Pastoral Ministry, Leadership, Church Revitalization
Sean Corser
Best of 2019: Most read articles on the Mathena ...

This year, God has used the resources of contributing scholars of the Mathena Center for Church Revitalization to train and equip pastors– both current and future – for more faithful service to Christ’s bride. Here are a few of our most popular resources from the past year.

Best of 2019: Most read articles on the Mathena Center blog in 2019
Sean Corser
4 steps to flourish as a bi-vocational pastor

As a bi-vocational pastor you feel the reality of your unique burdens and embrace the opportunities of your unique position. In this helpful article Spencer Harmon shares four basic, and obvious rhythms you can , and should implement as a bi-vocational pastor.

4 steps to flourish as a bi-vocational pastor
Sean Corser
When is a Church "Revitalized" pt. 2

In part two of this series “When is a Church Revitalized” Pastor-Theologian P.J. Tibayan answer two pivotal questions. First, what is Church Revitalization? and secondly, when is it complete? He then unpacks the truth that a Revitalized Church is a Christ-Shaped and Christ-Centered Church.

When is a Church "Revitalized" pt. 2
Sean Corser
A Roadmap for Church Reform

The work of church reform can look a little like a jungle when you’re in the thick of it. Where do I go from here? Where do I even start? What do you do first? What should you ignore? What’s the goal I should be working toward?

A Roadmap for Church Reform
Sean Corser
­When is a Church "Revitalized"?

When is a Church Revitalized? In other words, when does a church from pursuing biblical health to being healthy? In this three-part series Pastor-Theologian P.J. Tibayan writes on the foundational question what is a church? and more specifically, what is a healthy church?

­When is a Church "Revitalized"?

Pastoral Ministry

Should I Stay or Should I Go? Part 1: Practical Considerations When Pursuing A Pastorate

Should I Stay or Should I Go? Part 1: Practical Considerations When Pursuing A Pastorate

Think of these as "first date" questions. If alarm bells go off when discussing these topics with a potential church, it is rather likely we are being exposed to symptoms of even greater disease beneath the surface. Remember, you are potentially entering into a covenant relationship with this church, and you deserve to know the good, the bad, and the ugly on their end, as much as they deserve to know the same on yours.

Pastors, protect your flock

Pastors, protect your flock

Christ's sheep are vulnerable. Piper was right: Leaders must be willing to stand in the breach and protect the flock. This will always involve the basics: preaching the gospel faithfully, and shepherding God's people willingly, humbly, and tenderly through a myriad of circumstances. But it will also require courageous choices over many years, and that will inevitably produce hardship. Pastors, let us hold fast to the promise that such faithful shepherding will be rewarded when the Chief Shepherd appears with that unfading crown of glory (I Pet. 5:1-4).

5 Lessons Learned Through Church Revitalization

5 Lessons Learned Through Church Revitalization

Herein lies the essential lesson for all pastors laboring in the work of revitalization.  Jesus is with you!  He is your shield in that deacons’ meeting.  He is there when you are publically rebuked.  He is compassionate when your mistake or failure in a decision harms the church.  He is sad when his sheep attack you because they do not understand and are afraid.  He is your defender when wolves in the church try to harm the sheep.  The Chief Shepherd will never abandon his shepherds!