I just finished reading this extremely thought provoking book by Dr. John Koessler, and I highly recommend it for everyone – but especially for the exited pastors among us. The title was what first drew me to purchase the book. It was a mind grabber. However, Dr. Koessler’s ability to be both pastor and theologian … Continue reading The Surprising Grace of Disappointment – Book Review
"Today, I can write about helping pastors, or I can actually help them." This was the statement I made to my wife sitting out on our patio the other morning. As we talked over coffee, I was facing choices about my agenda for the day. There were a couple of situations that had come up … Continue reading A Loose Grip
It's winter...again! Time for a little laughter.
Starting up the blog again in this new year has been a bit of a challenge. As we all know, life can get in the way of our best laid plans. Anyway, I wanted to begin the new year on a positive note. I hope this little installment gives you hope! *** I really miss … Continue reading Hope Behind the Headlines
As pastors, laboring among broken people (and being broken ourselves!) there’s a lot of mess. Sometimes it feels like all you do is clean up the mess: “Clean-up on aisle 10!” So much work and effort, and it is most often unnoticed and unrewarding. I recently concluded teaching a class called “When God Hands You … Continue reading The Daily Grind
“Do you know where your pastor is?” I am not asking about where he is physically; that would be weird. (Besides, if he has a smartphone the GPS will handle that.) What I am asking is, do you know the emotional and spiritual state of the one who shepherds the flock you are a part … Continue reading Do You Know Where Your Pastor Is?
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
AN ENCOURAGING WORD 