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…
We’ve been providing care, counsel, and prayer to pastors and other servants of Christ for a number of years. One of the most important things we do is help them to rest in God. Every pastor and ministry leader I (Bill) know — starting with the one that looks back at me in the mirror! —…
Every Christian leader needs to overcome three temptations in order to be truly successful. These relate to you if you are a pastor or a parent, a small group leader or an executive, or whatever your area of responsibility over people is. If you minister to other people you will be tempted to follow the way of…
For your work or ministry to be most effective you need to experience satisfaction in Christ as you do it. We’re designed to live in the Psalm 23 journey in which we testify happily, “My cup overflows!” Dallas Willard showed us this. Kristi and I are so thankful for the spiritual mentor and friend that…
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.
Women bring a spiritual depth, relational skill, integrative thinking, and tender-courage that often are lacking in all male leadership groups. Sadly, many women have been disrespected and excluded by Christian men in authority in the Church. Join this crucial conversation as Bill and Kristi unpack what the Bible teaches and how they have experienced the powerful model of shared male and female leadership.
What do you feel after you put yourself out there to minister to others? Many people struggle with self-doubt or self-criticism. Pastors may wonder if they preached a good sermon. Small group leaders may question their effectiveness. Counselors and caregivers feel might feel unsure they said the right thing. Anyone who serves others is likely…
Most of us in ministry can be tempted to try too hard. We tend to put too much time, worry, and stress to make people happy. This can get exhausting and turn into burn-out. Over-preparing is a way that we deal with the anxiety. Join Bill and Kristi as they share a blessing of prayer and affirmation for leaders and share their journey of learning to depend on the Lord in ministry settings.
Sometimes when you are in relationship with people and pouring into them, they have the power to hurt you, and it can feel like a betrayal. During times like this, it’s helpful to share with someone who can give you empathy and objectivity. Bill and Kristi share from their own experiences and their search for true joy during times of trial.