When I was young, I thought I was going to be a missionary. Growing up in a pastor’s house, we had tons of missionaries in our home. I loved to hear their stories. When in High School I took my first missionary trip to Colombia, South America. Later, in college, I spent a summer in…
Nothing Better Than Prayer
These past few days a group of pastors has gathered at Cannon Beach for a Prayer Retreat. It’s something I look forward to every year. In fact, I posted the comment that there’s “’nothing better than prayer!” I really believe that! LET’S TALK…. Here’s a fact: God wants prayer to be a priority in your…
Who Made You the Leader?
If our leadership comes through God-given abilities, His timing and placement, and a Christ-like heart, it’s likely that God made you the leader. If not, there may be some areas you (and I) need to work on.
Who’s On Your Team?
One of the most significant factors in your ministry is the people you have around you. Last week we talked about the fact that every leader has strengths and every leader has weaknesses (Prophet, Priest or King). Your effectiveness will be determined by your team. Too often we do everything ourselves or fail to find…
Prophet, Priest, or King?
Did you know that Christ’s ministry could be summarized in three primary roles? He was a prophet, priest, and king. Jesus was the ultimate prophet, proclaiming the gospel (Mark 1:15). He was the great high priest, caring for the needy and sick (Mark 1:34). He was the conquering king, calling and leading others (Mark 1:17)….
Appreciating Others
The other week I shared a blog entitled “Depreciating Others.” Just like a house can depreciate, we can devalue people. When you think about it, almost every interaction we have with another person leaves us feeling either appreciated or less significant. We all want to be appreciated and that begins with us appreciating others. LET’S…
Thirty-two of the Best Things Said at Midwinter Retreat
Right now pastors and spouses have gathered for our Annual Midwinter Retreat in Newport, OR. We are enjoying a time to get away and meet God and each other in a special way. One of the highlights has be under the teaching of A.J. Swoboda. His gentle, yet passionate approach to ministry has been refreshing…
Depreciating Others
Right now the housing market is in a slight slump. I find it interesting that we use the terms “appreciating” and “depreciating” regarding the value of a home. Of course, we always like to see our home go up in value and kind of panic when it goes down in value. Well, just like a…
Slow Down
Remember that Simon and Garfunkel tune that goes “Slow down, you move too fast. You’ve got to make the morning last?” For those under 40, probably not. I know, I’m old! But the fact is, I’m guilty of moving too fast too often.
The Caring Pastor
One of the privileges that I have, as a Conference Superintendent, is to make quarterly phone calls to the pastors in the Pacific Conference. It’s a time for me to catch up with their ministry and spend time praying together. Each time I try to focus on some area to talk about. This winter I’m…
Learning Leaders
We should all be learners. That is especially true of leaders. The day you stop learning, is the day you give up on leading. I really believe that. Most of the time, people can only go a far as their leader. The Apostle Paul was confident enough in his leadership that he wrote, “Whatever you…
A New Year’s Check Up
Happy New Year! Wow…2019! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and I pray God blesses you this coming year, so you can be a blessing to others! So how do you start out a New Year?
