Dale – Page 2

Mentoring Ministry Leaders

July 15, 2024July 15, 2024 by Dale, posted in Discipleship, Ministry, Pastoring, Uncategorized

Could the next pastor of your local church come right out of your own congregation?

Pastor, who are you preparing to follow you in ministry?

Are you training men to preach and to lead now and in the future (Matthew 28:16-20; Ephesians 4:11-16; and 2 Timothy 2:2)?

After COVID, the church where I serve became even more intentional about this task. With our current senior pastor’s leadership, we developed small groups that have continued to meet on Wednesdays and Thursdays in various homes around our area.

Eleven months out of the year, the small group leaders gather for an evening of training. Last year our leaders read Robby Gallaty’s book, Preaching for the Rest of Us: Essentials for Text-Driven Preaching. This was a helpful, practical, and insightful read and discussion.

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Mentoring the Next Pastor

July 8, 2024July 6, 2024 by Dale, posted in Discipleship, Ministry, Preaching, Uncategorized

Pastor, what are you doing now to prepare your congregation for your departure?

“I need to get somebody ready to take my place when I retire.”

This or statements like it have been said many, many times by pastors in their 60’s or 70’s. Often they are accompanied with a bit of fear, concern, doubt, cynicism, and/or failure.

Pastor, what are you doing now to prepare your congregation for your departure? More than that, is your ministry one of mentoring the next generation of pastors? Who are you training?

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Joy in Ministry

July 1, 2024July 1, 2024 by Dale, posted in Joy, Ministry, Pastoring

Pastor, are you enjoying the ministry?

Having been a senior pastor for 40 years, I understand the hard, difficult side of local church ministry. Nevertheless, may I ask again, do you enjoy ministry?

Perhaps today or in recent weeks or even months, you would have to honestly say, “I am not joyful in the ministry.”

Why not?

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A Weekend On The Road With D&D

April 25, 2024April 25, 2024 by Dale, posted in D & D Ministries, God's Word, Gods' Will, Joy, Ministry, Uncategorized

What does a weekend journey with D & D look like? You have the opportunity to live out, on the spot, the subject of your messages. In this case, My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect (maturing) work, that you may be perfect (mature) and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:2-4).

Come along with us as I recap last weekend’s travel journeys.

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What the Church Needs

April 19, 2024 by Dale, posted in Church, D & D Ministries, Pastoring

Pastor, what does your church need?

Ask any local church pastor, and you will hear, “Our church needs ____________________.” There are many words that could fill that blank, and every pastor really believes he knows what it is from revival, another building, two AM services, another staff member, etc.

After 40 years of being a senior pastor and now in an associate role, I have come to this conclusion . . . I don’t know what our church needs nor do I know what your church needs. Only my omniscient Heavenly Father and the Head of the Church, the Lord Jesus Christ knows what Boones Creek Bible Church needs. My limited, short-sighted, not able to discern the hearts of the people knowledge is totally incapable of discerning what any church needs.

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Dads, your Daughters Need You

April 10, 2024 by Dale, posted in D & D Ministries, Discipleship, Father - Daughter

Dads, your daughters need you. Here are some practical ways to fulfill your important role as a father to the girls in your home.

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The Daily Practice That Will Refresh and Strengthen Your Marriage

April 5, 2024 by Dale, posted in D & D Ministries, Marriage, Prayer, Uncategorized

Your marriage can be greatly refreshed and strengthened when you begin this daily practice. It will help you personally and as a couple. It will give you direction for the day to day choices and guide you in the big picture decisions.

What is it?

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This Is The Best Advice I Have Received

April 3, 2024 by Dale, posted in D & D Ministries, Easter, God's Word, Pastoring, Preaching

Oh my! Easter dinner!! What’s not to like?

The table is beautifully set. Everyone has their favorites, their “must haves.”

It’s time to eat! My wife has prepared Katie Brown chicken, almond/lime green beans, mashed potatoes, honey drizzled rolls, angel eggs, strawberry avocado salad, and then . . . coconut cake with lemon filling for dessert!!! Wow! Oh so good!!!

The best approval rating came from our grandsons who cleaned their plates!!

Recently I answered the question, “What is the best advice you ever received in life?” There are many things that came to my mind, but one that stands out is a piece of advice that I heard many times from a mentor 40 years my senior.

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A New Way To Increase Your Volunteer Base

March 25, 2024 by Dale, posted in Ministry, Pastoring, Serving, Uncategorized

“20% of church members do 80% of the work.”

And, I would say that 100% of pastors have made that statement. 🙂

We as pastors, in well-meaning fashion, are always trying to motivate the members to total commitment to the ministries of the local church.

“We need nursery workers. If you would be willing to serve, just sign up in the foyer.”
“Pastor Matt could use some help with the teen ministry. If you would be willing to serve, please see Pastor Matt.”
“Pre-service prayer meeting is at 8:45. We need you there to pray. Can we count on you next Sunday?”
“VBS is soon upon us! Would you be willing to serve in teaching, safety, games, crafts, set-up, food, transportation, or counseling? If so, see Ms. Sandra to sign-up!”

Sounds all too familiar doesn’t it?

I know that in my 40 years as a senior pastor, I’ve been guilty of begging people into service. Here’s something I’ve learned that I hope will be helpful to you in your ministry.

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