Leadership Archives - Page 20 of 39

Should We Ask Forgiveness?

As a child, I remember having literal fist-fights with my older brother. When I reached the age and strength in which I could finally defend myself, I was fully engaged in sibling warfare. Yet, no matter how emotional or physical it got, we were forced by our parents to do the most dreaded and inevitable…

Fathers, Ask for Their Heart (And, Preachers, Write a Poem)

By Benjamin Vrbicek |

I sympathize with fellow church leaders who wrestle with what to do at church on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Some of us avoid them altogether, as if they didn’t exist, while others craft the sermon, even the service, around the day. I once heard a pastor remark that those opposed to “high church liturgy”…

Confessions From A White Pastor In Suburbia

By Tony Balsamo |

To My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I pray this finds you well and trusting in our God more so than ever before. The events of this past week have left many of us speechless, in tears and horrified that there could be such hatred and violence directed towards one another. Many have asked…

What Is Shaped In Solitude and Stillness?

By Michael Martin |

Stillness. Quiet. Solitude. Sometimes when I invite solitude into my day, or it forces itself on me, I think about my grandmothers, Lucy Jones and Emma Martin. Both were mothers to 13 children. Believe it or not, I remember a quietness and a sense of stillness about both of them. I was raised in Flint,…

Worship In The Time Of Covid

By Ryan Bailey |

What a strange time to be a worship leader! At the time I’m writing this, most of us are heading into our fifth weekend since most states, and eventually the Federal Government, shut down all large gatherings and changed everything we thought we knew about doing ministry. At this point, I’ve actually spent more weekends…

Now What?

By Nate Winters |

Last night at about 11:30 I snuck out our front door, moving along the sidewalk and down my neighbor’s driveway to plant the Gatorade-green “You Are Loved” sign a church member had left for us three days ago. I did not get caught. A week ago, my wife and I produced a four minute…