“Fake it ’til you make it” works in many situations: intramural sports, social interactions at networking meetings, your first job out of college. It does not work in church—or at least not very well. It’s normal to have days where you feel uninspired, far from...
When it comes to topics of pop culture, would you say you are more well-known in your congregation for what you preach against or for what you preach for? Years ago, when both kids and adults were crazy for Harry Potter, Hermione, and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and...
People might assume that spiritual leaders naturally have dynamic prayer lives. I wish their assumptions were correct in every case. Unfortunately, pastors and other ministry leaders struggle with fatigue, time management, a heavy workload, and family responsibilities...
Do you remember your favorite book as a child? There were probably a few lovable characters, a memorable storyline, and a lesson to learn that made you choose that story time and time again. Storytelling is a great way to entertain and teach…and it works for all ages!...
As Christians, we’re supposed to live in the world but not be caught up in it. That can seem like a fine line at times, because let’s be honest—it’s hard to do! We can’t ignore world events, civil issues, and threats against the Kingdom—both locally and...
Do you use a journal? It doesn’t matter whether you favor apps like Evernote or prefer the tactile feel of a journal in your hands—as long as you record your thoughts often. While you likely have a system of note taking that works for you—if so, stick with it—consider...
You’ve been sitting there, staring at your screen for the last half-hour. And all you can think about is coffee…and when you’re supposed to get your oil changed again, and what you’ll eat for dinner…except that you’re supposed to be writing your next sermon. Welcome...
Let’s see. There’s Chariots of Fire. Ooh, Ben-Hur is a good one. But those are pretty old. What’s at least from this millennium? Oh yeah, Fireproof and God’s Not Dead were popular. Those should all work to pull examples from. And if need be, I can always talk Star...
Assuming you take two weeks off a year (can I recommend you take even more weeks off from at least the pulpit?), you probably preach fifty sermons a year. Do you have a Sunday evening service as well? Then make that a hundred sermons. Wednesdays too? Now we’re looking...
No matter how creative (or not) you may be, sometimes all your team needs for a morale boost is a fun-filled day. It can dramatically lighten the mood around the office to get everyone laughing, and you could likely use a mental break yourself! Remember, this means...
“Fake it ’til you make it” works in many situations: intramural sports, social interactions at networking meetings, your first job out of college. It does not work in church—or at least not very well. It’s normal to have days where you feel uninspired, far from...
When it comes to topics of pop culture, would you say you are more well-known in your congregation for what you preach against or for what you preach for? Years ago, when both kids and adults were crazy for Harry Potter, Hermione, and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and...
People might assume that spiritual leaders naturally have dynamic prayer lives. I wish their assumptions were correct in every case. Unfortunately, pastors and other ministry leaders struggle with fatigue, time management, a heavy workload, and family responsibilities...
Do you remember your favorite book as a child? There were probably a few lovable characters, a memorable storyline, and a lesson to learn that made you choose that story time and time again. Storytelling is a great way to entertain and teach…and it works for all ages!...
As Christians, we’re supposed to live in the world but not be caught up in it. That can seem like a fine line at times, because let’s be honest—it’s hard to do! We can’t ignore world events, civil issues, and threats against the Kingdom—both locally and...
Do you use a journal? It doesn’t matter whether you favor apps like Evernote or prefer the tactile feel of a journal in your hands—as long as you record your thoughts often. While you likely have a system of note taking that works for you—if so, stick with it—consider...
You’ve been sitting there, staring at your screen for the last half-hour. And all you can think about is coffee…and when you’re supposed to get your oil changed again, and what you’ll eat for dinner…except that you’re supposed to be writing your next sermon. Welcome...
Let’s see. There’s Chariots of Fire. Ooh, Ben-Hur is a good one. But those are pretty old. What’s at least from this millennium? Oh yeah, Fireproof and God’s Not Dead were popular. Those should all work to pull examples from. And if need be, I can always talk Star...
Assuming you take two weeks off a year (can I recommend you take even more weeks off from at least the pulpit?), you probably preach fifty sermons a year. Do you have a Sunday evening service as well? Then make that a hundred sermons. Wednesdays too? Now we’re looking...
No matter how creative (or not) you may be, sometimes all your team needs for a morale boost is a fun-filled day. It can dramatically lighten the mood around the office to get everyone laughing, and you could likely use a mental break yourself! Remember, this means...
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