As clergy our role is to leverage the uniqueness of special services so that they can powerfully accomplish something out of the ordinary, whether baptisms, a funerals, weddings, anointing services or any other special services of the church. In this issue of CALLED several pastors share their insights on releasing the potential of these services.
 
In our video documentary Joel Almeida, a brand new pastor from Community Praise Center, would like to learn how to hone his skills in leading out in special services of the church such as baptisms, communion services, and graveside services. He is invited to spend a few days with seasoned preacher Charles Tapp, Senior pastor of Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church. In this video we watch as Pastor Almeida is mentored by Elder Tapp for a few days. We see Joel astounded by how much work goes into the preparation of a communion service and happily surprised by the high attendance during the service. Later we see Joel drop by a mortuary and graveyard as he gleans wisdom from Charles on the importance of the ministry of presence. Next Joel puts on a baptismal robe and learns firsthand about the technical details of performing a flawless baptism. Finally pastor Almeida returns to Community Praise Center thinking about how he will be doing his own special services in the future.

 John Grys goes beyond the surface elements of the funeral service and unpacks the meaning behind it. Jason Decena gives a case history of where a church increased the participation in the ‘feetwashing’ portion of the communion service by eight fold through a creative enactment of scripture. Kingsley Palmer has developed a robust home dedication service that leaves an impact for years to come.

2Q14: Special Services is the Theme for CALLED Digital Magazine

Esther Knott shares how by preparing ahead, you can turn an anointing service into a window of healing.  Ivan Williams takes a look at how a child dedication can turn into a legacy of hope. Shawn Brace navigates his way through today’s complexity in weddings and gives four pieces of advice for pastors who have an upcoming wedding to perform.
 
As you assume the role of the clergy in your next special service I pray that you take seriously the power of the special service to assist people in finding personal meaning in life and in eternity.
 
CALLED takes advantage of the digital magazine format which pulls the best media features from print, video, graphics, and social media to create a unique experience for pastors. Current platforms supported include Android, iPad and Kindle.  There is also a pdf version for those who don't have access to an electronic tablet device. The magazine is available at no charge to download courtesy of NAD Ministerial. To access the magazine users should go to the app store for their tablet and do a search for ‘NAD Ministerial.’ This issue is entitled CALLED 2Q14. Click this link to subscribe on an Apple powered device, or this link for a Google Play device, or click here to download the pdf version for your computer. For more information contact Dave Gemmell.

Pastoral leadership is the theme of 2Q16 CALLED magazine edited by Dr. Stan Patterson. Stan has assembled a collection of articles on leadership including:

  • Terminal Authority--Stanley E. Patterson

  • Preaching is Leadership--Hyveth Williams

  • The Uzzah Effect--Skip Bell

  • Called … but Why?--Samuel Indreiu

  • The Intensity Comes Home--Monte Robison

  • The Suffering Leader--John Grys

  • A Cure for the “Where’d It Go?”--Shane Anderson

CALLED is downloadable at no charge for most digital devices including tablets, smartphones, and computers. Optimal performance is found on the tablet.
 
Click here for an Apple app.
Click here for a Google Play app.
Click here to download an interactive pdf for your computer.