The Weekly Buzz
1-8-2016
from Dr. Karl & Pastor Anita
Quote for the week
We do not pray because God needs information or advice. One of the main reasons we pray is because we are spiritually formed by a regular, personal connection with God. Many of our deepest needs, ones that we are not even fully aware of, are met by communion with God in prayer.
Ken Schenk, Wesleyan Life Magazine Winter 2016 Issues
Just a Thought
A recent survey of North American Wesleyan Pastors has revealed some interesting data (as you can imagine). The survey primarily dealt with the health and well-being of our pastors and families, and many of our PJD pastors participated in this survey.
One of the most striking findings was regarding “Pastor Makers” and Pastor Breakers” (those things that pastors identified as giving them pastoral success, and those things that were hindering pastoral success).
Pastor makers
A Strong spiritual life
Leadership and management skills
Pastoral virtues and traits
Self-care, emotional health
Strong character
Pastor Breakers
Lack of leadership and management skills
Character issues
Poor Self-care, emotional health
Arrogance & pride
A weak spiritual life
It is interesting to note the similarities between the two lists. The things that help pastoral success can, when absent or limited in the life of a pastor, make it quite difficult for success to take place. Our challenge is to see the importance of these issues in our private and public life and to work hard to develop them as strengths for the glory of God.
Just a thought…
PJD Northeast Bus Tour, April 19-21 (see attached brochure)
We want to take our pastors and ministry leaders to several churches in PA and NY to experience what is taking place through their ministries. In Fact, the current issue of Wesleyan Life magazine is featuring one of the churches we will visit (Hyde Wesleyan Church, p. 19). We hope you’re planning to join us on this three-day, two-night vision tour.
Huntington NY Church baptizes 9 Christians
Ebenezer Wesleyan Church (Pastor Rochemond St. Louis) reports a great day of celebration recently as they baptized 9 new Believers, including 2 sisters and a mother and her son. Praise God for Kingdom impact on Long Island!
Upcoming Events
January 29-31: Pastors and Spouses Retreat
March 5: PJD’s EXCEL Church Health Conference, Allentown PA
April 19-21: PJD’s Northeast Bus Tour (register @ 610-366-0310)
The District is here to serve you
“Thank you” to our great District team of caring professionals who are here to serve you and your church.
1. Servant Ministries (led by Dr. David Babb). We offer counseling for pastors and families. The denomination also has a “care hot-line” for pastors and families to call when you need a counseling ear. The number is 1-877-REV-CARE.
2. The PJD Finance Team is here to assist you and your church with financial and record-keeping questions. Call Rev. Bob Simpkins to initiate: 717-497-4871
Sanctity of Life Sunday (January 17th) and MLK Day (January 18th)
Both of these days are worth acknowledging in your church. In fact, they both speak well of our Wesleyan heritage of justice for the powerless in our culture. At the heart of both of these days is God’s love for fellow human beings. We encourage your church to take some time on the 17th to acknowledge both days and our Wesleyan passion for the unborn as well as for cross-ethnic and racial unity.
December PJD Salvation Reports
(District total so far: 104)
Cherryville PA, Bethany: 4
Blackwood NJ, Jersey Life: 2
Millersburg PA, Calvary: 2
Brooklyn NY, Pilgrim: 2
Harrisburg PA, Christian Insight: 4
Allentown PA, Trinity: 7
Brooklyn NY, New Hope: 27
Hillsborough NJ, Christian Community: 2
Northampton PA, Gospel Chapel: 7
Bloomsburg PA, Journey Mate: 36
Muncy PA, Pleasant View: 2
Bronx NY, Grace: 3
Millville NJ, Crossings: 1
Orefield PA, Faith: 1
Stroudsburg PA, Wesleyan: 4
Where are our DS’s this weekend?
Pastor Anita: Sunday 10:30 am: preach at Stonington PA Wesleyan Church
Dr. Karl: Sunday, 9:30 am: preach at Hanover PA Wesleyan Church