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I have worked with a few congregations so far in my ministry. The way a congregation treats you during the moving in process is important in indicating how they are going to treat you as the minister. One congregation that I worked with did not even provide an office, rather I was to share an office with another minister who was a part-time missionary which was located in the area. It was his office and I was to have a desk in it. Also, I was given a house to stay in but not the honor of painting it even with my own money. The church would not allow us to change the colors in the home. In fact, we had to move all of the church’s stuff out of the house and completely clean the house ourselves. The welcome communicated a “we do not care if you are here.” It worked. On the other hand, both Waynesboro and Castle Rock provided a wonderful introduction to the congregation and the town. In Waynesboro we had a team of about 40 members help us unload and set up the home. There were house warming gifts too. The church painted the house to the colors that Charity picked out and had the house spotless. First class treatment which was a sign of how the church treated us. Castle Rock had a hard act to follow but did an amazing job as well. I walked into our new home (we own this one) and was greeted by baskets of gifts for Charity, myself, and the kids. There was food already in the fridge and the pantry. We have had meals delivered to us for the next few days. We have been checked on, helped, and planned for. There was even cookies and cards for us. Toys for the kids were given too. The congregation even hired a moving company for us, flew Charity and the family in, and prayed for Mitchell and Carl Skelton who helped me drive the cars to Colorado. It was completely amazing the welcome in this congregation. One of the elders even took me to Starbucks to welcome me to town. I have learned the welcome is a sign and it points to a wonderful ministry with the congregation.
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What have been some of your experiences with this?
The first congregation I worked with gave my family the same type of welcome you described in the first congregation you worked with. The last two (that includes where I am serving now) have given my family and I very warm welcomes, house warming parties, help unloading the truck, etc… And you are right, it does make a difference.
Rex
“One congregation that I worked with did not even provide an office, rather I was to share an office with another minister who was a part-time missionary which was located in the area. ”
I think we have all had those kind of jobs whether you’re a Minister or not. I sure have.
You are right Brent. I talked with mother and father and they are so excited about being here.
Matthew,
I was impressed with the folks at Castle Rock and look forward to my next opportunity to visit with them. It doesn’t really matter if you are there or not! Although, I would like to see Charity, Gabrielle, and Noah. I, like you, was impressed with the welcome gifts already at your home. You forgot the carpet cleaning! Miss you brother.
My congrgation recently lost our minister of cancer. We now have a younger minister who has all types of degrees in Biblical study. My family & I have been in the coC since I can remember. We have always been taught to give as we prosper. Now our new minister says we are to give a tenth of our earnings. He referenced the old test. but also Matt. 23:23. He says that although it does not directly say give a tenth it is understood. Everyone that brought up an offering understood God was pleased with a tenth from the examples given. He explained Matt. 23:23 in dept.
Now I’m all confused. Can you perhaps shed some light on what you think of Matt. 23:23?
Michelle. He is doing the best he can. You should go to him and ask him about his understanding of this command. You will be blessed if you do. Matthew 18:15. As for me, I believe that one should give as he as been prospered. This means that some people are giving too little at 10% and some people are unable to give 10%. Someone living on 30,000 with a family are going to be hard pressed to give 10% while someone making 500,000 a year should be giving more than 10%. It is how God has prospered you. No hard fact rule.