KenPetrus.com

Executive Pastor @ North Side Baptist Church

Archive for category Transitions

Hear My Cry, O Lord…

Oct 16

Posted by ken in Career Care Ministry, Celebrate Recovery, General, Leadership, Personal, Transitions

Hear My Cry, O Lord…it is the opening verse of Psalm 61. A time when Davis went to the Lord in tears because of his distress. However, as he prays to the Lord through this Psalm, he ends it with praise. As David put his focus on the Lord, his personal distress grew strangely dim. God renewed his distressed spirit as David prayed and focused on the Lord. Read this Psalm as a prayer to the Lord and receive His comfort.

Hear my cry, O God;
Give heed to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a refuge for me,
A tower of strength against the enemy. Let me dwell in Your tent forever;
Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah.
For You have heard my vows, O God;
You have given me the inheritance of those who fear Your name. You will prolong the king’s life;
His years will be as many generations. He will abide before God forever;
Appoint lovingkindness and truth that they may preserve him. So I will sing praise to Your name forever,
That I may pay my vows day by dayPsalms 61:1-8 (NASB)

The Lord is our Refuge, our Rock, our Provider, our Healer, our Salvation…our Saviour. Praise Him!

No Comments

Safe Ministry Boundaries…

Oct 14

Posted by ken in Celebrate Recovery, General, Leadership, Personal, Staffing, Transitions

After Jeff’s message this past Sunday, I thought it would be a good idea to share with you the Safe Ministry Boundaries adopted by the Pastoral staff of North Side Baptist Church. I believe that you will find it self explanatory.

Safe Ministry Boundaries

The following boundaries have been established for the Pastoral staff of North Side Baptist Church when ministering to members of the opposite sex. The purpose of these boundaries is to allow the pastoral staff in effective ministry while protecting the integrity and reputation of ourselves, North Side Baptist Church, and the person that we are ministering to.

  • Limit number of counseling sessions to 3 times, after which the person needing additional counseling should be referred to a professional Christian counselor.
  • Avoid going out for a meal with an individual of the opposite sex, unless another staff member or spouse is present.
  • Avoid ministering after office hours with an individual of the opposite sex, unless another staff member or spouse is present.
  • Avoid ministering off campus, with an individual of the opposite sex, unless another staff member or spouse is present.
  • Avoid travel with an individual of the opposite sex, unless another staff member or spouse is present.
  • Avoid verbal or nonverbal sexual behavior.
  • Avoid intimate communication, i.e. phone, letters, email, text messages, etc. with an individual of the opposite sex.
  • Avoid developing inappropriate, intimate relationships with an individual of the opposite sex.
No Comments

That’s me…

Sep 18

Posted by ken in Career Care Ministry, Finance, General, Leadership, Personal, Staffing, Transitions, Uncategorized

That’s me…just took a new Personality Pattern test…http://psychcentral.com/personality-patterns/

Here are my results…it nailed me.

Conscientious

You feel it’s important to work according to a plan and finish every task, to do things correctly and thoroughly.You are not the kind of person who abandons a project before finishing it, or slacks off when you’ve lost interest.

Organized

You like to think a task through before you embark on it. If it’s the slightest bit complicated, you make a list (even if it’s only in your mind) and methodically work your way through it. When you have a goal in mind, you’re not satisfied until you reach it.You are not one of those people who ignore the details, and you don’t understand how anyone can get anything accomplished without thoughtful planning ahead of time.

Calm

You rarely become irritated, generally accept people as they are, take things as they come, and feel relaxed in most situations.You do not let a minor annoyance escalate to a confrontation. You don’t regularly snap at those around you or fly off the handle with little provocation.

Introspective

You like your own company; you’re a very interesting person. Tracking your own mental processes, knowing what you’re thinking and why you do what you do, is important to you. Often, what’s going on in your mind is more compelling than what’s going on outside. For the most part, those with a high score on the “introspective” trait enjoy reading, taking long walks, learning new things, and other solitary activities.You are not someone who is constantly looking to be among a group of friends; you never feel bored when you are by yourself.

Down-to-Earth

You think that many of those who claim to love art are just being pretentious. As long as something does the job, whether it be a couch, a coat, or a kitchen cabinet, it’s “beautiful” as far as you’re concerned. Those who have a high score on the “down-to-earth” trait often hold positions in which they have the opportunity to exercise their organizational expertise.You do not think that having “good taste” is such a big deal, or even that there is such a thing as good taste; nor do you claim that you “can’t live without” art, beauty, or good design.

