FEBC Resources FELL OWSHIP MINISTRIES


by GARY KREHBIEL, MINISTRIES COORDINATOR


I would like to thank the churches of the FEBC. It has been so impressive to see how the churches of this fellow- ship have been committed to serving God throughout the past year. This year has been a challenge that no one anticipated, but it has been incredible to watch church leaders stretch and adapt. It has also been incredible to watch members and churches relate to each other with an attitude of grace and a desire to see God minister.


The consistent expression from church leaders is


about God’s faithfulness. Circumstance and culture change — and they have changed rapidly. Most of us likely would not have predicted the speed and ways that our cul- ture has changed over the past few years. But God doesn’t change, and with that stable foundation our churches have continued to press on and serve in the midst of con- flict, uncertainty, and even in persecution.


The FEBC desires to be a support and encouragement


to each church and pastor. James reminds us that “every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow” (James 1:17 nasb). We are so grateful that God is our strength, our stability, and the firm foundation on which we stand.


The FEBC is working to provide resources to church-


es as they are needed. Some of those resources have al- ready been developed and distributed. The pastoral search kit is a great help to churches that are looking for a pastor. You always hope that you don’t have to look for a pastor so frequently that you get really good at it! So, this kit is there to help churches as they get refreshed on the search process. A number of churches have told us how helpful that kit is.


We are also developing resources in response to the


needs of culture and churches. A couple of resources that the FEBC has sent out this year have been a pastor evalu- ation (see page 15) and an elder team assessment. It can be difficult to evaluate a pastor. There is no one established formula for doing so, but we’ve developed a tool that will help elders and church leaders evaluate their pastor according to the description of a pastor/elder in Scripture, as well as his job description. Our elder team evaluation is designed to help an elder team function more effectively,


with good chemistry, and competence. It encourages an elder team to demonstrate good character. The intent is to promote conversation among the elders that enables them to function better as a team.


We are working on a sabbatical policy recommenda-


tion as well. Sometimes pastors need things that are awk- ward or difficult for them to request from their church leaders. One of those is often a sabbatical. We know how valuable a sabbatical is and how important it is for church- es and church leaders to plan for their pastors to be able to take time to be renewed and refreshed. And so, we are working in some of those areas as well.


We look forward to reinstituting the pastors and


wives retreats that we have not been able to have in the past year. It is so energizing to see the pastors and wives of our fellowship get together and enjoy the ease and comfort of those relationships with one another. Being together and having the opportunity to share and pray for one another is a great encouragement. We are hoping to help those pastors who live further away so that travel does not prevent them from attending a retreat.


The Commission on Pastoral Care was established


with the goal of encouraging pastors, being aware of their needs, and praying for them. That team is connecting with pastors and their wives to support, pray for, and build relationships with them. If you know someone who would be a good addition to that team, contact the FEBC office and let us know. We will be sending information to churches about ways that you can bless your pastor this coming year.


With the changes taking place so rapidly in our


culture, the board of directors has established a position paper review team that is looking at the position papers of the FEBC to determine whether they address the issues that are relevant. Some issues, such as homosexuality, have become part of a larger cultural discussion on gen- der. Taking steps, such as adopting the Nashville State- ment, as was done at our annual meeting, help. Cultural shifts have made contentious issues of things that were not so contentious in the past. The goal is to provide the background and stability so that churches have credible legal standing over our historical beliefs and actions, rath- er than being accused of discriminatory practices.


May we all experience God’s grace as we continue to


share His love with the world around us. Know that Jesus is from God and is the Savior of the world.


FELLOWSHIPFORWARD.ORG 9


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