Leading Through Uncertainty
The past several years have been anything but stable. The entrance of COVID into our vocabulary, the political swings, financial pressures, and so much more have seemingly redefined life as we know it. Life appears to be marked by a feeling of anxiety, or of a general sense of unsettlement.
When Marriage Isn’t Fun
Happily ever after, right? Marriage was supposed to be all rainbows, puppies, and roses. The two of you are going to wake up every morning at the same time, with great smelling breath and stare googly-eyed at each other. But marriage will go through seasons. Marriage is a man and woman who are broken in sin covenanting together to work through all the seasons together.
Decoding Discipleship Myths: Grow on My Own
Far too many myths exist within the church about what it means to grow spiritually and how a church facilitates that growth. The goal of these articles is to identify those myths and give thought to how to possibly overcome those myths within your organization.
Every Believer a Minister: Part 2 - Equipping the Saints for Ministry
In the first part of this series, we explored the biblical truth that all believers are called to the priesthood of ministry. But knowing that everyone is a minister is only part of the equation. The next crucial step is equipping the saints for the work of ministry.
A New Pope
A new Pope has been selected, and for the first time in history it is an American. Robert Prevost, originally from Chicago, Illinois, is now Pope Leo XIV, after a conclave of cardinals selected him to succeed Pope Francis as the head of the Catholic Church. Pope Leo’s first address was delivered from historic St. Peter’s Basilica.
Out of the Storm
“Brace yourself like a man.” It is a stern directive that sounds as though it is coming from a commanding officer or an overbearing father. In reality, it is the voice of the loving and compassionate God in Job 40:7.
Every Believer a Minister: Part 1 - Embracing the Priesthood of All Believers
In many churches, the work of ministry is often associated with pastors and professional ministers. The common mindset is that the congregation’s role is to sit, listen, and support the ministry of those called to lead.
Fighting Mission Creep
Left to its own devices, any organization whether for profit or non-profit, will drift off its center line of mission. There are instances where that drift is ultimately positive because of advancements in the industry, or changes in the market.
Your First Love
What—or who—is your first love? It is a question that was jogged in my mind recently as I joined my friend Carmen LaBerge on her daily radio show. Carmen made reference to the late great Keith Green’s song, Oh Lord, You’re Beautiful, which is now nearly 50 years old (I personally find that almost impossible to believe). There is a lyric in the song that says, “Oh Lord, please light the fire that once burned bright and clear.”
Decoding Discipleship Myths: Sacred versus Secular
We have become a compartmentalized people. We have lost in many the classical educational truth of the interconnectedness of things. We separate the parts of our lives into different areas. Perhaps it is rooted in the Greco-Roman Hellenistic grounding of our society, or the lightning rod belief of separating church and state.
Decoding Discipleship Myths: Knowing Scripture is Enough
Far too many myths exist within the church about what it means to grow spiritually and how a church facilitates that growth. The goal of these articles is to identify those myths and give thought to how to possibly overcome those myths within your organization.
Do Not be Afraid
Your email inbox is out to get you. I mean that quite literally—the intent of much of the correspondence sent to you is to grip you with fear. If you don’t believe me, scroll through the recent subject lines from your trusted news and information sources, and you will undoubtedly find all manner of alarmist and fear-based subject lines like…
Praying for Your Pastor - Part V: Praying for Your Pastor’s Integrity & Endurance
If you’ve been in church long enough, you’ve probably seen it happen—a pastor burns out, quits ministry, or worse, has a moral failure that shakes the entire congregation. It’s heartbreaking every time.
Praying for Your Pastor - Part IV: Praying for Your Pastor’s Emotional & Mental Well-Being
Pastors aren’t just spiritual leaders—they’re people. And like anyone else, they face stress, anxiety, discouragement, and even depression. But unlike most people, they often carry these burdens alone.
Undefeated and Undisputed
As the sun rose over the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday, several thousand of us gathered to celebrate the central figure of all history—Jesus of Nazareth. It was our family’s first time to attend this particular sunrise service. But of course, we rose early and gathered to celebrate not because Jesus, like each of us, lived and then died. We gathered because Jesus, unlike each of us, rose to life again and forever defeated the undefeated grave!
Death of a Pope
Pope Francis, leader of the Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88. Francis’s death comes after more than 12 years at the helm of the church, and a few weeks after being diagnosed with double pneumonia. He made a public appearance on Easter Sunday and also met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, and died Monday morning. There will be several days of mourning, after which a new pope will be selected.
Discipleship Begins at Home: Raising Kids Who Follow Jesus
When we think about discipleship, we often picture small groups, church programs, or mentoring relationships. But the truth is, discipleship starts long before a child ever steps into a youth group—it begins at home. As parents, we are called to be the primary disciple-makers in our children's lives, shaping their faith through both intentional teaching and everyday moments.
Praying for Your Pastor - Part III: Praying for Your Pastor’s Family
Ministry doesn’t just affect pastors—it affects their families too. Being the spouse or child of a pastor comes with unique pressures, unseen struggles, and expectations that can feel overwhelming.
Handiwork for Good Works
You are God’s handiwork. You are also the way in which God actively works in your tangible world (Eph. 2:10).
The Rhythms of a Healthy Pastor: Daily, Weekly, and Seasonal Practices for Longevity
Ministry is a marathon, not a sprint. Yet too many pastors live as if their calling requires them to run at a breakneck pace, neglecting the very rhythms that could sustain them for the long haul. Without intentional practices that prioritize spiritual, emotional, and physical health, burnout isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable.