Our desire is to “strengthen” churches by offering the following services. We are here to serve you. For more information about any of these services, please contact the Middle District office: 276-8481.
Musicians, Speakers and Other Resources for your special events
Click on the above link for names of persons and groups for special occasions.
Pulpit Supply Speakers and Interim Pastors
The Executive Director keeps a list of speakers and interim pastors who are available to minister in your church. In an attempt to provide the best service to your congregation, Dr. Hamacher will be happy to talk with you about your needs and suggest persons who may be of assistance.
Ministry Employment Opportunities
Click on the above link to see a list of employment needs within local churches.
Leadership Training Events
Each fall Middle District church workers have the opportunity of participating in a regional training event: The Leadership Development Conference. The event will include more than 20 specialized trainings and will have more than 300 people attending from churches in the greater Richmond area. This year’s conference will be held Monday, September 19, at River Road Baptist Church. Click on CVBM website for details.
Often the monthly Ministers Luncheons will include guests who specialize in different aspects of leadership within the church.
Pastor Search Team Training
When a church is in need of a new pastor, Dr. Hamacher can provide resources and training for the search team which will help them face the challenge of guiding the church through this important time of pastoral transition.
For a handbook of information for the pastoral search committe, click on this link: http://vbmb.org/Services/Staff-Transitions/Search-Committee-Resources.cfm
Minister / Staff – Church Matching
Finding a new pastor or staff member who can help the church at this particular time in the church’s life and ministry is a significant challenge. Resources are available to help your search committee discover the names of potential pastors and staff members. Contact Jim at the MDBA office, 276-8481.
Ordination of Pastors
Middle District does not ordain individuals to ministry. The local church ordains. However, if a church wishes guidance in this process, the Middle District is here to serve. MDBA can gather a group of mature Christians (an ordination council) to help your church discern the call of God on a person’s life and consistency with historical Baptist doctrine and distinctives.
Deacon Training
Materials, videos, and personal training are available to help deacons serve the church. Materials are also provided for deacon groups wishing to explore “deacon teams ministry. ” Also, each spring a regional training is available.
Church Growth / Sunday School Consultation
Many programs and opportunities for training are available to churches wishing to explore effective methods of growth. Middle District can recommend trainers / consultants who will come to your church. Likewise training resources are also available in the MDBA resource library.
Church Health / Conflict Management
Every church has conflict. When that conflict becomes significant, the question is how to work through disagreements and different viewpoints to preserve or restore the unity of the church and facilitate its growth and ministry. Talk to Dr. Hamacher who will help you consider what are the best next steps in the life of the church.
Personal – Professional Coaching for Ministers
Sometimes a person can benefit from guidance beyond attending a seminar or reading a book. Personal coaching is available to Middle District ministry leaders, both lay and ordained.
Partnership Mission Networking and Training
Does your group need help preparing for a mission trip? Would you like to have another church join your church on a mission trip? Are you wanting to participate on a mission trip but don’t have the opportunity to do so. Contact MDBA for the names of churches and individuals involved with hands – on – missions.
Church Planting / Mission Starting
Planting new churches and missions is a high priority in Middle District. In addition to starting traditional churches, Middle District is interested in starting churches by lay people that meet in homes. For additional information contact, Executive Director, Jim Hamacher, jim@mdba.org .
Demographic Studies
To effectively reach your community for Christ, it is important to know the make-up and diversity of your community . The Executive Director can help provide demographic studies and other resources that will give you key insight into the changing nature of your neighborhood.
Click here for one source of free information: demographic information
Middle District pastors and staff members are automatically eligible to be a member of Entrust Credit Union. Any member church of Middle District may make this credit union available to all of their church members.
Click on the above link to view the current training opportunities.
Marriage Enrichment
Videos, books, seminars, and speakers are available for your retreat or small group seminar by contacting MDBA office, or through our media library and website resource page.
Spiritual Renewal
Most churches consider a series of worship services with a preacher as their primary tool for revival. However, other approaches have also been used by God to significantly impact congregational life. Church-wide studies, lay renewal weekends, small group studies are other ways that God has blessed His church in recent years. The Executive Director will be happy to discuss ideas and resources that might best fit your church at this time in its spritual development.
Re-visioning / Strategic Planning
Through prayer and planning your church can “re-dream your dream” for ministry. Many styles of planning are available. The Executive Director can help your church leadership decide what is the best approach in discerning God’s direction for your congregation’s future.
Christian Peddler
This ministry is focused on linking local churches and their members with one another for the purpose of meeting needs, sharing/selling goods and services, and communicating information. It is open to all MDBA churches to participate. To visit the website, www.christianpeddler.com.
