106: Curious Statements that Make More Sense
"A dull pencil is better than a sharp mind." - Keith Wiginton * point, don't trust your memory
"Teamwork makes the dream work." - John Maxwell * you can't do it all
"Nothing good comes from tarnishing a hero." -Higgins in Magnum PI * be careful when you want to talk badly about someone. + not always true, but good practical sense
“The purpose of prayer is emphatically not to bend God's will to ours, but rather to align our will to his.” -- John Stott * prayer and trust
"A dog can whoop a skunk but its not worth the fight." - Trent's conference * pick your battles wisely - you may be right but it may not be worth the stink
"If everything is important, then nothing is important." - Patrick Lencioni * simplicity
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Episode 105: Familiar Spirits
Do you deal with the same problem in your church again and again. If so - you have what scripture calls a familiar spirit. Not the Holy Spirit - but an unholy spirit.
What are you dealing with? 1. Gossip 2. backbiting 3. Anger 4. division 5. Negativity
Ephesians 6:11-13 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore take up the full armor of God. . .
How did they get to be part of our church?
How do we deal with those familiar unholy spirits.
- Pray for God's powerful presence.
- Don't normalize the enemy's playbook.
- Model the right behavior.
- Address the issue directly and lovingly.
- Replace the negative with the positive.
- Be vigilant.
Episode 104: The Fences of Accountability
- Fraud or double life?
- Do we discount his whole ministry
- How do we protect our ministry and family
- Accountability is very important
- Set up checks and balances ahead of time
- Honesty is the only way to fix it
- honesty with you spouse
- honesty with some other ministers that you trust
- its hard to have an accountability group with guys in your ministry - you have to really trust them
Interview with David Bowman
For more information on David Bowman and the Tarrant Baptist Association
Episode 101: Close the Gap
What would cause a gap? Question: what is spiritual growth? * simply put...it's obeying Christ (Luke 6:46...Why do you call me Lord and do not do what I say?)
Can my obedience to Christ create a gap between me and my church? * Ideally we want to say no, because obviously if I am more like Christ, then other followers would be excited and following along too. * Yes, Pharisees, Sadducees, even the apostles argued * Yes, not everyone is at the same place in their spiritual journey * The problem isn't our growth, it's that we don't take others with us
5 evidences we might be creating a gap.... * We talk more about sins than sin. * We use ourselves as a positive illustration more than a negative illustration. * We complain about the spiritual immaturity of our people. * We forgot what our lives were like without Christ. * We make the simple elements of faith complicated.
4 helps * practice empathy * maintain a humble spirit * work at lifting your people not pushing down on your people * remember there's people in your church far more spiritually mature than you
Learn more about the Evangelical Presbyterian Church here
Contact Brian at brian.smith@epc.org
Enjoy our conversation as we talk through our 1st 100 episodes; We can't wait to get started on the next 100.
Episode 98: Relevance? Divine or Different
Should we strive for cultural relevance or cultural difference? On the one hand Jesus was the picture of relevance * God became flesh * He experienced life as we do...he was relatable to a 1st century Jew
On the other hand Jesus * never sinned * told his followers to be separate from the world
How do we reconcile... * Be divinely relevant and culturally different. + there is a purpose to our relevance...to communicate God and his truth + culturally different...our lives should set us apart pointing people to Christ
1. Do we spend more time picking out our clothes than we spend in prayer? 2. Are we more worried about how the message comes across or if the message is clear. 3. Are we letting politics and Nationalism take away the power of the message of the gospel? Are we ignoring current concerns? 4. Are people only hearing what we are against and not what we are for?
Episode 97: Unity - Why it's important and how it looks on Sunday mornings
We love to talk about and preach about unity. 1. Why is it important? One flesh = one mind = single minded = focused 2. Any time there is a gap in communication - it will always be filled with negativity. 3. Are you working on your relationship with staff and leaders at times other than Sunday mornings?
What does Unity look like on Sundays for your church 1. 1. Are you and your worship team on the same page? * Are you communicating your sermon title and expectations? * Are you giving them enough time to work with you? 2. Are you and your technology volunteers on the same page? * Are you communicating your sermon title and expectations? * Are you giving them your scripture and main points? * Are you giving them enough time to work with you? 3. Are you and your Small Group / Sunday school leaders on the same page * Are you communicating sermon titles or series to these leaders? * Are you giving them the opportunity to reinforce your teaching?
Are we as pastors keeping our church from functioning as a team? Are we setting out a clear message and letting others teach that message too?
