New England Perspectives
A regularly updated collection of articles written by New England leaders and thinkers. Looking for news articles? Click here.
The Catalytic Leader: A New Vision for New England's Churches
In the historic landscape of New England—once the epicenter of spiritual awakening in America—a profound opportunity awaits church leaders ready to embrace catalytic thinking. This is not merely about sustaining existing congregations but about igniting a movement that could transform the region once known as the cradle of American Christianity.
Finding Peace in Christ
In today’s fast-paced and often chaotic world, challenges such as anxiety, depression, and stress have become increasingly common. Sadly, some people seek relief through unhealthy habits and behaviors. Others seek relief through therapy, medication, or self-help strategies, all of which can be beneficial. However, as Christians, we know that faith in Jesus Christ offers a unique and profound source of healing and peace that surpasses human understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Perfect Parenting
Like most parents, I think I felt most confident in my parenting abilities before I became one. I would look at other people’s screaming toddlers in the grocery store and think that my children would never act in such a way. Elementary school bully... not my kid. Backtalking, eye-rolling teenagers? My children will never do such a thing. Then I became a parent. Faced with the reality of day to day parenting, my children’s inherent sin nature (and mine), and my need for sleep and alone time, parenting became daunting.
Be Revitalized Before You Revitalize Others
Revitalizing a church requires a pastor to use his head, heart, and hands. Why? Because loving God and others involves our heart, mind, and strength. The task ahead of us is accomplished through the power of the Spirit, yet it also carries practical and realistic demands. We've likely heard the saying, "God must work in you before He can work through you."
A Sacred Dialogue
Sarah had always thought of prayer as a monologue—a one-sided conversation where she spoke, and God, somewhere far off, listened. She grew up reciting the Lord’s Prayer, offering petitions before meals, and whispering hurried requests before bed. But something had shifted in her heart recently.
Push Past False Expectations This Christmas
I have a confession. I’m turning into one of those people that loves cheesy Christmas movies. As things in life get challenging and sometimes feel out of control, there’s something comforting about these simple, predictable stories with a happy ending. It’s great mindless entertainment, as long as we don’t see it as reality. Perhaps you see movies, social media feeds, and Christmas card photos that make you feel like everyone else is having a magical Christmas, while you are sitting in the midst of your chaos and suffering. For most of us, Christmas can’t be wrapped up neatly with a bow. It’s messy and complicated, but there’s still beauty and wonder to be found.
Advent: Preparing Our Hearts for Christ’s Coming
Advent is a season of anticipation and preparation, observed during the four weeks leading up to Christmas. While it may not always be a formal part of Baptist tradition, its rich meaning and focus on Christ make it a season worth embracing. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival,” and it reminds us to reflect on the coming of Jesus Christ—past, present, and future.
How One Simple Sentence Transformed a Pastor and His Church
I recently had a conversation with veteran International Mission Board missionary, Kenny Dubnick. He serves as the IMB Cluster Leader in Ireland and the UK, excluding London. Kenny now lives in Dublin, Ireland, where he is helping to plant a church.
God is on the Move: BCNE Church Partnerships
Paul was thankful for the Philippian church who supported him time and time again. Their partnership was instrumental and vital to Paul proclaiming the Gospel to the world. I’m so thankful that we have churches from all over the U.S. who love to partner in New England for the Gospel’s sake. As I reflect on the partnerships we have in New England and the partners in Europe, Brazil, and the United States, I am encouraged by the benefits I see in partnering and the way God is putting people together for his Kingdom advancement.
From Training to Launch: A Church Planting Journey
Garet and Heidi Halbert entered the NETS Residency Program in 2020. There Garet connected with Steve Thiel, NETS graduate and founding pastor of Christ Proclamation Church near Hartford, Connecticut. Proclamation called Garet as a church planting resident in 2023, then sent him, along with 80 of the church's regular attendees, to plant in nearby Manchester. On September 29, 2024, Christ Redemption Church launched with 143 in attendance.
Honoring the Legacy in Church Revitalization
Church Revitalization can go well or poorly, depending on how a revitalizer handles certain aspects. One crucial piece is transition. How do we go from what was/is to what can be? Many mistakes are made when we ignore the people and things that have come before. We are not the hero of any situation we are called to – Jesus is. Pastors revitalizing churches can transition with strength, support, and energy if they honor the legacy of what has been.
Our (Not-So-Secret) Weapon
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples,” Jesus said, “if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). The reference here is not our love for nonbelievers (as important as that is), but Christian love for one another. Our love as a church is our not-so-secret weapon to witness to the world about Jesus Christ. The local church, far from an obstacle to evangelism, is the God-ordained means to share the Gospel with the world.
Lessons Learned in 50 Years of Christian Ministry
Reflecting on the last 50 years in Christian ministry, I find myself filled with gratitude, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility. The journey has been a tapestry of experiences, woven with both challenges and triumphs. Here are some of the most profound lessons I’ve learned along the way.
Why Multiplication Matters: The Key to Church Revitalization in New England
It doesn’t take long to realize that New England's religious landscape is at a crossroads. Churches face declining attendance and consolidation, and there is a growing secularization. Let’s explore why adopting a multiplication mindset is crucial for revitalizing faith communities in this historically significant but increasingly post-Christian region.
Spiritual Speeders
When my two older children were in college, my wife and I took a road trip from New England to South Carolina to visit them. Somehow we managed to avoid all the typical road construction and rush hour traffic. We made great time and it was an enjoyable road trip, with one frightening exception. As we neared Charlotte, North Carolina, we came up on a lengthy line of traffic due to a major accident involving a tractor trailer.
We Need Shepherds
We are skeptical of authority, perhaps more so than any previous generation. It’s in our DNA. As Americans, we are, after all, born of a revolution from the tyrant King George III. In the last 250 years, our anti-authoritarian sentiment has only grown stronger. Reinforcing it, we have seen political figures get suspiciously wealthy, the “Me Too” movement expose business leaders and movie moguls, and social media billionaires playing god behind the curtain. We have reason to be wary. But is this ever-defiant attitude healthy?
Happiness Versus Contentment
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the difference between happiness and contentment. Several online dictionaries define happiness as “the state of being happy”. I didn’t actually find that very helpful. But another dictionary defined it as “a sense of well-being, joy, or contentment.” Though I think that is a better definition, I actually think contentment is deeper than happiness.
Speak Life
Years ago when I was a young mom, one of my daughter’s preschool teachers made an off-handed comment to me that came across as very condescending and judgemental. I was reminded of this scenario a few weeks ago in a conversation with my daughter. I started telling her about it, and she said, “Wow, you remember every detail.” She’s right. That happened more than 20 years ago, but I remember every part of the conversation.
Jesus Versus the Church?
There is a rumor going around that Jesus doesn’t much like the church. He is sort of annoyed with his bride, or outright disgusted by her. Some might even suggest a breakup. This perceived animosity has led people to the conclusion they can love Jesus and hate the church.
The Case for Denominations
Denominations as a whole are in decline, and the number of non-denominational churches is increasing, “13 percent of total American adults now identify as non-denominational. That is more than all mainline denominations combined” (Thom Rainer). Making a case for denominations today is like canoeing the Mighty Mississippi... upstream. However, it might be worth the effort to at least make the case.