Reaching the fruitful years: long term ministry relationships in the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches

Robert J Knowles

Etd

Reaching the fruitful years: long term ministry relationships in the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches

Public Deposited

MLA citation style (9th ed.)

Robert J Knowles. Reaching the Fruitful Years: Long Term Ministry Relationships In the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/794bbfe8-bf8c-453d-87a4-52e080c33c44.

APA citation style (7th ed.)

R. J. Knowles. Reaching the fruitful years: long term ministry relationships in the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/794bbfe8-bf8c-453d-87a4-52e080c33c44

Chicago citation style (CMOS 17, author-date)

Robert J Knowles. Reaching the Fruitful Years: Long Term Ministry Relationships In the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/794bbfe8-bf8c-453d-87a4-52e080c33c44.

Note: These citations are programmatically generated and may be incomplete.

Creator

Robert J Knowles

Keyword

Clergy--Performance standards

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Abstract

Long-term ministry is too often the exception, rather than the norm. Ministries that could last several years end up lasting just a few years due to unmet expectations and the inability to resolve conflict. In this work, the author contends that long-term ministry is valuable. Ministries lasting ten years or more are normally based on mutual trust between pastor and congregation. The depth of relationship brings trust and stability to a church unknown in shorter pastorates. The literature supports this in both religious and secular fields. Those entering ministry need to be well prepared for the rigors of relationship building, making themselves vulnerable and open, while still maintaining a level of trust and professionalism. The Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches is comprised of over 500 churches and is benefiting greatly from the dedicated service of pastors who are daring to pay the price of long-term service. Their insights were a primary source of research in determining what relational factors are paramount in the building of a marathon ministry. Consulted also were the executive and regional ministers who from their perspectives add much as they consult with search committees, pastors, and congregations in crisis. They serve on the front lines of ministry and understand well the pressures that go along with building a significant relational ministry. Several theological themes were discussed under the heading of the struggle between the sin-led life and the Spirit-led life. Such subjects as submission, partnership, and shepherding were viewed through these lenses. This aided greatly in discerning the primary issues facing churches and pastors as they pursue significant ministry together. As a result of the research, this study should assist the CABC in ministering more effectively to its pastors and churches, most specifically in the recommendations to search committees and in providing guidelines to pastors and leadership boards in careful and proper treatment of each other.

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