Life In Christ, Life For Christ, Life Through Christ!

Leading in Spiritual Formation

Introduction

The Worldwide Church of God has gone through an amazing transformation. This church has gone from being a sectarian group with unorthodox doctrines to being a member of the National Association of Evangelicals. In addition to major doctrinal changes, methods of management and administration within the organization have also changed.

While it is a wonderful and miraculous transformation, it has not been without great pain and a sense of loss. Many pastors have seen half of the members of their congregations stop attending. While most of those who still attend are thankful for the changes that have been made, some are hurting from the pains of change, and some are angry.

In addition to dealing with hurting and angry people, the pastors also are faced with learning a new theology. Along with the new theology have come new methods of pastoral management and administration.

There is so much to learn and so much to do, it is difficult for the pastor to know where to focus attention. There is the need to learn about evangelism and church growth, to become involved in the local community and in out-reach ministries, to visit and to counsel the members of the church, to learn new methods of local church management and administration. During this time of painful and almost overwhelming transition, pastors wonder where they should begin and in what direction should they focus their time and energy. What should be the main business of a pastor in the Worldwide Church of God today?