(During July, the post which will appear each Thursday is a re-post. The following is part of a series in which I list a number of healthy habits for people (and particularly church leaders). Perhaps you missed this piece when it was first posted. Or, you may find that it is helpful to read this… Continue reading Ministry Inside.124
Category: Ministry Inside
Ministry Inside.123
Ever feel taken for granted? Some ministers, elders, and other church leaders feel this way for a variety of reasons. *An elder prays for a couple experiencing marital difficulties. This same church leader spends hours and hours talking and listening to them. Then one day they inform him that they are moving their membership to… Continue reading Ministry Inside.123
Ministry Inside.121
Each Thursday, I write this post for church leaders in particular. Regardless of what role you are in, one of the dangerous tendencies for church leaders is the temptation to become far too self-conscious. A heightened self-consciousness will drain you of energy and eventually diminish your joy. Perhaps what is especially dangerous is that you… Continue reading Ministry Inside.121
Ministry Inside.120
I have made lots of mistakes in my work and ministry. Looking back, these were often the times in which I learned important lessons about life and ministry. Some years ago we lived in North Alabama. I was preaching for a congregation that seemed to attract many people who had struggled with various addictions. In… Continue reading Ministry Inside.120
Ministry Inside.118
Many years ago, I was asked to preach for a congregation in Huntsville, Alabama, for about six consecutive Sundays. I had never done this before. This was a church of about three hundred people which just seemed huge to me! What made it especially challenging is that I had only preached about three to… Continue reading Ministry Inside.118
Ministry Inside.117
5 Suggestions for Keeping Your Sanity in a Busy Ministry There are seasons when a ministry feels very intense. Quite often that intensity may be related to particular problems or issues that have surfaced in the church or in the community. Sometimes that intensity is due to unforeseen situations. Perhaps you have recently presided over… Continue reading Ministry Inside.117
Ministry Inside.115
How do you stay sane when there is so much craziness that surrounds ministry? Good question. Craziness is everywhere! It seems to be a constant in this broken, unredeemed world. Everyone has to deal with the brokenness of the world. Sometimes others’ brokenness can be sharp and jagged, cutting bystanders like broken glass. The brokenness… Continue reading Ministry Inside.115
Ministry Inside.113
One of the best practices for a Christian leader is to keep your eye on those who are both living life well and ministering well. Examples have a way of teaching, inspiring and encouraging us. An example can be a powerful motivator. I may know something to be true but it may become vivid and… Continue reading Ministry Inside.113
Ministry Inside.112
Have you ever been in a hurry to finish a particular project and cobbled something together at the last minute only to later regret it? I have. I remember once announcing to a congregation that we were embarking on a major series during the preaching time on Sunday mornings. As I recall, the announced series… Continue reading Ministry Inside.112
Ministry Inside.110
Have you been tempted to quit? Many of us have considered quitting at one time or another. After all, serving in a ministry role can be very, very difficult. In fact, there may be times that are so grueling you may wonder what you got yourself into. Why would a minister and his family consider… Continue reading Ministry Inside.110