Leadership
Mental Health Matters: How the Church Can Lead with Compassion and Care
Recently, I’ve been reflecting on the perception of mental health within the church. As someone who has spent years both in the church and in the mental health field, I’ve had a front-row seat to see how mental health is often stigmatized within Christian communities. This topic has resurfaced for me after a prominent pastor…
Read MoreBeauty Among the Flies: Finding God Amid Distractions
On the way to our cabin is a peacefully flowing mountain stream that tumbles between boulders. It sits in the middle of a forest with pine trees towering above it. As I drove past it during my sabbatical I felt very clearly that God was encouraging me to take the time to walk out into…
Read MoreSummer 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 that happen, we do hope…
Read MoreHow 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 Him known. God is moving…
Read MorePutting 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 disciples, and those who would…
Read MoreYou 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 car OR pricey hobby OR…
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