Articles
She Reminds Me of You
My Mother’s father grew up in the village of Gungyi, hearing the roaring sounds of Japanese jet fighters, the crescendo of explosions, and the rainfall of debris. As a freelance journalist, he published an article that was falsely accused of criticizing communism. It...
The Ministry of Incarnational Listening
Pastors are under more pressure than ever. In the wake of the COVID crisis, many churches are struggling. Others have not been allowed to reopen. Offerings are down and stress levels are up. What will church look like moving forward? Will folks feel comfortable...
What Pastors Should Know About Stress
What is stress? Not that a pandemic is new in our history. Nor the emergence of many disasters at once an odd occurrence. War, plague, poverty, drought, fires, floods, and revolution, are nothing new. However, the American experience has had relative comfort in most...
What Kind of Foundation? Part 3
In times like these, we begin to realize how critical our foundations are. We all strive to value strong foundations all the time, but we all know that we struggle to put down strong foundations. It is often easy to build and grow and expand during the good times...
When We Were Lonely, God Came Down
Sometimes I feel lonely. Of course, there’s a big difference between feeling lonely and being alone. I can be alone and not feel lonely at all. Conversely, some of my loneliest experiences have been when I was in a crowd of people. Perhaps loneliness is meant to serve...
How God Fills Our Emptiness with His Grace
I heard a preacher say one time that we all have dark thoughts about God. My initial response was skepticism. As someone whose earliest memories are filled with Bible truths, I didn’t want to think that I have anything but esteem and love for God. But I’ve come to see...
What Kind of Foundation? Part 2
In times like these, we begin to realize how critical our foundations are. We all strive to value strong foundations all the time, but we all know that we struggle to put down strong foundations. It is often easy to build and grow and expand during the good times...
Are We Working Out Our Heavenly Job Description On Earth? Part 2
Consider the labor (trouble) experienced by Moses, Abraham and Elijah. Then consider their work. In I Corinthians 6:2-3 Paul declares that “the saints will judge the world,” and, that “we will judge angels.” In Matthew 25:14-30 twice Jesus says “Well done,...
Are We Working Out Our Heavenly Job Description On Earth? Part 1
As a Christian, you expect to go to heaven when you die, but what do you expect to be doing after you arrive? Perhaps you will spend time with loved ones, make appointments to meet the great saints of the ages, or take a long rest. But, is that all you will be...
Leading and Discipling Into the New Normal Part 2
In challenging times your people more than ever need to know you care about them personally. That’s critical when it comes to reopening. If your people sense you are more concerned about getting them back in the seats than you are about their personal wellbeing, it...
Leading and Discipling Into the New Normal Pt. 1
Many Christian leaders are wrestling with what it looks or will look like to reopen in-person church gatherings. Some churches, perhaps yours, are meeting in person now. But whether you are or not, if you’re honest you know things are not “normal.” And so do your...
Fiscal Year vs. Calendar Year: Which Is Right for Your Church?
Pastor Resources · Fiscal Year Vs. Calendar Year For Churches While your church is unique in its offerings, it still operates similarly to other types of businesses. It must pay employees a fair wage, cover debts and expenses, and maintain a budget. As a church...
Self-Care for Leaders Who are Barely Holding On
Self - Care For Leaders Who Are Barely Holding On This is harder than I expected. All of it. From the lockdown to this weird middle ground, to whatever’s coming next, the sense of constant uncertainty is wearing on me. No, I’m not sick. And none of my loved ones are....
Enemy Mode: Your Brain on Narcissism
Enemy Mode: Your Brain on Narcissism God designed a complex network of neurological circuits to work together to help us stay relationally connected and attuned to each other. When these relational circuits are running as designed, we call this “Relational Mode.” Our...
Take the First Bold Step
Take The First Bold Step Some of you reading this are standing at the edge of something new and contemplating your first step across the border. I want to remind you that God has already gone before you. Stepping out may stretch your faith, but God is already...
A Faceless Christianity: Will we return to church in a building?
A Faceless Christianity Church attendance has been on thin ice for some time with many Millennials asking, “Why should I go to church at all?” One often-repeated comment about church is, “I love Jesus. It is church people I don’t care for.” Church life hasn’t produced...
Love No Matter What (10 Ways)
Pastor Resources · Love No Matter What (10 Ways) Have you ever winced upon learning that a long-time member has left your church? Even harder, does that individual appear to doubt some or much of what he or she used to believe about God, the Bible, Jesus Christ, the...
It’s Time to Think About Your Mission, Vision, and Strategy
Pastor Resources · It’s Time to Think About Your Mission, Vision, and Strategy Defining each one can help your church make a greater impact I learned to drive before smartphones with GPS were commonplace. If I wanted to go somewhere new, I needed to do a little...
How Churches in Vacation Destinations Can Survive COVID-19
Pastor Resources · How Churches In Vacation Destinations Can Survive COVID - 19 Churches in vacation destinations face unique struggles. They tend to see fluctuating attendance, with many visitors coming in during the vacation season and then attendance dropping in...
God Sees You!
Pastor Resources · God Sees You! God’s words are powerful because within His words there is a love we don’t have to work for or strive to maintain. God loves you. He says it, and you can experience that love on a daily basis. Particularly if you are a words of...
