Every position of leadership has its nuances. We pastors are no different. Those of us who shepherd God’s people have unique demands and quirks that come with our leadership roles in ministry. And in my three years as a pastor, I’ve learned the hard way that some secular leadership models simply do not work in the church. A seasoned pastor bristling with sagacity recently reminded me of several characteristics of sound pastoral leadership, specifically relating to potential conflict within the Read more [...]

This video is an excellent conglomeration of stats concerning the state of the church in America today.

Thanks go to my cousin David for the link.

I like to stay busy. If I have down time, I fill it with something. It’s my greatest strength and weakness. I’m goal oriented, but I have a tendency to let relationships in my life slip in order to achieve goals. This past week I had a wake-up call, one that made me realize how important people are, and how much less important it is to achieve personal goals. This week I also learned how sometimes we have to stop. I had surgery to remove a tumor on my thyroid, and it amazed me how my family Read more [...]

This from the Christian Post: A cutting-edge church leader known for his innovative ideas on reaching a post-modern generation for Christ contends the reason why churches are declining in America is because they are self-centered. “My primary assessment would be because American Christians tend to be incredibly self-indulgent so they see the church as a place there for them to meet their needs and to express faith in a way that is meaningful for them,” said cultural architect Erwin McManus, Read more [...]

New NAMB and LifeWay research adds statistical meat to the ongoing conversation: unchurched Americans are open to spiritual matters, but not the institutional church. Below are some data blurbs from the study: 79% of the unchurched agree that “Christianity is more about organized religion than about loving God and loving people.” 89% of the unchurched agree that “I have at least one close friend who considers himself or herself a Christian." 78% of the unchurched agree that “if someone Read more [...]