A number of us pastors are at a prayer retreat at Cannon Beach. I love to get away to spend time with God and encourage one another! It’s a joy and privilege to be together in this way. One of our pastors mentioned how we “must stay in our lane” meaning that it is too…
Suffering: The Standard of Leadership
When we became vocational ministers, we envisioned leading people to Jesus; we anticipated families finding healing; we dreamed of lives restores and hearts redeemed. The hard truth is that while that is true, much of the time, for every spiritual high, there is a corresponding low. Life is made up of the tension between joy…
After Easter
He is risen! He is risen, indeed! Did you have a great Easter? Many of you have had increased attendance. You offered extra services, including Good Friday. It’s been wonderful: families were healed, lives were restored, people came to faith. Wow! But, now what? What do you do after Easter? LET’S TALK… What we do…
The Self-Importance Syndrome
Have you ever met someone who just seemed full of themselves? All they talk about is what they’ve accomplished and what is happening to them. They are consumed with their own perspective and personal interests. Everything seems to be about them! Even as I write this, I’m hoping I’m not one of those people! Paul…
4 Team Essentials
by Nancy Austin “Everybody wants to be part of a winning team.” That’s what a beloved college professor used to tell us. His point was this: build a winning team and recruitment will take care of itself; build a winning team and morale will not be a concern; build a winning team and momentum will…
Three Promises to Overcome the Fear of Change
Leaders are supposed to be courageous, right? Someone said, “You can’t follow fear!” Fear has no direction. It lacks vision. Fear paralyzes us. Fear resists. As a leader, we need the courage to lead, in spite of our fears. LET’S TALK One of my favorite writers about the Holy Land is Wayne Stiles (Check out…
Three Things Every Pastor Must Do
Sometimes we make things too complicated. As pastors, we can get so busy that we forget the things that are really needed. A while back I read a blog by James MacDonald that just made sense to me. It was entitled “Three Things Every Pastor Must Do.” Just three things.
Four Life Lessons from Billy Graham
As we all know, last week, Billy Graham passed away at the age of 99. He had almost seven decades of faithful and fruitful ministry. What Paul said about his own life aptly applies to Billy Graham: “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is…
12 Killers of Good Leadership
Leaders are learners. In fact, we should never think we’ve arrived. Always be teachable. Always grow. Along the way, there are certain qualities that can kill good leadership. A number of years ago I came upon a list compiled by Ron Edmonson which he called the “wrecking balls of potential.” If we fail to address these…
Twenty Takeaways from Midwinter 2018
This week the Pacific Conference pastors and spouses are enjoying a few days on the Oregon Coast. It’s an important time in the lives of our pastors as it provides space for reflection, rest, and refreshment. Shared meals and inspired teaching, along with some remarkably beautiful scenery become the backdrop for the growth and encouragement…
Three Ways to Help Care for Your Soul
Recently LifeWay did a survey asking pastors where they feel the greatest stress. The responses make it apparent that ministry has its challenges. Here are some of the strains of ministry: 84% of pastors say they are on call 24 hours a day. Crises do not take a break, so pastors can’t either. Almost every…
Better Health
I wish I was in better shape. I’m not terribly out of shape but could do a lot better. We’re in a series looking at ways to do better. Instead of setting unreachable goals or expecting perfection, we’re better off challenging ourselves to do better. This week we turn our attention to our health. Let’s…
