New England Perspectives
A regularly updated collection of articles written by New England leaders and thinkers. Looking for news articles? Click here.
The New England Challenge: Multicultural Cities and Multicultural Churches
Within the last few decades, ethnic churches have emerged across New England, dotting the ecclesiastical landscape of its major cities. In noticeable contrast with older established churches with growth profiles that have plateaued, ethnic churches have witnessed significant growth both nationally and throughout New England. This article seeks to rethink our approach and theology for the existence of ethnic churches.
Committed to New England: Buying a home and a burial plot
In 1994 when Kay and I first moved to New England as missionaries, we served small churches in rural villages in Vermont. Having lived in various cities all of my life, it was quite the culture shock to adjust to ministry in such a different setting. To help me learn how to serve well, I used to meet monthly with Merwyn Borders. Though he was not a native New Englander, Rev. Borders had served in both Massachusetts and Vermont for decades. He loved New England and understood it as well as any “outsider” could.
Be a New England Missionary
I am a New Englander, through and through. Born and raised in Massachusetts, I love to travel, but there is nothing like coming home to the Atlantic Ocean, the colonial homes lining the streets, and the four seasons. New England is not only my home, but also a ripe mission field. Here are a few things to keep in mind about New England.
Obedience as a navigational tool
It all began with three pastors from Ridge Baptist Association in South Carolina coming to Vermont for a vision trip in February 2022 – yes, major snow season in Vermont. We had so much fun visiting pastors and churches during those few days. There was an emergency pulpit need that one of them covered and God showed His Favor upon this potential partnership in a mighty way during those few days.