Rethinking My Thinking

How is your ministry engaging with the community today? Podcasts, speaking engagements, social media

What role does technology play in spreading your message? the biggest, but I know word of mouth is helpful too

How do you support spiritual growth among your members? my weekly newsletter offers a link to my podcast, a devotion based on the scripture discussed in the podcast, and small group questions of the scripture to encourage all my listeners to life a life of worship

What challenges are ministries facing in the modern world? 1. Keeping the ministry the main thing rather than power or money. 2. Being heard and seen in a world that chaos and click bait and rage bait are glorified.

How do you balance tradition with innovation in worship? This is challenging, but I am learning more about tradition now as I grew up in a world that did not value tradition at all. So I think that tradition as long as it is not held as sacred can help us find roots in our faith that are deeper than our current culture, time in word history, etc. Our tradition ought to lend itself to including rich hymns and also praise and worship music. It ought to allow us to celebrate Advent without and use video, music, and written word to help God’s people experience His nearness while staying rooted in the history of the faith.

What initiatives are you leading to serve vulnerable populations? I am not leading any right now, but I am giving to homeless shelter in my community and to the Arkansas Family Alliance that helps children and families that are in the foster system. The goal is to help families that are vulnerable reunite if possible.

How can younger generations be more involved in ministry? 1. Most Gen Z hate AI…so encouraging them to use their gifts in art, writing, music ought to help. 2. Gen Z also have strong thoughts and opinions. So giving them space to discuss these ideas without feeling attacked or ignored is vital. 3. Travel to poorer nations often helps younger generations understand the need to give to others. 4. Finding ways younger generations feel like they can serve and are part of the church body, not just entertained is super important.