Blog Articles and Resources for Pastors and Church Leaders
Blog Articles and Resources for Pastors and Church Leaders
It’s Impossible to Lead Well if We Aren’t Willing to Be Misunderstood
Sheep Seldom Know What’s Best for Them Every shepherd must occasionally make his sheep do something they don’t want to do. It’s an unpleasant but necessary part of leadership. A good shepherd doesn’t take a poll to see where the sheep want to go....
Door Number Three: Pivoting to Success When You Feel Like Giving Up
Weariness had set in and I was ready to throw in the towel. The organization I started wasn’t growing and disappointment and stress had taken their toll. So, I sought the counsel of a well-known minister. I asked one simple question: “Is it time...
4 Virtues That Fuel God-Honoring Cultural Engagement
One of the first virtues necessary for the believer who seeks effective and God-honoring cultural engagement is diligence . The Bible describes diligence, in fact, as the foundation for the other virtues (see 2 Peter 1:5-8). No one can be an expert...
3 Steps to Navigating Homosexuality in Our Churches
Step 1: Have Your Conviction s Settled On Sunday, September 20, 2009, I walked into an evangelical church in Hollywood called Reality LA as a self-proclaimed atheist and a gay man; two hours later I walked out a born-again Christian who no longer...
God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel
Interview with Cost Hinn, nephew of televangelist Benny Hinn. As his faith in Christ deepened, Costi Hinn, nephew of televangelist Benny Hinn, found himself questioning his family’s practices. This insider view from the once heir-apparent of one of...
Riding the Ups and Downs of Leadership Confidence
Roller Coasters take you on a wild ride with unexpected turns, dips, and plunges at high speeds. Even the names of some of the biggest thrillers offer a clue. For example, “The Beast” at Kings Island, in Mason, Ohio travels 65 mph and is 110 ft...
Help Your Church or Group Master the Basics of the Bible
In a Breakpoint Commentary titled, “Americans Fail Theology 101” * Eric Metaxas wrote, “Could you pass a basic theology quiz? Several thousand Americans just tried. Uh-oh! Too bad God doesn’t grade on the curve.” Then he commented on a LifeWay...
Three Ways Pastors Can Help Parents Pass on Faith to Their Children
Some research suggests that 40 to 50 percent of students transitioning from the home to young adulthood are experiencing a faith that does not last.
So how can we as pastors, help parents “pastor” their own families? Let me offer three simple ways that we as pastoral leaders can help families pass on faith to the next generation.
Your negative self-talk is holding you back.
Here’s how to break free. Have you ever found yourself scrolling through your Instagram feed and hopelessly comparing yourself to the people you see there? I look at them and think, I’ll never look that good while I’m working out. Or I’ll never be...
Once upon a time in first-century Roman-occupied Palestine...
…an itinerant Jewish teacher began to attract attention for his surprising statements about God, his radical approach to religion and politics, and his healing care for the poor, lonely, and sick. His message offended the ruling authorities, and he...
The God-Stopped Moments
Dear Pastor, Though the title of my latest book, When God Stops , is somewhat tongue-in-cheek, we all need “God-Stopped” moments, to receive special attention from God, in areas where we are hurting. These moments are paramount not only to our...
4 Virtues That Fuel God-Honoring Cultural Engagement
One of the first virtues necessary for the believer who seeks effective and God-honoring cultural engagement is diligence . The Bible describes diligence, in fact, as the foundation for the other virtues (see 2 Peter 1:5-8). No one can be an expert...
It's Never Too Late for a New Beginning
I am a Texas boy. Born here. Educated here. Texans are known for many things — most of them true — but one thing stands out more than any other: our love for football. The Greatest Comeback in College Football Bowl History I was in the stands and...
3 Steps to Navigating Homosexuality in Our Churches
Step 1: Have Your Conviction s Settled On Sunday, September 20, 2009, I walked into an evangelical church in Hollywood called Reality LA as a self-proclaimed atheist and a gay man; two hours later I walked out a born-again Christian who no longer...
Interview with Costi Hinn
An Insider’s View of the Prosperity Gospel Interview with Cost Hinn, nephew of televangelist Benny Hinn and author of God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel: How Truth Overwhelms a Life Built on Lies Q: Why do you feel you need to warn people...
When to Try Door Number Three
THERE’S A THIRD DOOR Weariness had set in and I was ready to throw in the towel. The organization I started wasn’t growing and disappointment and stress had taken their toll. So, I sought the counsel of a well-known minister. I asked one simple...
Free Resources
Using How (not) to Save the World with your church or small group?
Here are some tools to help:
The Small Group Tool Kit includes two mobile-friendly invitation cards, reflection cards to enhance your small group experience, and a worship song playlist curated by Hosanna Wong that can beplayed during small group meetings or personal Bible study time.
The Church Tool Kit includes a downloadable poster, bulletininsert, invitation card, and Power Point slide.
Is your church talking about anxiety, depression and mental health issues? You should be.
Shawn Johnson, lead pastor of Red Rocks Church, gives a
searingly honest portrait of anxiety and depression and shows readers how to fight back and live free. He also has put together three free tools pastors can use to help their congregation have a productive conversation around mental health, including a discussion guide, sermon notes and key Scripture verses.