The problem for many of us is that we just don't know where to begin. The needs are so great and answers seem so elusive that we just aren't sure where to begin.

I have always appreciated Paul's encouragement in Colossians 4:2-4 when it comes to leading the church to its next step:

2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 

3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 

4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 

PRAYER

OPEN DOORS

STEP THROUGH

BOLDNESS/CLARITY

An honest prayer availeth much!

Lord... we don't know what to do, but we know you do...and we trust you!

There is a tool that I want to introduce to you. You will begin seeing this tool in many places throughout the Free Methodist Church as a prayerful strategy for the next breakthrough for your church.

It is a simple tool that can be used in ANY setting.

It begins with the assumption that God wants a "breakthrough" to occur in your church, ministry etc...

For many, this is an important first step - the faith that God is still at work, still speaks and will lead us if we seek him.

We then begin by Capturing Reality. This is why I began by encouraging us to stop talking about "pre-Covid". We need to see where we are today, clearly.

This is challenging for many. I once had an elderly man come up to me after a service and say to me: John, we are all still 18 in our minds. I won't tell you his age, but he wasn't 18 anymore.

The reality is that most of our churches are structured for a different time or a different size or a different mission.

We need to see reality for what it is.

Then we can Clarify Possibilities. What could we actually do? What ministry impact could we have in our community?

For most of our churches, it is best to think about ONE thing. We too often try to do too many things because we assume this is what "active" churches do.

So just Choose One. What is the one thing we can do that would please the heart of Jesus?

Then, make a plan - Create A Road Map. What do we do first? Then second? Who can help? What workers do we need to pray for? How do we get there?

And finally, praise the Father for what he has done by Celebrating!

And begin the process again.

I know it sounds so easy on paper. 

It isn't easy, but it is simple.

I am convinced that this strategy is similar to how the early church expanded, ministered and served as the church during their time.

They prayed, clarified, trusted, acted and celebrated.

May the Lord give us the courage to listen together and act in courage.

God bless

Superintendent John

WELCOME Tennessee Everly Fransz!

Tennessee (Tenni) was born on October 20th to Brooke and James Fransz, our church planters in Nashville. Congratulations!

Here is their latest Newsletter- you can sign up for updates:

FREE E-BOOK

Church Answers has put out a Free E-Book on prayer for pastors. The above image will take you to the free book. Make sure to check out Church Answers.com for other resources.

Advent Resources

It seems like every year in preparation for Advent, I have to search my files for the Advent readings I had saved from the year before.

Thankfully, the Free Methodist Liturgical Network has several Advent readings on their Facebook page. They are also working on Advent readings that are based upon The Free Methodist Way.

Here is the link as you prepare for the first Sunday of Advent which begins November 28th.

Check Out the Center for Pastoral Formation