New England news & perspectives
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5 Ministry Ideas to Reach Out to Immigrants in Your Church’s Community
Some churches in our region are partnering with different immigrant groups for ministry purposes. Others are looking to find a way to reach immigrant groups within their surrounding areas. Here are some basic ways churches are ministering to different people groups…
The danger of mission drift
In many conversations I have with pastors, one of the main concerns that frequently comes up is how to lead in an ever-changing context without losing focus of the church’s God-given mission. Many churches are understanding that major changes need to be made in order to adapt to the new times, but in the process of implementing new strategies, there is always the danger of mission drift. Mission drift, as the term indicates, is basically what happens when the church starts to move away from its calling and purpose.
The importance of pastors caring for each other
We live in a time of so much lack of love in our world and this seems to have seeped in to churches in general. This is true not only among members relating to other members, but in some instances, pastors relating to other pastors. It is easier to remain in our so-called relational “comfort zone”, but this usually leads to superficiality and the tendency to not seek help when help is needed. And many pastors are in need of help, the kind of help that can be found in healthy pastoral fellowship.
God is a God of new beginnings
God is a God of new beginnings, second chances, restoration, new chapters. Nowhere in the biblical narrative do we see God saying to his people, after a losing battle: "That's it, there's no way around it, there's no point in trying again, defeat is certain, there is no possibility of restoration." On the contrary, when God's people were enslaved by great nations, He promised deliverance; when the people fell into sin, He promised forgiveness; when Jesus' disciples forsook Him, He stretched out His hand.
Second generation is shaping ethnic ministry in New England
If there is one specific characteristic of ethnic ministry in New England that can be noticed even throughout difficult times, it is that the second generation in our ethnic churches is doing well. During these past months, young ethnic leaders have been gathering regularly to learn from each other, encourage one another, and dream about the future of the ethnic church. It is interesting to note that their challenges are not only unique but common among different ethnic groups. During these conversations, that fact became very apparent as we traced specific characteristics to each ethnic group according to the perspective of these young leaders.
People movement, God movement
One of the great aspects of living in New England is the opportunity to interact with peoples of all tongues, tribes and nations. The multicultural diversity in this area is not only fascinating but also poses tremendous opportunities to further the Kingdom with the potential of impacting the whole world. World leaders are being formed in our universities here, and God has shifted the mission field to our neighborhoods. This reality also comes with some daunting challenges.
Ethnic churches: A new approach
If there is one indisputable truth about churches during these days it is that the cycles of change are happening at a faster and broader rate than ever before. As the environment changes, churches are forced to adapt to new realities at the risk of being ineffective at their missio dei. Ethnic churches need to be not only aware of the pace and intensity of change, but also ready and willing to make important adjustments in order to thrive.
Four opportunities for growth in crisis
This global pandemic we are facing has given churches a blank slate of opportunity. In conversations with pastors around New England, I have been hearing many insights on how this crisis is forcing churches to rethink and refocus priorities and processes. Here are some lessons churches are learning as they strive to establish the new normal. As obvious as they seem, it is important for us as pastors and leaders to measure how well we are leading our churches in these areas.
Shepherding during this crisis
Pastors are facing the challenge of shepherding well in a time when social distancing is required. The biblical mandate remains in spite of the current restrictions imposed as a result of this pandemic.
The passage of John 21:15-17, in which Jesus exhorts Peter to care for the flock, is a guideline for all pastors to follow. Jesus uses boskō in verses 15 and 17, and poimanō in verse 16, which are consecutively translated as “feeding” and “tending.” These are important instructions for pastors to keep in mind as we care for people.
Jesus teaches servant leadership
To lead is to serve. Far from compromising the principle of authority, which results in institutional anarchism, servant leadership strengthens the relationship between leaders and those who are led. Servant leadership is a principle taught in the Old Testament (2 Chron. 10:7), which expands in the New Testament, mainly through the teaching and example of Jesus.
Encouraging church leaders
Church leaders often find themselves in a bitter and lonely place. When I stepped into ministry leadership, I feared the high and even unrealistic expectations people would place on both me and my family. I had been through an intense personal struggle to understand and finally accept God’s call upon my life. As a pastor’s kid, I had in-house experience of how people can be so insensitive to the love and care of the shepherd who God has placed in their lives.