Ministry Matters - How generosity and pastoral care are linked | Count your blessings

How can we preach and teach “certain faith in uncertain times” in a financially competitive culture? How generosity and pastoral care are linked by Clayton Smith   A major challenge facing the church is the growth of nonprofit charities. These organizations do much good in our communities, but the competition for the charitable dollar is fierce. How can the local church compete with universities, hospitals, and hundreds of worthy nonprofits when many of them have over ten, twenty, or even a hundred full-time fund-raising staff? Most churches have volunteers or part-time staffing for fundraising needs. The lack of trained leadership will be a growing challenge for the church. Read here

Where are you being nudged to use what you have and who you are to share God’s love in your community? Count your blessings by Sidney Everhart   There is no formula for creating a thriving rural church, but there are practices and tools for engagement that promote the health and growth of a congregation, which is relevant to its context. To reorient thinking around the notion of a “thriving” congregation, begin by identifying assets. When naming the things that you have and represent, be encouraged by an “opportunity mindset,” which acknowledges that everyone has something to offer. Community members have gifts, including skills, experience, and passions. Read here

Out of the darkness and into the light of worship this Sunday Reflecting on the remarkable importance of relationships in your sermon this Sunday