Khoi and Tom P: I think you hit the nail on the head, which means that the answers are likely less sweeping and more customized to each church in each neighborhood through listening for the will of God and following it. Unfortunately, many churches…
The reasons people go to church are as individual as the people themselves. Some go for the band. Some the preacher. Some for friendships. Some need sanctuary from the hell that is their life. Some are looking for direction. Others for a place to se…
Steve:
Great to see you on this site and great to reconnect to you.
This is a great question, but as a pastor, I think the burden of people leaving church rests on those of us who remain. The pastor and leadership of a congregation should accept t…
Margaret, what a great discussion - I've really enjoyed reading the many responses as well. Here's my take and I know some of it is duplicated in previous responses:
-- The role of pastor will get increasingly difficult in this culture as it curren…
Margaret: I am agreeing with you and Tim and others who see the pastoral role as becoming more one gift among many in a health, organic church community. I hope to see us moving away from THE PASTOR and towards there being friends / mentors with a p…
Skye,
I totally hear what you're saying. I just recorded a session for the The NINES--a free online event on 9/9/09--I think you're involved, too, maybe???? on this topic. I described what you're talking about from the perspective of a vintner from…
yeah, that's a fair assessment. but i don't think size is the core difference, but rather philosophy of ministry. by their nature, certain philosophies create large churches and others create small ones. i believe we are seeing an ideological divide…
I think you're right--but the video/multi-site is generally for the larger churches, while the bi-vocational tends to the smaller sized churches. Is that a fair assessment (overall--recognizing there are always exceptions)?
Great question, Margaret. In my role with Leadership Journal I'm seeing things going in two different directions. One side of the church seems to be moving the pastor away from direct connection with the congregation. We're seeing this through video…
Interesting notes about Facebook.
I think a trend I'm seeing among pastors today is that of equipper/coach. Meaning, looking to draw the best out of people. Many entrepreneurial pastors seem to be looking at those in the body with the potential to r…
Hi Margaret. Apparently I owe you a huge thanks for the Catalyst ticket. Chip Anderson is a new friend and took me. What generosity from both of you and i was greatly blessed. I also appreciate your book we received at the conference. Already working on it. It's an honor to be connected with you if even only on Origins. I appreciate what you do to forcefully advance the Kingdom. If I can EVER serve you in ANY way, please let me know. Thanks again!