In my three-and-a half decades of pastoral leadership, I was blessed to witness a church grow from 50 to 2300. While in the early days I was able to lead the church with a staff of one (me!), it wasn’t long before I discovered that the demands and responsibilities of a growing church had moved beyond my capacity. That meant hiring staff.
Read MoreOne of the greatest privileges of pastoring is the opportunity to say “yes” to folks. Good things. God things. And because of that, I want to say yes to everyone. They are so eager for my time. They so value my attention. They so seek my counsel. I hate saying “No” to any of them.
Read MoreOne of the greatest joys in ministry is working with a great staff. But if there are challenging staff situations, it can also be one of the biggest frustrations in church leadership.
Read MoreI look at this picture and wonder, “Who were those kids?!” Hard to believe that was us – Gwen and me – on our wedding day 42 years ago. We just celebrated another anniversary and the occasion prompted me to do some reflecting on lessons we’ve learned along the way that have helped our marriage not only survive but thrive.
Read MoreEvery pastor knows the feeling. The news may have come via email, phone, or second-hand conversation. A key family is leaving your church. They may already have found another church, or they may just be beginning the search process.
Read MoreAfter 40 years of pastoral ministry, I’ve come to see that these two realities are inevitable: 1. People will leave the church. 2. It will hurt when they leave.
Read MoreWhoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. I John 2:6
This verse is relatively easy to read; but it’s painfully difficult to apply, isn’t it? How does one actually walk in the way of Jesus? What does that look like practically speaking?
Read MoreHere we are on the cusp of yet another highly anticipated holiday. Preparations have been made. Presentations have been prepared. People have been invited. Everything seems to be stanced for success. All should go well.
Expect for that uninvited guest, Mr. Murphy.
Read MoreWhile the holidays are typically times for your congregation to enjoy special opportunities at the church, they can be draining times for the church staff that creates and manages those opportunities….
What can you do to recognize the efforts of your team?
Read MoreWelcome to “The Everyday Pastor.” This is the first installment of a blog targeted to ordinary leaders of ordinary churches that slog out their ministry every day.
Believe me, after nearly 40 years of ministry I know what that’s like.
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