Death almost always takes us by surprise, even when expected after long illness or old age; we are never quite ready for it. Pastors and staff of international congregations have unique challenges when there is a death in the church family. Not only is their grief, but also distinctive challenges if the person is an [...]
Entries Tagged as 'General'
Ready for a Funeral?
October 27th, 2009 · No Comments · General
Tags: funeral·international church·international congregation
Transition
October 19th, 2009 · No Comments · General
Transition in International Congregations One of the more difficult challenges for pastors and staff in international congregations is the frequent transition of members and attendees. When members are at ministry, congregation or house church for a year or two, programming and even worship can be difficult. From my experience one of the first and foremost [...]
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Contingency Plans for International Congregations
October 6th, 2009 · No Comments · General
International congregations are unique ministries in many ways, with the most distinctive being location. That being said, international congregations not only have distinguishing gifts in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, but also exceptional demands. Consequently, international congregations have multicultural staff to meet these particular ministry needs. This creates unusually as said above — [...]
Tags: international church·international congregation·international ministry·international staff
Are You Short Term Long Term?
September 17th, 2009 · No Comments · General
“Are you short term or long term?” That is often a question that rings around the room during our fellowship at our international church. In our international church, visitors are common. “Short termers” are those individuals and families who intend to be in our foreign city for three years or less. “Long term” seems to [...]
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“Appropriate” Sunday School Material
September 10th, 2009 · No Comments · General
One of the primary tasks for international congregations, churches and house groups and their staff including pastors (besides worship) is appropriate Christian education —- particularly for children. Building faithful and active Christian disciples of all ages is a constant mission — thus a challenge. Not only is there the usual “issues” that confront all pastors [...]