Testimonies

What is being said about MinistryConnect materails and services

WhatsNew:

New Approach, Same Purpose

January 1, 2011

Thank you for visiting our new web site. It is our hope that the new look and the presentation of our ministry is appealing to you. We invite you to comment on our web site and any part of our ministry by going to our contact page and leaving a comment.

Our ministry, coaching churches, has not changed. We have made some adjustments in how we go about approaching church coaching. demo We have prioritized three coaching areas--preparation (a move toward leadership readiness), leadership (a move toward the search and calling of a pastor), and ministry (a move toward church health). These priorities are the result of the experiences with dozens of churches and pastors.

Current News:

Church Health--Natural Church Development

January 10, 2011

We are excited about what God is doing world-wide in developing healthy churches. The materials have now been translated in over 40 languages and are or have been used in over 50,000 churches world-wide and 30,000 churches in the US. It is the most widely implemented process in the world.

MinistryConnect is drawing together some pastors from mid-Missouri for an orientation to Natural Church Development, Tuesday, January 18. These pastors represent various faith traditions. Furthermore, you are invited to bring along another pastor from your local community who you think might be interested.

You will be provided a complimentary lunch and a paperback copy of the ABCs of Natural Church Development. We will be meeting in a central location, Room 508, of First Baptist Church, 301 E. Capitol Avenue, Jefferson City.

RecentEvents:

Memorial Calls Senior Pastor

November 14, 2010

Memorial Baptist Church of Columbia, Missouri, called Kevin Glenn as Senior Pastor.

demo MinistryConnect had the privilege of serving as coach to the Pastor Search Committee through the entire process. God has blessed the church with a warm and gifted pastor and we are grateful for the privilege of serving the church.

Testimonies

"Your process is valuable in that it kept us focused on the right path and gave us assurance that we could take our time to find the right person for our church. We are truly grateful for your part in this endeavor!

I appreciated the clear step by step process and it works with how I make decisions on a daily basis."

Philip Burright, chair, PSC of Tryst Falls Baptist Church

"I would be willing to recommend your expertise to anyone because it really gave us good information about how our expectations matched up with the ministry objectives of the candidates we were interested in. It also gave us increased confidence in the process we were using and reinforced our belief in what we were doing. Your Pastor Search Guide is outstanding and led us in a very positive way. We are so pleased with the results."

Jim Barbour
Pastor Search Chairperson
First Baptist Church
Independence, MO

"Thanks for your help and encouragement. By the way, the use of the instrument [Church Staff Search Guide] provided by MinistryConnect was extremely insightful and helpful. I think every church should see it and use it."

Gil McKee, D.Min,
Senior Pastor
First Baptist Church
Tuscaloosa, AL

"God has used MinistryConnect to impact our church in ways that only eternity can measure. I have personally recommended MinistryConnect to seminary presidents and churches of all stripes, traditions and flavors. We have used them to coach us in congregational health, strategic planning and staff team building. At every turn they have been there for us, connecting us with seemingly endless resources. Their best gift to us, however, has been the sensitive, patient and persistent manner in which they have challenged us. They truly bring the balance of high tech and high touch. They are consistently available and CARE ABOUT what happens in our congregational life. Their passion is the local church and her mission-no ivory tower theories from folks who have never sat through a church business conference!"

Dr. Doyle Sager, Senior Pastor
First Baptist Church
Jefferson City , Missouri

"MinistryConnect helped identify God-given gifts and strengths that gave insight and direction in my quest for a new ministry position. Their assessments, diagnostic tools and materials were a great help. The most profound assistance was in Christian brothers with experience, wisdom, and obvious relationship with Jesus Christ who would eagerly and selflessly come alongside another believer through a time of searching and doubt with words of encouragement and help. Thanks for walking with me."

Les Cassil, Senior Pastor
Cornerstone Baptist Church
Columbia , Missouri

"I appreciate the guidance given by Roger Hatfield and the services of MinistryConnect at a time when I needed to redirect my vocational pursuits after being denied a sought after position in hospital chaplaincy. The instruments of "LifeFind" and "Ministry Match" helped me in doing some critical self-evaluation and continues to help me consider opportunities on the basis of my strengths. I have a better grasp of the diverse opportunities for vocation that I have when I now consider my ministry gifts and values."

James D. Layman
Staff Chaplain
Missouri Baptist
Medical Center

"I have known Roger Hatfield and Verlyn Bergen for more than twenty-five years and have always experienced them as being on the cutting edge as far knowing the direction churches should take to be healthy and effective. These men have a passion for the church and church leaders. They are always anxious to share with fellow ministers what they have learned about being an effective/healthy church in the 21st century and they are always anxious to learn from fellow ministers. These men have great people skills as well as communication skills. Our staff and church has benefited greatly by being on the receiving end of their ministy whether it be in a retreat setting or on campus ministry visit. We count Roger and Verlyn friends that we can call on for insight whenever we are not sure what our next step is in church development."

Nolan Carrier, Senior Pastor
South Gate Baptist Church
Springfield , Missouri

"As you know, I have found a place to serve, but I really don't think I could have been patient enough if it had not been for your gentle and concerned spirit. I am so thankful that I had people like you to be such a help and support to me. God had truly blessed me with your friendship and I owe you so much! I am serving as pastor of Cairo Baptist Church just north of Moberly. I never imagined God would, in a sense, keep me in place to serve Him. I have become a MinistryConnect advocate to churches. I will spread your name as far and wide as I can. I believe you and Verlyn have been led to offer a Christ centered service that churches and other should take care of."