We asked ministry leaders from around the country to respond to some key questions TMC has been engaging with in recent months. For the last few weeks, we have been sharing some of their perspectives and insights. Through their responses, we hope you encounter a combination of common ground, points of intersection with your context and experiences, new and challenging insights, as well as encouragement and inspiration.
What Might You Want to Pay More Attention To? Part One and Part Two
“We are living in chaotic times that have people asking fundamental questions like, ‘What does it mean to be human and build communities of human flourishing?’ If there is a future to the local church, leaning into questions like this is a good place to start.”- Kris Rocke, Executive Director, Street Psalms, Tacoma WA.
“I am noticing that ministry leaders are searching for ways to prioritize their wellness and that of their families, with minimal impact to the ministry, which is sometimes not possible in sustainable ways. There is opportunity for framed conversations around wellness and care from the ministry leader to the last pew/ministry area and vice versa.”- Erica St. Bernard, LCMFT, Kingdom Fellowship AME, Bowie MD
What Are The Anchoring Elements of Your Ministry Worth Holding On To? Part One and Part Two
“Reading and reflecting on Scripture. Regular and fervent prayer, in which we feel liberated to ask God for what we really need, not just for what we think we’re supposed to need.” – Katie Nakamura Rengers, church planter and staff officer for Church Planting for The Episcopal Church. Birmingham, AL.
“Young people desire to be seen and heard in the church. Don’t change the message, change the form. Translate ritual into newer forms that are less tied to old power structures. Translating church into experiences of welcome, safety, and belonging. This is embedded in the church but articulated in heady theology versus a more liberating and narrative theology.”- Rev. Kelly Chatman, Executive Director, Center for Leadership and Neighborhood Engagement, Minneapolis, MN.
What Does Mature Ministry Leadership Look like? Part One and Part Two
“The most mature ministry leaders I know possess a deep confidence in their unique gifts. Rather than trying to be “one size fits all” pastors who do “all the things,” these leaders embrace their distinct callings to serve in specific contexts.” – Jamie Butcher, Pastor of Covenant Presbyterian, Atlanta, GA
“The mature leaders that I know are the ones who call balls and strikes. They haven’t compromised their beliefs for political points, and they have not capitulated to the desires of political institutions to subvert the Word of God with political messaging. They keep their eyes on the unseen things and preach and teach with eternity in mind. They also engage in hard conversations while not trying to look like they have all the answers. I can’t speak to their resourcing. I believe it comes down to a basic understanding of what we have been called to do: to lead people to Christ through the preaching of the Gospel.” – Albert Russell, Pastor Grace Cumberland Presbyterian, Millbrook, AL. Assistant Provost for Academic Program, Tuskegee University.
What’s Worth Measuring? Part One and Part Two
“I believe church membership needs to be critiqued and measured in a new way. Not just counting names on a roster but actual involvement. Discipleship and Evangelism needs to be measured in ways that help the body of Christ stay healthy in their personal relationship with Christ and a strategy that lends to growing the body.” – JaCynthia Bailey, Minister, Co-Founder of The Bailey Network, Durham, NC.
“As someone who relies heavily on numbers, I am learning to trust other metrics. Our giving continues to decrease, but the congregation seems to be very content, engaging with each other, building nurturing relationships, and attending worship regularly. I believe I need to start paying more attention to those metrics. Do people feel excited to come to church? Do they enjoy each other? Do they find a meaningful message in our various ministries that gives them hope and courage?” – Jasiel Hernandez Garcia, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church Kerrville, TX
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