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Tag: Crisis

EP 235 – Facing Crises and Embracing Change in Church Leadership with Will Cofield

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EP 235 - Facing Crises and Embracing Change in Church Leadership with Will Cofield
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On this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Will Cofield, who, besides being known as ‘Mr. Erin Cofield‘ (the trophy husband of one of the Bootcamp blog writers), shared insights from his remarkable and tumultuous journey in church leadership as he led a church to replant from within.

From beginning his ministry as a youth pastor and then moving into the lead pastor role in a struggling church with a history of division and turnover to facing severe challenges, including a church split over bluegrass, resistance to change, leadership disputes, almost getting into a fistfight with a deacon in his 80s who is on dialysis and a harrowing incident of abuse. Despite these trials, Will recounted how these crises eventually led to a profound transformation within the church. The congregation underwent a process of repentance, recommitted to its mission, and adopted a fresh approach to ministry that prioritizes Christ-centered worship and community outreach. Will emphasized the invaluable lessons learned through suffering, the importance of pastoral friendship, and the necessity of dependence on God above all.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation
01:39 Guest’s Journey to Ministry
02:03 Challenges in the Church
05:28 Conflict and Confrontation
08:30 Facing the Dark Valley
12:57 The Path to Revitalization
19:25 Lessons from the Dark Valley
19:30 The Power of Community and Support
25:06 Closing Thoughts and Prayers

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EP 148 – When You Blow It Big Time

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EP 148 - When You Blow It Big Time
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Have you ever blown it? Like, really blown it. Have you blown it like this guy – https://youtu.be/MHVsBy31ISI

Let’s talk about three ways you can blow it….

Disqualifying – you do something to disqualify yourself from ministry (in some cases people debate about this one, we think scripture is clear)

Actions: repent, resign, enter into a process of spiritual not positional restoration. (don’t already have a vision of when you are able to get “back” into ministry in mind.

Consider a ministry partner like https://pastorshopenetwork.org/ and/or consider getting some time away and some pastoral support at https://practicalshepherding.com/shepherdshouse

Disconcerting – something that causes those led by you to feel unsettled. (not disqualifying)

Disappointing – Something that lets others down, misses the mark of their expectations etc.

If you’ve made a mistake on the caliber of the latter two…here are some options….

Actions:

Connect with those who have been hurt or offended  Matt 5:23

Correct a misstep or wrong or hurtful action – an unqualified apology  Romans 12:18

Consider (for you) how this took place, what happened what was said, done etc. know the why’s behind the action.  The 5 Why’s

Don’t be paralyzed by a mistake – you’re going to make them, you will not lead without offending, misstating and even doing something wrong-own it, deal with it and then move forward.

Other misc. thoughts.

Sit with your mistake and process it – think it through

You can be right but in the wrong way

Our great partners at one eighty digital can help you avoid blowing it when it comes to  your church website and branding. Contact them today and let them know you are a bootcamp listener. I promise they won’t make their own kingdom in the video room. 

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?BONUS EPISODE ? COVID-19 ? Pastoring a Replant in a Pandemic

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?BONUS EPISODE ? COVID-19 ? Pastoring a Replant in a Pandemic
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Joining us today on the Bootcamp are some boots on the ground Replanters who share with us how they are thinking and making decisions in the time of the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Chris Snider – Catonsville Baptist, Catonsville MD

Evan Skelton – Bayless Baptist Church, St. Louis MO

Stuart Dace – Exchange Church, Arnold MO

Bob Bickford – The Groves Church, Webster Groves MO 

Jimbo Stewart – Redemption Church, Jacksonville FL

 

CDC Guidelines regarding meeting (as of 3.15.20)

How DC Churches Responded to the public ban on gatherings in 1918

 

Concerns stated by these boots on the ground Replanters

  • Loss of Momentum in a key time of the year
  • Finances
  • The risk factors associated with having members who are at great risk
  • Losing connection with church members and attenders

 

How are thinking through staying connected to your congregation in light of a possible eight week pause?

  • This is the time for the local pastor to shine
  • Develop call lists, divide them among leaders, check-in with them and encourage them in practical ways.
  • Text messaging and phone messaging services
  • Writing notes to your congregation and sending via mail
  • Being intentional with your communication-pointing them to scripture
  • Be pastoral in your communication-take into account where your people are, what questions they are asking and lead them to the truth of God’s word.
  • Encourage small groups (eight or less) to meet and care for one another.

 

How South Korean church gatherings may have spread the Coronavirus

Physicians explain how Coronavirus spreads

 

What concerns do you have about your long term viability as a Church?

  • Momentum-but we have an opportunity to speak the gospel into a crisis situation right now.
  • Finances: loss in giving and actual expenses, also needs of members whose personal income diminishes during this time.
  • Some replants will have to think through how they might deal with the loss of income from rental fees from groups who use their church facilities.
  • Personally a Replanter should think about ways to be financially nimble-develop a side hustle from which a personal income stream can be developed.

 

How are you serving or engaging your community during this season?

  • Through a pre-existing relationship Jimbo was invited to do a bible study video for school faculty.
  • Mercy Ministries-by providing meals for kids in need.
  • Offering your building and it’s free wi-fi for those who may need it for online school learning.

 

How are you leading your family?

  • Praying for and with your family on a regular basis
  • Leading them not to fear and trust in God
  • Explain the dynamics of the situation but also the certainty we have in faith in God.

 

In Summary

  • Church is more than Sunday worship
  • Shepherd your people well in various ways
  • Pray and think through how you can serve your community
  • Love and lead your family

 

Tithe.ly is service that allows a church to set up Text-to-Pay and offers a 30 day free trial. (this is for your reference and not an endorsement)