Vision of Lazarus Ministries
Many pastors feel alone and isolated in the ministry. In my first church I called my district to ask for help when one of our best givers became angry and left the church. I waited on the line to talk to the man who was in leadership over our entire state. I thought that this man who had been in ministry for so long would understand my situation and offer me some profound advice. I waited in anticipation of what this man of God would tell me. When he came to the phone I told him my situation and asked for his advice. He said, "It's simple, you've got to keep more than you lose."
I was a little disappointed and even disillusioned. I felt more alone than ever. I realized I was just a little church out in the middle of no where and my state leader was a very busy man, but he kinda of left me out there hanging in the wind.The fact is that the vast majority of churches are under 100 on Sunday morning and are staffed by a solo pastor. Somebody needs to make a difference in the lives of those pastors and church members who feel a little bit forgotten in the shadow of the mega church.
I realize today that many pastors feel that way. They wish that they could ask a question and get some advice to help them through a difficult situation. But they don't know where to turn. Lazarus Ministries wants to be there for that local pastor going through a struggle, or that congregation that is floundering because of relationship issues within the church.
Too many pastors have resigned in frustration, and too many congregations have been split through unnecessary conflict. If those pastors and churches had been able to get some advice in order to avoid these painful results many lives would be spared the lasting negative effects of church splits and the forced resignations of pastors.
We want to accomplish this goal through a variety of means:
1. Quick Advice Form
This form is available for a pastor or church members to ask a quick question and get a timely reply. Sometimes a pastor will need advice right now and will not be able to wait for a personal appointment, or maybe they would rather stay anonymous Either way this form enables direct communication of questions and answers to difficult situations.
2. Articles that pertain to church relationships and leadership
We will maintain a growing resource of articles that will address some of the most common problems and struggles in the church. Most will be written by Pastor Rich, but some will be links to others sites that offer good information. Many times a pastor can receive encouragement and insights form reading articles and learning from someone else's experience. Other helpful information will be included in this site such as a pastors salary guide and statistics concerning the church and pastors. These are the two most requested areas of information.
3. Audio teaching that can be accessed free from the site
Audio teaching in mp3/flash format will be available on this site. They will address a variety of topics relating to pastoring a church and dealing with common problems. Audio will be added regularly and will be available free of charge.
4. CD and Book resources will be available through our store.
Special in depth teaching, such as 10 Things I Wish They Would Have Told Me Before I Became A Pastor, will be available to purchase. We will eventually produce video as well.
5. Conferences for pastors
It is our desire to sponsor conferences and seminars for pastors that will help and encourage them. These gatherings will be geared for those pastors with churches under 150 members. Pastors will receive free resources such as CD's and booklets when they attend. When ever possible we would like the conferences to provide a free breakfast for the pastors.
6. Speaking engagements in local churches.
Whenever his schedule allows pastor Rich would like to minister in local church in the area of church relationships and Biblical leadership. If you would like to schedule a speaking engagement with pastor Rich please call 1-260-347-9085 to arrange a possible date.
What makes us different?
There are many fine ministries out there that are trying to help to encourage pastors and churches. Lazarus Ministries is uniquely qualified because the insights shared on this sight and the resources available here are forged in the fires of experience, not just interesting concepts and principles that somebody else wrote in a book. Pastor Rich has experienced conflict and relationships problems in the church and knows what it feels like to walk through them alone. He has learned from the Holy Spirit how to avoid the snares of Satan, and that is what he wants to share with you. This site is filled with down - to - Earth nuts and bolts of ministry.