Jesus and Paul both said that people follow the example of their leaders. This means that the preaching pastor has to establish a culture of humility, honesty, authenticity, and repentance. The following five practices are ones that I have found to be practically helpful for that to occur.

First, the pastor needs to integrate sermon preparation and personal Bible study. In the past, it has been argued ...

"What if the priest and Levite passed by the beaten man on the Jericho road, not because they lacked compassion, but because they were running late to a discipleship group or an important board meeting?"

My college professor's application of the Good Samaritan parable didn't fully register until I'd been in professional ministry for nearly 20 years. I'd walked past so many who could have used my help ...

Topics:	Compassion, Congregational care, Empathy, Ministry, Outreach, Servanthood, Shepherding, Spiritual care
Filters:	Church board, Hospitality, Outreach, Pastor, Pastoral care, Shepherd, Volunteer
Purpose:	Ministry
References:	Luke 10:30-37
Date Added:	March 25, 2008

"How can we believe in God when a good man can be so cruelly snatched away?" a young man asked after a memorial service. "How can we have faith in a world like this?"

Prior to my appointment as U.S. Senate Chaplain, I served 27 years as a military chaplain. Too often I had to tell family members of the death of a soldier. At those ...

Topics:	Compassion, Congregational care, Empathy, Ministry, Outreach, Servanthood, Shepherding, Spiritual care
Filters:	Church board, Hospitality, Outreach, Pastor, Pastoral care, Shepherd, Volunteer
Purpose:	Ministry
References:	Matthew 25:31-46
Date Added:	March 25, 2008

Eight months ago, I sat in my office, tears gathering in my eyes. "Not again," I said aloud to myself. "Not here." I blinked back the wetness in my eyes and tried to focus on my computer project. No luck. More tears. With a deep breath I headed for the ladies room, trying to keep my composure until I was safe within the privacy of a stall. Once inside I let the tears spill, dabbing them carefully ...

Topics:	Counseling, Crisis, Depression, Empathy, Renewal
Filters:	Counseling, Pastor, Pastoral care, Woman leader, Women's ministry
Purpose:	Ministry
References:	1 Kings 19:4, 1 Kings 19:5-6
Date Added:	January 13, 2009

Time is always in demand for families, so minimize the nights you have students out for your events. More than two nights a week might be too much. Also, consider not scheduling events during busy seasons—December, or right before school starts—to give families extra time together. Then be sure to make parents aware that they have that extra ...