At the end of April, Trinity Church (EFC) in Redlands, CA, hosted a one-day workshop on "The Importance of Translation and Bible Versions." The main presenter was Ted Jones.  One participant wrote, "Infinite thanks to you both for your efforts and the EFCA district for their participation in such events. Blessings."  Another added, "Ted was excellent. I loved his patience, dedication to teaching and especially his humility. God bless you."  Ruben Navarrete and Alex Rivero, who serve our Spanish-speaking congregations and pastors, were key in planning and executing this workshop.

EFCA West very recently created a Ministry Opportunities with EFCA West Churches page on the website.  The page creates a space where EFCA West churches can post staff positions they are seeking to fill, whether part-time or full-time. Contact Paul Schliep (Paul.Schliep@EFCA.org) if you have a staff position to post. The page will simply list the position, a short description and a contact person at the local church for those wanting to apply.

Paul Schliep is now in month six of serving EFCA West as the person who oversees Pastoral Care.  This has included many face-to-face times but also resourcing pastors, leadership teams and elder boards with information regarding retreats, sabbaticals, severance guidelines, the importance of intentional interim pastors during transitions, and the care of pastors and their families.   Contact Paul at 714-858-2373 or Paul.Schliep@efca.org for issues related to the spiritual, emotional and physical health of the pastors who serve our churches.

The ubiquitous Thom Rainer has written another "keeper" when it comes to key issues in placement.  This article was prompted by comments like,  "This church is nothing like the search committee described. They said they were ready for change. They are, as long as it doesn't affect them!"  Read "Five Questons..." before you make your next change.  Search committees would be wise to be proactive in addressing the issues behind the questions.

A helpful corollary to the article above regarding questions prospective pastors should ask is this podcast about the realities of what an incoming pastor inherits when he comes to an established church.  Six Things You Inherit as a New Pastor include: people, culture, staff, schedule, expectations and traditions. Many pastors have experienced the challenges of these inherited issues.

While the article is geared toward those who are in their first pastoral role, these same mistakes are often made by veterans of ministry.  Five Rookie Pastor Mistakes is a good checklist for anyone involved in local church leadership because it highlights very common missteps on the part of those who lead.  It remains true among EFCA churches that seldom does a pastor or staff member leave due to doctrinal error or deviation.  More often the departure is related to the five issues mentioned in this article.

Gavin Ortlund addresses the inevitable seasons that come with ministry and gives some very practical suggestions on navigating a difficult season.  5 Ways to Make It through a Difficult Season is a very good summary of things to keep in mind when those seasons come.

As a church leader, you are already thinking about ministry opportunities and changes for September.  Steve Hopper, Pastor of Adult Ministries at Hillside Community Church (EFC) in Porterville, CA, recommends a "classic" series for men.  Click here to read Steve's recommendation and details about the series.