More About Karl:
Karl produces resources for Helping Small Churches Thrive at KarlVaters.com.
His heart is to help pastors of small churches (up to 90 percent of us) find the resources to lead well, and to capitalize on the unique advantages that come with pastoring a small church – something virtually every pastor will spend at least some of their ministry years doing. He also believes that big and small churches can and should work together more often – to the benefit and blessing of everyone.
Karl has served in small-church ministry for over 40 years, so he speaks and writes from decades of hands-on pastoral experience. He and his wife, Shelley have three children and two grandkids.
Karl also hosts a bi-weekly podcast, The Church Lobby: Conversations on Faith & Ministry. Episodes feature in-depth interviews about the topics that concern pastors, especially those who minister in a small church context.
Links to Resources Mentioned or Related
- Website: Karl Vaters.com
- Book: De-Sizing The Church
- Email Karl
- Link to NEW! Soul Care Essentials Online: 3-Session Video Series
- Link to NEW! Soul Care Essentials Cohort: 6 Weeks of Guided Conversations for Post-Conference Groups
- 95Network – Soul Care Essentials
- 95Network – Healthy Church Assessment
- Read Stalled: Hope and Help for Pastors Who Thought They’d Be There By Now
- Watch Podcast on YouTube
Key Takeaways
1) Start succession planning at the peak, not the decline.
2) Retiring pastors need a “next thing” to focus on in order to not feel useless.
3) Discipleship is the solution to most church problems.
4) Advanced preparation eliminates urgency. It will also free up a great deal of time for you once you’ve paid the dues to get started.
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