Do Numbers Matter? 8 Ways To Measure Success In Ministry.

Let’s be honest… We don’t like to talk numbers.  We’re afraid that if we talk about the numbers, then the numbers are the only important thing when measuring the success of a ministry. If we focus on size, then the size of the ministry will determine its value or importance. …

6 Ways To Be Smarter About Difficult Conversations

What is the essence of ministry? How do you define it? A definition we’ve come to appreciate at our church goes like this: Ministry is a series of difficult conversations.  The easy stuff works itself out. But the entrenched patterns, the destructive habits, the corrosive relationships, those don’t seem to…

How To Provide Pastoral Care Without Burning Yourself Out

I still remember the time I was snared by an article written by Carey Nieuwhof, “How Pastoral Care Stunts the Growth of Most Churches.”  Carey writes, “If pastors could better handle the issue of pastoral care, many more churches would grow. Caring for 30 people personally is possible. Caring for…

10 MORE Things I Would Change

I left my tenure as a local church pastor over three years ago to become the district superintendent of EDA Move. A few weeks back I wrote about some things I would change if I were a pastor again. Now, you’ve heard the statement that goes, “experience is the best…

Megachurches Aren’t Evil: 4 Things I Learned From A “Famous” Church.

Juggling the rolls of EDA Next Gen Director and Apex Director allows me the opportunity to stay connected with youth pastors, high school and college students. I’m always curious to see what they are talking about and what holds their interest.  This summer I had the opportunity to visit a…

Stop Losing Your Young People

I recently came across an article about someone who zealously joined the alt-right movement, quickly rising through the ranks and becoming a well-respected member and moderator of various internet communities devoted to white nationalism. He spent his time befriending Neo-Nazis, and even instructing his family on what to do if…

4 Ways To Live A Fluid Life

Can I be honest with you? I like routine. I can eat the same meal at the same restaurant every week — enjoying it as though it was my first experience. I strategically set my car keys in the same place every day when I arrive home. I pick up…

Summertime and The Lust Comes Easy

Temperatures climb. Daylight extends. Kids finish school. Families take vacations. And you might even roll up the sleeves as you mow the lawn to work on that tan. Ahh, summertime. Before living in Pennsylvania, I pastored at a church in Tucson, Arizona. We would often joke that Tucson had only…

Peace for the Busy Leader

I’m one of those “Type A” people who loves to be busy and has to be careful that I don’t take on more than I should. One of the reasons I love ministry is that it’s diverse and provides opportunities to interact with people, problem solve and coordinate ministries. I’ve…

4 Obsessions That Will Move Your Church Forward

Most leaders are readers and into leadership books. Full disclosure: I’m not a book guy, but I am obsessed with leading well and growing as a leader. Don’t get me wrong I love books. I just love multitasking more and have found it really hard to read a book while…

5 Ways To Make Sure Your Church Website Stays Relevant

I know nothing about cars, so whenever I take mine in for service and they offer to do a “complimentary 5-point inspection,” I’m grateful. (That is, until I find out that they’re usually just trying to up-sell me on extra maintenance.) If you’re feeling lost with the mechanics of your…

10 Things I Would Change

It’s been over three years since I left the role of lead pastor and I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on things I did while I was in that role. There are some things I wouldn’t change for anything and there are plenty of others that I wish…