Discipleship
8 Characteristics of Disciple-Making Churches
I admit that the North American church has done a poor job of making disciples. Too often, we […]
Blog
Church Membership
7 Ways to Get More Members Involved
Most of us who lead churches have regular attenders who aren’t involved in the congregation. These folks sometimes […]
Great Commission
A Word to Pastors: Why We Must Develop Relationships with Missionaries
Pastors, I’m asking for the personal privilege to speak directly to you with this post (and, Southern Baptist […]
Pastoral Ministry
Words of Advice for Young Pastors
I don’t claim to be a perfect pastor, but I’ve been doing ministry a long time. Here’s a […]
Encouragement
10 Ways to Renew (or Keep) Your Passion for Ministry
I’ve been there. You know God has called you to ministry, but your passion is waning, if not […]
Preaching
10 Questions to Ask in Your Sermon Preparation This Week
Pastors, I know from experience that sermon preparation is seldom easy—and I don’t want to add any stress […]
Denomination
8 Reasons I Believe in Denominationalism
I’m a Southern Baptist. We’re hardly a perfect denomination, but I’m honored to be part of our team. […]
Friendship
7 Reasons All of Us Pastors Need Great Friends in Our Church
It almost seems strange to me to write this post, for my early professors and mentors cautioned me […]
Leadership
10 Characteristics of Leaders Who Last
As a seminary professor, I work with young leaders. I have learned the most, though, from leaders who […]
Bivocational Ministry
12 Reasons I Affirm Bivocational Ministry
More and more pastors are beginning to embrace as their primary calling the role of bivocational minister. Some […]
Discipleship
7 Reasons Why Pastors Must Invest in A Few Young People – And How to Begin
I listened intensely today as I heard a great, mature preacher talk about the influence of his pastor […]
Encouragement
8 Things to Remember When It Feels Like The Devil’s Winning
Sometimes it just feels like Satan’s winning the game. No matter how hard we want to believe otherwise, […]
Prayer
7 Prayers My Pastoral Hero Prays Every Day
Tom Elliff is the most prayerful man I know, and he’s one of my pastoral heroes. He’s served […]
easter
6 More Leadership Tasks for this Easter
Here are six steps Christian leaders might take this week as we focus on the resurrection and live […]
easter
7 Suggestions for Preaching the Resurrection Story This Weekend
Around the world, we will celebrate Resurrection Day this coming Sunday. Many people in many places will tell […]
easter
10 Things the Resurrection Means for Christian Leaders
Even when it’s not Easter season, the glory of the resurrection is always present-tense and relevant. It’s more […]
easter
8 Ways to Pray for Easter Weekend Events
I fear that many churches plan for weeks (or months) for Easter weekend, but then pray for only […]
Community Engagement
9 Simple Ways to Begin Reaching Your Community For Christ
If you read this blog much, you know my heart for the nations that don’t know Christ. At […]
Encouragement
7 Words of Encouragement For Church Leaders For This Weekend
Today, I want to encourage church leaders as you prepare to lead worship services this weekend. Here are […]
Next-Gen Ministry
6 Ways for Pastors to Raise Up the Next Generation of Pastors and Missionaries
I think most of us are missing it, pastors. My perception is that we give little attention to […]
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