many give the excuse that being a bivopastor you can't accomplish as much for the kingdom as a "full-time" pastor. I think it comes down to priorities and time management. Yes some days get more stressful than others but can be managed by planning and self-discipline. It means you can't be a last minute slacker (which is comes under the talented artsy types). Here a look of what happened today.
5:45 wake up and dress and travel to hospital for father of member open heart surgery
6:30 at hospital with family till 8:30
8:30 at work doing manual labor, yeah i wish i had an office job ( all i see people at desk doing now is facebook anyway. by the way, what did pastors do before blogs,twitter and facebook?)
lunch with daughter and wife at 12 cause i know i will be out of town tonight
1:00 back doing service work
3:00 stop by hospital to see family after surgery
4:00 take off work an hour early ( that means you lose money)
get changed on road at 4:30 till 5:45 to visit hospital out of town for member who had major motorcycle wreck on interstate and was air lifted.
Stay at hospital till 7:00 . swing by a get dinner quickly . back home at 9:oo play with 3 yr old daughter till 9:45 cause i didn't get to see her much today and will be gone for 2 full days. started final listen on worship cd. while typing sermon. my sermons are usually written through the week in my work truck while I go over thoughts. Usually condense 4 pages of notes down to 2 typed pages with scripture inserted. have wrestling match with printer. These are the times when i wish i was better with a computer or had a secretary. oh well. By the way, I am doing what i love and did this even when I didn't get a dime. You have to love people. I see some that can fake it for up to a few years but you can't fake it for a lifetime. Being bivocational requires a greater since of sacrifice. So stop feeling sorry for yourself just because you feel takin for granted by your church people. Its called spiritual warfare and its a trap of the devil!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
remember to have fun and a dream come true!
I am in the middle of one of our funnest weeks of the year! We got to go with our staff and youth to a great youth conference. We had our first men's golf fellowship and it will be talked about for a long time and not just the fact we had someone to get a hole in one! The ladies had a baby shower for a special young lady in our church.
We got to attend our favorite conference for church planters at Mountain lake Church in north Atlanta who run churchplanters.com ( it is designed for pastors of churches less than 5 yrs old and those who have not launched yet and sponsor churches). If we would have went to this before we launched we would have been much better prepared. The highlight of our trip was hearing steven furtick who is the best young speaker in America. We did hear from a few speakers that I just "don't get" or just ain't my flavor.lol! They must be part of that Star Trek Star Wars crowd?
The main bonus of the trip was getting the rare chance to hear Rick Warren in person. Every time we hear him Nicole is moved to tears and I am reminded what the heart of a sheperd looks like. He has proven time and again he loves God's church more than any man in the U.S.- Love is proven by Sacrifice. As we exited the auditorium Rick was standing outside our door with several around hugging, pic taking and giving him their cards so they could receive the free cd's he offered. We waited and i had the chance to hug him( man he is a biggen, i felt little next to him - he must be 6'5", i think i was up to his armpit) That was a chance of a lifetime. P.s. ed young was a no-show although he was in Montgomery,AL. the day before. major disappointment but i know it wasn't the conferences fault. The conference audio will be on churchplanters.tv in march and i have some clips on youtube.
We got to attend our favorite conference for church planters at Mountain lake Church in north Atlanta who run churchplanters.com ( it is designed for pastors of churches less than 5 yrs old and those who have not launched yet and sponsor churches). If we would have went to this before we launched we would have been much better prepared. The highlight of our trip was hearing steven furtick who is the best young speaker in America. We did hear from a few speakers that I just "don't get" or just ain't my flavor.lol! They must be part of that Star Trek Star Wars crowd?
The main bonus of the trip was getting the rare chance to hear Rick Warren in person. Every time we hear him Nicole is moved to tears and I am reminded what the heart of a sheperd looks like. He has proven time and again he loves God's church more than any man in the U.S.- Love is proven by Sacrifice. As we exited the auditorium Rick was standing outside our door with several around hugging, pic taking and giving him their cards so they could receive the free cd's he offered. We waited and i had the chance to hug him( man he is a biggen, i felt little next to him - he must be 6'5", i think i was up to his armpit) That was a chance of a lifetime. P.s. ed young was a no-show although he was in Montgomery,AL. the day before. major disappointment but i know it wasn't the conferences fault. The conference audio will be on churchplanters.tv in march and i have some clips on youtube.
