When I was just starting in ministry, one of my most respected mentors said something to me that I’ve never forgotten. As I was venting to him about feeling like a one-man show in my young church, he put his arm around me and said, “Nelson, remember, every member in your church is a minister. You are not in this alone … Read More
Priority Check: Two Daily Decisions Pastors Need to Make Jesus #1
Your life and your ministry will be defined by how well you follow your Lord. But what does it look like, practically speaking, to put Jesus first in your life and yourself second? Well, here’s what it doesn’t look like: It doesn’t look like giving yourself a green light to do whatever pleases you rather than meeting the needs of … Read More
Leaders Should Be Servants
“But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant.” —Luke 22:26 (NLT)
Bill Bright on Emphasizing Prayer in Ministry
“Show me a church or a Christian organization that emphasizes prayer, and I’ll show you a ministry where people are excited about Jesus Christ and are witnessing for Him.” — William R. “Bill” Bright (October 19, 1921 – July 19, 2003) was an American evangelist and Christian leader. His influence spanned the last half of the 20th century and extended … Read More
Good Stress vs. Bad Stress: Understanding the Difference
Yes, there is such a thing as good stress. Small amounts of good stress keep you focused and motivated. You grow through certain levels of stress. The stress gravity exerts on you makes your bones denser and your muscles stronger. When you exercise, your endurance rises as a result of the stress you impose on yourself. When you decide to … Read More
Leaders Endure with Patience
“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” — James 1:12 (NLT)
Wiersbe on Trusting in God
“Trusting God means thinking and acting according to God’s word in spite of circumstances, feelings, or consequences.” – Warren W. Wiersbe (May 16, 1929 – May 2, 2019), American pastor, Bible teacher, author and conference speaker
Zero Distractions: How to Work in Blocks of Time
Pastors wear so many hats–preacher, counselor, human resources manager, maybe even plumber–that it may seem impossible at first to group similar tasks into blocks of time. Many of us are so accustomed to jumping from one activity to another that it would be hard to break the cycle. But for renegade pastors, working in blocks of time is a great … Read More
Living a Fully Engaged Life: The Ultimate Demonstration
Jesus is the ultimate demonstration of God’s engagement in our lives. He is the visible representation of God’s engagement. God sent Jesus to live a perfect life, to die on a cross for our offenses, and then to be raised from the dead–all so that we could be in relationship with him and have new life, both here and in … Read More
People Rejoice Over Godly Leaders
“When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.” — Proverbs 29:2 (NLT)