When Criticism Cuts Deep
I will never forget the moment Archie walked into my office at FBC Cleves and said, “Boy you are over your head, you are picking a fight you don’t want to pick, and you are not going to last long!” I’m pretty sure I heard a voice say, “welcome to the ministry!!” I was the 21-year-old pastor of FBC Cleves, getting blasted by the chairman of the deacons because I didn’t want him and another gentleman smoking cigarettes in the church’s basement on Sunday mornings. I remember
Jun 93 min read
The Administrative Trap
For many pastors, one of the quiet frustrations of ministry is not theological controversy, congregational conflict, or even the weekly responsibility of preaching. Instead, it is the steady accumulation of administrative responsibilities that slowly consumes hours that once felt reserved for shepherding people. Most pastors entered ministry because they sensed a call to preach the Word, disciple believers, evangelize the lost, and care for people. Yet a large portion of
Mar 44 min read
With Eyes Lifted: Four Dreams Guiding Us into the Year Ahead
There is something quietly sacred about the turn of the year for pastors and ministry leaders. Long before goals are written or calendars fill, most shepherds begin with dreams not about buildings or budgets, but about people. We dream about what God might do in hearts, homes, and churches if we walk faithfully with Him in the months ahead. Even after challenging seasons, surveys continue to show that most pastors retain a strong sense of calling and genuine hope for the
Dec 19, 20253 min read