The book by John C. Maxwell is a great resource for growing leadership in congregations. I showed this recently in a Leadership Training session and it was well received. I believe that pastors would have a much greater impact in equipping the saints in their congregations if they follow these simple rules. This means that…
What it means to be a Missional Church
The key to the revitalization of the church, regardless of size, would be for the people to turn outward in their mission and ministry. One way this can happen is through the movement from a program driven church to a missional church. This video helps to explain the difference. It does not mean that there…
Pastor’s Letter – Faith is Taking the First Step
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I am in awe about how a person’s situation can change so much in just a short time. About this time last year, John and I were arriving back in Florida after taking an eight-day cruise to the Caribbean. It was a great trip to Anti qua, St. Kitts…
A Note about our Interim Pastor
August 30,2015 Those of us who were here last week were witness to a Utopian version of what a pastor should be. But here is what I believe Pastor Kathy has really been to us. About four years ago, Pastor Kathy joined us as Interim Pastor. She came here to help us down the path…
Pastor’s Letter – August 2015 – A Time to Say Goodbye
I am approaching a transition in my ministry. I am about to leave the longest pastorate I have been in since my ordination just short of my 10-year anniversary. I have been at the Congregational United Church of Christ, Farmingville, NY for almost four years, first as pulpit supply and then as Interim Pastor. I…
Pastor’s Letter – April 2015 – Rooted in the Lord
Dear Brothers an Sisters in Christ, Everything on Earth is rooted. Now that spring is breaking into our lives, we may be preparing to plant flower and vegetable plants in our gardens. Normally though I doubt we spend too much time thinking about the roots, only the beautiful foliage that those roots help to create….
Who are the emerging leaders of our time?
A colleague of mine continually refers to the emerging leaders in the church. When he speaks of them, he is referring to those under 40 who are finding their voice in the church in new ways. In a recent meeting, I challenged him on his definition, because I believe that people of all ages can…
Pastor’s Annual Report – January 2014
It is typical in the church to put together an annual report to the congregation. It is a way of looking back so that we can see more clearly how to move forward in the coming year. Below are my renderings fo the past year and what I look forward to in 2014. As I…
Pastor’s Letter – September 2013
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, This September is a big month for me. It is the month that I enter the third act of life. I have been thinking about this important milestone for the past year. I have moved through times when I just wanted it to pass unnoticed to throwing a big…
Nealand Ministries: A Ministry of Revitalization 