Episode 96: 5 Terms thatAre Becoming More Common
- Church adoption and revitalization
- Digital Discipleship
- Micro Church
- Family Ministry
- Co-vocational or multi-vocational
Episode 95: 5 Ways to Better Relationships
- Develop better listening skills.
- Practice audience appropriate vulnerability.
- Let sincerity rule your day.
- Share the spotlight.
- Ask to pray with people.
Episode 94: 5 Ways to Crush Your Ministry Staff
- Withhold direction
- Withhold the story
- Withhold appreciation
- Make them choose between work and family
- Talk about them instead of talking to them
Interview #14: Our Interview With Mike Conn
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Episode 93: 5 Things Your Ministry Won't Do in 2021
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It will not diminish a sense of guilt
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It will not correct your character
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It will not advance you spiritually
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It will not stay the same
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It will not fix your family
Episode 92: Thinking Ahead
Trent and I are interacting with our thoughts after reading this article on Linked In with some thoughts on future trends and events.
What are some of your reactions to things people expect re-shaping our culture in 2021?
Episode 91: Gifting the Church God gave Himself for your church * + We often talk about the individual aspect of Christ's death, but we need not forget the corporate spect.
God gave His Spirit to empower your church * + Equips for His dynamic power
God has given your church a strategic place and purpose * + stop wishing "if you only had..."
God has gifted your church with you * + influence people for God's Kingdom
God has gifted you with His continual presence * + the encouragement we all need
Episode 90: Breaking Tradition
Quick to form, slow to end * Examples: Valentines Banquet
Embrace or discontinue them? * Is it a Biblical or theological matter? * Does it adhere to your church's mission? * Do people know the story behind the tradition?
A source of conflict when getting rid of them * Know tradition form deep emotional ties for people. * know those who have no attachment truly have no attachment. * The leader has to balance the two sides. + emphasize your mission. + replacing is easier than eliminating. + new traditions need a new story.
Episode 89: The Planning Conundrum
In Preaching * The role of the prophet, mostly forth-telling not foretelling + What is going on in the moment? + Hold plans loosely, be willing to adjust. Trent's preaching calendar
In Programming * What is a good thing to leave behind? * What are you missing?
In Structure * Decentralize your church structure * Empower your people * Simplify your organization, adjust roles.
In Finance * Refer back to episode 79 Budget Imperatives.
Help Yourself * Be flexible * Give yourself a break * Plan in segments * Take a few extra breaks
Episode 88: A Look at a Pastor's Financial Health
Past - clean up on aisle 9 * Evaluate your past decisions * Take a good look at all parts of your finances + cash flow + debt + savings
Present - How do you make financial decisions? * Think long term * Don't react in the short term * Make decisions based on your 70 year old self * "How would my 70 year old self make this decision?"
Future - is Retirement in the bag - or will you be living out of one? * What is your current retirement savings looking? * What could you withdraw monthly and how long would it last?
What are you planning to do? When are you planning to do it? What would you love to do? -Don't plan to retire from ministry - just change venues -Prepare to minister without having to be paid so you can be a huge blessing to someone ---- Somewhere who can't afford you
Episode 87: Heart Issues
Today we talk to Trent about some important matters he has learned a year after his serious heart procedure. Be thankful and inspired that God uses our circumstances to teach us!
Episode #86: Is Online Church Real Church?
1. The importance of an online presence isn’t going anywhere 2. If you don’t have an online presence, you are not going to thrive in the future 3. Is online attendance really church attendance * Why no? + Theological concerns - the church is a gathered body + Practical concerns - how do you disciple? + Logistical concerns - how do you track and monitor? * Why yes? + Theological reasons - for such a time as this + Practical reasons - generations are shifting to more virtual gatherings + Logistical reasons - can spread gospel influence.
Takeaways
- If we connect people in incremental steps, this can be a valuable step in the process.
- Don’t diminish the value of your online attendees.
- You can add people you would otherwise miss.
Remember: People will watch before they visit...how you connect online will help determine if they choose to connect.
Episode 85: Preaching Through This Season Politics and Pandemics have people one edge… * Exegete your people as well as the Bible * Ignoring the events around us in this time is irresponsible. * Do your best to encourage and bring comfort and hope * remind your folks that there are others - Elijah needed that reminder - you're not the only ones
4 words for our preaching 1. Hopefulness 2. Kingdom-mindedness 3. Vulnerability 4. Practicality
What we are preaching on right now… * Walking with God through uncertain times * 13 False teachings - But this week Brayden Harris is preaching "Being a Christian in this crazy world" * Next week Randy Weeaks - makes people laugh
Episode 84: How to Exit Gracefully
All of us will leave a ministry position at some time. 1. Being asked to leave 2. Being led to another position
How do we do that in a way that: 1. glorifies God 2. presents a witness to my community 3. protects the witness of the church 4. protects my witness and that of my family?
