Charles Spurgeon, one of my favorite writers, spoke often about the minister’s responsibility to guard himself, to “take heed, therefore, to yourselves first, that you be that which you persuade others to be.”* He pushed leaders to be people of integrity and credibility.
There are great rewards in the pastoral call. And there are times that there is great pain. In this article, I have asked a pastor to share his experiences in a difficult church, one where he eventually left under pressure. I wrote the interview verbatim while allowing the pastor to remain anonymous.
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Year after year, one common New Year’s resolution among Christians is to spend more time—or even any time at all—in God’s Word. However, for many, it’s hard to know where to start.
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — A church without discipleship is just a gathering. And groups ministry is key for making disciples in the local church.
As I began ministry decades ago, few people were talking about accountability. More are using that language today, but we still have much room for growth.
Theological truths remain unchanged regardless of the date on the calendar, as do many ministry realities. The context surrounding Christians and churches, however, is constantly changing.
Throughout the year, many men will receive an email or phone call from a pastor search committee, inviting them to consider a church position. The questions to consider are numerous, and the possibilities are vast. However, there are at least 11 criteria I recommend for evaluating a pastoral call.
There seems to be a convergence of issues that could have a profound effect on churches in 2025. Frankly, I could name at least a dozen issues, but these five seem to be the most likely.
I confess that I don’t always take care of myself as I should. I have to work hard to maintain a healthy weight, keep my blood pressure down, etc. As a Christian, I see this issue of exercise and bodily well-being as more a spiritual one than a physical one.
Do you have any goals for your prayer life? C. S. Lewis once said, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
Does it ever feel like your leadership team struggles to stay focused during the summer months? Do vacations and Vacation Bible Schools disrupt church leadership rhythms, shifting everyone into September survival mode? Have you ever wished away Memorial Day in an effort to sustain effectiveness and engagement?
Why is “retiring” such a scary word for so many ministers? I’ve written before about preparing for retirement, proposing three reasons pastors avoid the subject: fear of boredom, obsolescence, and financial failure. Now, I want to revisit retirement through the lenses of our faith and God’s faithfulness.
We make a grave mistake when we neglect prayer as a significant missionary tool. When William Carey, the father of modern missions, sensed God’s call to the mission field, he told his friend, Andrew Fuller, “I will go down into the pit if you will hold the ropes.” The same request is on the lips of missionaries today. Will you hold the ropes in prayer?
The connection between Christmas and the nations is deeper than the general drive for generosity that occurs every year around the holidays. Generosity and compassion are good. But our prayers and giving to international missions aren’t rooted in a general desire to practice these things. Rather, they find a deep root in the Christmas story itself.
