I was privileged to formally study for the ministry in two schools: a Bible College and a seminary. Both of these schools gave me a quality education for life in ministry, specifically, pastoral ministry. Given the opportunity to go back and attend or not attend each one, I most certainly would choose to do so […]
THE FAILURE TO THRIVE In their book, “Among Friends,” James Hinkle and Tim Woodroof cite a 1945 study conducted by social scientist, René Spitz. The study tracked the development of 88 healthy children (1 to 2 ½ years of age) who had recently been separated from their families and institutionalized in a group home. When […]
Editor’s Note: Are you a bi-vocational minister? In his most recent letter to ministers, Assemblies of God General Superintendent George Wood said that 38% of AG ministers fit this description. A question: are you a BVM because you have no choice or because it is your choice? Journey Member, Pastor Chase Replogle of Ozark, […]
I am a pastoral coach: I have the joy of pastoring pastors every day. Millennial pastors primarily. Pastors across America and in foreign nations. Pastors of all kinds: lead pastors, church planters, staff pastors, special needs pastors, missionary pastors, and even a couple of pastors-of-pastors. I love what I am called to do with my […]
Every minister breathes silent prayers at Christmas. He lifts “wishes” to heaven. In quiet moments of reflection he reaches into his heart and draws out the dreams he would dream if only he believed they really could come true. Here is such a list of dreams. Prayers. Christmas wishes. Each and every one of them […]
One of the greatest constants in my ministry as a pastoral coach is walking with young ministers who are in transition, aka hiring or being hired. It is possible that the single most important decision a lead pastor makes is in the hiring of staff pastors: a poor choice can add dead weight, obstacles, or poison […]
I love to visit bookstores. Like my wife loves good chocolate, I love good bookstores. I walk in the door and my pulse quickens, my fingers twitch, and my eyes flicker like I’ve had ten Italian espressos. This is especially true of used book stores where X marks the spot for hidden treasure just waiting […]
Years ago pastors were expected to handle FIVE primary tasks, but studies today reveal that the number has swelled to SIXTEEN. This increase in primary responsibilities has at least TEN effects on pastors and churches: 1. The sheer number of tasks means the pastor does each task with less excellence and effectiveness; 50% of pastors […]
In my most recent blog on the subject of pastoral staffs, I listed 10 things that staff pastors hope to receive from their lead pastors. To read the full piece, click here, but those ten “treasures” are: 1. Be a pastor who leads, not a leader who pastors. 2. Respect: See me not […]
Based on our conversations and research with pastors across America, here’s what staff pastors of all stripes say they need from their lead pastors. Pastor, why not bookmark this blog on your phone and then plan to take each staff member out for coffee and a conversation that will not only build a world class […]
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