re-invinting

So it's been way too long since I have blogged..... I have been in the process of re-thinking the purpose, and function of this blog. In the past it has been predominately a place for me to express myself in what little writing i have done. Though we will absolutely do that now, and in the future. I want to make it something more. In changing the name I am aligning myself with www.getcultivated.com, and Cultivate Ministries. It's our desire and passion to provide encouragement, resources, and hope to the front lines of the local church: Pastors, and Leaders! This blog, for the few of you who happen to read it will hopefully be a great resource, and an even better encouragement to the great call God has placed on your lives! Welcome to Cultivating! A blog designed to:

1. Encourage Pastors - Each month, 1,200 pastors leave the ministry due to stress, church related issues, moral failures, problems within their church, or spiritual burnout. 71% of all pastors say they are having financial problems. 80% of all seminary and Bible school graduates will leave the ministry within the first five years. 70% of all pastors say they do not have a close friend or confidant.

At Cultivate we believe in breaking these statistics! Our heart is to form relationships with leaders in order to make deposits into their lives to bring encouragement and support.

2. Train Leaders - The average tenure of associate ministers and staff is less than two years. An estimated 25% of all pastors relocate every year. The responsibility lay leadership carry in the church is large. Through leadership training we equip leaders to fulfill what God has called them to do in ministry.

3. Lead Students - 80% of all pastors spouses feel their spouse is over worked. This statistic shows why 1,200 pastors a month are leaving the ministry due to burn out. Cultivate wants to help carry your load by taking part in your discipleship weekend, conference, retreat, service, etc., in hopes to help build your congregation as well as provide rest and ministry to the minister.

3. Build Bridges - With 25% of our pastors relocating each year and 1,200 per month leaving the ministry, there are large gaps in ministry leadership. Our mission is to provide you with an interim based  ministry that builds bridges over the gap of leadership. Our team will provide you with a minister to serve over the course of an allotted time while you fill the vacant leadership position.

.:What Leaders Want:.
In a 2007 poll, leaders asked for:
1. Spiritual Renewal
2. Encouragement
3. Support
4. Resources
5.Prayer
6. Ideas

.:We Can Help:.
Most of the time people want to make a withdrawal from you rather than a deposit. The heart of Cultivate is to make a deposit into you and your ministry. No strings attached! It is our mission to see you, your family, and your ministry succeed, and to see you love every minute of it!