Why have a preaching calendar? A preaching calendar, a plan for what you are going to preach and when, benefits both the church and the pastor. Because I will spend most of my year in a book of the Bible, or a series of connected sermons the calendar helps me stay focused on what is… Read More
I know it doesn’t make sense… but it is often true in the church. When many changes need to be made, the temptation is to tackle them all at the same time. From a leadership position, it can all make sense. From a church member’s perspective, it can feel like everything is out of control.… Read More
Every church has expectations because every church member (including pastors) has expectations. Expectations can be both positive and negative. Unhealthy expectations can be distracting and discouraging. Healthy expectations can be both helpful and encouraging. If the expectations for a pastor are not consistent with God’s call and their biblical responsibility, then they become harmful to… Read More
For years, I have prepared and delivered at least three different sermons or teachings a week. As the church has grown our staff has not. I am currently working on the process of adding to our team, but that is for another blog. Sometime last year I hit a wall. I was spending a great… Read More
A great book on the scope of ministry in the local church. This was a refreshing read on being a gospel shaped community that makes disciples. “We become disciples by becoming part of the people of God. Baptism marks our birth into the family of God. This is the context where I am made a… Read More
If you haven’t read this book I highly recommend it. Even the most seasoned pastor can benefit from being reminded of what God has called us to do, and who He has called us to be in Christ! We keep a stack of these in our offices to give to men who feel like God… Read More
A while ago Thom Ranier (President and CEO of Lifeway) wrote concerning when pastors should not respond to criticism. (Click here for a link to the article) As he pointed out, “If you are a leader, you will be criticized. If you are not being criticized, you are probably not a leader.” I find that when… Read More
What are the keys to a start to a new ministry? What should a new pastor focus on in his first year at an established church? There are varying perspectives and ideas on what the first year of ministry in a new place should like. I’d like to share the key aspects of my first year… Read More
