Can I make ministry a lifetime vocation? Al Downey, our Pastoral Care Director, gives some tips for staying in the race until the end.

A young Bible College graduate recently asked me, "Pastor Al, what has kept you in a place of vocational ministry for well over four decades?" His question was direct and simple, the answer not so much. Here it is with my attempted response.

Are you a solution provider in your community? Churches often see themselves as "providers of religious goods and services" in the place where they are located. They relegate themselves to society's "faith and religion" aspects and do their best to stay in their lane. However, the Church of Jesus Christ is called to make an impact on the world it is a part of.

Is the Acts 2 Journey helpful as a process of unifying, vitalizing and empassioning a congregation? Read how the Acts 2 Journey provided clarity and focus for Mark McMillan and his church in Cold Lake.

Feeling overwhelmed? You are not alone. Cut yourself some slack. You are a frontline worker. Pastors are on the frontlines every week, dealing with other people’s issues as well as those in your immediate family. And the unrealistic expectations that others place on you add to the overwhelm.

What questions should I be asking myself as I enter the New Year? As 2024 begins, it would be wise to examine our lives using these four key foundations and then make whatever adjustments are necessary going forward.

Do you have a special gift in your hand today? As with all gifts, they are intended to be opened, enjoyed, and shared with others. This Christmas, as you reflect, consider the gifts of our ABNWT District, all that we have to share among ourselves and others.

How can churches equip parents to disciple their children? Biblical illiteracy is rampant, and culture is dictating what people should do rather than a Spirit-led, Biblical pattern. Our kids are casualties!

What is one thing I can do to help our church board/council serve with excellence? Soon, you will be going through the nomination/selection process for new board/council members before your Annual General Meeting. Interviewing candidates is a priority task. There are steps you can take today to help yourself, new members, and the function of your Board thrive tomorrow.

What are some of the best ways to build a good relationship with a local school? Here is a field manual from a practitioner on how to build a healthy relationship with a public school in your community.

How can I thrive through the winter - not just survive? I love a good recommendation. I would much rather hear an endorsement from someone I trust than someone on the internet. Here are four things that I recommend to you - four things that might change your life.

Church finances can be difficult to manage. Many times it’s a cause of stress, and we think, “If only we had more”. Well, let’s start by being good stewards of what we have. Churches often make these four financial mistakes

Have you ever asked why aren't people coming back to your church? I know this seems a little opposite of how we typically view church; come here, and we’ll fill you up for the week. But, I would say we have an opportunity here to reframe what church looks like in this season and meet people where they’re at. The gospel never changes, but our methods can change constantly.

What does a vitalized church in Canada actually look like? The reality is every church is on a trajectory and we can’t look at an individual month or year, but we need to look at the overall trends and characteristics of a church that is vitalized. Let’s look at 5 characteristics of a vitalized church.

What happens when you're asked to take on a responsibility that is not only challenging but appears to be failing? How do you respond? God had much bigger plans than we do. When we step out in faith, he ministers to people's hearts in absolutely stunning ways.

God, can you please help us because, without You, we're done for! Understanding the times calls us to action, not to fear and dismay in the midst of chaos.

Why should I be concerned about personal accountability? The imperative of accountability in leadership.

How can I intentionally invest in my young pastor? ABNWT's pathway for developing our incredible young leaders continues...