Nineveh Network Gathering Recap
Bryan Long, Director of Church Multiplication
A few weeks ago, I spent an evening with my cousin who just left his second pastoral position in many years. He worked for a large church with toxic leadership that always wanted more and always wanted better. In response, he transitioned to a smaller church with toxic leadership who never wanted change and never was agreeable. He completely burnt out, doesn’t attend any church, and now works for a non-profit. He says he’s never been happier…
A few months ago, I spent an evening with a former coworker who graduated seminary with me. He spent years revitalizing a church with some measure of success. However, it came with domineering oversight, congregation members challenging his authority and character, and eventually self-doubt and confusion of his own calling. He completely burnt out and now works for a non-profit. He says he’s never been happier…
At the start of last year, I spent an evening with my old college roommate. He spent years at an influential church in his community. But in preaching the centrality of the Gospel over and against financial and political agendas, prominent members of his congregation turned on him. They iced him out and disparaged his reputation publicly, which led to spiteful social media posts, emails, articles, and even death threats. He completely burnt out and now works for a non-profit. He says he’s never been happier…
The longer I’m in ministry, the more these stories are becoming common.
On October 17-19, church planters, coaches, and advocates from around the country gathered for the 2024 Nineveh Network Gathering. We spent three days together in Buffalo, NY to connect and recharge. One afternoon, we took a ride on the Maid of the Mist to get a front row view of Niagara Falls. Evenings were spent worshiping and praying. Our goal over this time is to create space for people to authentically connect, lament, and encourage one another. Ministry life can be hard and lonely. The response was that folks left feeling loved and refreshed.
Church Multiplication is one of the three ministry priorities of the Conference. Our prayer is that a greater number of members get involved in this important work. Pray for our church planters and revitalizers as they continue to build His Kingdom…