New England Perspectives
A regularly updated collection of articles written by New England leaders and thinkers. Looking for news articles? Click here.
Thanksgiving: A Season to See God’s Goodness Everywhere
Thanksgiving has a way of slowing us down just long enough to recognize something we often overlook: God’s goodness is not only around us—it is sustaining us, even when life feels heavy. In the busyness of ministry and the challenges of living out our faith in New England, we sometimes need the reminder that the Lord’s care does not change with our circumstances.
When Authority Commands Wrong
In Exodus 1:12-22, we encounter a sobering chapter in Israel’s history. The Israelites, once welcomed as guests in Egypt, had multiplied and prospered. Pharaoh, fearing their growing numbers, turned that blessing into a threat. He enslaved them with forced labor and, ultimately, commanded that every newborn Hebrew boy be killed. These decrees were legal in Egypt, but they were morally abhorrent. Though this story unfolds in ancient times, its tension feels strikingly relevant today as Christians navigate workplaces, institutions, and systems that may expect compliance over conviction. It raises a pressing question for believers in every generation: What should we do when human authority asks us to act unethically?
A Memorial Tribute to Elton Mance Tucker
Few lives weave together scientific achievement, steadfast faith, and deep family devotion as beautifully as the life of Elton Mance Tucker. Born on December 28, 1934, Elton spent his earthly years pursuing discovery, serving others, loving his family, and following the call of Christ with an unwavering heart. On November 9, 2025, he entered the presence of the Lord he cherished all his life.
How Generosity Fuels Vitality in Your Church and Community
We lead in a time that demands bold choices. The church stands at a crossroads where the temptation to grasp tight with closed fists battles against the biblical mandate to give with open hands. Here’s the truth: generosity doesn’t drain vitality, it creates it.
The Vital Role of Third Culture Kids in New England Baptist Churches — and Where They’re Headed
When Baptists in New England talk about mission, discipleship, or church renewal, one often-overlooked resource sits quietly in pews, classrooms, and mission fields: Third Culture Kids (TCKs). These are children who grow up between cultures — commonly the children of missionaries, diplomats, military families, international businesspeople, or immigrants — who form identity in a “third” culture that blends parental and host cultures. For Baptist churches across New England, TCKs are not a marginal curiosity but a growing asset and a prophetic signpost for the church’s future life and witness.
When Pastors Become Employees: Remembering the Sacred Nature of the Calling
Something concerning has been happening quietly in many churches. The ministry, which used to be seen as a sacred calling, is now too often treated as just another job. Pastors, once viewed as shepherds who lovingly guide the flock, are being managed like employees whose value is measured by performance, productivity, and popularity.
The Cost of Convenience: The Danger of AI Spiritual Dependency
In an age of instant answers, many Christians are turning to AI tools like ChatGPT to ask spiritual questions about faith, parenting, salvation, and cultural debates. At first glance, it feels helpful. But what happens when we replace conversation with convenience, and spiritual discernment with digital shortcuts? AI can offer insights, but it cannot offer transformation.
New England Baptists and the Future of Reverse Mission: The Portugal Conference as a Case Study
This article examines the pioneering role of the Baptist Churches of New England (BCNE) in advancing reverse mission within the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). It situates New England Baptists within the wider context of global Christianity and secularization, highlighting their strategic efforts to empower and equip European churches. The Reverse Mission Conference held in Porto, Portugal, on September 19–20, 2025, is analyzed as a case study of how reverse mission is no longer theoretical but being concretely realized through denominational partnerships.
Success Is In The Surrender
I recently read a biography of the life of Elisabeth Elliot. I find her story fascinating. Many of you may know her story. She and her husband, Jim, were missionaries in Ecuador in the 1950s. They lived in the jungle near a remote tribe. Jim and some fellow missionaries were killed by the tribe when they tried to meet them. Elisabeth and her infant daughter continued to live in Ecuador for years after he died. She ended up living in the village with the tribe that killed her husband, sharing the gospel with them and working to learn their language so she could translate the Bible for them. It’s a marvelous story of perseverance, sacrifice, and forgiveness. Their story has been told in several books and movies.
