It’s been 13 years since that night I sat with my back to the elm tree. At times it’s hard to imagine that many years have passed; and yet, I can still feel every detail of the bark pressed up against my back. There are days when it feels like I never left that spot, […]
Lessons from a Young Church Planter By Josiah SmithOriginally published October 2019 in Evangel Magazine Free falling at over 120 mph isn’t for the faint of heart, but I thought I’d give it a try. It was a sunny day in May of 2014. My friends and I had arrived in front of the small, […]
“How is swimming in the ocean different than swimming in a pool?” It was my kids’ first time ever seeing the ocean. As I stared at the immensity of it, the dangers it presented flashed like a terrible powerpoint in my mind’s eye. I realized I had done a poor job preparing my kids for what they were about to experience. They had no concept of the dangers […]
As I have written before, during my high school and college years, I was blessed to have three true pastors, three shepherds in heart and action ( You can read about them here). Each of these men embodied the promise of God communicated through the prophet Jeremiah in chapter 3.15: “Then I will give you […]
Let’s be clear: I am not a baker. However, my wife is a phenomenal cook AND baker. One thing I’ve learned about baking is that ingredients and instructions REALLY matter. While cooking can be a bit forgiving and leaves room for creative reimagining of flavors and textures as you go, baking is more precise. It’s […]
Less “-ing” & more “pastor-“ Three years ago, I had a heart “event,” one that required a 5-day stay in the hospital. Over those five days, I met a parade of cardiologists and nurses. All of these medical practitioners were excellent: professional and personable. Except one: the nurse who woke me in the middle of […]
He who is the Lord of life… came to bind up, not to break; to heal, not to destroy. (Richard Sibbes, The Bruised Reed) I sat alone with my back to a big elm tree, looking out over the Des Moines River valley, North toward the Kate Shelley bridge. The 16” of snow on the […]
Introduction “One of the common denominators apparent among those who lived well, led well, and finished well, was that they had people – mentors, teachers, advisors, counselors, guides, friends – who had the love, patience, and courage to walk alongside them through various seasons, along the journey. They were the ones who noticed, not from […]
More pastors should preach like a supermodel. I know that sounds like a provocative statement, but let me explain. I do not mean that pastors should try to look stylish on stage. Nor do I intend to encourage pastors to master clever communication techniques or include ornate props in their preaching. Unfortunately, we have too […]
Matthew 28:16-20 “16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples […]
© [2015] — Journey Pastoral Coaching