In the Bible, Paul says of his pastoral ministry, “I magnify my office” (Rom. 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…
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.
In Dr. Bobby Clinton’s study of 3,500 leaders for Christ it was found that only one-third of leaders finished well. Many drop out (usually due to burnout). Some have a moral failing. The majority plateau (fade into a slow fail). In the Bible this same pattern holds true. Out of 49 leaders featured in the Bible only 13 of…
Emotions get a bad rap in many of our Christian circles today. They’re vulnerable and get broken. They’re messy and don’t look right. We prefer thinking, analysis, doctrine, and three steps to a better life. “Believe and do what’s right,” is the typical message for how to follow Jesus and grow spiritually. “Emotions are the…
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…
“I was forced to resign from my church.” 78% of pastors say this. Often these pastors leave their church hurt and angry, afraid their career and calling are ruined. Ken Baugh, former lead pastor of Coast Hills Community Church felt this way two years ago. (In last week’s email devotional I told his story: “Finding…
I feel stupid. Do you ever feel that way? People think I’m smart because I have a PhD in psychology and I’m blessed to have people like you listen to me. But in reality I often feel stupid. As far back as I can remember I’ve felt like I should know what to do and…
Who are the greatest entrepreneurs and leaders in history? What executive leader in business, government, or nonprofit has had the greatest impact on our world? In America we might think of names like Abraham Lincoln, Henry Ford, Martin Luther King, Jr., Steve Jobs, Walt Disney, John Rockefeller, or Estée Lauder. Many other world leaders might…
The best and most helpful book you’ll find on leadership has never been on a best-seller list. It was written way back 1896 by a famous South African pastor and teacher. It’s only only 76 pages long, but it’s chock full of inspiring Biblical wisdom. It trumps all the highly touted successful leadership strategies of our day —…
How do the people you lead experience your ministry? Have you ever asked them for feedback in order to learn how you might improve? Probably there are people who look to you as a Christian leader — even if you don’t think of yourself as a “leader.” You don’t have to preach to 1,000 people…