Friday, February 19, 2010
advantages of bivo pastoring, more bivocational resources
Advantages of Dual-Career Ministry
Working a part-time or full-time secular job promotes the following:
Servanthood. It enables you to help small, struggling congregations who cannot afford to pay a full-time pastor or church planter.
Witness. Those at your workplace need to hear the Gospel and your growing relationship network will provide excellent opportunities to share God's grace with those who might never hear it otherwise.
Understanding. Honestly, most full-time pastors have forgotten what it's like to earn a living in the secular marketplace, with its unique stresses and challenges. You will be able to more fully understand those who listen to your preaching and teaching.
Boldness. The fear of man can have a debilitating effect upon your pastoral ministry when you're worried about offending the chairman of deacons or Mr. Big Pockets in your congregation. However, financial independence enables you to be more bold and courageous in ministry.
Shared Ministry. If you're putting in 40 hours a week or more, there will be limits on your time for ministry, which means that others will be required to share the load. This is probably one of the greatest benefits of bivocational ministry: it keeps you from trying to do everything!
Stewardship. Since you are self-supporting, it frees up more money that can be channeled into world missions and local benevolence ministries, enhancing the vision of the local church toward others.
Provision. Sadly, some pastors and church planters are barely scraping by, living on food stamps, welfare assistance, and the mercy of relatives and friends. No life, dental, or health insurance to protect them and their loved ones. A bivocational career could change all that!
Protection. What happens if a modern-day Diotrophes serves as your deacon chairman or on your elder board? Pastors can often get unfairly treated when controversy arises in their ministry. If you are financially self-supporting, you can walk away from a bad situation without going bankrupt.
Articles on Bivocational Ministry
NEW! -> Part-Time Pastors Fill Churches' Needs Christianpost.com
SALEM, W.Va. (AP) - For Danny Fleming, Sunday is no day of rest. It starts before dawn, when the United Methodist pastor rises from slumber and gets ready for services. Some Sundays, he travels to two churches. On others, it's three. Every week, he spends 20 hours preparing his sermons and logs ...
"Bivocational Church Planting"
Steve Nerger is a good friend of mine who works with the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. This chapter is an excerpt from his unpublished book, "Stuff Nobody Told Me About Church Planting."
Bivocational Ministry Emerging As Option
An excellent article from the Kentuck Baptist Convention (SBC) website.
Bivocational Ministry
From the Mississippi Baptists (SBC) website
"I Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now" - An Interview with Dale Holloway
Leon Wilson, former National Missionary for Bivocational Ministries, interviewed Dale Holloway, bivocational strategist for the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board (SBC).
"Personal experience provides bivocational understanding"
An article from the Baptist Message, published in Alexandria, Louisiana, USA.
"Building vital churches through bivocational ministry"
A Quarterly Publication of BivoNet, Sponsored by The Ministers Council ABC/USAIn Partnership with National Ministries, Rev. Dennis Bickers, Project Director.
Bivo Bloggers
Ryan J Hale : : Stories and Happenings in My World
A bivocational church planter living in the rural community of Moscow Hills, Missouri, who is part of a house church called "Levi's Table".
Bivocational Ministries Blog
A blog by Dennis Bickers.
In the Marketplace -- Bivo Joe
A poem by Lewis H. Rogers
Many faces, in many places,Many costumes, many customs,Laboring often alone in solitary placesSometimes alone in the multitudes,In the Marketplaces of the world.In the vineyards of the Lord he labors,Dock worker, bus driver, carpenter, laborer,Doctor, dentist, lawyer, teacher, entrepreneur,Scientist, lecturer, grocer, meat cutter,In the Marketplaces of the world.Mover of mountains, builder of roads,Captain of the fleet, lowly deck hand,And wherever he goes his labor twofold,"Earning daily provender, sharing God's Word"In the Marketplaces of the world.Ministering to the masses in the MarketplaceConcern he has for the spiritual well beingOf those whom he may show the way to God.Whether they be client, co-worker, administrator,In the Marketplaces of the world.In the places of the Kings, among the eliteOf the land, in the places of power and might, orIn the shadow of poverty and of self-denial,Among the lowliest of God's creatures he serves,In the Marketplaces of the world.Wherever God calls he is thereReady to do, ready to be, ready to goWilling to give to be to do whatever it takesTo tend the vineyards of God, and share its fruits.In the Marketplaces of the world.In the streets of city, village, and vale,In church and cathedral throughout the landAn unfailing proclaimer of God's joy and peace.As through his message hope springs eternalIn the Marketplaces of the world.
