New England news & perspectives
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Where is the BCNE headed in 2023?
We are rejoicing that the pandemic is finally behind us. Though ministry looks different now than it did before the pandemic, at least it is becoming easier to find the new rhythm that will help us be more effective in the year to come. Perhaps one of the greater changes that we must make for effective future ministry is one of attitude.
New England Baptists celebrate ethnic ministries leading in evangelism
“The mission field has become the mission force” – the theme and phrase heard most at the Baptist Churches of New England’s 40th Annual Meeting on October 28-29, 2022. The phrase, coined at last year’s annual meeting, describes what God has been doing within and through ethnic ministries in New England. It was a historic meeting for multiple reasons.
Make an eternal difference in New England
For the past several months at the Baptist Churches of New England, we have emphasized the importance of ‘multiplying Christ followers’ through our weekly evangelism webinars. Without a doubt, our network of churches must constantly be vigilant and intentional in engaging lostness and making disciples in New England.
Unclaimed gifts
I came across an interesting fact recently. It seems that the US government is holding some $40 billion in unclaimed funds in its coffers for either unknowing or uncaring Americans. Billions more in unclaimed monies are being held by the individual states, banks and businesses. But surely, if people knew that such monies were being held in their names, then they would reach out to claim it, right?
Walking with wisdom toward outsiders
Last January, just after a Sunday morning worship service, I stopped by Trader Joe’s to buy a special dessert for a gathering of college students we planned to take on an international mission trip during the summer. It was a signature dessert from the very country we’d be traveling to, and I was excited to serve them something unique to this Middle Eastern culture. The friendly cashier commented on the new dessert they had just started carrying, asked me how my day was going and what my plans were for the afternoon. It was a wide-open door for conversation, but this is how I replied: “Oh, just buying a little food for some friends who are coming over to hang out later.”
Obstacles to engaging my community: Part 2
In Part One of this article, I identified two obstacles that impact how I am engaging my community with the Gospel. First, am I waiting/longing for things to return to “normal”? Second, am I only listening to those voices that reinforce what I already think? This article identifies three more obstacles.
Obstacles to engaging my community: Part 1
In a recent email this caught my eye “your experience . . . caught our attention . . .your skill set, and background mirror our current franchise owners.” I was intrigued, so I kept reading.
What was the franchise offer that they thought would connect with my values and interests? Owning and managing a boxing for fitness franchise! This sounds like a great idea and a great platform for physical fitness, but there is nothing about me that makes one think of boxing! It was like they were speaking a foreign language to me.
Fruitful ministry hides in plain sight
It’s like searching everywhere for your glasses while wearing them on your head, or looking for your cell phone while holding it in your hand: sometimes we overlook fruitful places of ministry located right in front of us. You could say they are hidden in plain sight.
Opening up a game: Why losing our comfort zones has affected us so deeply
I have a game shelf. My wife accuses me of caring for my games better than I care for the dogs, being more careful with them than I am with the dishes, and putting them away better than I put away laundry. All of these things may be true. But it is because to me they are not just games – they have always been something just a little more.
Open your eyes
I wear trifocals. I joke that this means I cannot see in any direction! But there is seeing and there is “seeing.”
The three percent
Our family arrived in Charlestown in late 2016 to plant our lives and a church. We took photos, found our coffee shop and grocery store, discovered a park our boys loved and began to navigate Boston driving. But one thing we needed to settle on was how to meet people. If we were going to plant a church, who did we need to meet; where and when would we meet them; and how many people should we meet?
The challenge of those who won’t believe
I had known Calvin for many years. Although he lived in the small community where I served as pastor, he was not part of our church. In fact, Calvin publicly proclaimed he was an atheist.
The power of an invitation
It happened as I was on my way to play a board game with friends from church. Someone in my car asked, “So, Molly, why are you going to this?”
Caught off-guard, my eyes switched back and forth between the road ahead and the rearview mirror as I tried to gauge the sincerity of the question. After quick deliberation in silence, I said, “Well, I guess the first reason would be that I was invited.”