In my pastoral ministry, I hope to be effective at bearing fruit in God’s kingdom. I believe that one of the ways that I can be part of God’s work is to be excellent at equipping people. There are some things that I can do, say or ways that I can be that can bear […]
Tag: God
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A Year Ago on Thoughts of Resurrection
Here are a few posts from a year ago, I hope that you might take a look at two or three and add your comments. Enjoy! Looking Forward to the Dad Life Institute: What’s the Point? (5 of 5) What to Do with Ineffective United Methodist Clergy What to Do with Unhealthy United Methodist Congregations My Advice on Cohabitation
I am on a strategic project team at Resurrection that is looking for three small churches, currently led by lay speakers, local pastors, or student local pastors, who would be interested in testing a new model for ministry – these churches would, for one year, become a part of a multi-point circuit with Resurrection. The […]
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Scripture Monday – Zechariah 4:6
So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty (Zechariah 4:6, NIV). I appreciate the reminder in this verse that it is by God’s Spirit that I am able to make an impact on the lives […]
At times, I wonder about ambition as a pastor in the United Methodist Church. On one hand, I am appointed and sent to serve at a local church by the bishop. It can be unhealthy to always “live in the next appointment” – looking forward to what might be. On the other hand, God has […]
Last week I sent out this message on social media networks in which I am involved: http://twitter.com/#!/andrewconard/status/90893551919038464 I heard back from people who had ideas for what this might look like and I want to try to take the next step. Generally I am not very interested in groups that cohort, advocate or politic within […]
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Scripture Monday – Jonah 3:10
10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened. (Jonah 3:10, NIV) This verse contains a powerful reversal of God’s actions based on human behavior. God is responsive to people. It makes a difference to us, others […]
Like a local church, an annual conference and denomination with a mission (Why do we exist?) and a vision (Where are we going?) are more likely to contain vital congregations. The clarity of purpose and direction helps shape the life of the community in both subtle and significant ways. The United Methodist Church has a […]
A local church with a mission (Why do we exist?) and a vision (Where are we going?) is more likely to be a vital congregation. The clarity of purpose and direction helps shape the life of the congregation in both subtle and significant ways. With the lack of a clear statement that people can remember […]
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Scripture Monday – Psalm 19:14
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14, NIV). These words are very familiar to me. I remember hearing them before every Sunday sermon that my Dad preached. I do not remember wondering about their origin while I was growing […]
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Should I Change Churches?
I recently read How to Choose a Church by Bruce Reyes-Chow and wanted to take time to share with you some of the things that I share with people considering either leaving Resurrection for another church or beginning to attend Resurrection from another church. It really matter to me whether you attend Resurrection or not. […]
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Scripture Monday – Amos 8:11
“The days are coming,” declares the Sovereign Lord, “when I will send a famine through the land — not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord. Amos 8:11, NIV. What a powerful illustration! The previous chapters of Amos outlined many possibilities for physical difficulties for the people, however […]
Rev. Andrew Conard 