For he said to me “My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.” II Cor. 12:9 The Message I understand when I see the memes and hashtags that say “you are enough” So many people in this world are drowning in messages of self-loathing and inadequacy, […]
After my last post, it has caused me to be more hopeful with my email inbox. So many times in the busyness of each day, I see my emails as a bother or an interruption. I constantly remind myself to slow down and pay attention. Hopeful is an exciting way to live life. I am
Hopefulness in Email Read More »
Larry Glover-Wetherington This blog refers to the November E-ncourager article on “Five Spiritual Practices for Congregations.” The first spiritual practice was Listening. Listening to God, to one another, and to our neighborhood. Baptist congregations typically make decisions using Roberts Rules of Order, which are good as a structure for order of business, but in several
Having Difficult Congregational Conversations Read More »
We are in the relationship business. From the beginning God created us for relationship. Jesus became man to build relationships with us. He had compassion on the people. Everywhere he went he clashed with the Temple elite because he put people ahead of the rules. Some people are easy to love and these are probably
People are the Most Important Read More »
In response to my earlier article, I would like to clarify some concepts of vacation. I have been on vacation before when the entire time was spent in go! go! go! and spend! spend! spend! modes. Potential problems with that are that upon return you are tired rather than refreshed and perhaps in debt or
Problematic Vacations? Read More »
In last month’s article I shared four ways to go about planting new seeds in your church’s ministry. The last point of partnering, “partnering with other churches”, is generating good feedback in Barnabas Partnership discussions with ministers. There are at least three benefits to taking this approach. The first win is that you get to
Plant a new partnership with other churches in your community Read More »
One of the issues that churches fail to consider when building or renovating new space is the future cost of operating that space. A new space presents potential increases in utilities, cleaning supplies, janitorial services, insurance premiums and maintenance costs even if it is never used! 75% of the lifetime cost of a building is
After the Keys Are Yours Read More »
From infancy, babies learn trust. When a baby cries, they are soothed; when they are hungry, someone makes sure they are fed; when a baby has a wet diaper, their diaper is changed and they are made comfortable again. When children are left with competent, loving leaders for a period of time, they learn their
From the Very Beginning…… Read More »
Many ministers are considering moving to other careers. What are some of the reasons these moves are contemplated? Is the church becoming a more difficult place to work? Is God calling these ministers to unfamiliar places of ministry in a different context? Is it a misunderstanding of calling? I would like to hear your comments
Ministry in Other Contexts Read More »
Many ministers are caught in the church’s downsizing brought about by fewer members and diminishing finances. What are the warning signs that hint downsizing may be coming? How can we help ministers in mid-career retool for the next step in ministry? I would like to hear your comments about these thought provoking questions. Contact me
Warning Signs for Ministers Read More »
