At last, Free Will Baptist across the country or even the world has a means of connecting. Several of us have sought a means to mobilize and mentor a group of fellows who share a common calling, i.e. Pastors. For some years I’ve dreamed of a vehicle that would allow Pastors to connect with each other. I believe the time has come to have a means of seasoned Pastors being able to mentor younger Pastors.
We need a means of sharing information about what work and what doesn’t work in the ministry. We need a means of encouraging discouraged Pastors or staff members. Pastors Connection is a non-political venture that is meant to change the conversation! Far too long we’ve talked about what divides us. Several of us feel its time to talk about what unites us.
In a meeting this past March, thirteen Pastors and two Denominational Leaders met in Nashville. We spent a day and a half discussing who we are, what we need, and how do we help. It was amazing how the Lord gave us a spirit of direction. We shared our victories and our failures. We shared what our ministries looked like and our dreams for future advancement.
At the conclusion we decided “We need the input of all our Pastors who feel like we feel and want to do something about it!”Short range, here’s our first stop. We want to meet with the like-minded Pastors and their staff Thursday morning after the National Association. We’ve set aside a room for 150-200 fellows to join us for a forum on how this needs to be done and what is should look like.
There is a breakfast involved. The cost is $20.00. That will give us a breakfast and the room charge will be waived. Frank Breeden will facilitate our meeting. He knows us and he wants to see our movement take shape and form. Frank is a consultant who has led Governors’ meetings in Washington, D.C. I believe this can be one of the most exciting things to happen to us in years.
You are invited to be a part of this new Connection! Get on board by joining our blog tell us what you think. Click on the registration tab to get in on the breakfast. Feel free to E-mail me at awratliff@yahoo.com if you have any questions.
There’s a new wave coming and you’re encouraged to get in on the wave.
#1 by jimmy at May 29th, 2009
I like to be stretched and I think this is a great place for that to take place. If the meeting in Cincinnati is as good as this meeting all will be blessed and the Lord will be pleased!
#2 by Blaine Rogers at May 29th, 2009
I am looking forward to seeing what God will do when Pastor’s Connect under one purpose.
#3 by Dave Thomas at May 30th, 2009
Someone gave me a bit of information that I thought was very useful. He said, “Did you know that it takes 58 muscles to frown, but only 12 to smile . . . and it takes only four to reach out your hand and smack someone.” I find some information very helpful and some, not so much. Connecting with other pastors, who have similar mind sets as your own is enriching, inciteful, and most of the time uplifting. I think you will find that most successful pastors spend a great deal of time talking to other pastors or getting information from them about their ministry and ideas concerning ministry. I have listened to a lot of pastors that I admire and respect and I find their thoughts and advice to be of great benefit, but I don’t have a personal connection with them. I believe this effort that is being made to form the “Pastors Connection” will connect pastors with one another in a very close and meaningful way. I would like to know that I could personally connect with someone who is doing some things that I would like to do, and is similar to me in being a Free Will Baptist pastor. I admire many great pastors, but they neither know me or have the time to know me. There are many ministers, like myself who would like to take their congregation to greater heights of worship, ministry, missions and outreach. I know that you can find out that some pastors are doing certain things, but it would be of much greater help to be able to speak with those pastors in a personal and caring venue. This system of dialogue will be exciting, as we communicate through online connections, but I believe it will be even greater with personal meetings. I am so anxious for this first meeting in Cincinnati. What a great way to leave the national meeting, encouraged and with a sense of connection with pastors of like mind. I can’t think of anything negative that will come out of this meeting, and I know that everyone will feel that it was well worth the extra time and effort. I don’t believe this has to be the greatest event that will ever happen in our ministry for it to be a great thing, but I believe it is one of the best things that has happened between Free Will Baptist ministers in a long time. I will be delighted to get to know as many of you as possible through this “pastors
Connection”.
David Thomas
#4 by Casey Cariker at May 30th, 2009
I’ve been part of the FWB denomination all my life. I’ve always wondered why it was so difficult for the younger ministry leaders to be mentored by seasoned ministry leaders outside of a convention once a year? I look forward to being a part of this new opportunity to be mentored and to encourage others.
#5 by Dave Thomas at June 1st, 2009
Sometimes when you know something is very important, you feel frustrated trying to communicate your feelings about it to your close friends. I want all my pastor friends to be a part of this great effort. I strongly encourage everyone to be there. You will be encouraged, I guarantee it!
#6 by Bill Hayes at June 2nd, 2009
What a wonderful concept. Pastors need to connect with other pastors and younger/potential pastors need the experience of seasoned shepherds. It is unimaginable what could happen if we work together. I wish this would have been available when I started out in ministry. Looking forward to making a lot of new friends and contacts.
#7 by David Potete at June 2nd, 2009
I like the idea. Looking forward to being a part! Being a young pastor, I need all the help I can get!
#8 by Jeff Sloan at June 3rd, 2009
As one involved daily in mentoring our young men I welcome this forum. We try to be as relevant as possible in our training, but we all know that trial-by-fire is where the REAL lessons are learned. Encouragement and support are necessary all along the way in ministry; regardless of age or experience. As ministers we must be life-long learners and thank the Lord for those who have and continue to INVEST in me!!! Isn’t this what 2 Timothy 2:2 is all about?
#9 by J. Phillips at June 3rd, 2009
Excited that we can connect with one another.
Peace,
J.
#10 by Rick Morris at June 4th, 2009
What a great idea this is. Thanks for letting me know about it Jimmy!