Sunshine and Rainbows
Raindrops pattered softly on my windshield. In front of me were dark clouds and more rain. Yet the blinding sun was reflecting in my rearview mirror. In the wide open river valley, I could see the sky transform from sunshine to foreboding darkness. Being the science nerd I am, I knew there must be a rainbow somewhere. I craned my neck all around (as safely as I could while driving) and saw nothing. Finally, when...
Hidden Treasures in the Church
Here’s a list of treasures all too rare in the church today, every one of them free for the taking. Or making. The list is compiled from conversations with younger ministers and church attenders: I asked them and they answered. It’s a touching and thought-provoking look at someone we love dearly, the body of Christ. An aesthetic of worship that previous generations fostered Not a narcissistic experience, but a God-focused worship that makes the glorious...
The Qualities of a Godly Mentor – Part One
EDITOR’S NOTE: In my previous article, I promised to present in this piece predictions for pastors in 2025. However, since then, one of my most loved and respected mentors left this world for his reward in eternity. The trip north to mourn with family and participate in the funeral gave me time to meditate on what he meant to my life and ministry, and to many others. It gave me time to reflect on the...
Where is the Church Going in 2025?
In his celebrated novel describing the time of the French Revolution, A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens’ opening lines are breathtakingly appropriate for today: “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, . . .” In these thirty-nine words, Dickens reminds us that two opposites can,...
A Pastoral Coach’s Christmas Wish List
As I have written recently here at Journey, I love serving as a pastoral coach. Ten years in, I am still amazed that God called me to this place of service in his kingdom. He has given me the privilege of walking with the quality and committed ministers of the Gospel in the Journey community and others outside of Journey. Though I am the coach–and mentor, I am chief among learners in this circle. ...
Journey’s Best Reads of 2024
As we turn the final pages of 2024, I offer my annual list of favorite reads for the year. This was another great reading year with many happy hours invested in the “Big Three” of mellow music, strong coffee, and a good book. As always, this is not a list of my favorite books published in 2024 but books read in 2024. If a book is on my “Best Of” list, I recommend you read...
JPC 10th Anniversary
It was 10 years ago, and this month, we launched the ministry of Journey Pastoral Coaching. From Day One, we have had one mission: helping young ministers build strong for a lifetime of healthy and effective ministry. Every day since, giving ourselves to this mission has been our happy privilege. Journey is really all about stewarding the church’s most valuable earthly resource, its pastors, and seeing them serve from a place of soul health and...
What I Love About Being a Pastoral Coach
TENTH ANNIVERSARY EDITION I have a confession to make: I am a pastoral coach. And I love it. Many in the church are unfamiliar with pastoral coaching, usually assuming it is what it isn’t. They’re always intrigued when I explain pastoral coaching and how we do it at Journey. I invite you to peruse our many articles here at journeypastoralcoaching.com, where you can learn more about pastoral coaching and how we do it here at...
Anxiety, Worldview, and God’s Kingdom
Josiah Smith, an Associate Lead Pastor, discusses the critical link between worldview and mental health, emphasizing the prevalence of anxiety and depression among Americans. He argues that a biblical worldview can significantly mitigate these issues, encouraging individuals to seek God's kingdom for a fulfilling purpose and meaningful life.© [2015] — Journey Pastoral Coaching