Summer Day Camps and Vacation Bible Schools
Almost thirty years ago, Dr. Bryant Myers released a study titled,”The State of the World’s Children: A Cultural Challenge to the Christian Mission in the 1990’s.” This study found that nearly 85% of Americans who make a decision for Christ, do so between the ages of 4 and 14! Though the study is dated and in the context of the USA, the point should not be missed. Children’s Ministry matters!
As a grandfather of ten grandchildren, I am thankful for those who invest their time and talents in children’s ministries. It has been difficult through these months of COVID. ZOOM is not a good medium for children, but I appreciate all the efforts made by so many.
Ministry and Programs for children and youth are both encouraged and possible this summer. With summer weather and relaxed restrictions, the summer is wide open for ministry, and many district churches are making the best of this opportunity.
Please join us in praying for summer ministries in our churches – perhaps we have some catching up to do, but may this be a summer of harvest in the lives of many children. May many look back on summer 2021 as the time that they accepted Christ and began following him as disciples.
***
If I knew then what I know now...
All of us have at one time or another found that we have entered into something without “doing our homework” or due diligence. Perhaps it was purchasing a car, entering into a cell phone contract or taking on a job. This can also be true of pastoral ministry.
In doing research for the D.Min program at ACTS, I developed something of a model for a “pastoral lifecycle” in ministry within a church. There are various models for this, but there is often a rather predictable pattern. One enters ministry with certain expectations and ideals, perhaps naively. Five to seven years into ministry, a pastor will likely find that ministry is not what they had anticipated. They may find themselves asking, “What am I doing here?” Am I really called to pastoral ministry? Am I really in the “right spot?” Ten to thirteen years into ministry, a pastor will likely have encountered some significant challenges in ministry. They may have been dismissed. They may have faced division. They may feel somewhat “burned out, and find themselves asking, “Can I keep doing this?” “Will I survive in ministry?” “Is ministry fair to my family?” “Do I need to consider a vocational change?” One’s conviction of calling will be both tested, and prove essential to continue.
Finally, eighteen years plus into ministry, many will ask, “What will be my legacy from my years of ministry?” While none of us are indispensable, we may wonder if the church will thrive and stay on course after we have concluded our ministry.
While not guaranteed, I believe that every pastor will ask these questions in their years of ministry. By God’s grace, we will carry on, learn to lean on Him and be thankful for the calling that we are entrusted with.
Here is a link to some rather depressing stats on pastors in America, statistics-concerning-pastoral-needs (I note the number one reason for pastors leaving a ministry is conflict between them and the congregation as to the goals and direction of the church. While this may be true, my observation is that this often reflects a style of leadership more than a conflict of goals).
Carey Nieuwhof recently wrote an article, “7 Things I wish someone would have told me before starting ministry,” and in this he reflects on what he wish he had known before starting vocational ministry. I believe that you will identify with what he writes. Here is the link:
7+things+I+wish+someone+would+have+told+me+before+I+started+in+leadership
***
LPD District Superintendent Search
Here is the DS Information package:
Job_Description_and_LPD_History_Published.pdf
***
BC COVID-19 Policy Updates:
With our lowered number of COVID cases and increased vaccinations, there is much anticipation that there will be a significant lifting of restrictions, as of July 1, when we anticipate to enter Phase III of our BC Restart Program. There is also a lot of speculation….
We will update you next week, just as soon as information is available in writing.
Here are the current regulations for gathering indoors for worship:
office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/covid-19/covid-19-variance-indoor-worship.pd
Here are the current regulations for gathering outside worship:
office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/covid-19/covid-19-variance-outdoor-worship.pdf
Here is a link to how this in anticipated to unfold in the weeks ahead. BC Restart Plan: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restart
While there is hope, there remains a lack of clarity as to what the regulations will be at each phase. “Indoor organized” gatherings are restricted to:
Phase III: “Increased capacity at both indoor and outdoor organized gatherings with a COVID-19 Safety Plan in place.” (July 1 or later).
Phase IV: “Increased capacity at large organized gatherings, like a concert.” (Sept. 7 or later).
With changes to the BC Employment Standards, employers are now required to provide all employees with three hours paid time for the purposes of vaccination, retroactive to April 19. Here is a link to the legislation: gov.bc.ca/releases
