Phil & Friends
Resourcing the international church
Our Why: “Even amazing shepherds could use green pastures from time to time.”
International churches are God’s front porch to the nations—welcoming, comforting, shaping, and then sending people on to their next posting. Robust leadership of these communities isn’t for the faint of heart. We know this first hand. So, we’re here to provide shorter-term interim or transitional support so that these leaders can rest, recharge, or stay attuned to the dimensions of their lives.
What’s in it for IC leaders and their communities?
Sometimes you need time to travel home to hug your parents, kids, and friends who know you best.
Sometimes you need time for advanced study.
Sometimes you or a loved one has health or well-being needs.
Sometimes you’re just bored and you need fresh people speaking into your life.
International pastors carry a double load. You shepherd your flock and you’re far from the family, mentors, comforts, and resources that normally refresh you. That’s why trying to pastor without rest (and breaks) like trying to Zoom with your family back home with really bad wi-fi. Yup…you get it.
Imagine the freedom of a true getaway without the weight of guilt or anxiety about your congregation. No surprises. Led by experienced people who are for you. Imagine having real opportunities to get recharged and come back refreshed!
Great question! My resume is always available for review. But here are five bullet points that might shine a little light on this initiative undertaken with friends made in all sorts of places:
So … who’s Phil?
Church planter and pastor of churches committed to engaging the irreligious, leadership development, nourishing community, and a vibrant use of the arts.
1
2
Senior pastor of Delhi International Christian Fellowship in New Delhi for four years.
Seven years an adjunct professor in New Testament and Organizational Leadership.
3
Lifetime practitioner in outreach and discipleship through small groups. Especially men’s groups.
4
Transition pastor or interim in three congregations in the U.S. and two international.
5
And who are his friends?
Some have experience leading international churches.
We’ve invited others to be part of our “bench” because not only have they led with distinction in other professions, they have led in wise, Christ-like ways within their faith communities. For example, as medical doctors, professors, or diplomats.
Still others have years of experience leading within the Christian NGO community and long involvement in their churches.
Great question!
Most are experienced pastors with well-stocked ministry toolkits assembled over their years of experience leading congregations. To borrow a tagline from the insurance industry, “They know a thing or two because they’ve seen a thing or two.”
There are both men and women.
It is essential that they bring a hopeful, joyful to their leadership.
In other words, these are trustworthy people that can give you peace of mind. And if there are any gaps in their experiences, the circle of friends will be there as coaches.
How does it work?
1st Contact
“Hi!” and “How can we help?”
Overview a Possible
Interim Project
Listen. Seriously. Try to understand really well your unique needs, hopes, your church’s personality, its lovable quirks, and special challenges.
Reach out to
the “& Friends”
Scan ‘the bench’ of friends for the best match of skills, fit, understanding and availability.
Prepare &
Support
Collaborate & Settle on right people who grasp well the need, expectations, and hoped-for outcomes.
In most cases, not as much as you think. Most of our friends are not looking for a job. They’re just at different stages of their lives. Of course, every situation is different, but here’s a (very) rough template that might be helpful to shape your thinking.
What does it cost?
Airfare for the interim pastor & a spouse.
Provision of housing while in country. (Think: So who might be on vacation or a home leave?).
Provision for local travel costs incurred on behalf of doing ministry. Think: Access to somebody’s spare automobile (They would cover their own fuel costs.), parking or public transportation costs.
Travel insurance during travel and while in country. (Trust me…this is a safeguard for your church!).
What can you expect?
You can expect a trusted, experienced shepherd or Christian leader. These aren’t rookies.
Some will be long-time pastors who have served in varieties of roles within churches.
But others will surprise you! They will come as avocational leaders who have spent most of their working lives as diplomats, doctors, and educators, but who bring long track records of leading their communities.
…to prepare services alongside your staff and then lead your weekend services.
…to lead and facilitate 1-2 weekly small groups (e.g. Singles, men’s groups, co-ed groups).
…to be available for emergency events in the life of your congregation while you’re gone.
…to provide prayer and reasonable amounts of spiritual direction
…to provide encouragement to senior leadership teams
You can count on them…
But do keep in mind they are not your full-time replacement. They will need reasonable amounts of time to experience and discover wonderful parts of the city and area in which you live.
Get Connected
Fill out this form to share more about your congregation’s need for support. And feel free to ask any questions on your mind. Rest assured that I will keep all inquiries private.
I’ll reach out directly to follow up and learn how I can help.