Articles & Insights
Charting the Course: A Worksheet for Pastoral Search Committees
Selecting a new pastor is one of the most significant decisions a church can make. The process requires prayerful discernment, careful planning, and honest self-assessment. This worksheet is designed to help your search committee prepare thoroughly by clarifying your church’s identity, priorities, challenges, and expectations before you begin evaluating potential candidates.
Above Reproach from the Start: Ethical Standards for Pastoral Candidates
Pastoral ministry requires not only a heart for God and His people, but also a deep commitment to integrity. In this article Rev. Earl Brubaker explores the importance of practicing honesty, transparency, and Christlike character from the very beginning of a pastoral relationship.
Shepherding with Integrity: A Covenant for Church Planting Pastors and Elders
Stepping into the role of pastor or elder is both a sacred privilege and a weighty responsibility. Shepherding God’s people requires a heart fully surrendered to Christ, a life rooted in Scripture, and a commitment to serve with humility and integrity. This covenant is designed to guide and affirm that calling.
Church Planting Protocol: Lessons from Three Forks, Montana
Planting a church is rarely a matter of personal ambition—it is a journey of obedience, prayer, and discernment, following where God is already at work. In this account, Rev. Jim Miller, former NICE Montana Field Director, shares the process he and his team followed to establish a Bible church in Three Forks, Montana, illustrating both the practical steps and spiritual principles involved. Whether you are considering planting a church yourself or simply want to understand how new congregations come to life, these reflections provide guidance rooted in experience, prayer, and careful planning.
Seasons of Church Planting: Navigating the Journey from Vision to Maturity
Rev. Earl Brubaker outlines the natural progression that most new churches experience, from the initial spark of vision to the challenges of launching, the struggles of the reality check and discouragement phases, and ultimately, the renewed strength that comes through recommitment, growth, and maturity.
Laying the Foundation: A Sample Church Constitution
A well-written constitution helps ensure that your church is built on biblical principles, provides clarity on leadership and membership, and establishes a framework for decision-making and accountability. It not only reflects your statement of faith but also serves as a practical tool for fostering unity and protecting the health of the church as it grows.
Examining the Soil: Finding Fertile Ground for a Church Plant
Planting a church is much like planting a seed — the conditions of the soil matter. Not every community is ready to receive and nurture a new church, and discerning where to invest your time, energy, and resources is an essential first step for any planter or sending church. Before breaking ground, we must ask: Is this the right place for a new work?
Navigating Pastoral Transitions: Strategies for Passing the Baton
Pastor Roger Hayden offers a clear, practical overview of key concerns for those assisting with pastoral transitions. Drawing from real church experiences, it highlights important questions and issues that often arise during this process. While every church is unique and may handle these matters differently, the goal is to provide helpful guidance during this pivotal time.
Considering the Roots of Church Planting
Starting a new church plant comes with countless opportunities and challenges. Whether you’re leading a team or just beginning to explore what church planting entails, understanding the foundational principles can make all the difference.
Essential Qualities of an Aspiring Church Planter
Launching a new church plant is a remarkable journey filled with spiritual growth, community building, and strategic planning. Here we explore essential qualities and practical insights designed to equip a church planter for a successful ministry that thrives in its community and glorifies God.