Categories
life ministry

Welcome Everywhere

Several months ago, we made the decision to be homeowners, as Berryton UMC does not currently own a parsonage. The real estate search has been a bit of a challenge, as there was not an overly abundant selection of homes available in the Shawnee Heights School District. We did find a home that I believe […]

Categories
leadership

Spending Time on the Balcony and the Dance Floor

As a leader there is value in spending time both: On the balcony – getting a big picture perspective removed from day to day responsibilities and On the dance floor – accomplishing day to day tasks to make progress as an organization. Spending time in either location can be productive, however you cannot spend your […]

Categories
kansas leadership

Learnings from the Kansas Leadership Center

I have had the opportunity to engage with the Kansas Leadership Center (KLC) in the Leadership and Faith: Transforming Communities program over the past year. I wanted to share some of the learnings that I have gathered from my interactions with the KLC. If you can be competent in four things – you will make […]

Categories
church communications ministry

Transition Preparation Document for First UMC El Dorado

One month from today, I will begin serving as pastor at First United Methodist Church in El Dorado. Last week, I had the opportunity to spend time with some of the key leaders and staff from the church. I shared a document with everyone that I met outlined some of my personal priorities as well […]

Categories
leadership ministry

Wisdom and Advice about Ministry in the Local Church 2012

I have been appointed to serve First United Methodist Church in El Dorado, Kansas beginning July 1, 2012. Will you please help me in this transition? Share your thoughts, feelings and opinions about ministry in the local church by using this link http://j.mp/MVELdL Helpful – What have you found to be most helpful for ministry […]

Categories
leadership life ministry

New Appointment: My Most Common Response

An occurrence that is becoming more and more common as the weeks go on is people congratulating me on my new appointment. There are a myriad factors that are playing in to this transition. While there is a lot going on for our family, I simply try to recognize both the opportunities and challenges in this […]

Categories
leadership united methodist church

Questions for a Congregation from a Newly Appointed Pastor in the #UMC

I am preparing to transition to a new appointment beginning July 1. One of the things that I have learned from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership is that good leaders ask the right questions. I have been working on a list of questions that I believe will be helpful in getting started well at […]

Categories
church leadership

New Appointment: How and When I Found Out

I have been appointed to serve as the lead pastor at First United Methodist Church in El Dorado, KS beginning July 1. This is a series of posts about this transition. At times the appointive process for pastors in The United Methodist Church can seem a bit mysterious – for pastors and congregations. I wanted to share how my […]

Categories
annual conference leadership united methodist church

How do Pastors in the UMC Provide Input into their Appointment?

I have been appointed to serve as the lead pastor at First United Methodist Church in El Dorado, KS beginning July 1. This is a series of posts about this transition. Yesterday, I shared a bit about how pastors are appointed in The United Methodist Church. I mentioned a form that clergy fill out each year regarding their appointment […]

Categories
ministry question and response renewing the church

New Appointment: What’s Next for Nicole?

I have been appointed to serve as the lead pastor at First United Methodist Church in El Dorado, KS beginning July 1. I am writing a series of posts about this transition. One of the more common questions that I have received is: What is Nicole going to do? My wife, Nicole, is an ordained elder in the United […]

Categories
leadership ministry renewing the church

New Appointment: El Dorado First United Methodist Church

I have been appointed to serve as the lead pastor at First United Methodist Church in El Dorado, KS beginning July 1. The news was announced at El Dorado and Resurrection West on Sunday. El Dorado is a city with a population of about 13,000. It is located just off I-35 about 30 minutes east of Wichita. […]