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)
Category: Self-Care
Five Suggestions for Staying Fully Alive
He stood before our church and preached. Each week, this figure in a dark suit opened the Bible and talked. I was in my later years of elementary school, so I don’t remember a lot about this man. But I do remember that when he preached, it seemed dull. I don’t think it was the… Continue reading Five Suggestions for Staying Fully Alive
In Desperate Need of Sabbath
I first heard Gordon MacDonald speak about the importance of "Sabbath" in his book Ordering Your Private World. He spoke of the importance of Sabbath and rest. Specifically, he spoke of the importance of having a "Sabbath," as a part of a rhythm to one’s life, where there is regular rest and reflection. Many of… Continue reading In Desperate Need of Sabbath
What God-Hungry People Need
I will always be grateful to Gordon MacDonald. It was a number of years ago. We were living in Florence, Alabama, at the time and working with a church. It was tough work. I recall feeling much pressure. There was so much to do and so many people with many, many needs. For… Continue reading What God-Hungry People Need
Mind Sweep
In front of me is a yellow legal pad. The first page is full and I am now about halfway through the second page. I am working on a "Mind Sweep." I was first introduced to the value of a Mind Sweep through David Allen’s fine book, Getting Things Done. The idea is that you… Continue reading Mind Sweep
Staying Fully Alive Until You Die
It seems like some people manage to die long before they stop breathing. Maybe you’ve seen these people: The mother or dad who shuts down as soon as the kids get through high school. Each evening is spent in a recliner watching the television drone on and on. Little or no conversation. Routine becomes a… Continue reading Staying Fully Alive Until You Die
Creating Opportunities to Learn
I think it is important to be a lifelong learner. Why? If for no other reason, one can soon become stale. I have found that I need to be intentional about exercising my mind. My mind needs to be stretched. Yesterday, I was at a satellite location (Baylor University) of the Willow Creek Leadership Summit. … Continue reading Creating Opportunities to Learn
Rejuvenate: 13 ways to refresh your soul
There is a fine little piece in Leadership Journal (print edition) this quarter (Spring 2007) entitled "Rejuvenate" (13 ways to refresh your soul). I don’t think it is available online yet. The author is Skye Jethani who is the editor of Out of Ur, Leadership Journal‘s very fine blog. The 13? Take a walk. He… Continue reading Rejuvenate: 13 ways to refresh your soul
Self-Care
I once saw a picture of my father-in-law when he was in his twenties. He was standing next to another minister. He looked overweight and uncomfortable. His skin seemed to be a pasty white. He did not look healthy or fit at all. Years later he reflected on those years and told me of his… Continue reading Self-Care
Running on Empty?
I suspect you know what it is like to be "running on empty." I sure do! There are certain activities that just drain the energy out of me (long meetings, endless discussions over matters that seem insignificant, etc.) Sometimes the pace is fast, full, and constant. At some point, I begin to feel empty. Fil… Continue reading Running on Empty?