Pastor, how do you pray for your congregation?
We use prayer cards, ask for requests, and take notes on our weekly conversations for specific needs in our congregation. What do you pray generally for the people under your care?
Narnia Night Follow-up
Last night we enjoyed a time of learning about C. S. Lewis, his contributions to Christianity and modern Christian thought, and then watched the first Narnia film, “The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe.” Thanks to all who came out and fellowshipped with us.
Of course, you might have more questions now that you’ve seen the film.
- Is it really a good idea to watch or read this stuff?
- I understand there are some good themes in these stories, but it seems like there may be some dark, evil things as well.
- What guidelines or boundaries do I draw when it comes to “magic”?
In an effort to answer these questions and others you might have, I’d like to recommend some resources I own and have read, and some others that I’ve heard are good for such an investigation.
A Pastor’s Christmas Card
As a pastor, you need to think differently about some things. One of those is Christmas cards. This year our family decided not to give out Christmas cards at church. This way no one gets left out. Instead, let me leave this message for all to read:
Two thousand years ago, God prepared the world for the birth of His Son. The world was ripe for receiving and spreading the Good News.
This year God prepared a church and a pastor, bringing them together for the first time. It has been our great joy and privilege to join the family at Gateway Assembly.
Now God is preparing a church and its pastor for great things. God has something amazing in store for all who are now among us, and includes many who have yet to come along.
Open your hearts and minds to God’s leading. He will walk with you, provide for you, and guide you through every blessing and every trial that life will bring. You are not alone, for He will never leave you. And we’re with you, too.
Merry Christmas. May you and your families be blessed this Christmas season, into the New Year, and Beyond!
Pastor Chris, Jessica, Meghan & Ainsley
Book Review: The Character of Leadership
The Character of Leadership: Six pillars of a leader’s character is a book that is easy to read, probably won’t take you long to read, but will challenge you to build up who you are before you seek to increase what you are. A primary thought behind the book is this: “Leadership will destroy the man whose character is not prepared for it.”
I was introduced to Pastor Gregg Johnson at our Maritime District fall pastor’s conference. He had made the journey from New York state, was our guest speaker for the event, and he had the opportunity to share on some of these thoughts. It was obvious that Pastor Gregg was not writing and speaking about leadership so he could make a lot of money. He never once mentioned the size of his church, how many leaders he led or how many he had groomed over the years. Pastor Gregg’s goal was to challenge pastors and church leaders so that their ministries, families, even their personal lives, would be protected and blessed by God. So when we all received a copy of the book at the conference, I was excited to read it.
Before You Delegate – 2
In a previous post, we talked about how we should never delegate before taking the time to train, and some of the problems that arise if we forget to follow that rule. There are a couple of other issues to consider before we start training a staff member, ministry leader or other volunteer.
The first of these issues deals with us, the pastor or leader who is planning on handing over a task or ministry to another person. We have to make sure that we have prepared ourselves to let go.
Christmas and Communion
At our church, the first Sunday of the month is Communion Sunday. Today it just felt like a great way to kick off the Christmas Season.
I also had the opportunity to lead worship this morning. We sang a couple of carols, and then built off of “O Come, All Ye Faithful” all the way to “Here I Am To Worship.” It was sort of going from Jesus’ birth to death all in 20 minutes.
Of course, Jesus’ death and resurrection are the point behind Jesus’ birth. If Jesus had just been a prophet or important man, but was unable to satisfy the requirements of the perfect sacrifice, we wouldn’t have much to celebrate. We don’t celebrate the birth of Abraham, Moses or David. We don’t all get together on Barack Obama’s or Stephen Harper’s or Queen Elizabeth’s birthday. We don’t put out lights and decorations for President’s Day in February (at least, not yet).
If weren’t for Christ’s body broken for you, and Christ’s blood shed for you, this time of year might not be much of a celebration at all.
Chris MacKinnon 
