BCNE News
The latest news from our network of New England churches. Looking for our New England Perspectives Articles? Click here.
Happy at home
If it's been a while since you perused Deuteronomy, I highly recommend a refresher. There are several surprises scattered like Easter eggs throughout. One of the most stunning expectations is this: "When a man is newly married, he shall not go out with the army or be liable for any other public duty. He shall be free at home one year to be happy with his wife whom he has taken." (Deuteronomy 24:5)
Ordinary ministry
The ordinary means of grace is what Christians have been practicing for two millenia worldwide, and through them God has transformed the world. There is a tendency as pastors and church leaders to want to find the latest and greatest fad, to keep up with some megachurch trend. For me, it has been immensely refreshing getting back to the ordinary.
The importance of saying thank you
When I was a child, my mother taught me the importance of saying thank you. If someone complimented me at church or school, she said I was to express gratitude for their kind words. When someone gave me a gift for Christmas or my birthday, she would have me write a thank-you note. Saying thank you was important to my mother, and I also came to value that in my life.
New LIFEMARK movie covers difficult family topics & reminds us that restorative ministry is needed in New England
Have you seen the new Kendrick brothers’ (Courageous, Fireproof, Flywheel, etc.) movie: LIFEMARK? As the new Restoration Ministry Coach for the BCNE, I highly encourage you to do so or arrange to host a watch party at your church. The movie follows the life of a young, adopted man as he questions reaching out to his birth parents. This new Christian movie covers some challenging issues surrounding children and families, including adoption, fostering, abortion, and other family life issues, and handles them well. I know that my congregation and I have done so and been hugely blessed.
Bridging the gap: London ministry lessons for New England
If you find yourself on the London train, or the "Tube" as the locals call it, you'll see and hear the phrase "Mind the Gap" often. It is a warning from the conductor to watch your step as you board, because there is a space between the platform and the train. I think many of us have come to the conclusion through working in ministry in New England, that there is a similar "gap" when trying to reach those outside of the church.
Healthy growth and change, Part 4: What is your church aiming at?
Squirrel!
The dogs from the movie Up have become a symbol of easy distractibility. Every sound, sight, and smell pulls the attention away in an instant. Unfortunately, many churches have been distracted by squirrels – tasks that pull your attention away from the mission Christ has given the church.
The kitchen table: A pastor’s secret weapon
One of the most undervalued tools in a pastor’s toolbox is the exercise of hospitality. When listing the characteristics of those qualified to serve as pastors, the Apostle Paul wrote, “An overseer must be . . . hospitable” (1 Timothy 3:2, ESV, Cf. Titus 1:8). Despite the fact that Scripture makes hospitality mandatory, many pastors seldom use their home as a venue for ministry.
Waterbury women gather for retreat to encourage one another in loss and the faithfulness of God
"Our retreat was full of laughter, crying, praising, and praying," said Margaret, an attendee at the 2nd annual women's retreat for the ladies of Waterbury Baptist Ministries in Waterbury, CT. Spearheaded by Tamika Goldson, the September retreat occurred at the Rice Lodge, next to the BCNE building.
Grants help with outreach to Asian Indians and International Students in Boston
Eight years ago, on August 19, 2014, Pastor Suresh Sammangi arrived in Boston with the big goal of reaching Asian Indians with the Gospel.
“85,000 people and no evangelical churches and no gospel, so we started the first evangelical church for Asian Indians in greater Boston,” Pastor Suresh said.
Retirement and protection benefits for pastors and church staff
Did you know BCNE pastors and ministerial staff members who have a retirement account through GuideStone could be eligible to receive an annual retirement benefit of up to $210? It is the desire of the BCNE to invest in pastors who are key leaders in fulfilling the Great Commission through their local churches.
Staying hydrated
The room where I teach Barre at my local YMCA is sweltering in the summer. With no AC and what feels like perpetual humidity, I remind students to drink lots of water, though that’s usually a given. During breaks, I find that we all naturally reach for our water bottles.
The woman who clings to Jesus
Another busy summer is wrapping up, and the school year is beginning. As a ministry family, summer is a whirlwind of outreach, events, and visitors. And as a homeschooling mom, the responsibilities of the school year are tremendous.
The first female missionary
As Baptists in New England we can claim as our own, Charlotte White (1782-1863), the first unmarried woman sent out from the United States to the global mission field. As such, she was appointed by the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions making her the first official female missionary (while others, like Ann Judson, went along with their appointed missionary husbands).
Planning for a great fall event
Summer will be a distant memory soon and it is on to fall! This is a great season to think about doing an event to gather your community together. Here are some important steps to keep in mind as you get ready for this event.
True tradition: Healthy growth and change, Part 3
It’s inescapable. All churches have traditions. There are Southern Baptist traditions, and there are groups and varieties within the Southern Baptists with their own brands of tradition. Individual churches develop their own distinct traditions.
Dream bigger
"How could we bless you?"
He looked at me intently as I gathered the courage to reply: "I'd love to go to seminary."
"Done," he said. "You should have dreamed bigger."
Let me tell you, friends—those are some haunting words.
Christ our comforter
Suffering and pain are all too familiar to many of us. Experiencing affliction is part and parcel of what it means to live in a fallen world. Incredibly, much of what we read by Paul in our New Testament was written under very challenging circumstances. The book of Philippians was written from prison, as was Colossians. This passage as well from 2 Corinthians indicates that Paul had faced significant hardships. He recalls in verse 8 “the affliction [he] experienced in Asia,” where he was “so utterly burdened beyond [his] strength that [he] despaired of life itself.”
Reaching the next generation
Many churches are having a difficult time reaching the next generation with the message of Jesus Christ. Not only are churches struggling to connect with young people outside the congregation, but they are also having challenges keeping those who grew up within the church.
CrossWalk 2022: The Fab Four, God’s revival, and beginning again
A CrossWalk 2022 snapshot: 242 students (including 33 graduated seniors and 37 juniors) with 26 congregations participating, with 80 chaperones and 20 staff leaders. Attendance was about 350 total. This year there were revelations of firsts: about half of the attendees were first-time campers, CrossWalk took place on a different campus, and we welcomed a new camp pastor.
The pastoral care trap
Our traditional notion of pastoral care is kryptonite to authentic church revitalization. I realize how provocative that statement is. It stirs instant hyper-alertness. When I am consulting with churches about revitalizing, this inconvenient truth, once grasped, is the most concerning for them. These churches are nervously evaluating whether they have the chutzpah to give up their myriad personal preferences and traditions, whenever necessary, to be hotly missional. That’s the second greatest threat. But the greatest threat is our desperate clinging to pastoral care.