Bivocational Links
Bivocational Ministries (Tennessee Baptist Convention)
Providing encouragement, training, skills development, and opportunities for enrichment and fellowship to bivocational ministers serving Baptist churches in Tennessee. Includes a schedule for workshops, retreats, conferences, and workshops for bivo ministers.
Bivocational Ministry Department, Louisiana Baptist Convention, SBC
The Bi-vocational and Smaller Church Ministry Department relates to Pastors who are willing to contribute to their financial support through the means of a secular job, retirement income, disability income, or any other source of income, other than the financial support provided by their churches. This department provides a resume service for pastors seeking a bi-vocational pastorate and resumes for churches seeking a bi-vocational pastor.
Canadian Tentmaker Network (CTN)
Tentmaking is...Cross-cultural witness in which the Christian works in a host country using professional skills and qualifications among hard-to-reach people. The extensive personal contact with the local people provides opportunity for tentmakers to incarnate Christ cross-culturally.
The Chaplaincy Job Network
Nearly every state in the U.S. has openings for chaplains: military, corporate, hospital, hospice, and geriatric positions. There are many excellent benefits and salary packages throughout the country. Chaplaincy is also an excellent bivocational career option that would allow great freedom to plant new churches while using your seminary training and ministry experience in the workplace.
Global Opportunities (GO): Helping tentmakers disciple the nations
To help the church to understand and engage the Biblical model of tentmaking by sending committed, everyday, workplace Christians as mission workers, and to mobilize and equip these Christians to serve abroad as effective tentmakers, primarily to least-reached peoples.
Southern Baptist Bivocational Ministers' Association
The mission of the Association is doing whatever it takes to encourage, promote and serve bivocational churches, ministers, and families in Christ's kingdom service within local congregations and communities, the Southern Baptist family, and the larger Christian movement.
Texas Baptist Bivocational Ministers' Homepage
The Office of Bivocatonal/Smaller Church Development assists and encourages bivocational and smaller membership churches to realize their full potential to be the presence of Christ in the world through planning, networking and leadership development. Sponsored by the Baptist General Convention of Texas, SBC.
Today's Bivocational Pastor
A LifeWay newsletter with Mitch Martin. Links to some great articles on bivocational ministry.
The Tentmaker Group
The Tentmaker Group assists movements, ministry leaders and church planters who seek to bring gospel-centered change to cities. The concept comes from the apostle Paul who worked as a tentmaker in Thessalonica, Corinth, and Ephesus (cf. Acts 18:3, 1 Thess. 2:9) in order to plant churches.
Tentmaking 101
Tentmaking is a strategic and powerful missions strategy. It allows you to use your vocation to reach the nations. Tentmaking is a real alternative and indispensible complement to vocational missions. It is much more than an access strategy for closed countries. Apostle Paul chose it over donor support because of its great benefits.
Bivocational Resources for Ministers
Your Work Matters to God
by: Douglas Sherman, William D Hendricks
Amazon Price: $10.87 (as of 02/19/2010)
Anointed for Business
by: Ed Silvoso
Amazon Price: (as of 02/19/2010)
The Tentmaking Pastor: The Joy of Bivocational Ministry
by: Dennis W. Bickers
Amazon Price: (as of 02/19/2010)
The Bivocational Pastor: Two Jobs, One Ministry
by: Dennis Bickers
Amazon Price: $15.99 (as of 02/19/2010)
The Other Six Days: Vocation, Work, and Ministry in Biblical Perspective
by: R. Paul Stevens
Amazon Price: $21.06 (as of 02/19/2010)
Video Resources
A Special Message from SBC President Bobby Welch (2005)
"Since almost half our Southern Baptist churches are led by bivocational pastors, I believe it's high time we recognize them and honor them," Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) President Bobby Welch told the East Tennessee Bivocational Evangelism Conference. Produced in 2005.
More Books
Our Pastor Has an Outside Job: New Strength for the Church Through Dual Role Ministry
by: John Y. Elliott
Working a part-time or full-time secular job promotes the following:
Servanthood. It enables you to help small, struggling congregations who cannot afford to pay a full-time pastor or church planter.
