BCNE News
The latest news from our network of New England churches. Looking for our New England Perspectives Articles? Click here.
The kitchen table: A pastor’s secret weapon
One of the most undervalued tools in a pastor’s toolbox is the exercise of hospitality. When listing the characteristics of those qualified to serve as pastors, the Apostle Paul wrote, “An overseer must be . . . hospitable” (1 Timothy 3:2, ESV, Cf. Titus 1:8). Despite the fact that Scripture makes hospitality mandatory, many pastors seldom use their home as a venue for ministry.
My three biggest ministry mistakes
“Learn from the mistakes of others: You can't live long enough to make them all yourself,” Eleanor Roosevelt.
Looking back over thirty-five years of ministry, I’ve made a few mistakes. (OK, more than just a few.) Thankfully, along the way, I learned from my mistakes and discovered how to be a better pastor. Here are my three biggest ministry mistakes and the lessons I’ve learned from them:
Is your church really welcoming to visitors?
I know I have talked about this subject a couple years ago, but with so many churches seeing a lot of first-time visitors enter through their doors I felt it was important to revisit this subject. I have pastored and visited churches where the statement was made (usually by regular attenders) about how friendly their church was. But when one drills down below the spoken statements, you find your church may not be as friendly and welcoming as you might think. Most churches are friendly to people they see on a weekly basis. If you want to find out how friendly and welcoming you are, ask a couple of people to visit anonymously and then bring you a report on their experience. You may be surprised.
Much more than a meal: Serving and connecting during a pandemic
During this unprecedented and seemingly never-ending season that is COVID, fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ has taken on a new form. Togetherness during Sunday morning services is impacted by elders making very complicated decisions. Hospitality looks different and is potentially non-existent given your context, capabilities and convictions. For some, hugs and handshakes have given way to waves and greetings from six feet away. Meals around the table occur more frequently through a computer screen for some or not at all for many. May I encourage you to consider bringing someone a meal?