Pray - alot! 1. Pray that God gives you grace and mercy He has 2. Pray for your successor 1. that they will have great success 2. that your church won't be wanting you back 3. that the church will move forward in God's power and strength
Have a cohort you trust to ask you questions and that you can vent to
Address the hurt in your heart - if you're asked to leave * keep in mind that your hurt is real and needs to be dealt with before you can move on in a healthy way. * Also keep in mind that God can still work now and will work in that church in the future
When you're led to leave: * When should you tell * who should you tell when? * How long should you stay after telling them you're leaving?
Preaching in the exit * Not a time to bring up all the bad things people have done to you over the years - Remember not everyone has hurt you * Do be gracious * Do point to the goodness of God * Do encourage the church
Much work to be done as you exit * Make a list of things that need to be done or covered * make a list of where important things are - be a blessing to the next guy. * Make a list of important people to get to know in the community * Leave your office very organized
Episode 83: Keeping the Home Fire Burning Stay Sane Centered and Married! Your family is your A-Team! Talk with them a lot - Never put your church leaders or your church ahead of your A-Team Why is your marriage important? 1. You are a team - helpmates for each other 2. You are both called - you each will have ministry opportunities
What impact does ministry have on marriages? 1. Stress over calling versus mutual calling 2. Volunteer staff member versus working in calling 3. Unwritten expectations 4. Conflict issues
How do you keep your marriage strong in the stress of ministry? 1. got to keep dating 2. protect couple time 3. Support your mate’s giftedness 4. do fun things together - shared fun experiences make good memories and keep us "glued" together
Episode 82: Dealing With Sunday Morning Distractions
Common Distractions: * Personal comments + Complaints + Requests * Technology issues + Screen's + Notes + Batteries * Building issues + Power + Thermostats * Security Issues + Odd behavior by a guest + Theft in parking lots
- Personal Issues
- Family conflict
- Internal conflict
Some Helps for the journey 1. Spend time preparing on Saturday for Sunday. 2. Arrive early!!!!!! 3. Shut your door for some time in prayer. 4. Ask people to come back to your later with issues. 5. Stay on the move before and in between services so you are hard to corner. * A moving target is harder to hit.
Episode 81: Ways We Move the Finish Line A moving finish line creates * confusion * frustration * disconnection
Great leaders communicate with clarity - right now its hard to do 1. In Discipleship --- * What does a disciple look like? * Changes from sermon series to sermon series * Define your process + Purpose Driven church had bases;
In Church Membership ---
- Expectations to no expectations
- How do you determine church membership?
In Leadership Expectations ---
- Some are held accountable others are not
- Define roles
- Set expectations
- Follow up
In Mission and Vision ---
- Constantly changing
- Seminar syndrome - we copy and paste from new things
- Give at least 3-5 years to a clear vision
October Giveaway: Bringing out the best in any size church by Gary Mcintosh email Alan@enduringchurches.consulting or Trent@enduringchurches.consulting and tell us about you and your church. You will be entered into our October drawing!
Episode 80: The Rule of Good Starts
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A good start requires pre-planning.
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Free energy
- Practice a ministry,
- run through the highs and lows of what you expect.
- COVID has revealed this is a weakness in our culture.
- Rate of change/marketing
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A good start requires intentional effort.
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Mindset
- If we don’t care about the start, it's harder to care about the results.
- Not moving too fast or too slow
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A good start sets the right tone.
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Out front making adjustments to keep you there
- Prepares you to be in a hold out versus a catch up position.
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A good start sets you up to go the distance.
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You still have the majority of the work to do
- It’s easier to embrace pain out front than in the back.
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The good news bad starts are hard to recover from, but not impossible.
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Pray more!
Episode 79: Budget Imperatives of 2021
- Plan for a shortfall
- 0-10%
- 10-20%
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20+%
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Protect the staff
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1 concern is job security
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Uneasy times for people in ministry
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Prioritize generosity
- Giving is contagious
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Our communities need us
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Shed unneeded expenses
- Light on your feet and flexible
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What are expenses that you have that you don’t need?
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Know your necessities
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What cannot be stopped, delayed, or dissolved
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Expect an increase in technology expenditures
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Streaming, website, online presence, video recording
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Plan on celebrating God’s faithfulness
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Celebrating God’s provision leads us to better awareness
Episode 78: How Are You Talking About Giving?