Rational

You see the world clearly and objectively. You know there’s a logical explanation for everything, and a logical solution to every problem; which is why you’re such a good problem-solver.You do not take your sweet time when presented with a new task to complete or problem to solve. You don’t avoid assignments that require you to learn new skills.

Assertive

You behave in a confident and forceful manner, take charge of the situation, raise your hand in class, stand up for what you think is right, and lead others. Among those who have a high score on the “assertive” trait, many have jobs in which they are valued for their organizational skills as well as their talent for supervising others.You are not interested in fading into the woodwork, leaving everything to fate, taking more time than necessary to accomplish a task, or avoiding confrontation.

Understanding

You are willing to take the time to find out what’s going on with other people, especially if they’re in distress. You’re a good listener, you don’t criticize, and you offer unbiased, respectful, honest advice when it’s requested. With a high score on the “understanding” trait, it is likely that you are enthusiastic about charitable work, helping others, and making the world a better place.You don’t feel the need to impose your standards on others or say things that, even though true, cause pain.

Scrupulous

You are an honest, fair person. You don’t lie or cheat to get ahead. You treat others with respect and hope for the same in return.You do not feel that you are above the rules that everyone else follows; you are definitely not willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead.

Responsible

You fulfill your obligations and responsibilities, are true to your word, and generally obey the rules. While the majority of those who have a high score on the “responsible” trait enjoy traveling, they are usually very happy to return home — and don’t mind staying put for a while.You’re opposed to making hasty decisions, you don’t insist that you’re above the rules, nor do you feel compelled to color outside the lines.

Take the test…http://psychcentral.com/personality-patterns/

Could be a good tool for self assessment, staffing, job searching, career direction…

No Comments

“Transitions”…launched

Sep 15

Posted by ken in General, Leadership, Staffing, Stewardship, Transitions, Uncategorized

Today, a new ministry of North Side Baptist Church was launched…Transitions.

Transitions is a ministry to equip and encourage pastors. The reality is over 70% of our Southern Baptist churches have either plateaued or are declining. Churches are dying. Pastors are discouraged. The ministry was launched through a day long workshop led by Jeff for pastors of the Laurens Baptist Association. Jeff shared his 25 years of experience of leading Kingdom change in the local church with 15 pastors and the Director of Missions. The information was insightful and well received by the attendees. Jeff, in the way only he can do, encouraged the pastors to continue to do what God had called them to do in ministry.  The result…pastors were encouraged and left with some food for thought for an action plan.

Resources will be provided to pastors through our Transitions blog on the North Side website. Watch for updates.

This ministry has been on the hearts of our leadership team for years. It is now a reality and we can’t wait to see what God will be doing through it. Please pray for this new ministry.

No Comments

Endurance…

Sep 12

Posted by ken in General, Leadership, Personal, Staffing, Transitions, Uncategorized

Endurance… the Merriam-Webster On-line dictionary defines endurance as “the ability to withstand hardship or adversity; especially : the ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity”.

This week, I have been especially burdened by the endurance required of pastors. It has been another tough week as I once again we have heard of several discouraged pastors who have resigned their positions with no place to go. It must be a pretty desperate situation when a pastor says “I can no longer endure the stress, hardship or adversity” of the local church and resigns without another position. The writer of Hebrews (some scholars think that this may have been the Apostle Paul) provides encouragement…

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of  faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Heb 12:1-3 (NASB)

Endurance comes through fixing our eyes on Jesus. Amen!

However, we too can play a role…by encouraging our pastors and praying for them daily!

No Comments

Waiting…

Sep 7

Posted by ken in Career Care Ministry, General, Leadership, Personal, Transitions

Waiting…it is something that we all must to do from time to time. Some of us do it well, some do not. Whether its…

  • waiting at a red light,
  • waiting on in line to pick a child up from school,
  • waiting on a spouse to get ready to go somewhere.

At times, the waiting can become more difficult as we are…

  • waiting on an answer from a job interview,
  • waiting for a doctor’s appointment,
  • waiting on a loved one to get well,
  • waiting on a medical test result.

