Annual Session weekend kicked off Friday at Cathedral International in Perth Amboy. Around 50 pastors, associate pastors, and lay-staff gathered for "conversations on ministry." I was privileged to sit in conversation with Rev. Alan Rudnick, pastor of First Baptist Church in Ballston Spa New York and author of The Work of the Associate Pastor. Through his talk on "Partnership Perspectives" he encouraged associate pastors along their particular ministry path. Alan's conversation not only helped associate ministers in their "Church work," he also illustrated their unique roll in overcoming some of the challenges of our age.

In short, it's precisely because an associate pastor isn't the "face" of the congregation that they are able to find those areas and people who have fallen in-between the cracks in our ministries. The work of an associate, in other words, is a creative calling.

If you were not able to attend the Academy Session at Cathedral International, you can find a copy of Alan's book by following this link.