There is a difference between a simple thank you and appreciation. While appreciation begins with thankfulness, it goes a step further by recognizing the value and significance of others. In Acts 20:2 it says that “…(Paul) gave constant encouragement, lifting their spirits and charging them with fresh hope” (MSG). That’s much more than a passing…
Category: Ministry
Next Steps …in relationships
Last week I shared that the theme of this week’s Conference is “Next Steps.” In Mark 3:14 we find some next steps Jesus took in his ministry – “He appointed 12—He also named them apostles—to be with Him, to send them out to preach.” From this passage we are asking ourselves three questions: How can…
Next Steps…
The theme of our Pacific Conference Annual Conference is “Next Steps.” It is based on Paul’s appeal to “keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). My prayer is that all of us will come away from our time together with specific “next steps” for our lives and ministry. LET’S TALK… During our morning devotions…
Five Leadership Blogs I Read
I believe that learning doesn’t stop at graduation. Whether it’s preschool, high school or a PhD, there is always more to know. Ongoing learning can strengthen and enhance your skills or help you discover best practices, find inspiration, and be challenged. The good news is that you don’t have to log classroom time in order…
Stand Firm
We are all grieved by the terrorist attack in Orlando. Let’s continue to pray for the families and for God to work through this tragedy. I encourage you to read this article by Carey Nieuwhof entitled, “Thoughts on How to Be the Church in an Age of Terror.” LET’S TALK… Today’s blog is by my…
Five Signs You May Be Unteachable
Good Morning! Here’s a newsflash… In order to learn, we must be teachable! So how teachable are you? It’s amazing how often we get stuck because we think we know it all! The fact is there are things we all need to learn and things, yes, we need to unlearn. LET’S TALK… This month I’m…
The Church, Christians and Politic
What are those two topics you’re not supposed to talk about? Religion and politics, right? What is your view of the church and politics? How involved should we be in government? LET’S TALK… Here’s my opinion about church and politics: The church should never be involved in politics, but the Christian must be. Maybe you…
Risk and TurnAround Churches
How much of a risk taker are you? I’m convinced that when we get to heaven, we will all wish we had risked more for the kingdom. Another word for risk is faith. The Bible says that without faith is it impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). I think God is pleased when we take…
The Legacy of Integrity
This past week I attended a conference on discipleship at the Cove Training Center in NC. (The photo is a picture of a needlepoint portrait of Billy Graham hanging in the Cove Training Center, Asheville, NC.) Will Graham, Billy Graham’s grandson, gave the devotional one morning. He said that he is often asked how his grandfather…
Delegating vs. Dumping
Wouldn’t you agree that there is a huge difference between delegating to others and dumping things on them? Delegating unites people. Dumping isolates. Delegating invites people to be part of the team. Dumping pushes them away. LET’S TALK… First and foremost, delegating is not optional. Too many pastors try to take on too much. One…
Building Trust
Trust is essential in ministry. For people to engage with us, they must believe we are trustworthy people. The basic idea of trust is making and keeping promises. Am I who I say I am? Do I do what I say I will do? If people trust you, you can lead them. If people don’t…
What Every Pastor & Spouse Needs (Part Two)
Ministry is hard. Ministry with a strained marriage can be harder still. Eugene Peterson says, “Pastoral work is unremittingly personal and relational. Much of it takes place behind the scenes, yet all of it intersects in one way or another with the pastor’s marriage.” As a ministry couple, what do you need? Last week I…
Coffee with Randall 