Episode 134: Encouraging Signs In Local Churches   Alan and Trent talk from their heart about observations they have made over the last months.  

Enduring Churches Podcast with Alan and Trent

Episode 134: Encouraging Signs In Local Churches

Episode 133: No Other Gods   6 potential "false gods" in our ministry   Placing people above God Will cause you to live in fear Will cause you to stop speaking the truth   Placing security above God   Placing comfort above God   Placing a paycheck above God   Placing family above God   Placing preference above God   alan@enduringchurches.consulting trent@enduringchurches.consulting  

Episode 133: No Other Gods

Episode 132: Symptoms of A Critical Church Culture     Many of our churches in the United States have developed a critical culture   Criticism - a Critical Cricket                     a Fault Finder                     an Idea Incinerator                     a Results Rebel (never good enough)   A critical spirit tears down those around us and robs us of our own ability to enjoy life. When we become overly critical, we miss out on the beauty that God has placed in this world. Small blessings go unnoticed, and we stop being thankful. Overcoming a critical spirit requires gratefulness, a willingness to forgive, an accurate understanding of God’s grace (it’s free!), an intentional refocusing of our thoughts, and a commitment to share the truth in love.   Complaining - inner 2 year old wants something   what happens to a critical church   The church is made up of people.  So when people are complainers and critical - it spreads like a cancer.    It runs people off - because it makes people uncomfortable                folks don't like conflict                it runs pastors off   Some folks will join in because they like gossip - scripture calls it a tasty morsel.   A church can gain a reputation of being critical       Overcoming a critical spirit is a matter of sanctification, and we have the Holy Spirit’s help with that . submit to God, read His Word, develop a thankful heart and pray for grace, we will find that the critical spirit gives up control to the Holy Spirit of Christ. address the issue 

Episode 132: Symptoms of A Critical Church Culture

Episode 131: Efficiency Versus Effectiveness   In ministry we have to remember that efficiency can sometimes kill your ministry We are working on God’s timeline and in his power We are dealing with people  Our people need our undivided attention Hearing their story will change your view of them Listening takes time Are you more worried about the schedule in the bulletin or in allowing God to work and be in charge?

Episode 131: Efficiency versus Effectiveness

Episode 130: Enjoying Where You Serve   Satisfied?       “...Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.”  verse 4   For reading and meditation: Luke 4:1-4   We remember Satan is a counterfeiter.  He creates fake items to dangle in front of God’s children as substitutes for God’s real items.  Jesus is truly hungry in this passage and in need of some sustenance.  Satan offers him mere calories - sweet bread.    Jesus knows there is an item far more satisfying than bread.  Jesus knows experiencing God’s presence is really satisfying; a deep down, unbeatable satisfaction.  See Psalm 16:11.  “In Your presence is fullness of joy.”  The one Hebrew word translated fullness of joy (soba) refers to real satisfaction.  Jesus knew remaining in God’s presence was His source of real satisfaction.  He would not forfeit the beauty of real satisfaction to experience the fleeting satisfaction of eating a few sweet calories of bread.   Have you and I eaten some of Satan’s sweets when we were hungry?  How satisfying was it for you?   Those in Christ look to God to satisfy them.  It is in His power and by His strength we stand, move, and have our being.  It is our intimate walk with God that sustains.  Let’s not forfeit our walk with God for one sweet bite of a fake. Be a tourist  Be a food critic Be a tour guide  Be a chamber spokesperson 

Episode 130:

Three elements to consider constitution bylaws Policies and procedures   Constitution is broad and covers governing values and principles. The overarching thought is " who we are?" Relates to a person changes on rare occasions in big moments when married, or become a parent... or experience a tragedy. for a church big moments can cause a shift and need to re-identify a church. time after a scandal years of conflict merger a season of explosive growth   Bylaws are the specific governing properties that arise from the constitution. The overarching thought is "how do we do this? " Relates to the skeletal system Should be reviewed often and amended or changed every few years. Have laws changed? Has culture shifted? - ex. fewer business meetings Has leadership changed? Is the structure effective? Was something not addressed that should be addressed? Are you following them, which is technically a legal requirement.   Policies and procedures The over-arching thought is "what is important to us?" Cover the ever-changing details of church operations Relates to the skin and organs should be examined yearly for effectiveness should be maintained by church leadership should be available and affirmed by leadership protect people within the church and the church itself define roles and responsibilities within the church   Remember: Organizational structures are not forever - one reason the Bible doesn't give us an exact structure. Don't over complicate our documents: Constitution is like a page or two, bylaws a few pages; policies and procedures are much more comprehensive, but also most easily changed. Use a team to evaluate, don't just trust yourself Remember you are legally responsible to follow your constitution and bylaws. 

Episode 129: When It‘s Time to Restructure

Episode 128: Lengthening Out Your Pastor's Tenure   6 Questions to consider in increasing pastor tenure in your church Can you pay your pastor enough to keep him? Can the power paradigm shift? Are there unaddressed trust issues? Does the pastor fit your context? Are you making it hard for your pastor to leave? Are you taking a stand against harmful voices in the church?  

