Stay Up To Date - American Baptist Churches of Maine

American Baptist Churches of Maine

Pastors and Church Leaders

January 5, 2021 Update

I want to express to you my gratitude for the responsible way in which you have acted to keep your congregation safe during this pandemic. Thank you for providing a safe space for your congregation members to gather and worship.

2020 is over and your diligence during this pandemic is commendable. As leaders, you have had to face an uncertain future, learn new skills, adapt to an ever-changing landscape, and remind your congregation of God's faithfulness, love, and grace. Because of you, your congregation is stronger, wiser, and better equipped to face the challenges of 2021.

2021 is not a safe year. The pandemic will be with us in 2021. This means remaining diligent and responsible. When the vaccine is given to the majority of folks in our country, perhaps then, you and I will be able to breathe easier. Until then, be alert. Be wise as serpents and gentle as doves.

Pastor Matthew Burden will be our Zoom speaker on January 14, 2021 at 7:00 pm. Matthew has led his church through a well publicized COVID-19 outbreak in his congregation. Matthew has had to weather the concerns for his own congregation's health and well-being, managed news reporters, and Maine CDC officials. Through his experience, you will be better prepared to continue on in 2021. I am looking forward to Matthew's insights from his experience.

I've asked Matthew to share with us: "What happened? What were the surrounding events or circumstances that led to an outbreak in your congregation? When you became aware of the outbreak, what steps did you take? When did the Maine CDC engage you? What did they require of you and your congregation? How did you handle the newspaper reporters? What were their concerns? How did other churches respond to you? What surprised you as a pastor during this time in your leadership? What did you find challenging? What has happened since the outbreak? When will you or have you returned to in-person worship? How has the outbreak and all that accompanied it affected your congregation? What has God been teaching you through this season of challenge?

I look forward to seeing you on January 14, 2021.

Time: Jan 14, 2021 07:00 PM EST

Join the ministrElife Meeting here:

https://ministrelife.zoom.us/j/9645493486

If you wish to enter this meeting by phone, please call +1 (669)9006833, and use meeting ID 9645493486

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Regional Zoom Opportunities
A Blessing of the Age in which We Live

Regions of common interest have determined to share opportunities and events that will help congregations in their mission. Resources need to be shared and so maximize outreach and help for local churches and their leadership. The American Baptist Churches of Maine is willing to share in this endeavor. The American Baptist churches of the Pacific Northwest are making this resource available to our churches in Maine. Regions participating in this endeavor are willing to share information and events.

You'll need to register with the Pacific Northwest region to participate in this event.

Mission Northwest Presents
SMALL CHURCH - BIG IMPACT
Saturday, January 9, 2021
with Dr. Tim Brown

A one day conference focusing on maximizing the effectiveness of the small church (25 to 150 worship attendance) from a pastor who has been there and done that!

No Registration Fee -- Event Underwritten by Mission Northwest

Three Sessions -- 8:30a to 1:30p PT
(Snack Breaks and Lunch Breaks)

Dr. Tim Brown, Executive Minister Growing Healthy Churches

Pastor and Exec Minister Tim Brown will lead us through three learning sessions with a goal of strengthening small churches for maximum Gospel effectiveness.

Immediately after college Tim served as the shared part-time pastor of two small Indiana churches. These churches were located in the most poverty stricken county in Indiana. Even so they experienced several conversions and both grew in attendance.

During seminary he pastored a small church of 35 people in Scottsburg, Indiana. The church started youth and children based ministries and also experienced significant growth. After graduating from seminary Tim became the Senior Pastor of Hopewell Baptist Church in Indiana, a church of 100 that eventually added a second worship service and started multiple ministries.

Tim was challenged by sister region, Growing Healthy Churches, to leave Hopewell Baptist Church (now 340 in worship) and lead a turn around at the FBC of Clovis, a church with 60 in average worship attendance. During his seven years at FBC Clovis the church grew significantly, primarily through conversions and ministry to the immediate community. Tim has a broad and fruitful ministry experience with small churches in small places. He is a champion of small churches and offers real world, practical insights to maximize the impact of any church of any size in any location.

Presently Tim is the executive minister of Growing Healthy Churches (ABC-USA) and is also lead pastor of The Well in Modesto, CA. He is a graduate of Fairmont State University (B.A.), Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Northern Baptist Seminary (D. Min.). He is married to Jennifer and together they have three children, Abigail, Allison and Wyatt.