“Pastors only work on Sundays, right?” I’ve heard that phrase countless times, usually spoken with a smirk. While it might sound harmless, it reveals a common misconception about ministry. What many don’t see are the countless hours pastors spend praying, preparing, and serving behind the scenes. Sundays may be the most visible part of a … Continue reading Revolving Hat Rack
Fall is upon us! The leaves are changing, and the air is getting cooler—it’s a beautiful time to be in Kentucky. As we get ready for pumpkin-spiced everything, let’s take a moment to recognize the goodness of God in this new season. Speaking of new seasons, the Kentucky District is experiencing a season of change. … Continue reading Pastoral Search Process
There is an unusual pattern found throughout the pages of scripture. We witness it in the lives of people like Moses, Gideon, Rahab, Jonah, and the twelve disciples. Interestingly, God calls the most unlikely candidates to accomplish the most amazing things over and over again. God repeatedly uses ordinary people for seemingly impossible assignments. He … Continue reading In Over Your Head
Several years ago, while driving home on a back-country road, a little brown squirrel ran across the street just as I came around a curve. I dodged to try and miss the little guy, but after hearing a light thump, I suspected he was a goner. Looking in the rearview mirror, I saw his little … Continue reading The Legend of the Resurrected Squirrel
Father, I am inadequate. You know the depths of my need for You today. I humble myself before you, Lord—recognizing that without You, I am nothing. I pray that You sanctify the words of my mouth and the intentions of my heart so that my life can bring glory to Jesus in these uncertain times. … Continue reading Prayer Of Surrender
Imagine your family uprooting and moving to a new community. You are excited. You move into a new house, enroll the kids in a new school, get settled in, and start familiarizing yourself with the place you now call home. Imagine the community being small—a place where everybody knows everybody. It seems lovely on the … Continue reading Ichabod Spirit
For the past several years, we’ve worked diligently to cultivate a culture of prayer on the Kentucky District (a network of churches). When we gather for district events—we pray. It’s the most important thing we do. I can’t think of anything that brings more vitality to the life of the local church than God’s people … Continue reading Cultivating A Culture Of Prayer
In December 2014 I received an important callA few months later by Dr. Crocker I was installedAs the Superintendent of the Kentucky DistrictAfter three and a half years I remain quite optimistic I heard all the rumors right out of the gateAbout how they run DSs right out of this stateIt didn’t take long to learn … Continue reading Ode To The Kentucky District
Becoming an ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene is a process that involves years of preparation and comprehensive examination. It’s not an easy accomplishment, nor should it be. Nonetheless, it is a worthy pursuit for anyone sensing the call of God and serious about lifelong service in the church. Various denominations have different … Continue reading Ministerial Credentials
“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound…” ~Isaiah 61:1 Walking in the anointing of … Continue reading Walking In The Anointing
Brian L Powell 