The Ministerial Practice and Functions section of the Manual provides supporting resources, research material, and reference content for Christian ministry. It is designed to supplement teaching and practice by offering data, definitions, tools, and research that inform sound decision making and thoughtful study. This section functions as a reference library rather than a formational guide.
Ministry practice requires more than conviction alone. Faithful service also depends on accurate information, clear terminology, and awareness of current challenges facing the Church. This section exists to support ministers, leaders, and students as they evaluate ministry contexts, plan responsibly, and respond wisely to practical concerns within their calling.
Use this section as a reference library to support informed and thoughtful ministry.
There was a time when I found it strangely satisfying to identify what was wrong with other people’s ministries. I hate to admit it, but I was guilty. I am sure most ministers know others ministers that seem shallow. Others who appear theatrical, self-promoting, or simply …
By Michael Mooney, Exec. Elder A few observations of common behaviors and attitudes that tend to follow people who break fellowship from their churches, etc. This report was inspired by a conversation that surfaced among fellow ministers regarding the question: When it is time to move …
By Michael Mooney, NACM Exec. Elder 2 Steps to Unfriending Worry I have never met a person (considered mentally well) who desired a life filled with the fear and anxiety of worry -Box A. To the contrary, anxiety is often associated with phobias and …
When Anxiety Follows the Minister Into the Room By Michael Mooney, Exec. Elder There are moments in ministry when our theology is settled but our nervous system apparently did not receive the memo. You know what you believe. You know God is sovereign. You know Christ …
By Michael Mooney, NACM Exec. Elder Be On the Lookout for this Creature… A minister needs to keep an ever-watchful ere for this varmint known as the “either/or.” Sometimes he is called the either/or fallacy –also referenced as a false dilemma. He is a pest because …
Personalized Christian Wedding Vows In Christian weddings, the exchange of vows is a sacred and defining moment. It is more than ceremonial language or poetic expression. It is a covenantal declaration made before God and witnessed by family, friends, and the gathered Church. In this moment, …
The Weight of Words in Ministry Communication By Michael Mooney, Exec. Elder The power of words in ministry is often underestimated by those who use them most. Ministers live with a peculiar burden that is both ordinary and quietly dangerous, like carrying a lit lantern through …
By Michael Mooney, NACM Exec. Elder How Ministers Should Speak Biblically Often we just go about life doing whatever we think is best. Many of our thought processes are automatic and do not enjoy very much careful thinking. A good example of this is driving a …
By Michael Mooney, NACM Exec. Elder Biblical Meditation In Ministry Biblical meditation is a vital discipline in meditation in ministry. The mere mention of the word meditation strikes all sorts of pictures and meanings in the minds of people. Probably, the more common are that of …
Michael Mooney, NACM Exec. Elder Minister’s Definition of Perspective Shifting Perspective Shifting in Ministry is the purposed art of looking at circumstances, situations, people, attitudes, thought process, and things from another person’s perspective. Pitfall: Our own biases are the pitfalls to why we tend to think …