Every Church Renewed
Reflections from the AMS Replant Lab
I've been a little quiet on the Bare Forests front this past week but it has been for a great reason. I was privileged to go with my buddy and fellow pastor, Chad McCool, to the AMS Replant Lab 2026 at the North American Mission Board in Alpharetta, GA. For three days, we learned how we as an association of churches can help (as the title of the time indicated) every church become renewed.
Here are some quick reflections:
I love the idea of partnership and collaboration. So many churches are now struggling, whether they are church plants, replants, or established churches. It makes me appreciate the work that AMS/Regional Directors/Directors of Missions do not just with helping create strategy but by leaning in on the relationships of the pastors in their association so they know how they are doing and how they can help.
Loneliness is part and parcel of pastoral ministry for many. Seeing other churches outpacing their ministries, or having their own ministries explode and in turn overwhelming the leadership, AMSs can provide care and help them sort through not only their church's ministries but their own souls to provide a godly, kingdom perspective.
While leadership should entail strategy and competency, character and care should lead the way. When you have a strong devotional life, that will bear fruit that the spirit will use not only with your relationship with the Lord but also in caring for those around you. Too often, leaders have led with strategy and vision, often at the cost of leading people. Our vision should never mean more than our people.
We must take care of our families. Leading ministries at the expense of leading our families will lead to a loss of both.
Have we taken all of this to the Lord in prayer? More and more, I'm convinced that prayer along with the ministry of the Word is the engine that moves his people forward in revival and obedience. To do otherwise is leading in our own power, which will have little to no eternal significance.
