In our prophetic role, pastors need to challenge people to keep the faith, fight the good fight. And often that means giving a forceful word to the congregation.

The other side of being prophetic, the side that the mentor highlights, is being an encourager. The goal is the same—living faithfully a Christian lifestyle—but the means are different: encouragement, affirmation, praise.

As a mentor ...

Topics:	Coaching, Congregational care, Discipleship, Empowerment, Mentoring, Pastoral care, Shepherding, Spiritual care, Spiritual direction, Spiritual formation
Filters:	Church staff, Counseling, Discipleship, Elder, Pastor, Pastoral care, Shepherd, Spiritual director
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	1 Corinthians 15, 2 Timothy 2:2
Date Added:	July 12, 2007

The older couple stared as a low, red convertible raced past. In the sportscar, a couple, also of a certain age but noticeably more energetic, waved and lifted a can of fortified energy drink.

Sometimes we wish we could give our co-workers in ministry a boost. We often need one for ourselves. If only enthusiasm for ministry came in a six-pack.

The words energy and enthusiasm have something ...

Topics:	Authenticity, Balance, Boundaries, Burnout, Calling, Enthusiasm, Renewal, Spiritual passion, Time
Filters:	Church staff, Counseling, Discipleship, Elder, Pastor, Preaching, Volunteer coordinator
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	1 Corinthians 15
Date Added:	July 31, 2007

Congregations need to be equipped to face the trauma of death with both realism and faith.

Lay a Theological Foundation
Those who want nothing to do with theology—"Boring," "Too dry"—automatically shift into theological high gear when death intrudes into their lives. People want answers to help them carry on when they are reeling from the death of a loved one.

Our congregations need a theological ...

Topics:	Counseling, Crisis, Funerals, Grief, Healing, Pastoral care, Shepherding, Spiritual care
Filters:	Church staff, Counseling, Discipleship, Elder, Family ministry, Pastor, Pastoral care, Shepherd
Purpose:	Fellowship
References:	1 Corinthians 15:12-58
Date Added:	July 31, 2007

Click an image or title below to order any of these recommended resources.

Leadership Journal: Energy & Joy
The premier practical journal for church leaders devoted an issue to "Energy & Joy," which include outstanding articles by Dallas Willard, Earl Palmer, Gary Preston, and others. Read the issue online at:
http://christianitytoday.com/le/8l4/

Ordering Your Private Worldby Gordon MacDonald A practical ...

Topics:	Authenticity, Balance, Boundaries, Burnout, Calling, Enthusiasm, Renewal, Spiritual passion, Time
Filters:	Church staff, Counseling, Discipleship, Elder, Pastor, Preaching, Volunteer coordinator
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	Isaiah 40:28-31, 1 Corinthians 15:1-32, 2 Corinthians 12:8-9, Hebrews 12:3
Date Added:	August 27, 2007

Educators have found at least four separate learning styles, each with its own optimum teaching methods. Individual educational theorists label their quadrants differently, but I prefer the schema Bernice McCarthy outlined in the 4MAT System. She distinguishes four kinds of students: innovative learners, analytic learners, common sense learners, and dynamic learners. The following descriptions lean ...

Topics:	Adult education, Children, Christian education, Communication, Education, Sunday school, Teaching
Filters:	Children's ministry, Children's pastor, Christian education, Pastor, Preaching, Sunday school, Sunday school
Purpose:	Ministry
References:	Proverbs 3:5-6, 1 Corinthians 15:10, Ephesians 4:13
Date Added:	November 27, 2007