Sep 25, 2017
We had a special service in Ashaway this weekend. We celebrated the freedom to worship that we enjoy in America. We celebrated the heritage of our church and the role of our members (like Samuel Ward) in the American Revolution. We sang the Battle Hymn of the Republic, written by Samuel Ward’s great-granddaughter. We had hot dogs and enjoyed summer fellowship....
Jun 23, 2017
by John J. Pethtel Director of Church Development & Pastoral Services Fifty SDB pastors and spouses gathered together in Alfred Station, NY, to fellowship and study with one another from April 25 to 27, 2017. The theme for the week was “Soul Care.” They learned about ways to better take care of themselves and their congregations when they are...
Mar 23, 2017
by John J. Pethtel Director of Church Development & Pastoral Services It was about six or seven years ago. Our family sometimes visits other churches. We went to a service at a church that was very different than our church. Both of our children were under the age of ten. Our children were used to being the center of attention — with someone spending time...
Jan 23, 2017
Here are several questions you should ask yourself as you ponder a call to pastoral ministry: 1. Do I meet the qualifications laid out in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1? This is the place to start. If your character is not mature, stable, and (in a non-perfectionist way) exemplary, then you are not ready to be a pastor. This does not necessarily mean you are on the...
by John J. Pethtel The 2017 SDB Pastors Conference is coming up in just a few months. Have you made sure that your pastor is going to be able to attend? This year we will be focusing on the theme of soul care for pastors and their families as well as the congregations that they serve. Pastors Conference is a time of networking, renewal, and learning with...
Dec 22, 2016
By Thom Rainer I travel a lot and spend a lot of time in different churches. I have had a church consulting firm that did “guest” visits as part of our services. Sadly, many times I do not feel welcome as a guest when I visit churches. The Bible is replete with admonitions of hospitality and servanthood. I just wish our church members understood...