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


Nelson SearcyMinistry

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)  


Nelson SearcyMinistry

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


Nelson SearcyMinistry

4 Keys to Conquering the Sneaky Enemy of Your Ministry by Facts & Trends

The work of ministry leadership is perilous. There are countless pitfalls along the pathway of honoring the Lord and tending His sheep. We are under constant attack from a supernaturally powerful enemy. We’re at war with our own sinful nature, tempted by the world and its shiny offerings. We battle discouragement from failures, negative feedback, and our own fragility. These … Read More


Nelson SearcyMinistry

8 Biblical Principles for Recruiting New Volunteers

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


Nelson SearcyMinistry

Don’t Start the Day Until You’ve Planned Your Day

You may have heard the old axiom “Plan your week, then work your plan.” The wisdom in that saying is right on point. The most productive people I know, both in ministry and otherwise, have developed a habit of planning tomorrow before they close the door on today. In other words, before they begin any new morning, they already have … Read More


Nelson SearcyMinistry

Companions in Christ: What God Says About Close Friends

God created us to have close relationships. When we don’t have these close relationships, we are actually living out of step with the way God created us. The great people of God had companions, almost without exception. (The ones who didn’t often found themselves in trouble.) We could start with Adam and Eve. Moses had Aaron as his companion. The … Read More


Nelson SearcyMinistry

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)


Nelson SearcyMinistry

Hudson Taylor On Humble Good Works

“As our Father makes many a flower to bloom unseen in the lonely desert, [let us] do all that we can do, as under God’s eye, though no other eye ever take note of it.” — James Hudson Taylor (May 21, 1832 – June 3, 1905) was a pioneer in reaching the unreached for Christ. He was unlike any other … Read More


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10 Ways to Build Your Team (Without Breaking the Budget), by ChurchPlants

When budgets are stretched, development often is pushed to the back burner or cut altogether from the budget. This is dangerous for a team that wishes to remain healthy and continue growing. If a team is not learning and improving, it will soon struggle to maintain any level of success. It’s important, therefore, to find ways to develop even with stressed … Read More


Nelson SearcyMinistry