Waiting can be a very long, difficult process if we dwell on the outcome. It can be a very anxious time as our mind runs wild with the possible outcomes. Will I get the job ? If I get this job, then my problems will be solved. If I don’t get the job…then what? When will my child overcome this sickness? What will the doctor say? What will the test results be? What if it’s ___________? What if it’s not? Waiting can be a process that creates doubt or skepticism…or it can be a process that develops trust, dependence and strength.

Those of you that know me, know that the verse of Scripture that I cling to is Proverbs 3:5&6…

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.

So, we wait and we trust…we trust and we wait. We trust in the Lord. We use the waiting time to draw closer to the Lord. Make it a time of meaningful prayer…”your will be done Lord, not mine”. Maybe, just maybe it is a time of spiritual growth where our dependence is on Him and His will…not a time of our independence and our will!

No Comments

Job Search Checkup…

Aug 20

Posted by ken in Career Care Ministry, General, Leadership, Staffing, Transitions

Job Search Checkup…Ron Damer has prepared the following check up list for those in the midst of their job search:

YES NEEDS WORK NOT-SO-GOOD
Your Resume
Does it describe your education achieved?
Does it describe any additional seminars/training you have had?
Does it cover ALL the time period since your degree or training?
Does it cite key accomplishments achieved?
Does it provide an overview of your skills and areas of expertise before diving into the details?
Does it include any non-job awards or positions that help establish your personal characteristics (E.G. “man of the year” award, church deacon, service club officer, etc.)
Is it brief and easy to read? (Bullet points rather than sentences, ample white space)
Is your contact information clearly evident and include cell phone and e-mail?
Your Cover Letter
Does it identify the position you are applying for, if you obtained it from an ad or Internet posting? Use the exact ID from the ad.
Does it state why you are seeking employment?
Does it identify your career objectives, if they aren’t in the resume’?
Does it identify those skills you posses that match the skills identified in the ad? This should be tailored to the specific job requirements stated in the ad. (Sometimes a side-by-side comparison table is effective)
Does it describe who you are, rather than what you have done?
Does it state why you are uniquely qualified for the position?
Does it sell?
Does it ask for the intervieew?
Your Searching
Have you set a goal of n resumes sent out per day or week?
Are you achieving your goal of n resumes sent out per day or week?
Do you have a list of at least 10 good job sites on the Internet?
Do you check for new postings at least twice a week at every job site? (Every day is BETTER!)
Do you avail yourself of county or state job assist programs?
Have you contacted several recruiters to help you in your search?
Do you search through on-line newspaper want ads in your targeted area at least twice per week?
Your Follow-Up YES NEEDS WORK NOT-SO-GOOD
Do you keep a copy of every ad/posting you respond to?
Do you record every response you receive to a job ad/posting?
Do you record the results of any calls or other correspondence relative to the position?
If you have not received a response within a week, do you follow up with a phone call or e-mail?
Do you do a periodic review (Every 2-4 weeks) of all your applications & correspendence, to see if there are any that should be re-visited?
Your Networking
Do you attend North Side’s Career Care meetings as often as possible?
Have you contacted former work associates/ bosses to check in?
Do you extend your job searching to casual contacts while shopping or doing other activities? (E.G. Ask “How’s business?”, “Is so and so hiring?”, “Do you know anyone who is hiring?”)
Your Interview Skills
Have you come up with, and mentally practised your “Elevator Speech” (You happen to ride up in the elevator with the V.P. of the hiring area, and you have 3 minutes between the first and the 15th floor to give her a capsule summary of your experience and value to her company)
If there are areas where you feel your resume’ is “thin” or have delicate issues of some type, have you come up with a concrete response to questions about it?
Do you put aside bitterness (about being laid off, for instance) and defensiveness (about a layoff, a spotty resume, a gap in employment) when you have an interview?
Do you focus not on what the company can offer you (Salary, benefits, vacation, stock plans), but what you can do for the company?
If the location implies a long commute or a relocation, do you have firmly in your mind what your position is about that?
Do you know what your response will be to the inevitable “What are your salary requirements?”
Have you done a mock interview with a friend or a Career Care counselor?
Your Dress
Do you dress professionally whenever you are “out and about” and might encounter networking opportunities or potential employers? (You may feel “down and out”, but you shouldn’t dress like it)
Do you dress professionally for an interview? (Suit for all salaried positions, business casual for all others)
Your finances YES NEEDS WORK NOT-SO-GOOD
Have you established a budget of all recurring and potential non-recurring expenses?
Have you forecast your out-of-work income (Unemployment comp., odd jobs, other) over the next 2-6 months?
Have you reviewed potential expense cuts with your spouse and other family members?
Do you compare expenses against your budget at least monthly?
Do you have a financial counselor or wise godly friend with whom you can discuss problems and issues?
Your Relationship with God
Do you go to the Lord on a daily basis?
Do you try to read scripture or have a devotional on a daily basis?
Your Prayers for a Job
Do you ask God specifically for a job you want?
Do you ask God for help in meeting your financial needs?
No Comments

