This part-time position is ideal for those individuals who are considering full-time vocational ministry. The position requires an individual to be musically gifted, able to lead and develop worship teams, do administrative and social media work, and be a theological thinker who can work out his/her reformed theology in real-life kind of ways. The individual should expect to be working closely with the lead pastor in the day-to-day duties: the exciting, mundane, and frustrating....
On Monday, April 19, the Session met from 6:00-11 PM to deliberate on a wide variety of matters pertaining to our church. ...
On Wednesday, May 12, the Session met from 6:00-10:30 PM to deliberate on a wide variety of matters pertaining to our church. Here is a synopsis of what took place!...
How can we be focusing special attention on exceptional hospitality and purposeful welcome? We want people to be able to find their home here and ultimately, to find their home in Jesus. Here are some ideas!...
Hooray! After almost a year, we’re excited to offer a modified Kids Crossing experience! For the months of March and April, nursery and one Kids Crossing class will be provided on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month (March 14/28, April 11/25). (Decisions regarding a schedule for May will be made once we are closer to that time.) We can’t wait to see the kiddos of MDC again!...
According to our Book of Church Order, an elder is called an overseer of the flock and household of God. This means that the elders are required to govern and rule over all the affairs of the church. “It belongs to the office of elder, both severally and jointly, to watch diligently over the flock committed to their charge, that no corruption of doctrine or of morals enter therein” (BCO 8-3). This overseeing work involves meeting frequently to deal with matters that require a great deal of biblical discernment and wisdom. Most church members do not realize how important this overseeing function is or realize how great are the sacrifices our elders make for the well-being of this church. Be praying for your Session as they meet tonight....
Scripture and the Book of Church Order charge the Elders of Missio Dei Church "to watch diligently over the flock." This is a daunting task, but it is for your good, the good of the whole church, and for God's glory....
Yesterday morning I spent some extended time in our sanctuary praying for each of you by name. As your pastor and as a fellow human walking through this strange and extremely disruptive and exhaustive season, I want you to know that am concerned for each of you. I know the condition of my own heart (see this Facebook post) and I think I can safely assume it maybe be true of yours in one way or another as well. ...
For the past couple of years, I have had the personal privilege of serving as the chairman of the Shepherding Committee for the Chicago Metro Presbytery.The committee has a plethora of administrative duties (transferring pastors in and out, making recommendations to the presbytery regarding calls, providing advice to churches, etc.). Ultimately, the committee is challenged...
Keep ReadingMy church held a congregational meeting this morning, centered around its vision for the future and the legacy we want to have as a community of believers. Such topics can be heavy for anyone, and when ingredients like budget projections and capital campaigns are added to the mix, a palpable tension may even be felt in the room....
Keep ReadingI will never forget my first encounters with Todd Paben. He was a squirrelly teenager with Jimmy Neutron styled hair who was dating a girl who attended my youth ministry at Peace Community Church. I'll never forget how God grasped his heart one particular evening during a series on relationships. I won't forget the countless hours poured into discipling a young man who rav...
Keep ReadingThe Coming King is a series of four Christmas messages that will explore the everyday humanity and glorious death of Jesus. In this Advent series we will see why we can hope in him, how Jesus is the power of God to transform our bleak situations, how the glory of the Son of God calls our hearts to genuinely soul-satisfying worship, and what difference it makes in our lives...
Keep ReadingSo, with Pastor Appreciation Month kicking off October 1, can I encourage you to do something with me? Pave the way for excellence and health in your pastor by shepherding your shepherd. Yep. You can do that....
Keep ReadingThis month is Pastor’s Wife Appreciation Month. Can I encourage you to encourage her? Be creative! Go nuts with how you do it (just dont ask for too much of her time)! Bless her with a simple and yet encouraging text, email or Facebook post, a cup of coffee (Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks), prayer, a date night with her hubby, etc....
Keep ReadingYou know how it happens. You have every intention of being with the church on Sunday. In your mind it is all planned out. Then, you wake up late. Or, your baby has a last-minute blow out. Or, streets are closed. Maybe you arrive on time, but you’re distracted. She took my seat. Is that guy sleeping? Did I wear this outfit last week too? Where is my pen? Is that a new fam...
Keep ReadingWe have been released from the Reformed Church in America to the Presbyterian Church in America! As we looked to the future, our vision and mission, convictions, and consciences drew us to our new denominational home, the Presbyterian Church in America. Knowing that there is no such thing as a perfect denomination, we believe we will find greater unity on issues that we co...
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