Pastoral ministry is a taxing assignment, no matter the size or context in which you are serving. Big or small, established or planted, urban or rural, each of these paradigms presents the pastor with a particular set of stresses and burdens that necessitate a holy dose of grace, humility, faith, and brotherhood. Notwithstanding what your ministry environment looks like…

Being at someone else's home, whatever the occasion, can be an intimidating experience. We want to put our best foot forward to be the perfect guest. We may not be sure of the customs and culture within that home, so we want to be careful not to overstep our bounds. What a relief it is when our host tells us to "make ourselves at home." Implied in that comment is that we are to consider the host's home our home…

“When I wake up in the morning, and the alarm gives out a warning, and I don't think I'll ever make it on time. By the time I grab my books and I give myself a look, I’m at the corner just in time to see the bus fly by.” This theme song from the 1990’s tv show Saved By the Bell captures the feeling most pastors experience each week…

Pastors need to be encouraged.

How does that statement strike you? Do you believe it’s true, even for you or your pastor?

Paul’s ministry in the book of Acts, and the testimony of his epistles, demonstrate the value of encouragement. The Apostle himself…

Growing up in Philadelphia, I would think of the endless possibilities of gospel influence that lay before me in a city of 1.5 million people! "Just think of the impact I can have with all these people being here,” I told myself. "After college, I'm coming back here to plant a church. The bigger the place, the bigger the impact.”

Well, God had other plans…