My calling to pastoral ministry came unexpectedly enough. I labored eagerly as an itinerant preacher for four years and as a church volunteer in nearly every capacity, but a pastor I was not.

The visit came while I was at work. It was from a timid, elderly man whom I recognized from the small church I had minister at more than a month prior. To say his words were direct would be an understatement. ...

Topics:	Calling, Church staff, Discernment, Human limitations, Leadership, Pastors
Filters:	Church board, Deacon, Discipleship, Pastor, Pastoral care, Shepherd
Purpose:	Ministry
References:	1 Samuel 3:4-10, 1 Timothy 3:6, Hebrews 11:8
Date Added:	July 11, 2007

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. …

By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. …

By faith Abraham, even though he was past age-and Sarah herself was barren-was ...

Topics:	Christian life, Discipleship, Pursuit of God, Spiritual direction, Spiritual formation
Filters:	Discipleship, Pastor, Spiritual director
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	Hebrews 11:1-2, Hebrews 11:7, Hebrews 11:11-12, Hebrews 11:31, Hebrews 12:1
Date Added:	July 30, 2007

True worship, we are often taught, is more about the mind thinking rightly about God (using theologically correct language and liturgy) rather than the heart's hunger for him. The exercises of our enlightened minds may deduce God, but only our ignited hearts can delight him. Therefore to please God, worship must do four things:

1. True worship treasures God's presence. God welcomes those into his presence ...

Topics:	Congregational care, Discipleship, Evaluation, Spiritual leadership, Team building, Worship, Worship planning, Worship service
Filters:	Christian education, Elder, Pastor, Spiritual director, Worship, Worship leader, Worship planning, Worship service
Purpose:	Worship
References:	Exodus 15:1-2, Hebrews 11:6, 1 John 4:19
Date Added:	August 01, 2007

When you promised "for better or for worse," maybe you momentarily considered the possibilities of "worse": illness, problems with children, financial difficulties. You probably never imagined you might one day face betrayal, but it's not uncommon for marital trust to be shattered by secretive behavior or broken promises.

In my counseling office, my own heart was breaking as I watched Barbara suffer ...

Topics:	Character, Forgiveness, Mistakes, Reconciliation, Restoration
Filters:	Divorce care, Family ministry, Mentoring, Pastor, Pastoral care, Spiritual director, Woman leader
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	Hebrews 11
Date Added:	December 09, 2008

It's ironic. I used to call the time I set aside for God my "quiet time." However, those times, filled with words—the words I read, studied, wrote, or whispered toward the ceiling, wondering if God even heard—felt anything but quiet. They felt more like "doing" times—as in completing tasks on a list. And, truth be told, sometimes they also felt like "doing time," as in punishment ...

Topics:	Leadership, Meditation, Prayer, Soul, Transformation
Filters:	Pastor, Prayer, Small group leader, Spiritual director, Woman leader
Purpose:	Worship
References:	Esther 4:15-16, John 17, Hebrews 11:6
Date Added:	March 17, 2009