Lead Well

Small Group time at my church Churches all over are trying to figure out how to reopen and relaunch their services and specifically their children’s ministry. I’m no different. I’m eternally grateful to the leaders I’ve talked to over the last few months who have successfully (whatever that means these days) opened their children’s ministries. I’m in Florida, so I know that I’m a little bit ahead of the curve. We opened in-person meetings in May and relaunched kids (elementary only) on July 26. I don’t have all the answers, but this is what I’ve learned so far about launching kids ministry in a pandemic filled world.

When I first started out in ministry, I was naïve to think that everyone would get along. We all love Jesus, and we’re all in this together, we should be one big happy family, right? Unfortunately, church can be like angry Twitter. No matter who you are or where you go there will always be conflict. You’re going to want to do something and someone else is going to have a different opinion. It’s called being human. Your skill as a leader is shown by your ability to work with others and get things done. It’s far too easy to make that other person your enemy but doing so will not help you reach your goals or theirs. Let me tell you a story.

I read a Facebook post that my former boss, pastor, and mentor, Steve Lambert, passed away one year ago today.   If you know his story , we knew that day was coming soon.  Now, a year later with a new job in a new state with all new friends, I look back and am amazed at all the great things God has done. Within a few short weeks of Pastor Lambert passing, I moved to Montgomery to start a new ministry position at Evangel Church.  I didn't know what God was going to do, but now as I look back, I see God's answers to so many prayers. I and my family were in a tough spot in Clearwater.  Conflict was around every corner and uncertainty colored every decision.  I was determined, however to follow God's leading and trust that everything was in his hands. I look forward to walking with God and praising Him when prayers are answered.  I will follow that old 90's cliche F.R.O.G. (Forever Rely On God) because with Him nothing is impossible. Look back to where...

Over the past couple of weeks, I've had to deal with some pretty tough questions and attempt to be the spiritual guide in confusing and devastating times.  The first, my senior pastor died of brain cancer two weeks ago, and the second, a three year old girl was diagnosed with incurable brain cancer. About 16 months ago my senior pastor was diagnosed with brain cancer and during a biopsy had a stroke which left him paralyzed on his left side for the rest of his life.  As a pastor on staff, I had to stand strong for the congregation and present a united front with the rest of the staff.  For over a year we desperately prayed for God to do a miracle, but unfortunately, God chose to heal him in the next life in heaven. Three days after his funeral, I received a text message that one of our church member's three year old granddaughter has brain cancer that cannot be taken out with surgery and most likely will not be able to receive radiation treatments because it could tur...