Hidden Seasons of Growth: Embracing God’s Work in the Quiet
Hidden seasons may feel quiet and stagnant, but they are often where God does His most transformative work—strengthening our roots and deepening our faith. Just as a vine develops unseen roots before bearing fruit, these times prepare us for the growth and purpose God has planned.
Crowned Sinner
The enemy’s tactics of ego and shame aim to distract you from God’s Truth—tempting you to either elevate yourself above God or be crushed by shame over your sin. But the Truth is this: God, who is greater than all, has crowned you with His glory and honor (Ps. 8:5).
Being Dad
Fatherhood is one of the most rewarding yet challenging callings, requiring love, discipline, and the humility to own mistakes. Your kids don’t need perfection; they need your presence, faith, and intentional moments of love and joy. By breaking unhealthy cycles and leaning into the role of dad, you can create a legacy of unconditional love and lasting memories.
Cultivating a Culture of Generosity in Your Church
Generosity reflects the very heart of God and is central to the Christian faith, shaping not just financial habits but hearts and discipleship. By teaching, modeling, and celebrating generosity, church leaders can inspire a culture that mirrors the selflessness of Christ and transforms lives for God’s glory.
A Gotcha God
Too many people live with the idea of a ‘Gotcha God’—a harsh judge waiting to punish every mistake—but the truth is, God offers grace, love, and forgiveness through Jesus. He doesn’t want you living in fear; He wants you to know Him fully as the God of unconditional love.
Four Types of Communication in Marriage
Communication is the cornerstone of a thriving marriage, yet many couples enter marriage without the tools to truly connect. By intentionally practicing four types of communication—small talk, organizational meetings, challenging conversations, and intimate discussions—couples can build a stronger, more fulfilling relationship over time.
Bold Breath
Your every breath is the breath of God, the very force that animates your being and separates you from dust (Gen. 2:7). Live boldly, trusting in His power within you, and take the courageous steps He calls you to, knowing His breath makes all the difference!
Convinced
Professing faith in God is important, but being truly convinced of His power, goodness, and trustworthiness transforms your words into action. In times of testing, it’s not just what you declare—it’s what you believe and live out that makes all the difference (2 Timothy 1:12).
The Role of Strategic Planning in Church Growth: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Short-Term Thinking
Church growth is exciting, but without strategic planning, it can quickly spiral into chaos. By prioritizing vision, sustainability, and alignment with their mission, churches can navigate growth effectively and avoid pitfalls like burnout, mission drift, and reactive decision-making, all while staying rooted in God’s purpose.
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.