Witness. Those at your workplace need to hear the Gospel and your growing relationship network will provide excellent opportunities to share God's grace with those who might never hear it otherwise.
Understanding. Honestly, most full-time pastors have forgotten what it's like to earn a living in the secular marketplace, with its unique stresses and challenges. You will be able to more fully understand those who listen to your preaching and teaching.
Boldness. The fear of man can have a debilitating effect upon your pastoral ministry when you're worried about offending the chairman of deacons or Mr. Big Pockets in your congregation. However, financial independence enables you to be more bold and courageous in ministry.
Shared Ministry. If you're putting in 40 hours a week or more, there will be limits on your time for ministry, which means that others will be required to share the load. This is probably one of the greatest benefits of bivocational ministry: it keeps you from trying to do everything!
Stewardship. Since you are self-supporting, it frees up more money that can be channeled into world missions and local benevolence ministries, enhancing the vision of the local church toward others.
Provision. Sadly, some pastors and church planters are barely scraping by, living on food stamps, welfare assistance, and the mercy of relatives and friends. No life, dental, or health insurance to protect them and their loved ones. A bivocational career could change all that!
Protection. What happens if a modern-day Diotrophes serves as your deacon chairman or on your elder board? Pastors can often get unfairly treated when controversy arises in their ministry. If you are financially self-supporting, you can walk away from a bad situation without going bankrupt.
Articles on Bivocational Ministry
NEW! -> Part-Time Pastors Fill Churches' Needs Christianpost.com
SALEM, W.Va. (AP) - For Danny Fleming, Sunday is no day of rest. It starts before dawn, when the United Methodist pastor rises from slumber and gets ready for services. Some Sundays, he travels to two churches. On others, it's three. Every week, he spends 20 hours preparing his sermons and logs ...
"Bivocational Church Planting"
Steve Nerger is a good friend of mine who works with the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. This chapter is an excerpt from his unpublished book, "Stuff Nobody Told Me About Church Planting."
Bivocational Ministry Emerging As Option
An excellent article from the Kentuck Baptist Convention (SBC) website.
Bivocational Ministry
From the Mississippi Baptists (SBC) website
"I Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now" - An Interview with Dale Holloway
Leon Wilson, former National Missionary for Bivocational Ministries, interviewed Dale Holloway, bivocational strategist for the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board (SBC).
"Personal experience provides bivocational understanding"
An article from the Baptist Message, published in Alexandria, Louisiana, USA.
"Building vital churches through bivocational ministry"
A Quarterly Publication of BivoNet, Sponsored by The Ministers Council ABC/USAIn Partnership with National Ministries, Rev. Dennis Bickers, Project Director.
Bivo Bloggers
Ryan J Hale : : Stories and Happenings in My World
A bivocational church planter living in the rural community of Moscow Hills, Missouri, who is part of a house church called "Levi's Table".
Bivocational Ministries Blog
A blog by Dennis Bickers.
In the Marketplace -- Bivo Joe
A poem by Lewis H. Rogers
Many faces, in many places,Many costumes, many customs,Laboring often alone in solitary placesSometimes alone in the multitudes,In the Marketplaces of the world.In the vineyards of the Lord he labors,Dock worker, bus driver, carpenter, laborer,Doctor, dentist, lawyer, teacher, entrepreneur,Scientist, lecturer, grocer, meat cutter,In the Marketplaces of the world.Mover of mountains, builder of roads,Captain of the fleet, lowly deck hand,And wherever he goes his labor twofold,"Earning daily provender, sharing God's Word"In the Marketplaces of the world.Ministering to the masses in the MarketplaceConcern he has for the spiritual well beingOf those whom he may show the way to God.Whether they be client, co-worker, administrator,In the Marketplaces of the world.In the places of the Kings, among the eliteOf the land, in the places of power and might, orIn the shadow of poverty and of self-denial,Among the lowliest of God's creatures he serves,In the Marketplaces of the world.Wherever God calls he is thereReady to do, ready to be, ready to goWilling to give to be to do whatever it takesTo tend the vineyards of God, and share its fruits.In the Marketplaces of the world.In the streets of city, village, and vale,In church and cathedral throughout the landAn unfailing proclaimer of God's joy and peace.As through his message hope springs eternalIn the Marketplaces of the world.
Bivocational Links
Bivocational Ministries (Tennessee Baptist Convention)
Providing encouragement, training, skills development, and opportunities for enrichment and fellowship to bivocational ministers serving Baptist churches in Tennessee. Includes a schedule for workshops, retreats, conferences, and workshops for bivo ministers.
Bivocational Ministry Department, Louisiana Baptist Convention, SBC
The Bi-vocational and Smaller Church Ministry Department relates to Pastors who are willing to contribute to their financial support through the means of a secular job, retirement income, disability income, or any other source of income, other than the financial support provided by their churches. This department provides a resume service for pastors seeking a bi-vocational pastorate and resumes for churches seeking a bi-vocational pastor.
Canadian Tentmaker Network (CTN)
Tentmaking is...Cross-cultural witness in which the Christian works in a host country using professional skills and qualifications among hard-to-reach people. The extensive personal contact with the local people provides opportunity for tentmakers to incarnate Christ cross-culturally.
The Chaplaincy Job Network
Nearly every state in the U.S. has openings for chaplains: military, corporate, hospital, hospice, and geriatric positions. There are many excellent benefits and salary packages throughout the country. Chaplaincy is also an excellent bivocational career option that would allow great freedom to plant new churches while using your seminary training and ministry experience in the workplace.
Global Opportunities (GO): Helping tentmakers disciple the nations
To help the church to understand and engage the Biblical model of tentmaking by sending committed, everyday, workplace Christians as mission workers, and to mobilize and equip these Christians to serve abroad as effective tentmakers, primarily to least-reached peoples.
Southern Baptist Bivocational Ministers' Association
The mission of the Association is doing whatever it takes to encourage, promote and serve bivocational churches, ministers, and families in Christ's kingdom service within local congregations and communities, the Southern Baptist family, and the larger Christian movement.
Texas Baptist Bivocational Ministers' Homepage
The Office of Bivocatonal/Smaller Church Development assists and encourages bivocational and smaller membership churches to realize their full potential to be the presence of Christ in the world through planning, networking and leadership development. Sponsored by the Baptist General Convention of Texas, SBC.
Today's Bivocational Pastor
A LifeWay newsletter with Mitch Martin. Links to some great articles on bivocational ministry.
The Tentmaker Group
The Tentmaker Group assists movements, ministry leaders and church planters who seek to bring gospel-centered change to cities. The concept comes from the apostle Paul who worked as a tentmaker in Thessalonica, Corinth, and Ephesus (cf. Acts 18:3, 1 Thess. 2:9) in order to plant churches.
Tentmaking 101
Tentmaking is a strategic and powerful missions strategy. It allows you to use your vocation to reach the nations. Tentmaking is a real alternative and indispensible complement to vocational missions. It is much more than an access strategy for closed countries. Apostle Paul chose it over donor support because of its great benefits.
Bivocational Resources for Ministers
Your Work Matters to God
by: Douglas Sherman, William D Hendricks
Amazon Price: $10.87 (as of 02/19/2010)
Anointed for Business
by: Ed Silvoso
Amazon Price: (as of 02/19/2010)
The Tentmaking Pastor: The Joy of Bivocational Ministry
by: Dennis W. Bickers
Amazon Price: (as of 02/19/2010)
The Bivocational Pastor: Two Jobs, One Ministry
by: Dennis Bickers
Amazon Price: $15.99 (as of 02/19/2010)
The Other Six Days: Vocation, Work, and Ministry in Biblical Perspective
by: R. Paul Stevens
Amazon Price: $21.06 (as of 02/19/2010)
Video Resources
A Special Message from SBC President Bobby Welch (2005)
"Since almost half our Southern Baptist churches are led by bivocational pastors, I believe it's high time we recognize them and honor them," Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) President Bobby Welch told the East Tennessee Bivocational Evangelism Conference. Produced in 2005.
