I am not sure that any time in my journey with Jesus – and as a leader in the church – has seemed more like an off-road event than this last year. The big detour sign on the “normal” lanes has put me on side roads that have turned into nothing more than tire tracks … Continue reading To My Fellow Pastor/road-warriors
Every aspect of our lives has been tested – the landscape of our lives has undergone a radical upheaval. Living in Michigan, there have been a few times when I have experienced a “white out” while driving in a winter storm. It is completely disorienting. All the familiar points of reference disappear. This season we … Continue reading Reentry – A Pandemic Renewal Plan Part 2
Proverbs 4:23 – “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (ESV) “Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts.” MSG 1 Timothy 4:16 - “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will … Continue reading The Answer for Isolation & Loneliness in Ministry Life
I have mentioned this very impressive TED talk before, but it bears repeating here due to its direct impact on how we look at conflict. It opens the door to the final step in finding hope in the middle of strained relationships and sticky situations. Management expert Margaret Heffernan, in a thought-provoking talk given at … Continue reading Finding Hope in the Midst of Conflict – Part 3
In part one of this short series, I talked about the need to be aware that conflict is inevitable in ministry. Another component in finding hope in the midst of conflict is the matter of self-awareness. We all enter into our walk with Jesus and into our ministry with a baggage claim in hand. Though … Continue reading Finding Hope in the Midst of Conflict – Part 2
If I were to ask you for the most common reason pastors are exited from their churches, what would be your guess? Lousy theology? Bad work habits? Lack of concern for the members? Drawing from numerous studies conducted over the last 4 decades, the experts agree that conflict – “the ugly pastor/pew rift over how … Continue reading Finding Hope in the Midst of Conflict – Part 1
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” – Titus 2:7-8 A while ago, when I was fresh into PIR’s … Continue reading Pastoral Ponderings – A Sound Heart
How do we align biblical understandings of pastoral ministry with cultural expectations…Can we? One of the books I have listed on my “Reading” page is David Rohrer’s new book, “The Sacred Wilderness of Pastoral Ministry”(IVP). I found this book to be incredibly insightful and refreshing. The author takes his cue from the life and work … Continue reading Bookshelf – Recommended Reads
Linch pin: noun. “Something that holds the various elements of a complicated structure together.” In this fast-paced world, where all of us struggle to maintain balance while getting through our long “to do” lists, the need to define our priorities is increasingly essential. Pastors and all those in church leadership are no exception. Yet … Continue reading Priority One for Pastors
Many of you probably know about the blog site “Internet Monk”, but it has been a recent discovery of mine. While it is not my intent to simply be a re-poster of the works of others, I am always delighted to share insights and resources that I think will be helpful. Today's posting from the … Continue reading Just passing through…
AN ENCOURAGING WORD 