I slipped into his room late one evening as I arrived home from work only to find him wide awake, snuggled under the covers.
"Hey Dad, it's Wednesday," my 12-year-old said. "Tonight was our date night, Dad! You forgot!"
Somewhere between the deadlines and the donors and the to-do list, I'd forgotten the most important ministry God had entrusted to me, that of my family. It had been weeks since my wife ...
I never cease to be amazed at the incredible paradox of seeing many unhappy people in a world that has so much to offer surprises me even more is the sight of so many Christians who have succumbed to busyness, unhappiness, tightness, and boredom. Many suffer from a nagging sense of guilt that no matter how much they do it is never quite enough.
Words like wonder, joy, rest, and freedom have become ...
Why is it that many of our pastors—the people we respect and admire most—lead lonely lives?
And why do many lay leaders feel frustrated in their attempts to build a friendship with their pastor?
On the one hand, there is a tendency in every congregation to canonize the pastor in a way that Catholics wisely reserve for those long dead. We don't often argue politics, complain about the schools, ask ...
The pastor is the catalyst to the overall success of any outreach program. His input, involvement, and example are paramount. Unfortunately, many pastors are expected to either attend or at least verbally support every ministry activity in the church. He becomes the designated "cheerleader" for every ministry. His desire as a pastor is to see every ministry that is Christ honoring and kingdom building ...
Personal management involves being attentive to how we are doing in each of the following areas:
Our relationship with the living God. Are we abiding in Christ? Do we remain yoked, growing in intimacy with the Father? Are we still in love with Jesus? Are we responsive to the stirrings of the Holy Spirit?
Our relationships with our spouse and children. Are we moving toward greater closeness and trust? Do we view our spouses and children as the first recipients of our Christlike love? Or do they always get the leftovers?
Can you think of any greater privilege than to be called to be a leader in the church of Jesus Christ? The church is his Body, his Bride, the Temple of his Spirit, his Flock, his Army, and his Family.
Can you think of any greater responsibility than leading his church?
This is why God's Word has laid before us such challenging requirements for Christian leadership. The standards are rightly high, not ...
Printer view of these results
