Does your congregation have a good minister? Hopefully so. A congregation really ought to encourage and value such a person. Unfortunately, many other ministers start out well but then make one of three fatal errors which often brings a ministry to an end. In this case, the problem wasn’t a cantankerous elder or harassment from… Continue reading When a Minister Helps to Kill a Ministry
Category: Ministry
Random Thoughts for Ministers
1. What you are doing within your congregation is good, important, and a significant way to spend your life. What a gift you have been given! 2. Stop trying so hard to be cool, liked, valued, etc. When you do this, it is painful for some in the congregation to watch. It can seem like… Continue reading Random Thoughts for Ministers
Remembering People Who Deserve Much Credit
These people deserve much credit. I suspect that in many congregations, administrative assistants do not receive near the credit they deserve. Today, I am thinking about how grateful I am for a couple of people who I served with in Waco, Texas. For 20 years, I preached at the Crestview Church of Christ. Ministering anywhere… Continue reading Remembering People Who Deserve Much Credit
What Ministers Can Learn from the Ministry of Joe Baisden
Joe Baisden of Belton, Texas passed away after battling cancer. He was 79 years old. For 33 years, he served the Belton Church of Christ as their preacher. His funeral was in Belton on Saturday (August 20, 2016). I am thankful to have known Joe and Janelle. For 20 years, I served the Crestview Church, maybe… Continue reading What Ministers Can Learn from the Ministry of Joe Baisden
What Shame Can Do to a Minister
Brene Brown is a best selling author whom I have found helpful. In particular, I have found her work regarding shame and vulnerability to be helpful. Basically, she distinguishes shame and guilt like this: “I did something bad.” — Guilt (focus on behavior) “I am a bad.” — Shame (focus on self) Shame tells us… Continue reading What Shame Can Do to a Minister
Ministers, Finances, and the Danger of Ignoring This Subject
The interview with the prospective minister was over. The elders felt very good about this young man and his family. He was a good preacher and also seemed to have some good social skills. Several of his former professors and an older minister gave high recommendations. The elders were ready to make this young man… Continue reading Ministers, Finances, and the Danger of Ignoring This Subject
5 Essentials for Ministers Who Wish to Stay Ahead
Serving a church in a ministry role can be very challenging. Yet, there are some things you can do to get out in front of some of the challenges. For example: Y0u are far ahead if you are committed to maturing in Christ. Pay attention to your own spiritual formation. Whatever spiritual disciplines you practice… Continue reading 5 Essentials for Ministers Who Wish to Stay Ahead
What a Minister Can Learn from a Congregation
Many ministers learn a great deal from the people they serve. Others seem to learn very little. Much of the time, this says more about the minister than the congregation. Ministers typically have a front row seat to the congregation. This is a wonderful opportunity for a minister to grow, mature, and learn. Unfortunately, some… Continue reading What a Minister Can Learn from a Congregation
Don’t Murder Your Minister
I have known ministers who were wonderful people, but some attempted to murder their ministry a long time ago. Most people in the churches I’ve ministered with treated me quite well. Some of the best people I have known are in the churches I’ve served with in Alabama, Missouri, and Texas. However. . . I… Continue reading Don’t Murder Your Minister
What Your Preacher May Not Tell You
Recently, I was with a number of ministers from across the country. Many of them were fairly young. I would guess that most of these young ministers are conscientious people who want to do the right thing for their church. I have preached for over three decades. I know many preachers. Most of them are… Continue reading What Your Preacher May Not Tell You