consulting
Barnabas Initiatives assists churches in times of stress. In our consulting, we actively listen to individuals and/or groups in the church. Our aim is to discern and articulate achievable and sustainable action steps to move the church toward healthy life and mission. Wherever possible, we apply the hopes, insights, and skills of people already in the church (or nearby churches) as the primary building blocks for revitalization.
The following stories describe outcomes in some of the churches that Barnabas Initiatives has assisted in consultations. In a sense, these stories are “case studies” of the work of Barnabas Initiatives. They illustrate the varying ways that this ministry endeavors to strengthen the life and mission of churches under duress.
Your services have been sincerely appreciated. Your assessment and summary of the last 18 months was very valuable. Your support, in-sight, experience, and love for this congregation were evident throughout your time here.
Brad Graham, Admin Pastor
Antrim BIC
December, 2024
Thank you for stepping up to help our church through a difficult time. Thank you even more for pressing in even when the outlook weasn't quite what we were hoping for.
Mindy Filer, treasurer
New Life Church of Hershey
May, 2024
"I am so vary grateful to you and Connie for your engage-ment at Bright Hope. A year + ago it seems like it could be a discouraging situation. I don't feel or sense that all all now. Jesus has once again used all of who the two of you are to help another congregation be prepared for the future."
Bryan Hoke, Bishop
Atlantic Conference, BIC U.S.
June, 2022
"Thank you so much for the many ways you gave of yourselves back to Jesus at Millersville. When combined with the faithfulness of Jesus, it really made a difference and amounted to much for the kingdom. I am so encouraged by that and appreciative."
Bryan Hoke, Bishop
Atlantic Conference, BIC U.S.
December, 2020
"Your encouragement and seemingly endless supply of optimism could only come through the Lord above. Our relationship has strengthened my personal faith."
Wayne Kantz, board chair
Millersville BIC
November, 2020
"Your joyful, can-do spirits, your diligence and work ethic, your love of others and faithfulness in prayer—all of these things have pointed our church—and my own heart—to the goodness of a life surrendered to the Lord."
Steph Kantz, Children's Ministry
Millersville BIC
November, 2020
"I enjoyed your sense of humor, your sensitive-kind spirit, your team building, your measured words, your leadership skills, your compassion for others, and countless other things. Connie, your joy is overwhelmingly contagious. You have lifted the spirits of our church. Your heart is full of love and grace. Your notes, emails, cards, and encouraging words always came at just the right time."
Gail Yoder, Hospitality Team
Millersville BIC
November, 2020
"Thank you very much for your preaching and presence at New Life in August! So much appreciated!"
Greg Starr, pastor
New Life Church of Hershey
September, 2019
"When a much loved lead pastor moves on, a local church can often find itself in an uncertain season and mission may stall. We were blessed by Warren’s service as Interim Pastor, a service available to us through Barnabas Initiatives. Warren led with grace, wisdom, and an encouraging spirit and helped to bridge that interim gap as seamlessly as possible. His “Action Steps” to the Leadership Team and his friendship and counsel to me personally as Secretary of the Leadership Team were invaluable. Warren’s many years of varied ministry serves him well in his consultations.”
Dave Witmer
Speedwell Heights BIC
June, 2018
"Warren, thank you for your encouraging talks, guidance, wisdom, love and support. Thanks for teaching us that God lifts up underdogs. Thanks for all your hard work to help us not just survive, but to thrive.
Tim Bartholomew
worship team leader
Bright Hope Fellowship
June, 2022
"You were able to come along side the pastor and support him during the conflict. This assisted him to discover healing and wholeness and to continue in the pastorate with a passion for ministry."
Chuck Naylor
Free Grace BIC
August, 2018
"BIC Canada is deeply grateful to Barnabas Initiatives and to Warren for his help with a difficult, emotional situation. He helped a church, a pastoral family, and the denomination with grace, kindness and love. His wise insight, advice and kindness in the situation were deeply appreciated. I would highly recommend Warren and Barnabas Initiatives to churches looking for help, assistance, advice and direction."
Doug Sider
Director, BIC Canada
May, 2017
"I am so glad we decided to walk this journey with Warren and Barnabas Initiatives.
"Warren sat and listened to us, but even more, he listened to what the Spirit was saying to our church. As a result, we walked away with practical next steps that we are eager to
employ within the life of our church."
Pastor Chris Freet
Millersville (Pa.) BIC
February, 2017
