Over the course of the last week, I had the privilege of speaking to two vastly different groups about the urgent need in the church for restorative grace for pastors. The first was a gathering of seminary students in St. Louis, at Covenant Seminary. The second group was mostly made up of seasoned pastors from … Continue reading A Good, Hard Look at Ourselves – for pastors, ex-pastors and other Church leaders.
Years ago, when I was pastoring, I asked one of the ladies at our church to create a banner around the Latin term “Sursum Corda.” She did a fabulous job, visually depicting the concept of what the term literally means: “Up with Your Heart!” Hanging for all to see at the front of the church, … Continue reading The Thankful Pastor – Patterns for Healthy Pastoral Life Pt. 2
Another installment of humor from the kitchen door (even though we don't have one anymore) meant to lighten our souls for a moment. Enjoy!
“Patterns for Healthy Pastoral Life” is a series in which I would like to explore some of the key ingredients to living and serving well. I make no claim that these are the exclusive paths towards healthy pastoring, nor do I have the corner on insights in these areas. But I am drawing from what … Continue reading “Once Upon A Time…Sabbath!” Patterns for Healthy Pastoral Life Pt. 1
“Finally, brothers,rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” – 2 Corinthians 13:11 (ESV) “I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.” – George … Continue reading The Restoration Tree – a Parable for Exited Pastors
I heard this wonderful piece recited at a recent conference by my friend, Peter Reid. Peter is connected with Lamplighters Ministry, and was the featured speaker. I asked him to send it to me, and I am pleased to share it with you. It reflects the yearning of my heart on many occasions. I trust … Continue reading Back to Jesus Alone
“It is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). We are all familiar with the typical questions pastors get asked – “How big is your church? What’s your annual budget? How many services do you have?” But there is one question that pastors rarely get asked: “How many true friends do you … Continue reading Isolation and Loneliness – the Danger Zone for Pastors
“Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”- 1 Timothy 4:16 As part of my duties as a ruling elder in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, I regularly witness ordination exams. We gather at our presbytery meetings and grill the new candidates for … Continue reading The Exited Pastor’s Golden Opportunity
I have lived through hurricanes. When I was much younger, growing up in Florida, there were several times when my family huddled together in our boarded-up home, lighting candles when the power went out and listening to the fury of the passing storm. Once the “all clear” was given, we would step outside to survey … Continue reading Exited Pastors: The Ruined Landscape
In the course of keeping up with all the blogs, articles and postings on Facebook regarding the state of today’s pastors, I am noticing a trend. Most of what I am reading lately can be summed up into two groups: the “here’s the list of things that a pastor should do (or not do) to … Continue reading Peter’s Story – an encouragment to pastors
