Often pastors and ministry leaders find themselves occupied and even struggling with the very same issues they help others face. The danger is the assumption – the lie – that “pastors can deal with these things on their own” or, “pastors don’t need counselors, that’s a sign of weakness.” Nothing could be further from the…
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“As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.”—John 15:9 What would ministry – and life – look like if done from a basis of abiding deeply in Christ and his love? If that’s not your current experience, it may be that this command of Jesus is an invitation…
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Serving the small (or ordinary) sized church is filled with challenges. So many of the resources and conferences for ministry leaders are geared toward larger-church contexts, and can leave those called to smaller congregations feeling under-served and less than confident about their ministry. In this episode of Hope Renewed we sit down with Karl Vaters,…
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Each of us has a story which serves as a testimony to God’s grace in our lives. Some of these stories involve deep pain and potential ruin. Others are stories of perseverance and discovery. All of them point to Jesus and the hope of his gospel. In this episode of Hope Renewed, PIR’s own Jason…
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60 million people live in rural America, making it a fertile field for ministry. But with country churches come country issues, which bring their own unique challenges and joys. The demands on a pastor serving in these contexts are often multiplied because of isolation, lack of resources and small-town community dynamics. What are some keys…
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What we often find in ministry life is that the circumstances and challenges we face aren’t necessarily ones for which our training has prepared us. Having someone who can offer perspective, encouragement, guidance and perhaps a little advice is a HUGE help! Even for the “normal” work of ministry and leadership, a “seasoned and reasoned”…
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Joe Chambers is on a journey. A self-described “pilgrim on his way home to the Kingdom of the Heaven”, Joe shares a story of the highs and lows of pastoral ministry, and the restorative nature of God’s grace. Join us a we walk with Joe through his experience and discovery of the depths of God’s…
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Without fail the holiday season comes each year, and with it heightened expectations and stress in ministry. This year is especially challenging with the extra layers of complications due to pandemic protocols. While “making it through” the holidays might seem like the order of the day we at PIR want to encourage you to recover…
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From time to time on Hope Renewed we have the opportunity to sit down with pastors and talk with them about navigating the challenges of serving in the church from the viewpoints and experiences of those who are on the “frontline” in local church ministry. We’re able to hear their sometimes painful stories and how…
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Studies indicate that upward of 85% of Protestant churches in the US have less than 200 members. This means many (if not most) pastors are serving in small context ministries, which bring unique challenges and stresses. An Author and Conference Leader, Pastor Chris Vitarelli has served in small (or “ordinary”) church contexts for over 20…
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