The EFCA Leader's Network
The Ministerial Association of the Evangelical Free Church of America
Our idolatrous substitutes for the Local Church
Admittedly, a tough title; and this review may not lead you to buy the book, but it should give you pause as you contemplate the community of the local church. Warning: it is a little difficult to digest but well worth it.
Mentoring
We all need mentors. With so many voices telling us what to do, it’s vitally important that we have godly, thoughtful, experienced people showing us what to do. Preparing for a life in ministry is demanding work—and I’m not just talking about your seminary workload. You need real-life pastoral experience under the direction of a mentor.
I serve as director of field education at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. Much of my work involves talking to students about their relationships with their pastoral mentors. Since 1987, I’ve mentored men preparing for ordination. While serving on Boston’s North Shore, I mentored many men in the Gordon-Conwell field education program. Before coming to RTS, I employed men pursuing ordination. Mentoring has been a key part of my pastoral ministry.
With so many voices telling us what to do, it’s vitally important that we have godly, thoughtful, experienced people showing us what to do.
What follows are my thoughts on what makes a good mentor. While I’m acutely aware of my weaknesses, much of what I know I learned from my mentors and have sought to put into practice, however imperfectly. One of the advantages of my job is that I continue to learn from the superbly skilled mentors who serve our students. As you search for a mentor, what should you be looking for?
Read MoreEquipping Women: Glen Schrieber and Tammy Medders
Take a look at this interview with EFCA Network board member, Tammy Medders and SE District Superintendent, Glen Schrieber as they discuss equipping women for ministry, being aware of gender stereotypes, credentialing for women and being intentional about the inclusion of women in discipleship for the Great Commission.
Unmasking, masking: Love, Freedom, Honor, and Respect
This might be the hottest topic in the church today. Brett McCracken hits the target.
4 Reasons to Wear a Mask, Even if You Hate It
Arminian? Calvinistic?
Book review: Long-time EFCA pastor and able theologian, Jack Brooks, provides a biblical, theological and logical examination of what he sees as the merits and shortcomings of both Calvinism and Arminianism. Written in an accessible style for scholar and layperson alike, this pithy but trenchant examination of the most relevant texts used to defend both theological perspectives is presented with grace, yet conviction.
Read MoreLegal Issues for Churches and Covid
Informing Congregants of a COVID-19 CaseWith churches at varying stages of reopening their buildings during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, there are numerous logistics to address.There are legal issues to evaluate, and safety precautions to navigate. There are also scenarios to anticipate.
Questions for growing – How are You with Your Calling?
Bill Wick gives us an extensive, pastor/leader questionnaire to move us to greater effectiveness as we help others follow the Lord.
Read MoreKnow Where to Find a Pastoral Job after COVID-19
The list of collateral damage caused by COVID-19 is long. Among the items on that list are the pastors who were looking for a job before the pandemic hit. Now, they are caught in job-search limbo, lingering between churches or between a seminary and the church.
TIU STANDS WITH ALL VICTIMS OF RACIAL INJUSTICE
PRESIDENT NICHOLAS PERRIN’S STATEMENT IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE VICTIMS OF RACIAL INJUSTICE AND ALL THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THESE ONGOING SINFUL ACTS
Read MoreWelcome to Your Network!
Dear EFCA Leader,
On behalf of thousands of pastors, missionaries, ministry directors and chaplains we praise God for you! As a servant leader in the EFCA movement you are a valuable member of the EFCA Network. The Network is us! It is the people who connect, serve, preach and lead in all kinds of ways, all kinds of churches and all kinds of ministries, all over the world in our One EFCA.
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