By Laura Stephens Reed “I didn’t know about that [congregational event or decision].” This sentence is a dagger to the heart of anyone who has ever spent a long time writing a church newsletter article, made an announcement in worship, or posted meticulously crafted graphics about that very thing on social media. And yet, this … Continue reading
By Laura Stephens Reed Effective lay leadership in congregations is essential. Without it, either little gets done or the pastor takes on too much and becomes crispy-fried, leaves, with the church flailing in the sudden absence of someone to do all the things. Many congregations are currently in a lay leadership quandary. Church attendance has … Continue reading
By Laura Stephens Reed In the world of ministry, many congregations offer their pastors an extended time away after a certain number of years of service. This gift might be called a sabbatical or a renewal leave, but typically it’s a one to three month period (preferably on the longer end), and it is in … Continue reading
By Laura Stephens Reed Recently, the leaders of a church I was coaching told me that it takes 17-20 people to make their worship service happen on a Sunday morning. They related this with a sense of awe and pride, because their congregation’s worship is truly the work of the people. That got me thinking … Continue reading
By Laura Stephens-Reed For a long time, the number of member-in-ministry hours has been on the decline in many congregations. Retired people – who make up the largest percentage of church members – often travel, take care of family members or have calendars full of social and non-church volunteer commitments. Parents of children and teenagers … Continue reading
By Brian Foreman While theology and politics are remarkably difficult to extract from one another (especially since the words of Jesus about loving our neighbor and caring for those ignored by the religious establishment are political), let’s be clear: Jesus was not put to death for carrying a lamb around and telling people to love … Continue reading
By Laura Stephens Reed Today, February 14, the Church will begin the season of Lent, the 40-day (not counting Sundays) journey to the cross and then to the empty tomb. If you’re new to the idea of Lent, you’re not alone! Many Baptist congregations do not observe it, and I had not really even heard … Continue reading
By Brian Foreman I play this guessing game with my wife. When she is talking and pauses to collect her thoughts, I interject mine; or when she is searching for a word, I fill in the blank for her. This is not a game she enjoys and, for my own health, I try to avoid … Continue reading
June 15, 2022 By Jeff Huett DECATUR, Ga – A minister, interim pastor and consultant who has invested in the formation of new generations of ministers within and beyond the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship community is the unanimous choice of a diverse search committee tasked with selecting CBF’s new Coordinator of Congregational Ministries. After the CBF … Continue reading
January 28, 2022 By Aaron Weaver and Carrie Harris DECATUR, Ga. — “Hold one another in beloved community and embrace one another in our exhaustion.” This was the challenge of CBF Executive Coordinator Paul Baxley to Governing Board members meeting in-person and remotely, Jan. 27-28. In his report, Baxley reflected on Jesus’ Parable of the … Continue reading