Culture, Cultural Intelligence, and the Gospel
Part of the problem resides in many people seeing culture as being a “bad” thing.
God gave this couple a cultural mandate.
The fact is that while sin has interrupted God’s original plan, its intrusion has not canceled the cultural mandate.
Financial Mentor
Adventist Pastors whose net worth is anticipated to be over one million are more likely to have a financial mentor.
Look for pastors/mentors who have done well in their own finances.
Take advantage of the free service of a certified financial planner provided by the NAD Retirement plan.
Why Black History Matters: A Theological Perspective
From a theological perspective, I believe that there is great value in recognizing Black History Month.
We can become more well-rounded, culturally aware, and compassionate.
Since we live in a society where some seek to idealize history and America’s treatment of racial minorities…we need to recognize Black History Month now more than ever.
Epic Church in Chicago
What does art have to do with church planting? In Chicago, Epic Church has created a unique community outreach ministry called Art Space. Find out how they use art as a means to connect with their secular community and connect their community with their church. This story will inspire you to think outside the box in your ministry context.
Practicing Presence
“How can our interactions with one another in worship encourage, empower, and enable us to be more responsive and present to a gracious, ever-present God? And, in turn, how might that transform the way we are present with all those around us?”
Empowering Worship Ministry Volunteers: A Conversation with Crosswalk's Isai Moran
“Good and meaningful fellowship and community are most essential. Our team really enjoys spending time together every week and also during the week. We try our best to have team nights and vespers where people can connect outside of Saturday mornings as well. I think community is one of the main reasons why people are so committed.”
It’s Always Me
I was battling an injury that no doctor could fix.
I remember arguing with God. I was feeling so disconnected.
The couple shared things from my sermon and how impactful it was for them.
Avoid Tax by Contributing to a Church Retirement Account
Those whose net worth was anticipated to be over one million contribute more to a church sponsored retirement account than those whose net worth was less than a million.
Contributions are tax free and grow tax free.
Contributions are tax free at retirement when you take it as parsonage exclusion.
Tools for Decoding Cross-cultural Communication: Mazhar and Islam as a Blanket
I had been aware of the huge gap between his Arab Bedouin, Islamically-shaped mental map and my Argentinean, European-shaped, Christian one.
How do you unpack a conversation like this?
“You as a Christian need to know this: Islam is my mother.”
February 14th – Valentine's Day
Small Groups: Guide your small groups to cover love and relationship issues for a few weeks. There are plenty of resources, and people always need relationship tips and advice.
Memorable Marriage Moments: Allow a few couples with lasting marriages a chance to share their stories and secrets during your February services or through video testimonies on your website or social media.
Love a Family: Choose a specific family or group to show love through action. Gather volunteers, resources, or finances to help the family with their needs.
Decorate cupcakes for seniors: This idea is excellent if you have many seniors in your church or if you decide to visit a nursing home. Ask each child to frost a cupcake and sign Valentine's cards. You will need volunteers to pick up and distribute those items to the seniors. You could bake or solicit unfrosted cupcakes from the parents and involve the adventurers and pathfinders in decorating them with their families at their homes.
Romantic Dinner: Your Family Ministries can oversee a romantic dinner for the couples of your church at the church's fellowship hall or a local restaurant. Invite couples from your church and community to participate. Having a good message, playing games, and renewing their vows are all great ideas.
The Gospel With-ness of Effective Ministry in the City by Todd Stout
Evangelism is a key component in any attempt to grow a church or community of people. The Seventh-day Adventist Church has developed multiple types of evangelism tactics for different target audiences and regions. This video specifically discusses evangelism tactics for urban centers like New York City, Los Angeles, Indianapolis, and countless other cities in the United States. Watch this video to get a better understanding of areas the Seventh-day Adventist church has had some difficulty within terms of spreading the gospel in cities and see ways how you too can minister in cities. Watch the video here.
Todd Stout is the Lead Pastor for the Advent Hope SDA in New York
Reaching Your Community through Acts of Compassion by David Jamieson, Paulo Macena and David Franklin
Traditional evangelism for the Seventh-day Adventist church has always been revelation seminars. However, currently, revelation seminars are not what the community is responding to anymore. Communities are responding to acts of kindness, support, and love. During Jesus' ministry, He and his disciples focused on helping the communities just as much as they focused on teaching them. Watch this video to see how you can follow Jesus' example and help your church truly help your community.
David Jamieson is the President of the Upper Columbia Conference
Paulo Macena is the Leadership Director for the North American Division
David Franklin is the Senior Pastor of Miracle Temple SDA Church
Cruise Control Off: Cultural Intelligence For Engaging “Them” Who Are Not Like “Me”
What do you do when you encounter someone who isn’t like you?
It’s at the crossroads of diverse cultures that we can encounter our greatest challenges, greatest self-discoveries and opportunities for growth.
This article will share a unique approach to developing your cultural intelligence as a pastor.
Why Some Adventist Pastors May Retire as Millionaires
Half of surveyed Adventist pastors anticipated retiring as millionaires and the average was 1.5 million.
Anticipated net worth varied greatly ranging from less than two hundred thousand to greater than five million.
There are eight factors that you can change that could increase your chances of retiring as a millionaire.
January 16th - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Your church or community may be planning to give special attention to celebrating Martin Luther King's birthday. Here are some suggestions:
1. Focus the whole service on the vision and call to justice and compassion proclaimed by Martin Luther King, Jr. Invite your church to action and start preparing to participate in a Compassion weekend.
2. Martin tapped into the universal dream that all men and women must be treated equally, fairly, with dignity, and with respect. His dream was your dream and my dream. Invite your church and the community to organize and participate in a "5K - Run for the Dream." People can participate wherever they live, and you can have a special service focusing on justice and compassion to end the day.
3. Don't take the day off. Yes, it's a federal holiday. But it's also an opportunity to do good. Make it a day to volunteer. Look for local opportunities to serve and mobilize your church to participate.
4. Share something on the church's social media honoring King. Ask people to share their dreams. Ask people how they can show compassion towards their community on that day. There are plenty of inspiring quotes to choose from and ways to connect the dots between King's life and the work of your church.
10 Lessons for the Church from The Grinch Who Stole Christmas
People who criticize the church are often seeking to medicate their pain and loneliness.
People inside the church can fear certain kinds of people outside the church if they don’t know them.
It is significant how the church celebrates when new members join (or re-join) their community.
Replenish: Adventist Ministries Convention
Join us January 8–11, 2023 to REPLENISH.
We know that weariness can set in, so we look to Christ for an example.
Yes, pastors are invited even if they’re not departmental leaders in their conferences.