Not Worth Comparing
Our present sufferings, though painful, are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us as God’s children (Romans 8:18). Through adoption, God chose us as His heirs, inviting us to share in both His sufferings and His eternal glory—a trade that is breathtakingly beautiful and beyond comparison.
What Your Second Chair Leader Wants You to Know
Second chair leaders, such as student pastors and ministry directors, play vital roles in the church's mission, bringing their unique callings, leadership, and strengths to the table. They desire trust, recognition, and mutual loyalty from senior pastors to thrive in their roles. By empowering and valuing their contributions, churches can grow and succeed in ways that surpass expectations.
Significantly Degraded
Israel’s recent strike on Iranian facilities in Parchin significantly hindered Iran’s nuclear capabilities, targeting critical equipment linked to weapons development. While Iran denies the facility's role in its nuclear program, global observers see the attack as a major setback to its ambitions.
The Great Assembly
Worshiping God in the “great assembly” calls for unsealed lips and bold declarations of His goodness, much like the passionate expressions we see at ballgames or concerts. As part of this great congregation, your role is simply to stand, speak, and proclaim His greatness for an audience of One.
The Art of Balanced Change: Leadership, Patience, and the Slow Dance of Progress
Church leadership often involves balancing vision with patience, moving people toward change at a pace they can handle. Navigating the four stages of change—designing, communicating, implementing, and adopting—requires strategic pauses, relational wisdom, and a commitment to lead with people in mind.
From Programs to People: How Shifting Focus Can Revitalize a Church Community
In many churches today, the temptation to focus on programs can overshadow the deeper purpose of disciple-making, leading to a disconnect between leaders and the people they serve. Shifting from a program-centric approach to prioritizing personal connections fosters transformative relationships that encourage spiritual growth and community engagement.
Calling vs. Vocation: A Crucial Distinction for Church Leaders
In ministry, it’s easy to confuse our calling with our vocation, seeing them as one and the same. But calling goes beyond the duties we perform; it’s rooted in our relationship with Christ and our identity in Him. When we prioritize abiding in Christ, our work becomes an overflow of that connection, enriching our lives and our ministries with genuine purpose and balance.
The Peace Out There
True peace isn’t found in external circumstances but entirely in God. While we may seek peace in relationships, situations, or the world around us, the lasting peace that Jesus offers is an inward gift, independent of what’s happening out there (Jn. 16:33; Col. 3:15). As followers of Christ, we’re called to embrace and share this peace, resting in its abundance within us.
Making Marriage Work
While the wedding day may be picture-perfect, a lasting marriage takes continuous, intentional effort. By investing in quality time, openly communicating, and supporting each other emotionally, couples can build a strong foundation and embrace the beautiful, ongoing journey of marriage as a true gift from God.
Multiplying Leadership by Letting Go: The Discipleship of Delegation
As pastors and church leaders, our tendency to cling to control can hinder discipleship by preventing others from growing into their own ministry roles. True delegation—like Jesus modeled—means empowering others through guidance and support, fostering a sustainable church that can carry the mission forward for generations.
Great Power
Believers carry a greater power within them, as 1 John 4:4 assures, even amid a world resistant to truth. Our responsibility is to share this eternal truth with patience and wisdom, bringing light to those around us despite competing voices.
Dealing with Grief During the Holidays
The holiday season can be a particularly challenging time when navigating the loss of a loved one. As Brian Hatcher shares, grief is a natural and profound part of the healing process, and it’s okay to let ourselves mourn deeply, just as Jesus did when He wept for His friend Lazarus. During this season, it’s essential to let the tears flow, share memories, and lean on loved ones rather than isolating ourselves. Embracing a “new normal” can help bring healing. By honoring past memories and creating new ones, we can find ways to experience both grief and the quiet joy of being with family and friends amidst the pain.
Multiplying Church Ministry in Your Church
The church is most alive when every member uses their unique gifts to contribute to its mission, as Paul emphasized to the church in Ephesus. Recognizing our individual limits, entrusting ministry to faithful people, giving them space to lead, and following up for growth all contribute to a thriving church body. When ministry is shared, the church’s impact is multiplied, beautifully reflecting God’s design for His people to carry out His mission together.
Death in Exile
Fethullah Gulen, an exiled Islamic cleric in Pennsylvania and outspoken critic of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, passed away after years in exile. Once allies, Gulen and Erdogan became fierce adversaries, with Gulen accused—though he denied involvement—of supporting a 2006 coup attempt against Erdogan. His death leaves a void for his followers, but as believers, we recognize that only the love of Jesus Christ can fill the deepest void and offer true freedom (Jn. 8:32, Jn. 14:6).
And the Winner is . . .
The election results are in, and former President Donald Trump is set to become the 47th President of the United States. As the nation reacts to this outcome and the shifts in power within the Senate and House, one thing remains unwavering for Jesus followers: our ultimate mission. Regardless of the political landscape, we are reminded of our calling to go into all the world, declare the Gospel, and seek the peace and prosperity of our communities (Jer. 29:5-7), living from the certainty that God is still on the throne (Ps. 47:8).
The Force of Will
When facing unimaginable trials, Jesus didn’t rely on the force of His will but instead prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Lk. 22:42). In our own challenges, may we find strength in following His example of surrender.
Dealing with Disappointment
When disappointment strikes, it’s easy to let doubt and discouragement cloud our faith. However, by shifting our perspective and trusting God’s plan, we can transform these moments into opportunities for growth, knowing that He uses even the hard times to shape and guide us.
When Everything is Lost
In moments of immense loss and despair, both Job and David offer remarkable declarations of trust and praise to God. Despite having every reason to cry out for deliverance, their faith was rooted not in what God had given or taken away, but in who He is. Even when everything seems lost, we are reminded that the greatness of God far exceeds the circumstances of this world—His goodness remains, and we can still declare, "The name of the Lord be praised."
Heaven's Gaze
In this edition of The Equipped, we reflect on the most agonizing moment of Jesus' crucifixion—when He cried out in despair, feeling abandoned by His Father. Though the physical suffering was immense, it was the turning away of God the Father that caused Jesus the deepest pain. Yet, this unimaginable moment of abandonment was motivated by an even greater love: God's love for you. As John 3:16 reminds us, the Father turned His gaze from His beloved Son so He could turn it toward us, offering us eternal life and adoption into His family.
Pastors: Learn to Lament
Grieving is essential to spiritual health, yet often overlooked, especially for pastors. Unresolved grief can lead to emotional, physical, and spiritual harm, impacting every aspect of life. By expressing grief healthily—through trusted relationships, recognizing a new normal, and seeking professional help when needed—pastors can navigate their sorrow and grow deeper in their spiritual journey.