For several weeks, I have been reading portions of Tom Olbricht’s new book Reflections on My Life: In the Kingdom and the Academy. Olbricht serves as Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Religion, Pepperdine University. For many years before serving at Pepperdine, he taught at Abilene Christian University. I bought and am reading this book for one… Continue reading Tom Olbricht: Reflections on My Life
Tag: Ministry
Wanted: Moments of Grace
It was an embarrassing moment as a young minister. Charlotte and I had been living in Abilene while I finished seminary. I had just completed my studies and moved to north Alabama where I began preaching for a church. Now, I was a full-time minister for a congregation. I was overwhelmed and had no idea… Continue reading Wanted: Moments of Grace
3 Suggestions to Help You Persevere
The truth is that God in Christ is greater than whatever obstacle might stand in the way.
Today:
1. Lean into your life. Don’t hold back.
2. Push forward. With God’s Spirit in you, the wind is at your back.
3. Take at least one step in the right direction.
Ministry Inside.81
Each Thursday, I write a post focused on the needs of church leaders. The following is the first in a series of habits for church leaders (in particular) who wish to grow and develop. Habit #1 Practice self-awareness. With whom am I spending time? I have to monitor just how much time I spend with… Continue reading Ministry Inside.81
Monday Start (Resources for the Week)
Do you have a dream? This may be one of the best posts Jeff Goins has written: “When You’re Scared to Death, Do Something Anyway.” I really enjoy reading Jeff’s posts. You might enjoy this great interview with Jeff Goins. Pictures of the day You might enjoy these pictures from The Telegraph (UK). I especially… Continue reading Monday Start (Resources for the Week)
Ministry Inside.78
How to Kill Your Ministry 1. Live an insular life. Live as if you were on a remote island. You have probably seen ministers like this. Some live this way within their own congregations. Others exist like this within their fellowship or denomination. They live and function with their lives centered around concerns that are… Continue reading Ministry Inside.78
What You May Be Missing by Nursing Your Discontentment
I couldn’t believe it. The house was huge. It seemed like the house covered much of the block. I was in college working for a company based in the Dallas area. On the instruction sheet were directions to this home located in an exclusive part of Dallas. I was going to the home of the daughter of… Continue reading What You May Be Missing by Nursing Your Discontentment
Monday Start (Resources for the Week)
You May Be Thinking About Technology and Relationships. This TED talk made me think. Professor Sherry Turkle speaks about why we seem to expect more from technology and less from each other. You May Be Thinking About Ministry. Gene Wilkes (a great guy!) has written an important post: “4 Things I Learned in 25 Years… Continue reading Monday Start (Resources for the Week)
Are You Under Pressure?
Ministry Inside.77
Each Thursday, I post something I think might be helpful or encouraging to church leaders. (You might also find it helpful to read an earlier post about some of the real mental and emotional challenges in ministry.) Habits that will help you keep your sanity as a Christian leader: 1. Have a strong sense of… Continue reading Ministry Inside.77