As I reflect on Easter this past Sunday along with the springtime, one word keeps coming up in my mind – Renewal. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16). The word renewed means to…
The Power of Easter
This Sunday, billions of people worldwide will celebrate Easter, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. By the way, we worship on Sunday rather than on Saturday because Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week. Every Sunday is an Easter Sunday! This past year has been a year many of…
Staying out of HARM’s Way
by Linda Myers A few years back, we took a guided hike along the San Andreas Fault. Somehow I ended up in front of the line, leading the way. The guide ran up and said, “You’d better let me in front since I know how to spot snakes that are hiding along the trail. That…
Some Things That Will Stay
As we come out of COVID, there are some changes that will stay beyond the lockdown. We are all sick of the phrase new normal but there’s no denying that our post-covid normal will be impacted by our pandemic experiences. Recently, Nelson Searcy said that 80% of the way we did church before COVID will…
Discipleship
From the Board of Discipleship Let Us Introduce Ourselves Discipleship is what the church is called to do. It is a command from Jesus Himself— “Go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19-20). However, this doesn’t happen automatically. It only occurs in churches that are intentional about it. Disciple making can very easily seem like an overwhelming…
Three Options
Conditions don’t make us; but what we do with them does. Seth Godin wrote that we have three options in any situation: we can react, respond, or initiate. I think he is right. Humanly speaking, that is probably the extent of what we can do. The most crucial thing isn’t what happens to us but…
Theology in Community
by Jeremiah Duncan and Mitch Lee We are pleased to introduce a new series of community learning opportunities, called Theology in Community. The first offering will be a 4 part series on Women in Ministry. Let’s Talk The Pacific Conference is often described as a ‘relational system’. To be our best, we need to learn…
Church and Politics
Two things you are never supposed to talk about – religion and politics. In reality, we are preoccupied with both, and along with that, have increased anxiety and disagreements. I’m not a “the sky is falling” type of person, but I think we need to be aware of the shifts in our culture and their…
Four Shifts Every Church Must Make
Our purpose in the Pacific Conference is to “help build healthy local churches.” Every church has areas of health as well as areas of needed growth! There is no perfect church, and every church should be open to change. Before I forget, don’t miss the opportunity to hear Dr. Gary McIntosh at tomorrow’s Zoom Room…
12 Things that Kill Good Leadership
There is a proverb that says, “If you think you are leading and no one is following you, then you are only taking a walk.” We may wonder why people are not responding well to our leadership. The reason may stem from certain attitudes and actions we allow in our lives. Today’s blog lists 12…
Three Tensions in Tough Times
Martin Luther King Jr. said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” COVID-19 has exposed us all. It shows what we are made of. As always, leadership is about managing the tension for the good…
9 Things Re-Gathered Churches Are Learning
Most of our churches in the Pacific Conference are meeting in person. As we gather together we realize how important being together is for the church to be healthy and effective. Today’s blog is from Chuck Lawless who shares some things that re-gathered churches are realizing. Originally posted by Chuck Lawless. LET’S TALK Chuck writes this:…
