-
What have you noticed or learned are the most pressing concerns and issues that church or ministry members seek counsel on or ask for from your church or organization in your specific context? / How might you and the rest of your church’s or organization’s leadership team respond to these changing needs effectively as redemptive leaders? What actions are required to respond suitably? / What further reading or resources have helped you in your leadership development, especially to meet the changing needs of your community?
-
14 Replies
-
I have noticed that many mature Christians who have followed Jesus in their early walk have changed their commitments and followed their own religion or their own traditions. The Pastor seems to be a person who puts on a show rather than someone who is teaching what Jesus is speaking about. There is a basic root in following Jesus as you grow in your faith. Many Christians think it is time to branch off the path of Christ to make their own path. These people may be successful for a time, but sooner or later, must answer to the truth about their own convictions, if they still have them. Humility is mostly spoken and agreed on but not practiced. Not many people in the regional Church desires to submit themselves to a truthful mistakes or shortcomings they really have. It is as if there is an invisible Christian Screen over them that they are not willing to share. We used to have many men in a men’s accountability group which lasted about 5 years. Now we do not have but only a hand full who still meet on a regular basis. We still do have home groups which meet regularly, and that is very good.
As for the actions to take, I would be gentle and caring about speaking to anyone who has gone astray from following Jesus. This is not something I can walk up and identify with another Church member. This is between them and Jesus, that is why humility and truthfulness is so very important in the life of a Christian.
-
Our church congregation consist primarily of senior citizen on a fixed income and medical issues that come as we age. There is so much negativity that impacts their lives from doctor visits, to seeing what is happening with other members, to the thing presented on the evening news. These things challenge their faith in the power of God to be the same God today as He was in days when Jesus walked the earth. We are grateful to God for the advances in technology, medical treatments and the various programs that are available to assist the elderly. But, at the end of the day, it is God who allows everything to work, and it is God who opens doors. Therefore, Sunday Morning sermons center around uplifting the congregation, building faith, trusting God and believing His word. We have weekly prayer meeting where we spend time before God as intercessor for the church and the needs of the people. I am a student of the word. I believe in continuing education. Our Daily Bread University has been a great resource for me and provides me the flexibility to study at my own pace. And to tailor my studies to the needs of the congregation I serve.
-
I believe the most common issue in our church may very well be addiction or substance abuse and #2 would be homelessness. These two issues seem to be at the forefront of every problem as well as making conversions to Christ more difficult, for without proper counciling and mentering there is a high percentage of these converts falling back into their former sinful habits. To address these addictions and homelessness we do have some resources for substance abuse that include men’s groups for discipling these men as well as women, we call on the leaders or deacons of our church to take this on and disciple these young men and women and help with their physical needs. we also work with the local housing programs to address homelessness as well as opening our church for overnight visitors. Along with these resources there is study material to request as well as accountability mentors.
-
Mostly deliverance as that is a major focus of my church. Many people feel that maybe their issues are deeper than just sin nature and seek to find out if there is a spirit attachment that they need rid of. Now this does include repenting and leaving behind sins that cause issues as well. The response is to keep our relationship with the Holy Spirit active daily and not to let that go because we are busy. Reading good information on deliverance including ” Bait of Satan” have seriously improved my ability to minister to others.
-
Church members in my church often seek spiritual growth, family and relationship counselling, financial stability, and support for health and well-being. They also desire a sense of community and social support, which is a vital part of our church’s mission. Addressing these needs effectively requires a proactive approach, including regular needs assessments, tailored programs, and equipping leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge.
To respond effectively, church leadership should develop programs that address the congregation’s specific needs. This involves communicating available resources, allocating appropriate budgets, and creating a supportive environment where members feel safe to seek help. Partnerships with local organizations and continuous feedback and evaluation of services are also essential to ensure the church can meet diverse needs efficiently.
Continuous learning and development are not just important, but they are the cornerstone of effective leadership. Resources such as “The Purpose Driven Church” by Rick Warren and “Spiritual Leadership” by J. Oswald Sanders provide valuable insights for leadership development. Online courses such those offered by our daily bread university and biblical training institute, articles from “Christianity Today,” and attending leadership conferences can also enhance leadership skills. By leveraging these resources, church leaders can better serve their community, fostering a more supportive and effective church environment.
