Brian Thorstad

A great alternative for older pastors is the ministry once known as “interim pastorate.” Whatever you call this position, the interim pastorate isn’t what it used to be. Increasing numbers of interim or transitional pastors are now deliberately using the “in between time” in churches as a great opportunity to bring about congregational revitalization.

I am convinced that God has His dreams for our ministries, just as He has for us as individuals, and that He is willing to download them to us, at least in a “fuzzy” form.

Simplicity brings with it focus, energy, clarity, understanding and power. Is it easy to get to this level of simplicity? Definitely not. It is excruciatingly difficult and totally worthwhile.

It’s out of style in today’s world, but in the value system of God, church leaders are to be held in high honor. First Thessalonians 5:13 says we should “Hold them in the highest regard in love, because of their work.”

Many Christian workers make the mistake of assuming that they are earning shares in the ministries they work for through their hard work and dedication. It seems logical. God is the sole owner of the church. Always has been. Always will be. He paid for it with the priceless blood of Christ.

The process of talking and praying about focus groups is challenging, but it is a discussion that can result in good things for God’s glory and Christ’s Gospel.

A great alternative for older pastors is the ministry once known as “interim pastorate.” Whatever you call this position, the interim pastorate isn’t what it used to be. Increasing numbers of interim or transitional pastors are now deliberately using the “in between time” in churches as a great opportunity to bring about congregational revitalization.

Use these suggestions to alter your church decision-making process and create a positive experience for you and your church community.

Out of complexity, find simplicity. (Albert Einstein) Not everything in life is simple, of course. There’s doing your taxes. Or getting your new computer up and running. Sigh. The longer...

It had been more than 10 years since I’d led a worship team while also leading the church. I had vowed not do that again,...