New England Perspectives
A regularly updated collection of articles written by New England leaders and thinkers. Looking for news articles? Click here.
Happiness Versus Contentment
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the difference between happiness and contentment. Several online dictionaries define happiness as “the state of being happy”. I didn’t actually find that very helpful. But another dictionary defined it as “a sense of well-being, joy, or contentment.” Though I think that is a better definition, I actually think contentment is deeper than happiness.
Speak Life
Years ago when I was a young mom, one of my daughter’s preschool teachers made an off-handed comment to me that came across as very condescending and judgemental. I was reminded of this scenario a few weeks ago in a conversation with my daughter. I started telling her about it, and she said, “Wow, you remember every detail.” She’s right. That happened more than 20 years ago, but I remember every part of the conversation.
Jesus Versus the Church?
There is a rumor going around that Jesus doesn’t much like the church. He is sort of annoyed with his bride, or outright disgusted by her. Some might even suggest a breakup. This perceived animosity has led people to the conclusion they can love Jesus and hate the church.
The Case for Denominations
Denominations as a whole are in decline, and the number of non-denominational churches is increasing, “13 percent of total American adults now identify as non-denominational. That is more than all mainline denominations combined” (Thom Rainer). Making a case for denominations today is like canoeing the Mighty Mississippi... upstream. However, it might be worth the effort to at least make the case.
Ministering to Families with Special Needs
According to the Annie E Casey Foundation, close to 30% of U.S. households with children have at least one child with a special health care need. Among kids ages 3 to 17 with special health care needs, more than half (56%) have a current mental health or behavioral diagnosis, such as ADHD, depression, or anxiety.
The Importance of Holistic Youth Ministry
This semester, I took a course taught by Dr. Virginia Ward on "Holistic and Compassionate Youth Ministry" at Gordon-Conwell. The class opened my eyes to what youth ministry could look like within the overall scheme of church ministry and challenged me to view ministry holistically.
Prayer for Illumination: How Do You Begin Your Daily Bible Reading?
About a decade ago, while studying at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, I was helped by Dr. John Jefferson Davis’s practical advice for the devotional life. One thing that stood out to me, in particular, was how he taught us to pray “In your presence, Lord, come Holy Spirit” at the beginning of one’s time in prayer and Bible reading. This small piece of advice has been something that I’ve practiced for the last ten years.
Local Church Fallacies
We hear the refrain that church is unnecessary more frequently nowadays. The idea is that church is an optional club Christians can either choose to take part in or not, and going to church is a sort of side issue in the real business of following Jesus. Let’s briefly attempt to address some local church fallacies.
The AI Revitalized Church: Embracing Technological Advancements for Ministry Vitality
In a recent BCNE Staff meeting, we discussed the concepts of the AI revolution and how we can embrace a tool that will not disappear anytime soon. In an era of unprecedented technological progress, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into various aspects of society has become an inevitable reality.
5 Helpful Podcasts for Church Leaders
The number of people who learn by listening to podcasts is continually growing, and I’m a big fan of podcasts and audiobooks because they allow me to “redeem the time” (Ephesians 5:14) and learn while on the go. If you already listen to podcasts, consider adding these great ones to your rotation, and if not, and you spend a considerable amount of time on the road, I would highly encourage you to make the most of that time by adding a learning component to your commute to help you continue to grow as a church leader.
The Pastor and Good Health
This year I turn 46 years old. While that may not be old, it does mean I feel the decline of age! In 2020, Covid affected me with long-term symptoms that are still not entirely gone. Two years ago, I tore my achilles tendon playing basketball with my son, and needed reattachment surgery. Recently, my lower back pain has been unrelenting (probably due to limping for two years!). Maintaining good health is not as easy as it used to be.
Developing a Church Strategy to Reach Gen Z
Does your church have a desire to reach the next generation but you’re not sure where to start? You are not alone. It is fairly common for churches to be overwhelmed at the thought of reaching students. In Vermont, we have been implementing strategies to reach unreached campuses through the local church.
Church Red Flags
Not all churches are equal, and not all ministries are the same. While some are healthy and vibrant, others are spiritually harmful. Here are some red flags to identify a church that is heading in the wrong direction, and how to take actions against them.
What is the Church?
What is the church? To the readership of this blog, such a question might seem insultingly basic. Not so. It’s foundational. I am passionate about the revitalization of declining historic churches in New England. Answering this question will lead directly into another twin question, one that is the single watershed in whether a church will revitalize or continue in the throes of death.
Seeds of Peace
Spring has arrived with its verdant call to shake off sleep and come alive, and many New Englanders head outside to the warming soil with joy. This is the time of year we naturally contemplate roots, shoots, and fruits. One of the most common problems that affects our culture is definitely a root issue: anxiety.
Make This Your Best Summer
We just turned the page on March and spring has begun! It is not too early to start planning for your summer ministries. We know that events in New England can be challenging but the summer is a great opportunity to make a difference in the lives of kids and families in your community. Summer presents the desire for families to find family friendly, low or no cost events to enjoy time together. This is a great opportunity to build relationships with the families in your area!
Persevering as a Pastor
How do we persevere in pastoral ministry? Churches should want pastors who persevere till they go on to glory or retire – and even if retired, continue to serve in some capacity until they can no longer do so. As pastors, what can we do now to ensure we persevere to the end?
New England Churches at a Turning Point: Engaging the “Nones”
Across America, churches are struggling to engage younger generations. This trend is especially acute in New England, where less than 30% of adults under 30 now identify with a religion (Pew Research Center, 2015). As churches confront shrinking and aging congregations, they face a pivotal choice – reinvent ministry for the modern era, or risk fading relevance in one of America’s most proudly secular regions.
How Great Is That Darkness
Six hours ago I was squeezed into a small, white-washed stairway of stone. I think the headroom was less than five feet. My shoulders touched both side walls. And I was descending, round and round, inside a castle turret. The Bunratty Castle was last used in the late 1600’s by the O’Brien family in Ireland.
Grieving with Hope
Grief. I’m not sure that I ever really understood grief until the last few months. It is one of those emotions you can read about, study, or discuss, but can’t really understand until you personally experience it. After losing my wife to pancreatic cancer 7 months ago, I’m still coming to terms with what it means to grieve.