Unrealistic Expectations and Habits That Matter with Tony Balsamo
Welcome to season 2 of Church Chat, the show that has the conversations about ministry you wish you were having. Today, we're talking to Tony Balsamo, Lead Pastor of Integrity Church and one of our District Superintendents here at EFCA East. We chat about the strengths and weaknesses of being bi-vocational, longevity in churches, platforming other people, submitting to the process, what to do with the barrage of cultural expectations on churches and pastors, the one thing pastors should be better at, and more!
Season 2 of Church Chat is sponsored by Trinity Evangelical Divinity School! Choosing to pursue seminary education as you seek to fulfill God’s calling on your life is the first step in an exciting journey of faith. TEDS provides various flexible options that allow you to refine your ministry skills while adjusting to your schedule.
Tony Balsamo serves as founding and lead pastor of Integrity Church. He loves to teach, preach and lead people towards a passionate love for Jesus.
Tony aslo serves as a co-District Superintendent of EFCA East, a district of the EFCA spanning from New York to Virginia. He loves to connect with, coach, and encourage pastors in the district as they share in the mission of multiplying transformational churches among all people.
Tony began his education at Trinity College, earning an Associates in Theological Studies, and continued his education at Masters International University of Divinity, earning his Bachelor of Biblical Studies, Masters in Ministry, and Doctorate in Practical Theology. Tony continues to serve as an adjunct professor at Masters.
Born and raised on Long Island, Tony married the love of his life, Laura, in 1996 and enjoys time with their 4 sons, Joshua, David, Jonathan, and Gabriel. He loves being outside camping, hiking, biking, and driving long distances with his family.
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MORE FROM TONY
Before You Say Yes
It was a blistering hot day hiking in the Tetons. Keeping up with my sons and friends who were in better shape than me was quite a task. There were times they would get ahead of me and, in goodwill, wait till I caught up with them. And then we would all take off again…
Putting Away The Sword: Uniting Around The Essentials
Recently, I asked my congregation to come with me, listen and sit close to Jesus as he petitioned his Father in John 17. What a privilege it was to listen in and glean from this most sacred prayer. We as a church sat up close as Jesus’ love for his disciples, and those who would…
How To Respond When You’re Being Attacked
Betrayal. Nothing cuts deeper, stings longer and leaves us bewildered like betrayal. If you’re in ministry for any length of time, you’ve tased the bitterness of this cup. It comes to all of those who are willing to be identified as followers of Christ and, even more, as under shepherds. Whether it’s the echo of…
Confessions From A White Pastor In Suburbia
To My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I pray this finds you well and trusting in our God more so than ever before. The events of this past week have left many of us speechless, in tears and horrified that there could be such hatred and violence directed towards one another. Many have asked…
What Is Essential?
I bet you’ve been using words you never thought you would use – quarantine, social distancing, pandemic, non-essential. In today’s post, Tony Balsamo is talking about what is actually essential during this time that we couldn’t have expected. Join us for a time of guided prayer and worship on Saturday, May 16th from 10-11:30am. REGISTER…
All Churches Multiply
What was the first thought that went through your mind when you read that title? If you’re anything like me, you’ve been turned off over so much emphasis on church multiplication at any expense that the mere suggestion of multiplication completely frustrates you. Yet, every church multiplies… Whether intentional or not, whether healthy or…