More Books
Our Pastor Has an Outside Job: New Strength for the Church Through Dual Role Ministry
by: John Y. Elliott
bi-vocational resource
Dennis wrote this book “The Tentmaking Pastor: The Joy of Bivocational Ministry” in 2000.http://www.amazon.com/Tentmaking-Pastor-Joy-Bivocational-Ministry/dp/0801090997/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t
Amazon.com: The Tentmaking Pastor: The Joy of Bivocational Ministry (9780801090998): Dennis W. Bicke
www.amazon.com
Amazon.com: The Tentmaking Pastor: The Joy of Bivocational Ministry (9780801090998): Dennis W. Bickers: BooksWant to upgrade your salary & benefits? Need to creatively fund your church plant? Get a real job!
One of the most famous tentmakers of all time was the Apostle Paul, the human author of two-thirds of the New Testament! In fact, that's where the term "tentmaker" comes from, because he and some of his close friends (Aquila & Priscilla) made tents for a living while they shared the Gospel in their particular context.
It's not that the Bible condemns paid, full-time ministers; in fact, it encourages the church to support such men, with the not-so-subtle reminder that "the Lord gave orders that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it" (1 Cor. 9:14, NLT). But sometimes, it is expedient or necessary or perhaps even more effective, for Gospel ministry to move forward with self-supporting ministers, particularly when the work involves planting new churches. That's why the Apostle Paul gave himself to this approach, and I don't think anyone would argue with his success!
So, why not seriously consider this approach to ministry? It has certain benefits and advantages, expecially for church planters who are trying to penetrate a new field of ministry. We'll explore some of those things on this site.
Amazon.com: The Tentmaking Pastor: The Joy of Bivocational Ministry (9780801090998): Dennis W. Bicke
www.amazon.com
Amazon.com: The Tentmaking Pastor: The Joy of Bivocational Ministry (9780801090998): Dennis W. Bickers: BooksWant to upgrade your salary & benefits? Need to creatively fund your church plant? Get a real job!
One of the most famous tentmakers of all time was the Apostle Paul, the human author of two-thirds of the New Testament! In fact, that's where the term "tentmaker" comes from, because he and some of his close friends (Aquila & Priscilla) made tents for a living while they shared the Gospel in their particular context.
It's not that the Bible condemns paid, full-time ministers; in fact, it encourages the church to support such men, with the not-so-subtle reminder that "the Lord gave orders that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it" (1 Cor. 9:14, NLT). But sometimes, it is expedient or necessary or perhaps even more effective, for Gospel ministry to move forward with self-supporting ministers, particularly when the work involves planting new churches. That's why the Apostle Paul gave himself to this approach, and I don't think anyone would argue with his success!
So, why not seriously consider this approach to ministry? It has certain benefits and advantages, expecially for church planters who are trying to penetrate a new field of ministry. We'll explore some of those things on this site.
big week in the life of a bi-vocational pastor
One of the draw backs of being a bivopastor is that you sometimes you don't get to participate in the seminars and conferences that are held during the week. All but youth conferences are always during the week ( what would pastors do with 40 extra hours that bivo's dont get anyway). lol! Thankfully we live an 1 1/2 hours from atlanta so alot of big conferences come our way, like catalyst!
Being in Air cond. biz, we have our slow time of the year in jan. and feb.. We take advatage of it by going to conferences during this times. Summer conferences are a no go. My three favorite conferences all end up being in the same 8 day period. thankfully they are of different sorts. We are taking our youth to vision2010.com in columbus to see david crowder band, jeremy camp and ricardo sanchez. Next mon. and tue. we go to churchplanters.com in atl. to see rick warren, ed young and steven furtick. Then we come back and get a van load(p.s. we really don't have a van -but we need one!) and go to north atl. to freechapel church for a marriage conf. with my favorite preacher jentzen franklin and ed young. This makes up for all the stuff we don't get to go to. Catalyst and freechapels youth conf. "forward" are the other 2 confs. we go to each year. keep us in your prayers that we would recieve refreshing and guidance and for safe travel
. we are finishing up nicoles new cd and it contains powerful worship! Not a filler song on the project.
Being in Air cond. biz, we have our slow time of the year in jan. and feb.. We take advatage of it by going to conferences during this times. Summer conferences are a no go. My three favorite conferences all end up being in the same 8 day period. thankfully they are of different sorts. We are taking our youth to vision2010.com in columbus to see david crowder band, jeremy camp and ricardo sanchez. Next mon. and tue. we go to churchplanters.com in atl. to see rick warren, ed young and steven furtick. Then we come back and get a van load(p.s. we really don't have a van -but we need one!) and go to north atl. to freechapel church for a marriage conf. with my favorite preacher jentzen franklin and ed young. This makes up for all the stuff we don't get to go to. Catalyst and freechapels youth conf. "forward" are the other 2 confs. we go to each year. keep us in your prayers that we would recieve refreshing and guidance and for safe travel
. we are finishing up nicoles new cd and it contains powerful worship! Not a filler song on the project.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
what does a church staff pastor and wife look like?
