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From Mandate to Movement: Reawakening the Church’s Global Mission

As pastors of small churches, we are often reminded of the daily challenges of leading a congregation—balancing budgets, shepherding our people, and maintaining the health of the church. Yet, amid these important tasks, we must continually ask ourselves a crucial question: Are we fulfilling the Great Commission? Jesus left us with a clear and urgent command in Matthew 28:19-20: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” This is not a suggestion or a calling for a select few. It is the mandate for every believer and every church. Sadly, a significant portion of the global Church has lost sight of this mission. Studies show that 85% of pastors believe missions is a mandate for the whole Church , yet only a fraction of Christians see it that way. It’s time for us to lead the way in reigniting a passion for missions and recommitting to the Great Commission. The question is: How can we, as small church pastors, mobilize our congregations to embrace and live out this mandate? A Mandate for All
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Rethinking Our Mission Strategies: Moving from Sending to Partnering

For small church pastors, fulfilling the call to global missions often seems like a daunting task. With limited resources and fewer members, the idea of sending missionaries or making a significant global impact can feel out of reach. Yet, the heart of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) is not about the size of our congregations but the scope of our vision. Many churches, particularly smaller ones, operate under the assumption that sending missionaries overseas is the only way to fulfill the Great Commission. But is that really the best or only way to engage in global missions? According to recent studies, 60% of Christians believe that churches send the right amount of missionaries —yet large portions of the world remain unreached. There is a critical disconnect here. It’s time to rethink our mission strategies. Instead of solely focusing on sending missionaries, what if we shifted toward partnering with the global Church to make a more sustainable and impactful difference? Effec
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Understanding the Global Church: Is the U.S. Really the Center of Christianity?

 As pastors of small churches, we know how easy it can be to focus primarily on our local community and the immediate needs around us. But as we lead our congregations, we must ask a critical question: How well do we understand the global Church? Many of our members may assume that the United States is the central hub of Christianity, but the reality is far different—and that misconception can deeply impact how we engage in God’s mission. According to recent studies, 68% of U.S. Christians believe the United States is the modern center of Christianity . However, this view is not only inaccurate but also limits our understanding of the global body of Christ and our role in it. To fulfill the Great Commission, we must develop a broader view of the Church—one that transcends borders and recognizes the powerful work God is doing across the world. The Global Shift in Christianity In recent decades, the geographic heart of Christianity has shifted dramatically. While Christianity may have b
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Understanding the Disconnect in the Church

The Great Disconnect and why we need to reconnect with the Great Commission. As pastors of small churches, it’s easy to feel the weight of leading a congregation, managing limited resources, and caring for your people. But amid the daily demands of ministry, there is a foundational question that we must continually return to: Are we fulfilling the mission Jesus gave us? The answer, according to recent studies, might be more troubling than we realize. A study on church engagement revealed a significant gap in the understanding and application of the Great Commission, the very mission Christ commanded us to undertake. Many Christians, perhaps even some in our own congregations, may not know what the Great Commission is or why it matters. The Great Disconnect It may shock you to know that two-thirds of Christians say they have never heard of the Great Commission. Of those who have heard it, only 26% of practicing Christians can identify and explain it correctly. This is a sobering real
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Identifying and Training Leaders: Empowering the Next Generation of Ministry

As we conclude our series on the top priorities of pastoral ministry, we arrive at the tenth and final priority: “Identify and Train Leaders.” This essential task is crucial for the sustainability and growth of small churches. In his book The Pastor's Ministry , Brian Croft emphasizes the importance of equipping others for leadership roles within the church. This post explores why identifying and training leaders is vital, practical steps for doing so, and the biblical foundation for this critical aspect of pastoral ministry. The Importance of Identifying and Training Leaders 1. Sustaining Ministry and Vision Effective leadership is essential for sustaining the vision and mission of the church. As a pastor, you cannot do everything alone, and empowering others ensures that the work of the ministry continues even in your absence. In 2 Timothy 2:2 (NIV), Paul instructs Timothy to entrust reliable individuals with the teachings he has received: “And the things you have heard me say i
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Encouraging the Weaker Sheep: A Pastor’s Call to Compassionate Care

In the ministry of small churches, one of the critical responsibilities is to "Encourage the Weaker Sheep," as outlined in Brian Croft’s The Pastor's Ministry . This ninth priority emphasizes the importance of providing care, support, and encouragement to those who may be struggling in their faith or facing challenges in their lives. For pastors, this ministry is essential not only for the spiritual health of individuals but also for the overall vitality of the church community. In this post, we’ll explore why encouraging the weaker sheep is crucial, how to identify those in need of encouragement, and practical steps for providing support. The Importance of Encouraging the Weaker Sheep 1. Reflecting Christ’s Compassion Encouraging those who are struggling is a way to reflect Christ’s compassion and love. Jesus Himself demonstrated this throughout His ministry, reaching out to the marginalized, the broken, and the lost. In Matthew 11:28 (NIV), He invites, “Come to me, all
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Confronting Sin: A Crucial Responsibility for Pastoral Ministry

In the landscape of pastoral ministry, the eighth priority emphasized in Brian Croft’s The Pastor's Ministry is the imperative to "Confront Sin." This responsibility is essential for maintaining the integrity of the church and the spiritual health of its members. Confronting sin is not merely about pointing out wrongdoing; it is a profound act of love aimed at restoration and growth. In this post, we will explore the significance of confronting sin, how to approach this difficult task, and the biblical foundation that supports this vital aspect of pastoral care. The Importance of Confronting Sin 1. Preserving the Church’s Holiness The church is called to be a community set apart for God’s purposes. In 1 Peter 1:16 (NIV), we are reminded, “Be holy, because I am holy.” Confronting sin is essential for preserving the holiness and integrity of the church. Allowing unaddressed sin to persist can lead to spiritual decay and compromise the church’s witness to the world. 2. Pro
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