From the Uncategorized Category
- 10 Jul
by Pat Jones
No commentsIt’s About Mission, Not Methods
We run into people who think effective change is about methodologies, about us giving you a program to use. Our message has been, “It’s not about a prepackaged method, but about finding the most effective way to accomplish your mission in your locality.” How that happens in southern Ohio is different than southern Michigan. The [...]
- 11 May
by Jeff Bleijerveld
No commentsGarden Plots for the Church’s Neighbors
I had a great day this past Sunday visiting with our churches in Holly Hill and Port Orange, Florida. Both are wonderful churches with excellent pastors and kind-hearted people. I’d transfer my membership to either one if it weren’t for the long commute. If folks are looking for a winter haven in the south, I’d [...]
- 2 Feb
by Pat Jones
1 commentDo You See the Distinction?
I am reading through the Scriptures once again following a chronological plan. Several things struck me as I am reading through Exodus and the accounts of the plagues. For example, the interplay between God saying he sovereignly hardened Pharaoh’s heart and Pharaoh hardening his own heart. But the key thought that struck me most this [...]
- 21 Jan
by Pat Jones
No commentsPlanning Vs. Being Led by the Spirit
When I became pastor of Devonshire UB church (Harrisburg, Pa.) in 1988, I laid out my six-month plan for preaching. A couple ladies approached me. “We don’t think you’re being led by the Spirit.” “Oh?” I said. “Help me understand why you think that.” “How can you be led by the Holy Spirit if you’re [...]
- 22 Sep
by Pat Jones
No commentsThe Language of the Community and the Next Generation
Pat Jones, Director of Healthy Church Ministries None of them live in that community–they all drive in. None of them speak the dialect spoken in that community (Mandarin, I believe it is). Many of the adults do not speak fluent English, but all of their children do. They’re trying to figure out the most effective [...]
- 19 Aug
by Pat Jones
No commentsLeading With Boundaries
Huntington University works on a governance system. If we have an issue with the university, we don’t go to a staff person, but to Dr. Dowden. He’s responsible to the board of trustees. The trustees establish the guiding principles and boundary principles for the University, but they let Dr. Dowden and his staff handle day-to-day [...]
- 22 Jul
by Pat Jones
No commentsThe Easter Before-Sunrise Service
Ministering in a Bad Neighborhood
- 17 Jan
by News
No commentsCelebrating New Spiritual Births in 2007
Lester Smith (right), senior pastor of Hillsdale UB (Hillsdale, Mich.), sent this report about their January 6 service. “January 6, 2008, the Day of Epiphany, fell on a Sunday. Epiphany recalls the wise men following a great light to come to Christ. So the Hillsdale UB Church celebrated the 12th day of Christmas by lighting [...]
- 4 Mar
by Pat Jones
No commentsWhy Come To National Conference?
I have been asked as we travel around why anyone should come to National Conference on May 31. What can we expect? What business will happen? Is it worth it? Let me give you my answer. First, let me address what this isn’t. This isn’t a vacation with a purpose like Knoxville in 1988, where [...]
- 22 Feb
by Pat Jones
1 commentKarson’s Gospel
Pam and I have a precious two-and-a-half year old great nephew by the name of Karson Cabe. Karson’s dad, Kraig, is the regional director for Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Northern Indiana. His mom, Christy, was the children’s ministry director at Emmanuel Community Church and has been a tremendous mother. Karson’s Miller grandparents are Denny [...]
