"My church members don't want to be visited." "People are too busy today to have the pastor come by." "I am too busy with the other tasks of ministry to do regular visitation in my church."
I have heard many pastors say these or similar statements. When I was pastoring a church, I loved visiting with people but I still found it difficult to do. For me, I hated the process of making appointments, and then yet when I dropped by, so,e people weren't at home and/or they seemed uncomfortable with me coming unannounced. Read More
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Many elderly members of the church while feeling their age still wish to be an active partner in the ministry of the church. The following visit is an example of how we can meet the challenge of involving this demographic in ministry.
I recently visited a semi shut-in couple in their home. While they were faithful prayer partners with the church (something I always appreciate), they still wished that there was something more they could do for the Lord. As we talked some ideas came to mind. Read More
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Five Questions for Dr. Carlton Byrd
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Dr. Byrd, so far in your ministry you have successfully lead over 2,500 people to become baptized disciples of Christ and join the Seventh-day Adventist Church. What would you say is the secret of your success?
I am committed to knowing my people and I preach the gospel of Christ to meet their spiritual needs. Everyone is looking for something better in life. I share with them that Jesus is better than what they have and I appeal to them to follow him. Read More |
Stories We Tell
Allowances
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I learned about allowances fairly early in life. Not the money kind of allowance. In my home money was rarely given apart from chores of some kind. No, I am talking about the sewing kind of allowance. My mother made quite a few clothes for my family, and often, when I did not need to be occupied with other matters, she let me help her in the process.
First, she laid out the fabric, then placed the paper pattern on top of it, carefully pinning it in place. After careful instruction, she would let me cut the pieces out. I had to be most careful, because I had to follow the right lines. Each pattern has lines on it indicating the place where the seam was to go, but there were lines outside of that seam line where you were to cut. This extra fabric is called the seam allowance. If you cut incorrectly, the seam allowance could be too small, and when my mother would sew the pieces together, they wouldn't fit properly. Leaving no allowance made it almost impossible to craft the garment the way the designer intended. Read More
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Popular Fundraising Handbook
Updated, Revised, Expanded
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Successful Fundraising, the PSI-produced fundraising handbook first published two years ago, has been updated and revised, and additional chapters are now included in the 2015 edition. This handbook is available through AdventSource and is affordable at $19.95.
The new chapters are in response to many inquiries regarding topics such as grant proposal writing, the effect of fundraising on tithe and offerings, in-kind and non-philanthropic support, recognition, and several other topics. The handbook continues to be widely used and valued, according to feedback from PSI clients. This expanded version will contain the original chapters which have been updated and revised. Read More
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| At the Master's Feet: A Time for Affirmation, Connection and Education |
Do you know any women clergy or who are considering a call to ministry in the Columbia Union? If so can you please share this announcement with them?
"At the Master's Feet: A Time for Affirmation, Connection and Education" is a one day retreat for all female pastors and women in high-school, college or other stages of life who feel called to ministry.
This event, hosted by Sligo Church with support from NAD and Columbia Union leaders, will be held on August 20th at Sligo Church, 7700 Carroll Avenue, Takoma Park, MD, from 10am-5pm. For more information or to RSVP, contact Pastor Pranitha Fielder via pfielder@sligochurch.org.
Please RSVP by August 17th.
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Events, Resources, Announcements
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 Real Family Talk - In this question and answer formatted book, Willie and Elaine Oliver team up to answer relationship questions from people just like you on dating, doctrines, infidelity, parenting, and sex.
Previous Resource Links:
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