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
Category: Ministry Inside
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When a minister is young, it is very tempting to rely on raw energy to carry one through the day. You find that you can get up early in the morning, preach a funeral, do marriage counseling with a couple and then stay up late after a long elder’s meeting. Eventually, you may learn that such a… Continue reading Ministry Inside.109
Ministry Inside.108
Affirming or kissing up to? You’ve seen this person. In fact, you may have known him. This is a minister, elder, or other church leader who kisses up to others. Some think he is a great guy. “We need more people in this church (or organization) with an attitude like John’s!” However, you know the… Continue reading Ministry Inside.108
Ministry Inside.107
Why did she say that? Why would he post that picture on Facebook? Why is he so insulting? What Christian leaders say and do really does form an impression. In fact, you cannot keep from creating some kind of impression. Consider for a moment what contributes to another’s impression of you. This is important because… Continue reading Ministry Inside.107
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How generous are you? I was once in a conversation with a minister I admired. He worked hard, loved his congregation, and was seemingly very productive. One day he and I were discussing a sermon I was preparing to preach. He made a suggestion and then offered a particular perspective on the subject of my… Continue reading Ministry Inside.106
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I watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” every December. George Bailey had many dreams but they were put on hold for the sake of others. He lives in Bedford Falls with his family, trying to keep the Building and Loan afloat. At one point, he realizes that he is in serious trouble. He wishes he had… Continue reading Ministry Inside.103
Ministry Inside.102
Under Stress? Sometimes ministry can be very stressful. It may be conflict with a staff member or a few of the elders. Or, perhaps you are under stress due to the church’s financial problems. Maybe there has been an incident in the church that has become very, very draining. Sometimes when we become stressed, we either over-function… Continue reading Ministry Inside.102
Ministry Inside.101
Top 10 Suggestions for Beginning the New Year The following are 10 suggestions for the upcoming new year. While I am writing these with church leaders in mind, some of these may be applicable to most anyone. (These are not listed in order of importance.) 1. Pay attention to the basics. … Continue reading Ministry Inside.101
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But what will people think? Years ago, Charlotte and I were walking across a parking lot of a large church building in Kansas City. We had an appointment with a marriage therapist. This was our first visit with him. I was nervous. I was nervous that someone who I knew might see me. I… Continue reading Ministry Inside.99
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What is the #1 way many ministers sabotage their ministry? A loose and undisciplined mouth. Years ago, I was teaching a Wednesday evening class at our church. The class was about to begin. A woman was still talking as I attempted to start this class. I said something about her to the group, thinking it… Continue reading Ministry Inside.95