Category: Relationships

When Ministry Becomes a Breath of Fresh Air (Part 3)

Sometimes ministry is anything but a breath of fresh air.  In fact, it can be life-draining.  It is so important to periodically think about what adds life and joy to what we do each day as Christ-followers. The following are some basic principles of ministry.  I believe these principles are life-giving as they move us… Continue reading When Ministry Becomes a Breath of Fresh Air (Part 3)

Before You Marry (Part 4)

Marriage can be wonderful.  It is a gift of God. Yet, it is very important to think through your reasons for wanting to get married.  I have been thinking lately about what I have learned through many, many conversations with couples regarding marriage.  I have been privileged to be a part of many conversations that were… Continue reading Before You Marry (Part 4)

Does This Family Look Familiar? (Part 1)

Several years ago, I sat at a table in the faculty dining room at Baylor University.  At the table with me was a man who had served as the academic dean and eventually as the president of a seminary.  He was now "semi-retired."  Most weekends, he preached at a church somewhere in the country.  I… Continue reading Does This Family Look Familiar? (Part 1)

Just Enough Time for What Matters

I have been on Facebook for about a year.  What I absolutely love about Facebook is the opportunity to re-connect with friends from the past.  In the past few months, I have had the opportunity to communicate with Frank, Gary, Debbie, John, Bob, Debbie, Rick, and today — Stan.  I haven’t seen most of these… Continue reading Just Enough Time for What Matters

How To Help a Relationship Die

Sometimes relationships start and then quickly end.  Sometimes relationships exist and then gradually erode, perhaps after many, many years.  What happens quite often with some people is that the relationship finally dies a slow, lingering death.   I am thinking this morning about a certain kind behavior that contributes to the death of a relationship.  Passivity… Continue reading How To Help a Relationship Die

Pay Attention

Neglect.  Now that is a stark word.  Sometimes, we neglect to pay attention.  This is something that I have been thinking about lately.  The importance of simply paying attention to another person.  I recognize that others need to do this.  But, do I pay attention? Have you ever been to someone’s house for dinner (maybe… Continue reading Pay Attention

41 Things Ministers Ought to Know (Part 1 of 4)

What do Christian ministers need to know?  Specifically, I am speaking of people who might be on the staff of a church participating in some form of Christian ministry.  Regardless of your role, I believe these principles are important to know about ministry in general.    A form of this list originally appeared here almost… Continue reading 41 Things Ministers Ought to Know (Part 1 of 4)

Question: What are the Deal Breakers?

No one is perfect.  We know that, don’t we?  People make mistakes and blunders.  To expect near perfection in the behavior of people is to invite much disappointment.   Yet, there are some behaviors that are usually "deal breakers."  That is, they often lead to a severe breach in the trust relationship between friends, between… Continue reading Question: What are the Deal Breakers?