When People Talk, It Can Make or Break Your Church

Church people talk. They talk about all kinds of things: the pastor, her sermon, how many people used to be in worship, and what we ought to be doing but haven’t yet. This kind of talk can be threatening to a pastor, but it doesn’t have to be. Having...

How to Warm Up Your Relationships Gone Cold

I love this time of year, don’t you? Even though the days are getting shorter, I love the cool, crisp air and the changing colors of fall. It’s nice cutting the air conditioning down at home. Pleasant evenings find my wife, Cindy, and me sitting in the...

5 Things Pastors Need to Stop Doing Now

Becoming an effective, emotionally intelligent pastor requires more than delivering a good sermon, making timely hospital visits and scheduling committee meetings. Outstanding pastor-leaders lead from their heart and their head. Their passions and enthusiasm set a...

Your Church Must Choose: Window or Aisle Seat?

I had my choice between the window seat and the aisle seat on a recent flight. Sitting by the window offers a great view, but it makes me feel cramped, if not trapped. There are benefits to the aisle seat. You have greater freedom to stand or move when you like. You...

3 Lessons from Three Decades of Ministry, Marriage

I entered the pastorate with a fair amount of preparation. From graduate to post-graduate work, I was surrounded by motivated friends and a world-class faculty. It was the best of times. I had every opportunity and I loved it. Along the way, I had the chance to apply...