When Kevin Martin’s St. Matthew’s Cathedral saw European-Americans leaving the neighborhood and a cadre of vibrant Latinos moving in, it became clear that the church had to change. Over the last decade that’s meant welcoming a new Latino population that’s produced a wonderful success story – and brought attendance back to the church’s heyday.
I first met Kevin years ago at a congregational development conference he keynoted. He is a gifted pastor, author, and consultant with years of experience that give him insights many churches need to hear, maybe yours.
Watch the Full Program:
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Synopsis
North American Christianity is at an exciting, yet critical junction, where many mainline clergy are trained to do ministry in a fading era. So how do we get in tune with what the Spirit is doing, and how do we trade in our chaplain’s hat for that of a missionary? Kevin has some substantial things to say about this, and more. Here are my notes from the interview:
We Live in a Missionary Culture
Running a church and growing a church are two different things. Many mainline churches have, as part of their baggage, rarely see themselves as missionaries, and this has to change if we’re to catch the Spirit’s wind.
Raise Up Indigenous Leaders
Not just in terms of race, but age, and every other category. If the Spirit is doing something exciting, having the presence of mind to identify it, bless it, and call forth leaders who are best equipped to handle it, is the tough but needed job before us.
The Emotional Presence
Too often mainline preaching and worship can appear rote and boring. Kevin says too many of our ministers lack an emotional presence in what they do. Leaders must ask how a sermon, prayer, or teaching is really affecting them, and communicate that presence.
About Kevin Martin
Kevin is the Dean of the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Matthew. For 9 years, Kevin was the Congregational Development Officer for the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. He is part of the Clear Vision Conferences and was a member of the original 2020 Taskforce for the Episcopal Church. He teaches extensively on attracting new members, evangelism and the development of new leadership. Before his work in Texas, he served for five years as the Director of Leadership Training in Evergreen, Colorado. Prior to this, he served as Rector of three congregations, St. Luke’s, Seattle, Washington, St. Matthew’s, Westerville, Ohio and Emmanuel Church, Stamford, Connecticut and he served two years as Resident Chaplain at Bethesda Hospital and Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati. Kevin is the author of two books; The Myth of the 200 Barrier and 5 Keys for Church Leaders.
Books Kevin Recommends:
Church for the Unchurched – George Hunter
Deep Change – Robert Quinn
Reclaiming the Great Commission – Claude Payne
Sponsors I Mentioned
Church Post – If you are looking to improve your church’s communications you’ve got to check out this great email platform. I’ve found it easy-to-use, reliable, and John, Debra and Kim are great to work with.
Wistia – If you’re still hosting your videos at YouTube or another ‘free’ video sharing site you know the drawbacks. Wistia helps me put out great looking videos and see who’s watching for how long. The Wistia staff is easy to work with and very professional.
The Grow My Church Store- Everything from mugs to pens to fridge magnets, this is a promotional products store aimed at helping churches become closer communities, more hospitable, and welcoming. I started this store and shop there often because I couldn’t find anywhere else to go for these products.
