Encouragement for the Shepherds Who Lead God’s People

 

Every pastor and ministry leader knows what it feels like to pour themselves out week after week—teaching, shepherding, counseling, leading, and trying to stay faithful in a world that isn’t always kind. Ministry is beautiful, but it is also demanding. Many leaders serve faithfully while carrying private battles, untold pressures, unanswered questions, and seasons of weariness. Like David, some know what it feels like to walk “through the valley” while still being expected to lead with confidence. 

 

Living Focused was created to remind ministry leaders that you are not alone in this work. More importantly, you don’t have to carry it alone. The same Shepherd who restores the soul, who leads His people to still waters, and who anoints the hurting with fresh oil is the Shepherd who walks with you today. 

 

Your preaching reflects a deep love for Scripture, a commitment to sound doctrine, and a pastor’s instinct to walk gently with people through their struggles. Your sermons consistently point believers to depend on the Lord in weakness, to trust Him in seasons they don’t understand, and to find rest in His presence—even when life squeezes hard. 

Living Focused reflects that same spirit.

 

It rests on three commitments:

 

1. Spiritually Focused

You write like a shepherd who knows what it feels like to cling to God’s promises in the dark and celebrate His faithfulness in the light. Your teaching reminds believers that God is good even when circumstances are not—and that His love is not theoretical but demonstrated in Christ. (“He did this for me…”) 
 

Every article flows from biblical truth, grounded in the authority of Scripture and shaped by the convictions of the Baptist Faith & Message 2000.

 

2. Emotionally Focused

One theme that rises again and again in your preaching is honesty—honesty about our own brokenness, our fears, our thorns in the flesh, and our deep need to depend on God. You teach that weakness is not a liability but often an advantage because it pushes us closer to the Shepherd. 
 

Living Focused becomes a place where leaders can acknowledge their humanity and find encouragement in the faithfulness of God.

 

3. Professionally Focused

Your decades of ministry—revitalizing churches, training leaders, navigating transitions, building partnerships—give you a practical wisdom many leaders desperately need. You teach with a blend of biblical clarity and “I’ve been there” empathy. Leaders will find here insights to help them shepherd well, communicate better, lead healthier teams, and walk wisely in challenging seasons. 

 

Why This Space Matters

In your sermons, you often remind people that God is working—even in the unseen places and the unplanned seasons. You show how God weaves backgrounds, burdens, and blessings into His sovereign plan. (“Every single strand of our lives is God’s handiwork…”)