Faithful Stewardship: Pastor Carlos Navarrete’s Journey of Revitalization and Growth

In this podcast episode, the guest is Pastor Carlos Navarrete of Greater Rhode Island Baptist Temple, who shares his inspiring journey of faith, perseverance, and leadership in church revitalization. Pastor Carlos talks about his background, migration from El Salvador to the United States, and his calling to ministry. 

He shares his early experiences revitalizing a Spanish ministry in California while still in Bible college, highlighting the challenges and the importance of patience and trust in God. After years of fruitful ministry in California, Carlos and his family were called to lead a struggling church in Rhode Island. He details the difficulties they faced, including a period of emotional and physical preparation, and how God provided for them during this transitional time.

Pastor Carlos emphasizes the significance of prayer, family, and maintaining a God-given pace in ministry. He also provides guidance for pastors going through tough times, stressing the importance of faithfulness and trusting God’s timing. The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer for pastors who may be experiencing similar challenges and uncertainty

What we discuss:

• Pastor Carlos’ Early Life and Calling
• Taking Over a Ministry in College
• Challenges and Growth in Ministry
• Family and Personal Struggles
• A New Calling and Transition
• Moving to Rhode Island
• Settling into the New Ministry
• A Challenging Start: Delayed Flights and Unexpected Interviews
• The Lengthy Interview: Answering Tough Questions
• Preaching and the Unexpected Invitation
• Deciding to Candidate: Seeking God’s Confirmation
• First Year as Pastor: Letting the Dust Settle
• Leadership Changes and the Impact of COVID
• Revitalization Efforts: Small Groups and New Beginnings
• Personal Reflections: Patience and Trust in God’s Timing

Healthy Leaders…Strong Churches

Refresh A Pastor (and his wife)! 

Everyone could use a regular refreshment and pastors and their wives are no exception. That’s why we want to help refresh as many pastors and their wives as we are afforded. We know pastors keep long hours and full days. Often their wives work outside the home as well. Additionally, some pastors work part-time jobs to help make ends meet. Extra finances for a much-needed date outing are just not available. We want to help. So, we began the Refresh a Pastor ministry. Refresh a Pastor commits $100 per month for 12 months to needy pastors used exclusively for a once per month date outing. It has been a huge encouragement to many, and we want to bless many more! 

Pastor Advisory Team Summary

The need for pastors we serve at R3 is access to godly counsel that is experienced, caring, strong in character, and willing to help. Could you use a team that recognizes your unique tasks as a pastor, church planter, or revitalizer?  If so, we designed a Pastor Advisory Team with you in mind. To learn more, email [email protected] 

Proverbs 11:14, 15:22

Our Iron Team calls are designed to sharpen and influence one another, as iron sharpens iron according to Proverbs 27:17. The goal is to enhance our ministry impact while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 

During these calls, we bring together pastors, missionaries, and full-time ministry leaders, with one designated leader per team. Your presence and active participation are highly valued and beneficial. 

To learn more about IRON Team calls and how to get involved, please click here: (r3ministrynetwork.org)

Take a step towards revitalizing churches and supporting pastors today!