Episode 128: Lengthening Out Your Pastor‘s Tenure

Episode 127: Can it be Revitalized?   The buzzword in church life is revitalization.  Everyone is talking about it because it's a huge need.    So We need to talk about revitalization   Churches need to be honest about their situation and their numbers.  When was the last time your church had a baptism?  When was the last time your church welcomed a new member?  When was the last time your church welcomed a new baby to the church family? Churches need to make a decision- what are they actually willing to do and change?  Then the church has to commit to follow through Churches need some outside help to show them reality and possibilities.   Churches in decline need to face some hard realities   Revitalize - the long term plan to renew their health through a change of vision and strategic change.  Need a plan   Replant - A church can relaunch with a new name and plan - but they must have a partnering church to a.  foster b. adopt c. financially support   Repurpose - Creatively steward facilities for the continued glory of the larger kingdom of God   So start now and look at your church - do you need revitalized in some way?

Episode 127: Can it be Revitalized?

Episode 126: 6 Pastor's Who Won't Likely Endure   6 types of pastors who will struggle to endure   The know it all pastor. The self-centered pastor. The lazy pastor. The emotionally unintelligent pastor. The unspiritual pastor. The isolated pastor   Some corrective actions... Be teachable Know Yourself Work hard Love your family and your flock Can't love who you don't know Remember you are on a spiritual journey Build relationships and accountability with other pastors 

Episode 126: 6 Pastor's Who Won't Likely Endure

Dealing with addiction?   Reach out to Stephine here

Interview with Stephanie Morcom about ministering to those struggling with addiction

      Episode 125: Separation Anxiety   We see it all the time in ministry. - someone who has been very involved in the church.  Suddenly they begin to distance themselves from everyone.  How do you handle this separation?     Is it important or not?    Satan loves to separate us from our family.     We will never get to the right places until we listen to the right voices.   Most of the time we wait too long to ask.   We don't want to offend.

Episode 125: Separation Anxiety

Episode 124: When to Add a New Service You are at practical capacity Pre-COVID was 80%, but its probably less now You can meet a different audience at a different time might be a different day You are trying to create a new worship feel/style Are you avoiding conflict or are you meeting needs? You want to create more preaching opportunities Are you equipping so many people in ministry, they need outlets to serve.   Some keys to think about Give people time to process the change Try it for a trial basis Make sure you can build the volunteer team needed Create opportunities for the church family to share common causes and experiences. 

Episode 124: When to Add a New Service

Episode 123: Guests and the Gifts We Give Them A primary gift thats has you church name/logo/mission a bag of some type a mug a folder Information about the church general information specific ministries, esp. kids, students, and missions a set of links or QR code A book We Wants  You Here by Thom Rainer a short book about the importance of a church a book your church is studying together A gospel presentation tract/video link to one Gift cards coffee shop... A notification that a gift is being made in the guest's honor to a local mission for picking up a bag. Something for the kids T-shirts Candy 

Episode 123: Guests and the Gifts We Give Them

Episode 122: Compassion Fatigue     People who are caregivers are at risk for developing compassion fatigue because they become overwhelmed with caring for others.   What is Compassion Fatigue? "Compassion fatigue, also known as second-hand shock and secondary stress reaction, describes a type of stress that results from helping or wanting to help those who are traumatized or under significant emotional duress." https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychpedia/compassion-fatigue   Merriam Webster medical definition: the physical and mental exhaustion and emotional withdrawal experienced by those who care for sick or traumatized people over an extended period of time    "Unlike burnout, which is caused by everyday work stresses (dealing with insurance companies, making treatment choices), compassion fatigue results from taking on the emotional burden of a patient's agony."— Tim Jarvis   Examples: People stopping in at the church asking for help Covid-19 illness and death Counselors hearing traumatic stories from their clients Pastors ministering to families in crisis      How do you recognize it? Compassion fatigue can take a physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional toll on people who experience it. Common symptoms of compassion fatigue include: Chronic physical and emotional exhaustion Anxious and intrusive thoughts Cynicism Irritability Feelings of self-contempt Difficulty sleeping Numbness or feelings of having nothing left to give Headaches Poor job satisfaction   What are solutions for compassion fatigue?  Recognizing you have it is half the battle  Realize that you are not the savior of the world  Daily quiet time with God Set healthy boundaries  Make self care a top priority reduce your stress load get enough sleep  take vacations exercise eat healthy journal 

Episode122: Compassion fatigue with guest Dana Young

Episode 121: Starting Over   How do you? Don't burn your bridges If you carry anger from a previous place of ministry - it will show to others and will put up barriers to new relationships   Remember what it was like the last time you had to begin   Be bold - take the first steps to reach out to new people   Learn the story of what has lead your church to its present place   Listen to people, hear their stories   Look for the big opportunity - person of peace   Establish good habits  

Episode121: Starting Over

Alan and Trent are pastors helping churches and leaders make a difference and last.

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Enduring Churches Podcast with Alan and Trent

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