BCNE News
The latest news from our network of New England churches. Looking for our New England Perspectives Articles? Click here.
Whose church is it? Healthy growth and change part 1
Autonomy. That’s a key value in Baptist circles. We do not want anyone telling our church what to do. In fact, a key question in any church is, “Whose church is it?”
You probably know that the answer to that question can be different in different churches. Some churches belong to the majority of members or even a few key members. Some churches belong to certain committees or a deacon board. Some churches belong to the pastor or church planter.
Redeeming self-care
“Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.” (Galatians 6:4-5 MSG)
Meditate on this short but meaty passage long enough, and you might notice that Paul's charge is nearly impossible to carry out from a place of survival mode.
“Camping out” on the path to church revitalization
When we come to the subject of church revitalization, there is a natural tendency to camp out. This is less than optimal because revitalization is all about continually driving forward with indomitable courage and iconoclastic temperament. Camping out is the opposite. Camping out on a path toward revitalization is the equivalent of attempting turn-by-turn board game strategy in a live online game. It ends up being hopelessly artificial.
Pastor, stay where you are!
I’m approaching my 20th year as a pastor at the same church (nearly twelve years as Senior, six as Associate and two years as Youth Pastor). Over that period of time, I’ve considered moving on a number of times, but with each opportunity the prudent decision was to stay put. The fruit of this longevity has become apparent to me. Let me offer some of the benefits of staying put:
Greater Boston: The most Irish city in America
Among New England's many historical points of interest, one of its most poignant is the Irish Famine Memorial located in a small park on the corner of Washington and School Streets in downtown Boston. Cast bronze sculptures depict two Irish families: one emaciated and clothed in rags, starving to death from the famine caused by potato blight that began in 1845, and another family healthy, well-dressed, and prosperous, representing the estimated 100,000 Irish who escaped the famine by sailing to the port of Boston.
Seeking God wholeheartedly
“Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting. And everyone who sought the LORD would go out to the tent of meeting, which was outside the camp” (Exodus 33:7). Seeking God is the most essential and rewarding activity for followers of Jesus. In fact, we were made for it.
The art of listening
It is clear that ministry has changed in the wake of the pandemic and as leaders we need to be willing to change with it. One of the most important skills we have to offer is listening!
How should we pray for Ukraine
Just a few weeks ago, Russia launched its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. There have already been thousands of casualties and more than a million refugees. Meanwhile, the US and NATO have condemned the invasion, but are being exceedingly cautious in their response, fearing another world war.
Diversity is our strength
I’m half South Korean and half Irish (with a little bit of Swedish thrown in). I grew up eating corned beef and cabbage one day, and kimchi and bulgogi another—a child of two worlds. The Christian faith never felt more fitting with one ethnicity over and against the other.
Vermont police chaplain loses position after outside pressure
MONTPELIER, VT. (BP) – Pete “Chap” Taraski’s first six months in Vermont’s state capital has included challenges, both as pastor of Resurrection Baptist Church and a conservative Christian leader in one of the country’s most progressive enclaves.
Making Easter a comeback
According to the National Retail Federation, "80 percent of Americans celebrate Easter and will spend an average of $21 per person on sweets such as chocolate, jellybeans, and more." This tells us that most people are thinking about Easter and what they will be doing on that weekend. The question is, are these people willing to walk through your church doors on Easter? If not, why not? Now is the time to ask these questions.
Authentic revitalization
Revitalization is appropriate for three categories of churches: those dying or already practically dead, those languishing and failing to thrive, and those growing and happening for the wrong reasons. For all three categories, revitalization is definitely possible. But it is not likely. Surprisingly, I think it is most unlikely for the last category, for those churches growing well or fast but for less than the best reasons.
Making Easter memorable
Our family makes a conscious effort to emphasize the joy that comes from gathering with the saints on Sunday mornings. From counting down throughout the week to picking out dresses the night before, these simple habits have shaped in them an exciting anticipation for the upcoming Lord’s Day.
Youth leader: Your student became a Christian - now what?
“How do I follow up with a student who became a Christ follower during YEC?"
This question came from a youth leader following BCNE’s winter Youth Encountering Christ conference. A few simple steps can be key in affirming a decision and setting a new believer on their spiritual journey.
In the darkest times, God’s light shines brightest
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33
These are Jesus’ words to his disciples, including us. Our trouble is what we have just spent the last two years navigating through with God’s help. This type of trouble is no stranger to those of us who serve in New England.
The BCNE changes its name for the first time since it was founded
Names carry weight and significance in scripture. In Genesis 17, God changes Abram’s name to Abraham, declaring his destiny in his new name. He went from being known as ‘exalted father’ to a ‘father of many nations’. Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter which means ‘rock’, as a proclamation of what the Holy Spirit would do through Peter one day in building and growing the church.
New England church celebrates 24th anniversary
On Saturday, February 19, 2022, the Igreja Comunidade Batista de Naugatuck celebrated their 24th anniversary. Rev. Jose Monteiro planted the church in 1998 with only seven members. Under Pastor Monteiro’s leadership the church has baptized 103 new believers and started seven new churches around New England. Since 1998 the church has given over $76,000 to missions through the BCNE to help share the Gospel. Rev. Monteiro says “I believe in reaching people for Jesus. Every day I meet people in the Brazilian bakery and talk to them. God does the rest.”
Effective leaders
My job gives me the opportunity to interact with a lot of people in leadership roles. Many of these leaders are highly effective, and I learn a lot from them. I especially enjoy learning from those who have been in positions of leadership for many years and continued to remain effective. As I reflect on what I see in these extraordinary leaders, I have observed four common aspects of their leadership.
Battling discouragement in ministry
As a pastor’s kid that married a pastor, I’ve been around ministry my entire life. I know all of the ins and outs of serving in a church, and I can’t imagine living life any other way. There are so many blessings that come with the great privilege of serving in ministry. It’s amazing to get a front row seat to see people come to faith in Christ, to see wounds healed, to see prayers answered. Sadly, I’ve often also seen the ugly side of church work.
Time to get out of the well
Recently I was on a Zoom call with a group of Korean pastors and ministers. One of the older leaders warned us about the danger of being a frog in a well. When it was clear that I was not familiar with that particular idiom, one of the mature sisters on the call explained the concept by saying that a frog looks up from the well and sees a small circle of light at the top of the well and thinks that is the whole world. But the frog’s perspective is wrong because that circle of sunlight is really just a very small part of a much larger world.