I just read a new post from a pastor near Auburn.(MatthewThrower.com) It is some of the best and "truly honest" advice I've heard recently. And it comes from the Bible. Had the chance to know pastor Matt and his more talented brother(ha ha) while we were leading a Bible study for college aged students at our home church before we entered church planting .
The Church – The role of a Pastor/Church Leader18 02 2010
Over some time I want to attempt to post about how I feel a healthy church should look like. Hopefully you will find these posts helpful and give you an idea of how Refuge Point Church will look. Before we get into the role of the church I think it’s fitting to get an idea of what the Bible says the role of a pastor and/or church leader should be.
Let’s look at 1 Timothy 3: if anyone wants to provide leadership in the church, good! But there are preconditions: A leader (pastor, elder…) must be well thought of, committed to his wife, cool and collected, (I LOVE that part) accessible, and hospitable. He must know what he’s talking about, not be over fond of wine, not pushy but gentle, not thin-skinned, not money-hungry. He must handle his own affairs well, attentive to his own children and having their respect. For if someone is unable to handle his own affairs, how can he take care of God’s church? He must not be a new believer, lest the position go to his head and the Devil trip him up. Outsiders must think well of him, or else the Devil will figure out a way to lure him into his trap…No exceptions are to be made for women—same qualifications: serious, dependable, not sharp-tongued…
Here’s the deal: Churches don’t need kings…(Absolute power always goes bad.) I’ve seen this ‘pastor King model’ and it’s not biblical or healthy. You know…the men who wear the super hero capes, have the guards surrounding them, bla bla…? We just read that a church leader/pastor is accessible and hospitable. Pastor, stop hiding in your office with your door shut all of the time. You are not a god.
What churches need are pastors who will lead by example and who are servants. By the way…isn’t that what Jesus came to do…serve? In fact it seems like he came with a towel in his hand to wash peoples feet, not sit behind a title.
The Pastor’s wife: Same applies bro… and I love what the writer also included on the list: NOT SHARP-TONGUED! Dear Beloved Pastor-if you can’t handle the affairs of your family and can’t keep your wife from gossiping and being slanderous…then you are not fit to lead a church. Apply for something in the corporate world.
Here’s what you should expect from any church leader:
1. That they are continuously growing in their walk with Christ.
2. That they pastor their family – bathe them in the word and bathe them with their love and support.
3. To Pastors – Instead of being a CEO Pastor, try being a spiritual director. Care for the spiritual life of your staff. Support your staff at any cost, because it will cost you.
4. Serve.
5. Lead.
It’s not about advancing a “pastor’s” kingdom…it’s about advancing HIS Kingdom. “let Your kingdom come, Lord.”
Love You, mean it-
Matthew
I am so thankful for the role modeling we received under Pastors Rudet and Betty Atkinson, Mike and Sue Wright, Whit and Jan Sasser. Will never forget my favorite 2 youth pastors growing up Keith Jones and Scott Smith. They poured countless hours into Nicole and I. They modeled what it means to be a Christ follower. I served under some great men of God but was also exposed to every different type of attitude and styles from those in ministry. One of my professors at Southeastern Univ. in Lakeland, FL.(a/g), said 90% of pastors are good as gold and the other 10% are bologna. I recently heard Pastor Chris Hodges of the fast growing church in America and one of the founders of ARC say in his opinion @ 50% of those in ministry should not be ( due to sin or not really being a real leader). Well here's Pastors Matt's blog. Boy it sounds like he's been exposed to the same stuff we all have been. enjoy!
The Church – The role of a Pastor/Church Leader18 02 2010
Over some time I want to attempt to post about how I feel a healthy church should look like. Hopefully you will find these posts helpful and give you an idea of how Refuge Point Church will look. Before we get into the role of the church I think it’s fitting to get an idea of what the Bible says the role of a pastor and/or church leader should be.
