This week we held our Annual Conference in the Pacific Conference. It’s a time when we gather to conduct the business of the conference–approve budgets, hear reports, and ratify motions. But it’s also a time to build deeper connections with one another. After all, the conference is just another expression of the church; intentionally engaging…
Ten Things I’m Excited About!
Next Monday we have our Annual Conference (November 11-13). This is a time our local churches come together for worship, encouragement, and business. It is more than an event or a meeting, it is, literally, the church gathered! LET’S TALK… Here are ten things I’m personally excited about regarding our upcoming Annual Conference! Our focus….
Lapses in Leadership
Getting as old as I am, I get a chance to look back on my ministry and leadership. A few weeks ago, I shared about “making mistakes.” We all make them. What’s that saying, Hindsight is 20/20? It’s true! There are many times I could have done things better and, yes, even differently. LET’S TALK…
What Holiness Looks Like
Holiness is drawing closer to God. That’s the desire of every believer, isn’t it? The Psalmist yearned for that as he prayed, “Who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?” (Psalm 15:2). He summarizes the answer with two words: those who are ‘blameless’ and ‘righteous.’ A person who desires to…
Making Mistakes
Everyone knows “to err is human,” but no one wants to be wrong. Why is that? Why are we so driven to be correct but maddened by our mistakes? We may be hiding insecurities, feeling inadequate, or ping-ponging between shame and embarrassment. Sadly, our desire to be right distorts our responses to our blunders. LET’S…
Dealing With Conflict
Conflict happens. In fact, it should. Someone said if two people always agree, then one isn’t needed. Today’s blog was originally posted by David Kraft. Knowing how to deal openly and honestly with conflict with coworkers, friends, and family is critical to good leadership. LET’S TALK Here is Dave’s approach to dealing with conflict: Do…
How to Treat a Parishioner
A couple of weeks ago, I blogged about “How to Treat a Pastor.” Recently someone asked me to write about “How to treat a parishioner!” I have a considerable disadvantage because I’ve been involved in ministry for so long as a pastor. However, in my own interactions and relationship with people, I’ll give it my…
Ministering to Families of Suicide
By Linda Myers Our hearts go out to the family of Pastor Jarrid Wilson who took his life last week. It is very difficult to navigate all the emotions associated with the grief of someone who dies by suicide. First, the family has suddenly lost a loved one and second, they died horrifically. Emotions range…
How to Treat a Pastor
Many have lost trust and respect for leadership. That includes anyone in authority. Police. Teachers. Government officials. And, yes, even pastors. Frankly, some have abused their power and failed us. That’s tragic. LET’S TALK However, most pastors are in ministry because they are called by God and genuinely love people. We need to guard their…
Organized to Death
Whether we like it or not, those of us who are pastors work within the confines of “organized religion.” Part of it comes out of necessity. We have programs to plan, buildings to maintain, and budgets to meet. However, when our focus shifts from ministry to maintenance, we lose our way! Judson Edwards, in his…
Hitting a Home Run Sermon
Believe it or not, I’ve often reflected how well my sermon went by using baseball terms. Most of my preaching, I think I get to first or second base and even scored a run once in a while! However, there have been times I’ve hit a foul ball or two, and yes, there are times…
What is your Peanut Butter?
By Randy and Linda Myers Chuck Swindoll wrote in his book, The Grace Awakening,” about two groups of missionaries living together on a compound that would not even speak to each other all because of peanut butter. One group asked people from back home to send peanut butter as they could not buy it on…
