Articles
Traits of a Leader
My husband and I lead a mentorship group for aspiring leaders in our church. We hand picked the leaders and taught them through practical example how to lead their small groups. But one member, at the end of one meeting said, “I don’t think I’m a leader. I always...
Five Tips For Creating A Third Space At Your Church
Ray Oldenberg, author of The Great Good Place wrote, “The third place is a generic designation for a great variety of public places that host the regular, voluntary, informal and happily anticipated gatherings of individuals beyond the realms of home and work.” Small...
Bless Those Who Curse You
The knife went in, only a bit deeper this time. Some congregation members had spread gossip about my husband and I, ruining our reputation not only in our community, but with our leadership team as well. People who we thought were friends became our enemies. I felt...
The Case for Lent
Aaron Damiani, writing for Pastoresources.com One of the common beliefs among evangelical pastors is that Lent is legalistic. The word “Lent” conjures associations of petty and pointless acts of self-denial, like giving up chocolate or meat while conspicuously wearing...
The Vital Role Of Elderly in Church Growth
In at least some ways, we are probably all guilty of telling ourselves that in order to best grow our church and impact the community, we need to be focusing on the younger generations and future generations to come. It’s this focus that affects our sermon topics, our...
Referencing Current Films + TV Shows In Sermons
“The kingdom of heaven is like . . .” And here begins a common phrase used by Jesus to introduce his popular way of teaching to his disciples and the crowds around him. “The kingdom of heaven is like . . . treasure hidden in a field . . . a merchant looking for fine...
50 Shades of Flourishing
The last “Fifty Shades” film grossed more than $500 million worldwide, despite horrible reviews and weak word-of-mouth scores. And now the newest installment in theaters this month may drive the Fifty Shades dynasty into its seventh digit. As Christians, we know God...
5 Quick Ways To Reclaim Your Off Time
As a pastor, your job is more than a “job”—it’s a way of life. Even if you have set hours, you probably feel like you’re on call 24/7. With the majority of your time spent with staff, in meetings, researching, writing, and in services…do you ever feel like you don’t...
Encouraging Authentic Prayer
Though it’s been the better part of eighteen years, I can still recall vividly the day I received a phone call at work from the secretary at the church my wife and I had recently joined. As much as I was confused at how she knew the phone number she had reached me at...
Gossip in the Church
Have you ever played the gossip game? This game has been around for a long time—probably because of how well it illustrates the effect of gossiping. I remember a particular Vacation Bible School when the youth class played this game. The teacher began by whispering...
Cocaine Trafficking, Heroin, and the Grace of God
If you feel you've walked too far from God, trust and know that you can never go too far from God’s love and salvation. James Sizemore, pastor of Radiant Church, shares his redemption story of drugs, trafficking, and addiction and how through God’s grace, he and...
Giving Your Worship Service a Budget-Friendly Facelift
Has there begun a slight indentation on the top of your desk from where you bang your head each week trying to plan yet another worship service? Have you already run out of fresh ideas for Sunday worship this year . . . and it’s February? Are you not one of the lucky...
Keeping Church Volunteers from Burning Out
If your church fits the stereotype that 20 percent of the people do 80 percent of the work, then you can bet your last dollar that 100 percent of those 20 percent either are in the process of burning out, burnt out long ago and are simply mailing in the work they once...
Fighting Addiction With Grace
Though it typically is thought to be in reference with alcohol, drugs, and, lately, pornography, the term addiction truly refers to an almost unlimited list of habits that negatively affect a person and/or the people around him or her. In addition to these, people in...
The Truth Behind Being a Pastor’s Wife from Kay Warren
Through the ups and downs of many years as a pastor’s wife, Kay Warren has a lot of great wisdom to share! In this eye-opening and insightful video, catch a glimpse into her life and learn from her years of trial, error, and experience.
The Three Discipling Relationships Every Pastor Must Have
No follower of Jesus would deny the importance of relationships within the church body. First Corinthians 12 and other similar scripture passages are quite clear on why we all need each other. And no happily married man or woman would argue against maintaining a...
Expectation Versus Reality For Pastor + Congregation
My husband became a minister in his mid-thirties. Being actively involved in church life prior to entering ministry has its advantages. We both worked in the youth department, held various committee positions, worked in the nursery, and my husband served as a deacon...
Why Reconciliation Is Vital
As a pastor, I have no doubt you are very familiar with and quote often what Jesus said concerning forgiveness after He taught His disciples how to pray: “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive...
So You Want To Write A Book?
Pastors are in a wonderful position to know what people need. Day-in and day-out you hear the longings, fears, questions, and hopes people in your communities have. Pastors are usually terrific storytellers, and every week they craft a message that weaves those...
Awkward Situations for the Single Pastor
If you’re a single pastor, there’s a good chance you’ll experience an endless stream of well-meaning (mostly) people who want to be instrumental in finding your “special someone” for you. It doesn’t matter whether you are divorced, happily single, open to a...
