If you lead people in any way: in a church, a business, or a team, those you lead will screw up, fail, and often disappoint you. When that happens, and that volunteer or team member needs correction, when is the best time to correct? It could be a reprimand or a teachable moment. In the…
One Pastor’s Daily Prayer
Let me recommend a pastor's daily prayer: “Grant me joy and peace as I humbly trust You with the outcome of my life and ministry.” I’ve been praying that over myself for what must be something like 6 years now. Maybe more. That’s well over 2,000 times at least. Like any prayer, there is a…
10 Signs of a Pastor Controlled Church
I recently wrote a post titled, “11 Signs of a Family-Run Church.” Apparently, that post hit a nerve for many readers who’ve seen that kind of church. Some readers also asked about another kind of church they’ve seen: the pastor controlled church. So, here are characteristics I’ve seen in this church: The pastor is not…
Feeling Un-Qualified? How To Deal With Leadership Stress
When I was growing up I frequently heard the phrase.If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. I’m not sure that’s a saying anymore, but either way, I love a good analogy to help me think through a topic. And I think the phrase applies in leadership. But I’m not sure getting…
5 Reasons Pastors Fall
Let’s begin with a simple fact: I am a sinful man. As Joseph de Maistre once said, “I do not know what the heart of a rascal may be; I know what is in the heart of an honest man; it is horrible.” Which means I have no intention of throwing rocks at other leaders…
From Ephesians: 3 Startling Bible Statements About Church
Sometimes the big questions intersect with our everyday life. My opinions regarding large “theological” questions trickle all the way down to my ability to follow Jesus day-by-day. For example, my view of the scripture will determine how much authority it has in my life. Or, for example, my view of the church will influence my…
