I Samuel 30.6 records an incident in the life of David that speaks to every Christian leader: “David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” Who […]
THE WHAT, THE WHY, AND THE HOW I am a pastoral coach. And I’m very thankful to be one. I often tell friends and colleagues that I have the greatest job in all the world: I am privileged to walk with quality Millennial ministers on a daily basis. Several years ago, God gave us the […]
In 2016, Journey published 32 blogs, one every two weeks of the year, plus a few extras thrown in for good measure. While most of our writing focused on the pastoral coaching issues, we also looked at the nature of God, the church, great books, and, this past summer, even our favorite European vacation spots […]
God of Heaven, What do I have that I did not receive from you? (I Corinthians 4.7) Because you are the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1.17) and because you are good, I give you thanks; truly your lovingkindness to me and to all people is everlasting (Psalm 118.1). The 16th Century […]
What is a society without a heroic dimension? Jean Baudrillard Happy Memorial Day. Today we remember – and we honor – the sacrifices of our soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and guardsmen, sacrifices made to keep us free and to free the victims of tyranny around the world. I can’t think of this day without thinking of my […]
I recently met with a colleague and our conversation covered the usuals: where we are now, what we are doing in ministry and how it’s all going. He was intrigued to hear that I am a full-time pastoral coach and that I focus on Millennial ministers. The idea was completely foreign to him. “We didn’t […]
I Corinthians 13 is often called “The Love Chapter.” That may be, but it is also the “How to Kill Something You Love Chapter,” and as such, is filled with great helps on how to do just that. And, as always, the Bible is not only spiritual and devotional and touchy-feely feel good, but it […]
Here is a simple but very special post from a dear friend of many years. When I saw it, tears came into my eyes and I immediately knew why. I’m posting this special story for three reasons, lessons if you will, which I will share after my friend’s post: This is where […]
In this third installment in the series, we continue to focus on essential truths for the young minister. These are minister – and ministry – sustaining lessons I’ve learned over three plus decades. Ignore them at your peril. Act on them to not only survive, but thrive in ministry. 15. Be a Pastor. Not a […]
When I entered full-time ministry I wasn’t naïve. But I was idealistic. In our twenties, most ministers are. I believed in the goodness and sovereignty of God, the truth and promises of His Word, the salvation and power of the Gospel, the beauty of the church, the privilege of serving in ministry. I believed in […]
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