Be Kind To Yourself
There is a song that I love by an artist named Andrew Peterson titled, Be Kind to Yourself. It is a beautiful ode to the reality that we are often far harder on ourselves than we would ever be on another person (if you’ve never heard it, stop reading and…
Summer Reading Guide 2024
For most of us, the summer months bring a mix of busy ministry seasons and (hopefully) a few pockets of relaxation. While we don’t expect pastors and church leaders to be lounging beachside with a book for weeks on end – although more power to you, if you can make…
3 Critical Components Of A Healthy Church Culture
The statements below are just a few of the many statements we have heard over the past five years. They are statements that are being made as people finally feel like they can open up about their previous church hurt. “I just have been burned so bad that I’m afraid…
How to Keep the Momentum Going
We just (re)launched a new ministry for young adults called Momentum. It’s been exciting to see God not only bringing young adults to our church, but also raising them up to take initiative to nurture a community of other young adults to have a desire to know Jesus and make…
The Journey of Faith: Understanding Stages of Spiritual Growth
As a 13-year-old, my extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins journeyed across the United States from Pennsylvania to California. The month-long trip was carefully planned so that we would arrive at my grandparent’s home on a pre-appointed day. Three cars and 14 people traveled from state to state, stopping…
Putting Away The Sword: Uniting Around The Essentials
Recently, I asked my congregation to come with me, listen and sit close to Jesus as he petitioned his Father in John 17. What a privilege it was to listen in and glean from this most sacred prayer. We as a church sat up close as Jesus’ love for his…
You Can Have Anything You Want: Lessons in Focus and Long-Term Vision
As a young man, one of my mentors said to me, “John, you can have most anything you want. You just can’t have everything you want.” He was talking about finances and his point is well taken. With hard work, saving and planning, even a minister could afford a nice…
The Art of Feedback: Building Trust and Encouraging Growth
I am a fan of A. A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh. I find his writing to be so clever and creative. I’ve read through his books several times and still let out a hearty laugh at the characters. When I had the chance to watch Disney’s Christopher Robin, I couldn’t…
5 Ways To Give Our Families The Best of Us
Our family was walking through the airport, doing our best to make it to our gate on time. Unfortunately, my two children weren’t moving at my preferred pace. Like most 9 and 12-year-olds, they were easily distracted and slowing us down. There was a back and forth of me…
Simplifying Church Organizational Structures
There are few experiences in life more satisfying, fulfilling, and joyous than serving the Lord on a church leadership team where: Each member respects and trusts every other member. There is no confusion over responsibilities and roles, and each person works diligently to uphold their part. There is a…
Discipleship Pathways for Kids
When it comes to discipling children, there is no limit to the thoughts, patterns, and opinions you can find online. You can probably ask around your immediate community and get another few dozen different answers. So how do we disciple today’s children in our churches, and how do we know…
I’ll Rest When I’m Dead
This past August, my family and I spent 7 days in New Hampshire. We were blessed to attend Week 7 of Camp Spofford’s Family Camp. It was an awesome week of rest, fellowship, family time, faith development, and fun. Our days were filled with canoeing, kayaking, hiking, tubing, fishing, and…