Let’s look at 1 Timothy 3: if anyone wants to provide leadership in the church, good! But there are preconditions: A leader (pastor, elder…) must be well thought of, committed to his wife, cool and collected, (I LOVE that part) accessible, and hospitable. He must know what he’s talking about, not be over fond of wine, not pushy but gentle, not thin-skinned, not money-hungry. He must handle his own affairs well, attentive to his own children and having their respect. For if someone is unable to handle his own affairs, how can he take care of God’s church? He must not be a new believer, lest the position go to his head and the Devil trip him up. Outsiders must think well of him, or else the Devil will figure out a way to lure him into his trap…No exceptions are to be made for women—same qualifications: serious, dependable, not sharp-tongued…
Here’s the deal: Churches don’t need kings…(Absolute power always goes bad.) I’ve seen this ‘pastor King model’ and it’s not biblical or healthy. You know…the men who wear the super hero capes, have the guards surrounding them, bla bla…? We just read that a church leader/pastor is accessible and hospitable. Pastor, stop hiding in your office with your door shut all of the time. You are not a god.
What churches need are pastors who will lead by example and who are servants. By the way…isn’t that what Jesus came to do…serve? In fact it seems like he came with a towel in his hand to wash peoples feet, not sit behind a title.
The Pastor’s wife: Same applies bro… and I love what the writer also included on the list: NOT SHARP-TONGUED! Dear Beloved Pastor-if you can’t handle the affairs of your family and can’t keep your wife from gossiping and being slanderous…then you are not fit to lead a church. Apply for something in the corporate world.
Here’s what you should expect from any church leader:
1. That they are continuously growing in their walk with Christ.
2. That they pastor their family – bathe them in the word and bathe them with their love and support.
3. To Pastors – Instead of being a CEO Pastor, try being a spiritual director. Care for the spiritual life of your staff. Support your staff at any cost, because it will cost you.
4. Serve.
5. Lead.
It’s not about advancing a “pastor’s” kingdom…it’s about advancing HIS Kingdom. “let Your kingdom come, Lord.”
Love You, mean it-
Matthew
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
old school preachin
want to see what happens to a church and pastor after a daniel fast?http://www.youtube.com/user/bivopastor#p/u/4/DRhN8iuALCw
once saved, always saved?
http://www.youtube.com/user/bivopastor#p/u/3/oL1iuirR8lQ
once saved, always saved?
http://www.youtube.com/user/bivopastor#p/u/3/oL1iuirR8lQ
Monday, February 15, 2010
new youtube channel
if you would like to learn more about restorationchurchauburn.com or the ministry of mark and nicole jenkins please check out our new youtube channel under the name --- bivopastor. the church has an older channel with a few sermons under-- restorationchurchaub (no urn on end)
welcome!!
I hope you find 2010 to be a your best year yet. As i set at on this new venture i hope to encourage leaders and those that serve the body of Christ in various areas of ministry. We had no idea when we followed the call of God to plant a church just 3 years ago of the challenges, delays, and victories that would come our way. Its is still a humbling experience to realize God could use us to fullfill His vision and destiny for our city. It is a honor to be partenered with God in what He is doing thru the lives and families that He has entrusted us with.
We may have a different perspective on ministry due to our backgrounds and the fact that we have a staff that is completely bivocational. We hope to encourage one of the most overlooked sector of ministers. I may be one of the few pastors that went into bible college (as a 17 yr. old)with the notion that i would be involved in bivocational ministry from the onset. Thus it has never been a source of bitterness or disappointment many pastors experience as a result of being in a "less than perfect" situation. hope you will stay tuned in to what God is during through restorationchurchauburn.com P.s. my wife nicole will have a new praise and worship cd out in a few weeks. It will be a cd you put in when you want to go to be in the presence of God for sure!
We may have a different perspective on ministry due to our backgrounds and the fact that we have a staff that is completely bivocational. We hope to encourage one of the most overlooked sector of ministers. I may be one of the few pastors that went into bible college (as a 17 yr. old)with the notion that i would be involved in bivocational ministry from the onset. Thus it has never been a source of bitterness or disappointment many pastors experience as a result of being in a "less than perfect" situation. hope you will stay tuned in to what God is during through restorationchurchauburn.com P.s. my wife nicole will have a new praise and worship cd out in a few weeks. It will be a cd you put in when you want to go to be in the presence of God for sure!
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