Paul says of his pastoral ministry, “I magnify my office” (Romans 11:13, KJV). Pastor, do you magnify your office? Paul’s example and instruction is not just for professional church pastors—though it’s especially for them!—it’s for all of Christ’s ambassadors. So let me re-ask the question. Bible teacher, small group leader, marketplace worker, elder, counselor, leader,…
If you speak from a pulpit, classroom, blog, podcast, or small group you have a great opportunity to bless people. In my early 30’s I spoke to two thousand people in a church meeting and I was so panicky that I was sweating and tongue-tied. I vowed to never do that again! Like 75% of…
Sadly, we’ve all seen Christian leaders fail because they lacked emotional wholeness. Our godly intentions can be overrun by our personal shortcomings. Angry reactions, lustful impulses, conflict avoidance, emotional distance, prideful self-reliance, power plays, or the inability to work well with other people sabotage godly purposes and lead to failure. Usually when leaders fail or…
My hope in this article is to show the Biblical support for women to serve as pastors, elders, and other church or ministry leaders (whether professional or lay) and that qualified women will be given more opportunities for Christian leadership.
If your church isn’t growing numerically or in spiritual depth or if it has been torn apart by conflict a major reason may be the neglect of Sabbath. It’s through continual Sabbath rest that we learn to trust God, waiting on his leadership and joining his work — rather than trying to control people and…
Jesus says, “Give and it will be given back to you.” (Luke 6:38) But often when we serve, care, or lead in ministry we’re weighed down with burdens, overstressed, or discouraged. We’re missing the joy of Jesus! Bill and Kristi share their struggles and renewals to encourage you.
One night as C. S. Lewis slept, a lion bounded into his dream. He wasn’t scared as much as he was blessed. Later, he named the lion “Aslan.” Then a wardrobe door opened into the wonderful world of Narnia — for 100 million people! You never know when a door to Narnia may open. “Jack”…
It seems everybody loves Saint Francis. But few really know him. We like our garden statues of a somber man holding a bird, but this is not the real Francis of Assisi from the 12th Century. Instead, picture an energetic and jovial little man, known in his day as “God’s Jongluer.” Before coming to Christ…
Reconciling after a breach of relationship requires that you move toward the other with God’s love. This is true in all relationships, including if you were hurt by a parent, pastor, or other leader who should be the one to make the first move. My experience with repairing conflicts is that usually in retrospect both…
Pastor Ken and Susan Baugh share with Bill and Kristi as we continue our series on “Repairing Torn Hearts and Relationships.” Here’s what it looks like to heal, forgive, bless, and love those who hurt us in our church or family.