Summer can stress pastors, but churches can support their well-being by protecting family time, offering practical care, and encouraging renewal.
Category: Pastor
When Your Well Runs Dry: Finding Life for Yourself (then Others)
Not long ago I sat with a pastor friend, watching his shoulders slump as he confessed, "I'm pouring out, but nothing's pouring in." His words struck a chord with me. How many of us find ourselves in this place – responsible for the spiritual growth of others while our own souls are parched and weary? …
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Leaving Words: How to Frame a Truthful Narrative of Grace and a Foundation of Hope
Pastors can shape church memories and futures positively with reflective, identity-affirming, and hopeful final messages grounded in Scripture.
How to Support Your Pastor and Your Staff in the Ministry You Lead
“How can I help you, Pastor?” The man served in our church as a ministry leader. He ran a large business with several employees. He was a busy man, and yet he wanted to know how he could help me! I invited him to pray for me. Immediately he stood up, walked next to where …
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Leadership Expectations as a Source of Pastoral Pain
I’m old enough to recall when “leadership” became the latest buzzword among pastors. The key to being a good pastor was to become a good “leader.” I won’t bore you with the history of how it happened, but gradually we replaced “discipleship” with “leadership” as a primary pastoral objective. (Ironically, the seminary that pioneered secular …
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The Beatdown: Runaway Expectations in the Life of a Pastor
Not. One. More. Thing. He was physically tired and emotionally spent. For four years he had done everything he knew to get the church growing again, but with no visible results. He no longer looked forward to preaching. Committee meetings had become gripe sessions. The mounting criticism of his leadership was withering to his soul. …
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Preacher, What Will You Preach This Sunday?
With economies floundering and a potential flu epidemic, it's natural for someone to reflect on the big questions of life: why am I here? What does life mean? Where is God? How should a Christian preacher respond? During World War II, Martyn Lloyd-Jones continued to preach at the historic Westminster Chapel in London every Sunday …
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Is it Worth a Bad Haircut?
Several years ago a mission pastor entered a barber shop around the corner from his church. Although he needed a haircut, his purpose was to build a witnessing relationship with the owner. They had a good talk, but the only result was a really bad haircut. Laughing at his new "butchered" look, the pastor visited …
The Pastor: The Life of a Door Man
Who gets in? Who gets left out in the cold? The door man decides. Several years ago, The Los Angeles Times entertainment website unveiled a cover story on the city’s club scene. Profiling door men who screen entry intoexclusive establishments, the article explains that success is attached to what you wear and who you are …
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