We are now almost two years into a global pandemic. To say that vocational leaders are tired and discouraged would be a colossal understatement. On the front end of it, most seemed to quickly acknowledge, “this isn’t going to be a sprint, we’re going to have to lace up for a marathon.” And pastors did just that.

Why is it imperative that we encourage people to attend church regularly?

Imagine a situation when a church rents space in a building that is owned by one of the church board members. Or imagine if a pastor hires a member of his family to work for the church. Are these examples of a conflict of interest Maybe. Maybe not.

If a knife is blunt it continues to be a knife but less effective and useful. It takes iron to sharpen iron. The ABNWT cohort initiative is creating a resourced network of leaders who sharpen up through training, peer learning, and coaching on the biggest internal and external challenges of ministry. Cohorts are a catalyst helping leaders create the capacity to fulfill their calling so they can lead their church in becoming relentlessly outbound.

It's easy to be distracted by challenges beyond our control. Here are four things you can control – four investments to make in seasons of waiting.

The town of Terrace Bay on the shore of Lake Superior in Ontario struggled — like many small towns — to maintain its economy and population through turbulent times. But there was hope for a bright future if the town could harness its potential and focus on adaptation. The town was revitalized, but the local Pentecostal church was still living in the past and dying in the present. Could a church live again?

The search committee says, “We want to have more influence in this community for the kingdom of God. Will you come and help us?” Who could resist responding to that kind of invitation?

Pastor, you are a sower of ideas. When you sow seeds of possibility in the minds of disciples you can reap a crop of new disciples. Don’t keep the faith. Pass it along.

Big things can happen in a small town when church leaders trust God, focus on the mission and mobilize their congregation to reach out and share the love of Jesus with their community. Watch James Tripps's story.

This years’ Ministers Gathering is designed to be a refreshing and refuelling retreat for pastors and ministry leaders who are in need of a fresh word of encouragement. From the speakers to the themes to the schedules, this year will be focused on pouring into you and your family and caring for our souls. Our goal is for our pastors and ministry leaders to feel like they’ve had a 1-week vacation after they’ve been to Ministers Gathering.

No matter where you’re reading this from, this past year has been unlike any other. The world has changed and perspectives have shifted. Norms, standards, and daily rituals, like getting up and driving to work, are no longer common practices. The upcoming generation is facing new challenges and circumstances that even 10 years ago we wouldn’t have given a second thought.

Priority needs to be given to developing young leaders and placing them in roles and positions where they are point leaders and time given to debrief and provide guidance and support. If a leader doesn’t get experience in leading, they will not fully develop their confidence as leaders. The only way to develop confidence is to do it. This is why senior leaders must place leadership development as a priority.

“You’re the boss now!” These were some of the most exciting yet terrifying words I had ever heard. Quite honestly, I never imagined myself as a lead pastor. I spent six and a half years serving as a youth and associate pastor in two different churches, and while I felt that God was going to refocus my ministry, I never imagined that He would point me towards a lead pastor role.

Burning the ships is not the only path to a relentless mission. Clarity, focus, and adaptation help navigate the unchartered.

The month of October in North America is set aside as Pastor Appreciation Month. While most people appreciate their pastor(s) throughout the year, October, the month of thanks, is a designated time that you can be intentional in how you appreciate and honour your pastor, pastoral team, and their families.

“We discovered in the past 90 days that it requires a lot of administration to settle in a new country and new community. Getting a SIN number, getting a driver’s licence, our children into the new school to mention just a few. We went out fishing, planned a hunt, and moved into our first rental house, all in 90 days.”
Jacques Lombard and his family's account of coming from South Africa to Peace River, Alberta.

We know how difficult it can be to stay encouraged and find affordable resources when you are a small church. At the same time, we believe that small churches are essential to the mission God has for his Church in our local communities and around the world! We have listed and linked some resources that we have found useful, and we hope you will benefit from them too!

Are you going on vacation this summer? You had better be. If I hear you haven’t, expect a visit from me. Here are some pointers for making it a memorable and refreshing getaway.