Personnel Evaluations…

Aug 15

Posted by ken in General, Leadership, Staffing, Transitions

Personnel Evaluations…for many years, we at north Side have used, pretty much, standard industry specific forms for evaluating employees. This year, we are taking a different approach. At our recent Leadership Retreat, we identified a concept of employee evaluation criteria that is unique to North Side. Our entire staff is a team, even though we have specific departments and individual tasks…we primarily operate as a team. The team’s mission is to make disciples. Our employee evaluation criteria should reflect the team concept. Here is the criteria that will be evaluated…

1. Employee’s initiative.

2. Employee’s attitude at their job.

3. Employee’s overall quality of work.

4. Employee’s character.

5. Employee’s development/personal growth.

6. Employee’s teachability.

7. Employee’s ability to work as a team player.

8. Employee’s unique contribution.

9. Employee’s accomplishments.

This concept of personnel evaluations will help us maintian a high standard of quality for our staff. It focuses on team participation in a postive and encouraging approach.

No Comments

Leadership is about Releasing Man made Traditions

Jul 6

Posted by ken in General, Leadership, Transitions, Uncategorized

Leadership is about releasing man made traditions. Too often, I get hung up on doing things a certain way because that it the way I have been doing them for a long time. Sound familiar? Honestly, sometimes I do church that way. As I continue to grow in my relationship with Christ, I am continually challenged by Him. The questions that I have been asking myself lately are…Am I leading a lifestyle of worship?…Am I teaching others to give their life away?…Am I leading the Sonshine family to grow spiritually?…Am I leading the members of our C group to grow spiritually?…Am I giving my live away?…Am I teaching others to give their life away? The following passage from the Gospel of Mark really hit me hard.

The Pharisees and some of the scribes gathered around Him when they had come from Jerusalem,  and had seen that some of His disciples were eating their bread with impure hands, that is, unwashed. (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they carefully wash their hands, thus observing the traditions of the elders;  and when they come from the market place, they do not eat unless they cleanse themselves; and there are many other things which they have received in order to observe, such as the washing of cups and pitchers and copper pots.) The Pharisees and the scribes asked  Him, “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with impure hands?” And He said to them, “Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:
‘THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS,
BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME. ‘BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME,
TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.’ “Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.” He was also saying to them, “You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition. ..” Mark 7:1-10 (NASB)

This passage challenges me both personally and professionally. What traditions am I hanging on to? Am I setting aside any commandments of God in order to keep those traditions? I will never be perfect. I am but a sinner. I will continue to mess up. However, I will continue to strive to grow in my relationship and walk with Christ, no matter what tradition His asks me to give up.

No Comments

Who Are You Listening To?

Jul 5

Posted by ken in General, Leadership, Sonshine (Special Needs) Ministry, Transitions

Who are you listening to? Great question. I have been preparing  my message for Sonshine Service this morning, when I read about Samuel s exchange with Saul in 1 Samuel 15. The Lord gave very explicit instructions to Saul through Samuel concerning the Amalekites.  Saul did not listen to the instructions of the Lord, instead he listened to his people.

After Saul’s disobedience, the Lord then spoke to Samuel…Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel, saying, “I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following Me and has not carried out My commands.“1 Sam 15:10-11 (NASB)

Wow..I know as a follower of Christ and a leader of my family and His church, that I fail the Lord many times. However, my prayer is that I carry out the instructions of the Lord to the best of my ability.

Well, back to Saul…Samuel confronted Saul with his disobedience…Saul argued back and finally realized that he was wrong and not matter how he could rationalize his actions…he knew that he was disobedient to the Lord. Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; I have indeed transgressed the command of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and listened to their voice. 1 Sam 15:24 (NASB).  Saul’s disobedience would cost him…he would soon no longer be king.

My question to you this morning is “Who are you listening to?” Are you listening to the Lord, or are you listening to your “people”?

No Comments