- Talk about God stories - not paying the bills
- Start every worship service with a God story
- Talk about generosity not tithing
- Your budget drives generosity
Talk about investing in lives Talk about how your church or your missions are blessing people Use videos and stories Celebrate financial victories Remind people of our interview with Todd McMichen Take a piece of paper * on the top left - write down 3 or 4 of the most generous people that you know personally * Now in the middle of the page draw a stick figure around that "generous person" * I want you to write down some traits of those generous people you listed. You should be able to come up with a bunch. * Now I want you to make another list. List the words that we typically use when we talk about giving at church. Are your two lists the same - I bet not. Wouldn't you rather preach on the first list?
see also:
https://enduringchurches.podbean.com/e/i11-interview-with-todd-mcmichen/
Episode 77: Membership and How to Do it Additional thought…make it very contextual to your church and your setting. Why have them? * Membership matters * Romans 12:5 - members of one another * Why do people resist membership? + Hurt + Lack of commitment + Rise of non-denoms and drift of good theology
Start a membership class What’s in them? * The Gospel * Core church doctrines * Expectations + Examples: small groups + Giving + Serving + Going
How long do they have to be? * Make it right for your setting
When do you do them? * Don’t have to be married to a calendar * Try to have one 3-4 times a year
What other findings about membership classes have you discovered?
Guided by a blog from Dr. Chuck Lawless. Read his blog here
So how are your mental reserves? How are your emotional reserves? How are your relationship reserves Are you doing ministry all on your own power?
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You have a bad attitude about serving.
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You pray primarily only when you must.
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You tend to think you can accomplish anything.
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You don’t really live a life of dependence.
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Your strongest days of walking with God are in the past.
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You’re losing the private sin battle.
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You admire people who seem to be truly walking with God, but you don’t change.
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Your family knows a different you than the public you.
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You just know your reality.
Episode 74: Steps to Stopping Depression
Recognize the signs
* Mood: anxiety, apathy, general discontent, guilt, hopelessness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, mood swings, or sadness * Behavioral: agitation, excessive crying, irritability, restlessness, or social isolation * Sleep: early awakening, excess sleepiness, insomnia, or restless sleep * Whole body: excessive hunger, fatigue, or loss of appetite * Cognitive: lack of concentration, slowness in activity, or thoughts of suicide * Weight: weight gain or weight loss * Also common: poor appetite or repeatedly going over thoughts
Be proactive - decide to do something
Call a lifeline - call on another minister you trust
Be a lifeline - recognize that other ministers are dealing with this
Remember your staff and volunteers are having the same struggles
Remember your spouse -
- plan a special date for them
- write them a card or letter to let them know how much you appreciate them
We are on a break working on new content. We selected this interview with Paul McGinnis of VOMO, a volunteer management solution for your church.
Be sure to check them out.
Episode 70: Your Calling Keeps You There
We had a great time discussing our stories with you. Here's some important takeaways.
Your calling keeps you there... 1. When things are going wrong. 2. When people are questioning your decisions. 3. Only to leave if God’s calls elsewhere - its a pull not a push.
Episode 69: Sticky Statements that have Carried Us Inspired by some quotes listed by Dr. Chuck Lawless
http://chucklawless.com/2020/06/simple-leadership-statements-that-have-challenged-me-through-the-years-part-1/
From Alan: A good sermon begins with a good text. A dull pencil is better than a sharp mind. The best way to pastor is by keeping the baptismal waters stirring. What happens when it works? You only have to please an audience of One. Trent A lack of planning on your part does not make a crisis on my part Remember your audience Its all good and its getting better!
Episode 68: Personal Challenges to Enduring in Ministry
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Loneliness
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Personal sin
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Marital/Family problems
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Spiritual drift
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Emotional toll of ministry
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Dwelling on the down moments
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Financial mismanagement or not making enough
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Health issues
Episode 67: How to Spot a Contentious Church and How to Help It
Most people don’t see the depth of how contentious a church can become because they themselves are not contentious.
Some root causes 1. Short pastor tenures with the same long term lay leadership. 2. A history of contention. * Ask lots of questions about history before you go to that church.
A stubborn attraction to the past.
Structures and attitudes that promote disharmony.
An unchallenged church bully. - shadow pastor
Business meetings that become a free for all.
