New England Perspectives
A regularly updated collection of articles written by New England leaders and thinkers. Looking for news articles? Click here.
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.
Revitalization is Built Upon the Ask
Church revitalization doesn’t begin with a strategy. It starts with a question. At the heart of every turnaround story is a humble yet bold request—for help, for vision, for God’s power to move. The "ask" isn’t just a tool; it’s a mindset. If your church is stuck, declining, or drifting, you won’t program your way out of it. You must ask your way forward.
Engaging the Next Generation: Strategies for Connecting with Gen Z and Alpha (Part 2)
In this follow up article, we'll discuss a few more characteristics of Gen Z and Alpha and how we can engage with them to point them to Christ.
Finding Hope and Joy Again
I was sitting in church on Easter morning, my second Easter since my beloved wife of thirty-five years, Kay, passed away from pancreatic cancer almost two years ago. I was thinking of the hope I continue to find in Christ since her passing.
Engaging the Next Generation: Strategies for Connecting with Gen Z and Alpha (Part 1)
If you’ve spent time with a teenager, you may have gotten lost in the conversation. With slang words that are hard to keep up with, big emotions, and social drama, you may find yourself avoiding them altogether. But engaging with the next generation is precisely what Scripture calls us to do.
Contemplating the Cross This Easter: A Call to Live Differently
As Easter draws near, we are invited to contemplate the profound mystery of the Cross. The Cross is not just a symbol of suffering and death, but a powerful expression of love, grace, and transformation. To reflect on the Cross is to journey into the very heart of God’s love—a love that embraces suffering and enters our pain to heal and redeem us. This Easter let’s reflect on the Cross and explore practical ways to live out its message in our daily lives.
The Catalytic Leader: A New Vision for New England's Churches
In the historic landscape of New England—once the epicenter of spiritual awakening in America—a profound opportunity awaits church leaders ready to embrace catalytic thinking. This is not merely about sustaining existing congregations but about igniting a movement that could transform the region once known as the cradle of American Christianity.
Finding Peace in Christ
In today’s fast-paced and often chaotic world, challenges such as anxiety, depression, and stress have become increasingly common. Sadly, some people seek relief through unhealthy habits and behaviors. Others seek relief through therapy, medication, or self-help strategies, all of which can be beneficial. However, as Christians, we know that faith in Jesus Christ offers a unique and profound source of healing and peace that surpasses human understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Perfect Parenting
Like most parents, I think I felt most confident in my parenting abilities before I became one. I would look at other people’s screaming toddlers in the grocery store and think that my children would never act in such a way. Elementary school bully... not my kid. Backtalking, eye-rolling teenagers? My children will never do such a thing. Then I became a parent. Faced with the reality of day to day parenting, my children’s inherent sin nature (and mine), and my need for sleep and alone time, parenting became daunting.
Be Revitalized Before You Revitalize Others
Revitalizing a church requires a pastor to use his head, heart, and hands. Why? Because loving God and others involves our heart, mind, and strength. The task ahead of us is accomplished through the power of the Spirit, yet it also carries practical and realistic demands. We've likely heard the saying, "God must work in you before He can work through you."
A Sacred Dialogue
Sarah had always thought of prayer as a monologue—a one-sided conversation where she spoke, and God, somewhere far off, listened. She grew up reciting the Lord’s Prayer, offering petitions before meals, and whispering hurried requests before bed. But something had shifted in her heart recently.
Push Past False Expectations This Christmas
I have a confession. I’m turning into one of those people that loves cheesy Christmas movies. As things in life get challenging and sometimes feel out of control, there’s something comforting about these simple, predictable stories with a happy ending. It’s great mindless entertainment, as long as we don’t see it as reality. Perhaps you see movies, social media feeds, and Christmas card photos that make you feel like everyone else is having a magical Christmas, while you are sitting in the midst of your chaos and suffering. For most of us, Christmas can’t be wrapped up neatly with a bow. It’s messy and complicated, but there’s still beauty and wonder to be found.
Advent: Preparing Our Hearts for Christ’s Coming
Advent is a season of anticipation and preparation, observed during the four weeks leading up to Christmas. While it may not always be a formal part of Baptist tradition, its rich meaning and focus on Christ make it a season worth embracing. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival,” and it reminds us to reflect on the coming of Jesus Christ—past, present, and future.
How One Simple Sentence Transformed a Pastor and His Church
I recently had a conversation with veteran International Mission Board missionary, Kenny Dubnick. He serves as the IMB Cluster Leader in Ireland and the UK, excluding London. Kenny now lives in Dublin, Ireland, where he is helping to plant a church.
God is on the Move: BCNE Church Partnerships
Paul was thankful for the Philippian church who supported him time and time again. Their partnership was instrumental and vital to Paul proclaiming the Gospel to the world. I’m so thankful that we have churches from all over the U.S. who love to partner in New England for the Gospel’s sake. As I reflect on the partnerships we have in New England and the partners in Europe, Brazil, and the United States, I am encouraged by the benefits I see in partnering and the way God is putting people together for his Kingdom advancement.
From Training to Launch: A Church Planting Journey
Garet and Heidi Halbert entered the NETS Residency Program in 2020. There Garet connected with Steve Thiel, NETS graduate and founding pastor of Christ Proclamation Church near Hartford, Connecticut. Proclamation called Garet as a church planting resident in 2023, then sent him, along with 80 of the church's regular attendees, to plant in nearby Manchester. On September 29, 2024, Christ Redemption Church launched with 143 in attendance.
Honoring the Legacy in Church Revitalization
Church Revitalization can go well or poorly, depending on how a revitalizer handles certain aspects. One crucial piece is transition. How do we go from what was/is to what can be? Many mistakes are made when we ignore the people and things that have come before. We are not the hero of any situation we are called to – Jesus is. Pastors revitalizing churches can transition with strength, support, and energy if they honor the legacy of what has been.