May 11, 2016 | Family, Inspiration
All parents know children go through various stages (and attitudes), and sometimes a child might say he or she wants to stop attending church. What is a parent supposed to do in that situation? I remember a time when a particular church member was upset because her...
May 6, 2016 | Family, Inspiration, Refreshment
At the beginning of each year, I begin thinking about planning a week for my pastor husband and me to get away to unplug and rejuvenate. In our experience, a staycation is not an option—we need to leave town. But where does a pastor take his family for a break from...
May 2, 2016 | Family, Perspectives
Training seminars and textbooks galore focus on how to lead with compassion, understanding, and authority. What about those who do not serve in a leadership capacity? Are these followers simple sheep, witlessly trailing wherever the leader decides to direct? Or are...
Apr 29, 2016 | Inspiration, Perspectives
As today’s political climate heats up, we’ve got to learn how to deal with a certain amount of tension in the air. Conflict in the church takes on various forms. Sometimes the conflict surrounds something the pastor has done, or hasn’t done, or someone...
Apr 27, 2016 | Inspiration
Money can be a touchy subject, especially when we start talking about how churches can increase donations. People often fear the stereotype of the church that “always” is begging for money. However, the reality is that people want to give to your church and God calls...
Apr 25, 2016 | Inspiration, Refreshment
There are many stereotypes people have concerning pastors: They do not make much money (unless they pastor a megachurch, in which they then make too much money). Most of their week is spent studying and memorizing the next sermon. They are definitely Type B...
Apr 22, 2016 | Inspiration, Perspectives
I have good memories of Vacation Bible School. When I was growing up, it was held in the daytime, mainly because more moms stayed home with their children and could teach VBS during the day. I remember marching through the front doors of the church to “Crown Him with...
Apr 20, 2016 | Inspiration
I just want to change the world. That’s it. Nothing more. So… who’s with me? Have you ever considered the life of one of the boldest preachers in history? He was of such significance that God gave him a place in Scripture, a testimony for all time, because of his...
Apr 18, 2016 | Inspiration, MUSIC
Though the gospel may be free, groceries and rent are not, and more and more gifted speakers and musicians are having to increase their booking fees to amounts that the average church pastor would get laughed out of a deacon’s meeting if he proposed paying it for a...