What to do? 1. Don’t be surprised: the enemy loves discord. 2. If without a pastor consider an intentional interim or transitional pastor. 3. Address it directly and work with through the pain. 4. Encourage prayer for one another. 5. Pray for Godly leaders to emerge 6. Consider structures that make it harder to have contention. 7. Move challenging business meeting items to teams or boards for consideration. 8. Consider if you can survive it. * We are called to say "yes" to God even if it means staying and fighting * Someone needs to be "the guy" who will change things so its better for the next guy * Have a good group of mentor pastors to be able to visit with. * Be constantly communicating with your spouse and kids - ask them how they are feeling
Episode 66: 8 Leadership Hats We Wear
- Servant Leader - overarching approach for ministry. Make ministry about Jesus.
* Entrepreneurial Leader - willingness to start new initiatives.
* Visionary Leader - ability to see the future and move the church towards it.
* Intellectual Leader - communicating Biblical and Doctrinal truth. Learning and growing, knowing where to get good information.
* Organizational Leader - understanding principles of how organizations work best to accomplish long term goals.
* Community Leader - being visible in your community and having a positive reputation.
* Crisis Leader - able to shift into a whole new level of leadership, fluid decision making.
* Decisive Leader - having the strength to make a tough decision and to stand by it.
Episode 65: Multiplication Matters Why multiplication is important * Explosive growth is a Biblical event - Pentecost * Changes the dynamics of a church * Enlarges God’s kingdom
Hindrances to multiplication * Fear of failure * Loss of relationships * Turf-mindedness * Not willing to invest the time * Not thinking we know enough
Best places to start multiplication * Small groups * Worship services * Outreach events * Church planting * Prayer times
The church will die with just addition - we just can't keep up numerically We grow people who carry on the vision and the church will thrive with multiplication!
Episode 64: Should You Market Your Church?
You're investing and equipping
Ephesians 4: 11So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Marketing your church gives your members tools to start conversations and to let folks know what God is doing in your church
So ask yourself - "What is your church doing to get the word out about church and in turn Jesus?"
Purpose: is it for kingdom work or personal reputation?
Ways you already market * Sermon art * Church logo * Information cards * Gift bags * Signage * Apparel
Marketing is changing… * Insourcing to outsourcing - What can folks in your church do - and what should you get someone outside to do? + Website * Mail out to e-mail outs, texts * Guerilla marketing to social marketing * video is expected * egiving - develop generosity - this can be a way to get the word out too. * Pray for technology people to come to church - then give them permission to work.
Hindrances: * Old wine in new wineskins * New wine in old wineskins * Cost * Measurables
Book: Connect: How to Grow Your Church in 28 Days by Don Corder
Join us for our conversation with Kelly Pollock. The bi-vocational youth minister at Patterson Avenue Baptist Church.
Episode 63: Pastoring a Long Established Church Taking the pastorate of an older church... * Change does take time. Be patient.
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The attitude “We were here before you got here and will be here after you’re gone” usually proves true. Your attitude toward that statement will be reflected in the changes you choose to make and in your leadership.
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The only way you change #2 is by staying a long time and doing a lot of funerals.
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Make yourself as much of the community’s pastor as well as your churches.
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Laugh at yourself a lot, many older churches take themselves way too serious, so set a good tone.
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BE VISIBLE!
Episode 62: Is my need to be right killing my church?
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5
All churches are looking for the complete package (which doesn't exist) a great preacher and great pastor
Rarely do you find someone outside of Jesus who is great at both.
So Today I want to ask you - how are you at the pastoral care part?
to get you to think about this - we want to talk about dogmatic behavior
The "KNOW IT ALL" There are certain people that need to be right all the time. These people tend to be argumentative, provoking confrontation, attacking other points of view, defending their points of view. * Know anybody like that? * Are you sometimes like that? * some people are not only always right – they are never wrong.
You have a choice between being right and being kind - choose kind. * Do you have a teachable spirit or not? * Can you learn from your deacons? * Can you learn from others on your staff? * Can you learn from the older ladies in your church? * Can you learn from someone in your church who opposes you or chews you out?
Sometimes Christians and even Pastors can be so dogmatic about their opinions that they literally kill their church. 1. Not talking about points that scripture is clear about 2. But even with theology we can be kind without saying scripture is wrong 3. Listen - If you hear yourself always talking then there is a problem 4. Ask questions - and listen 5. Ask for forgiveness
A need to be always right comes from a very insecure place - * Bob Goff said sometimes they are sharks and sometimes they are just insecure dolphins. * Unconditional love verses Conditional love (based in fear) * Whatever it is that you feel is inadequate about you has made you unable to love yourself. Being unable to love yourself has made you unable to love others.