RESOURCES
One of the strengths of our fellowship is the wealth of experience God has entrusted to its members. Across churches and mission fields, pastors and missionaries have gained practical wisdom through years of faithful ministry, and that wisdom is meant to be shared.
This resource library exists to encourage and equip one another through articles, biblical insights, and practical ministry reflections written by members of our fellowship. Rather than highlighting individual ministries, these pages are intended to capture lessons learned, ideas worth passing on, and encouragement that can benefit fellow servants of Christ wherever they serve.
As Proverbs reminds us, “The wise store up knowledge” (Proverbs 10:14). It is our hope that these resources will preserve and share that knowledge for the strengthening of ministries throughout our fellowship.
ARTICLES COMING SOON:
- From Vision to Partnership: Building a Church Missions Program
- Behind the Scenes of Healthy Church Administration
- Building a Culture of Care: The Importance of Pastoral Care and Building a Strong Congregational Support System
- Pastoral Care and Small Groups: Different Roles, Shared Mission
- Beyond Attendance: Building a Culture of Discipleship
- Understanding Your Community: Building a Church That Serves Its Context / Discerning Culture vs. Following Culture
- Same Gospel, Different Mission Field: Understanding Your Community and Building a Church That Serves It
- The Voice of a Shepherd: 10 Things Your Church Needs to Hear
- Shepherding the Church in a Polarized Culture: Keeping Our Identity in Christ
Core Responsibilities of a Lead Pastor
I remember being called to my first pastorate at the age of 27. I did not feel qualified to lead the church, and after leading the church for a couple years, I felt even less qualified. I really needed the Lord to help me become a pastor that could love and lead His flock well.
I began to pray a prayer similar to Solomon when he prayed to the Lord, “Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?” 1 Kings 3:9 NLT
Just like Solomon, I asked the Lord to give me wisdom. I asked the Lord to make me a good pastor. I believe the Lord heard my prayer. I’ve been pastoring the same church for 40 years. I have had many successes, many trials, and many failures. Through it all, I’ve learned to depend upon the Lord. I would like to share some of the things I have learned from Scripture, from mentors, from the Holy Spirit, and from failures. I hope this article blesses and strengthens you.
A Worldview that Looks Like Heaven
Living in Greece has changed the way I look at the world. I grew up in Missouri and was certain my worldview was right, balanced, and broad. Having become a Christian as a child everything was defined by the church I was part of and my Mid-western life patterns. Those understandings of God framed how I lived daily life, faced challenges, and made decisions. There was never a question that my beliefs needed to be evaluated by God’s truth. The worldview I embraced was absolutely correct and there was no room for any assumption of wrong belief. But, almost from the first day I moved to Greece, over 40 years ago, it was clear my worldview was very limited, anemic, and needed an overhaul if I was going to be effective in the vision for my life.
The Call to Missions
I was called in 2012. I was on a bit of a “missions tour,” visiting a few places to sense where God might be leading me long-term. I spent two weeks in Southport, England, and another two in Liberec, Czech Republic.
My daily prayer during this time was, “God, if this is where you want me to be, have someone give me a piece of the city.” What I meant was literal — something insignificant, not the kind of thing someone normally gives as a souvenir. Just something personal and unexpected. That was my “fleece,” if you will.
I really enjoyed my time in England. I was hoping God would answer my prayer there — but I left empty-handed. “Okay,” I thought. “God must have something better in mind.”
Who Knows My Name?
Who knows my name?
Not just my ministry role.
Not just my church or location.
Not just my ministry projects that need funding.
But who knows me?
Who knows my story?
Who knows my joys and burdens?
Who is praying for me?
We know the greatest answer: Christ knows us. He called us, sustains us, and walks with us in every season of ministry.
But Christ also designed His people to walk together.
That is part of why this fellowship exists.
We are more than churches, pastors, and missionaries connected by shared beliefs. We are co-laborers in His Harvest who share the same Lord and seek to serve His Kingdom together.