Every Journey Matters: Mission Force 2025
“Mind The Gap!” Have you heard that phrase before? It’s the most common phrase we associate with London’s Underground tube, followed by “See It. Say It. Sorted.” As the leaders sat on the tube this year, numb to those phrases we’ve heard for years, surrounded by the fourth team of “Mission Forcers” taking it all in, our attention was drawn to a small detail in the midst of the big city. An often overlooked, but powerful detail. One that has been right in front of our eyes each one of the 40 days we’ve spent in London since 2022. Three words below the British Transport Underground logo: “Every Journey Matters”
Funding Beyond Survival: Aligning Resources with Your Mission
Revitalization is never just about keeping the doors open. It’s about aligning resources with the mission God has given your church. Yet every pastor knows the tension: giving patterns are shifting, cultural loyalty is declining, and the old funding models don’t always sustain the work of ministry. If we want to move beyond survival, we need to think differently about stewardship and funding in the life of the local church.
Is Your Church a Safe Place? Why Safety Matters and How We Can Help
In today’s world, safety in the church is no longer just a matter of locking the doors after service. It requires thoughtful preparation, intentional planning, and awareness of the unique challenges churches face. From children’s ministry to Sunday worship, from parking lots to fellowship halls - every part of your church needs to be considered through the lens of safety.
Turning Conflict Into Your Greatest Asset
You accepted the call to lead a struggling church. Attendance is down, energy is low, and the same individuals have dominated decision-making for decades. Every change initiative sparks controversy. Board meetings turn tense. Members threaten to leave. Here's the truth every revitalization leader needs: conflict during transformation is not a sign you're failing, it's proof you're succeeding.
Why It’s Time for Us to Come Back to Church (With a Smile)
Over the past few years, many have quietly drifted from regular church attendance. Life got busy. The pandemic messed with our rhythms. Somewhere along the way, Sunday morning turned into a “maybe,” not a “must.” If that’s part of your family’s story, you’re not alone, but maybe it’s time to come back. Not out of guilt. Not just to punch a spiritual timecard. But because something beautiful—and even a little miraculous—happens when God’s people gather.
Mental Health and the Mission of the Church: Part 2
Pastoring in New England is no small feat. From the intellectual skepticism of urban centers like South End Boston to the quiet isolation of rural churches dotting Vermont’s hills or Maine’s forests, leaders face a post-Christian culture that often questions faith. The region’s vast rural areas, home to small, tight-knit congregations, can amplify feelings of loneliness, as pastors shepherd flocks in remote towns far from support networks. Urban pastors, in cities like Providence or Hartford, face a different but equally isolating challenge: surrounded by people, they’re often disconnected in a fast-paced, skeptical environment that marginalizes their calling. Mental health struggles—both for leaders and their people—add another layer of challenge.
“Would a Shepherd Really Break a Wandering Sheep's Legs?”: Rethinking a Popular Christian Story
If you’ve been around Christian teaching for long, you may have heard the story: A sheep keeps wandering from the flock. The shepherd, out of love, breaks its leg so it can’t wander again. He carries the sheep on his shoulders as it heals, and during that time, the sheep learns to trust and stay near the shepherd. It’s been told in sermons, devotionals, and parenting books as a powerful picture of God’s discipline: the idea that He “breaks” us to teach trust. It sounds spiritual. It’s emotionally compelling. But here’s the truth: there’s no historical, biblical, or agricultural evidence that shepherds ever did this. And even worse, the story might give us a damaging view of God.
Mental Health and the Mission of the Church: Part 1
In New England, where many churches minister in spiritually resistant, highly secularized, and often isolated environments, the call to love and shepherd the hurting has never been more urgent. Mental Health and Your Church: A Handbook for Biblical Care by Steve Midgley and Helen Thorne is a thoughtful, theologically grounded, and pastorally wise resource that speaks directly to the heart of that calling.
The Vitality of Partnership
One of the most common phrases uttered to parishioners in the church is, “Don’t do life alone.” The instruction is vital to the spiritual growth and vitality of every member. Encouragement, connection, shared resources, and help is the byproduct of mutual collaboration and partnership with someone else. Acting alone is a sure pathway to discouragement, loneliness, and unwanted mistakes.
Answering the Slavery Question
You have probably been confronted with the objection that the Bible condones slavery. This is often used as a way of undermining the Bible, and thereby criticizing the morality of the Christian faith. While no doubt the sin of slavery has to be owned by many Christians throughout history, there are some mitigating factors important to keep in mind.
Overcoming the Spirit of Offense: Lessons from 1 Samuel 25
Nabal was a wealthy man living in Carmel, known for his riches—but also for his harshness and evil behavior. His name literally meant 'fool,' and sadly, he lived up to it. Despite having everything a person might desire—a successful business, a beautiful and intelligent wife named Abigail, and protection provided by David’s men—Nabal was bitter and disrespectful.