Celebrate Your Pastors This Fall During Pastor Appreciation Month! |
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by Ken Kessler
In 2019, the Barna Research organization along with Pepperdine University introduced a new study called "The State of Pastors." In this resource, they provide us a research consistency across denominations about how pastors and associate pastors are navigating life and leadership in this new decade. I cannot go into all the details of the report in a writing like this one, but there were a few alarming statistics:
- Pastors are getting older. The median age of pastors has increased from 44 to 54 over the last 25 years.
- Nearly 43% of pastors are at high or medium relational risk, whether they are experiencing challenges in their marriage, family, friendships, or other close relationships.
- Only one in five pastors has much influence in their community, and around 21% believe pastors are not a credible sense of wisdom.
And then in 2020, a pandemic hit that has shaken our confidence and traditions to the core. Your pastors’ belief in God has not changed, but the awareness of how to assist church members in this “new normal” has created some self-doubt for anyone in vocational ministry.
So, October is a great opportunity to assist your pastor and associates to a new level of appreciation. Pastor Appreciation Month is here. Scripture reminds us that one of the key things we do as a community of faith is honor, respect, and build up the spiritual leadership of our congregation.
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Pastoral Self-care During the Pandemic
During these incredibly challenging times, pastors need support from their congregations, but they also need to care for themselves. At this year's BGAV Annual Meeting, pastors will have the opportunity to attend a breakout session led by Roberta Damon and Dan Bagby, long-time experts in the field of pastoral care. Register now for this important time of connection and inspiration. |
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Register Now for the BGAV Annual Meeting!
Registration is now open for the first-ever online-only BGAV Annual Meeting! The event, "Deep Roots, Green Shoots," will begin at 6:45 p.m. Monday, November 9, with a special presentation of music videos sent in by many of our churches just before the worship celebration airs at 7:00 p.m. Highlights of the Monday evening service include a keynote address by N.T. Wright, an original song written and performed for us by Kate Campbell, and John Upton's annual report of how BGAV continues in our mission to renew all things through the power of Christ.
On Tuesday, November 10, our popular breakout sessions will be all online, created in response to the needs you made us aware of as we've asked for your input. See the list of breakout topics and leaders and preregister for the sessions of your choice (this page will be updated soon with more specific information when it's available).
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Upcoming Events of Interest
Children/Youth/Family Certificates:
Church Finance Course of Study:
October 14, 2020
October 15, 2020
hosted by Fresh Expressions US
October 15-November 12, 2020
October 17, 2020
October 23-25, 2020
October 28, 2020
November 9-10, 2020
December 5, 2020
offered by V3 Church Planting Movement
Use code BGAV15OFF for $15 off!
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Baptist General Association of Virginia
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