"When I was interviewed by the Michigan conference to come to PMC I was 30 years old. The person doing the interviewing asked me: "So, Dwight, how long do you think you will stay?" Since our previous pastoral assignments had lasted an average of 2.9 years, I was at a loss for words. I looked at my wife and neither of us knew what to say. I thought about it for a moment and responded: "I'll stay 7 years." They all looked at each other and said: "Yes. We'll take it.""
It's been 32 years since that day. Dwight Nelson continues to pastor (and thrive) in a university campus church. I sat down with him for part two of the series on pastoral longevity. Here are five principles I gleaned from him:Read More
Many churches are looking to do capital campaigns. Not just for new buildings, but sometimes to do major upgrades or renovations in their older churches, or building additions to their churches for Sabbath School rooms or fellowship halls. Trying to figure out what to do and when to do it are always the big questions. Read More
Jeremy Bentham died on June 6, 1832. The utilitarian philosopher became a famous thinker in economics and law and founded the University College of London.
Bentham instructed that, upon his death, he was to be embalmed and seated in a wooden box with large windows so he could be easily seen. When he died at the age of 85, he was embalmed as he had instructed. This type of embalmed person is called an "auto-icon."Read More
It has been a dry year here in California. There has been very little rain and water sources are drying up. Local authorities have told us to cut back on our water usage by 20% and to irrigate our yards only three times a week. The word on the street is that unless we are blessed with a good wet winter, we're in big trouble next year.
We've had our own troubles at church. The recent recession has dried up most of our reserve funds, and many maintenance projects have been put on hold. The roof has been due for a new tar and gravel job for two years now, so our church board recently voted to spend the $40,000 it will take to get a new roof. Read More
Best Practicesis looking for articles about what is working for you in ministry. Articles that are one-subject focused and tightly written - 300 to 700 words. We are also looking for top-flight sermon illustrations. Pitch us an idea. Send us an article. Be sure to include your picture and ministry title. Together we can make Best Practices for Adventist Ministry a go-to tool box for NAD pastors and church leaders.
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Best Practices for Adventist Ministry is published by NAD Ministerial. Opinions expressed belong to the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of NAD Ministerial. Publisher: Ivan Williams; Managing Editor: Dan Martella. Copyright 2014 North American Division Corporation of Seventh-day Adventists. v(301) 680-6418
Many churches are looking to do capital campaigns. Not just for new buildings, but sometimes to do major upgrades or renovations in their older churches, or building additions to their churches for Sabbath School rooms or fellowship halls. Trying to figure out what to do and when to do it are always the big questions. 
