Every pastor experiences a season of weariness and being tired. On this episode, we discuss how pastors can lead while tired. When you're tired as a church leader, it is important to know what to share with your spouse. When you're tired as a pastor, you must lead from a place of optimism and not negativity. Isolation is never good when you're tired as a church leader. Develop friends who can help you filter and discern what's next. When you're tired one key to a less stressful week is getting your Read more [...]
There are two types of sleep: BC and AD. Before Children and After Death. God does not take naps, but you might need one. Far too many pastors do not get a proper cycle of rest. In the fourth commandment, God set up a pattern of work and rest. This pattern goes back to the creation account in which God rested on the seventh day. Notice the connection between rest and salvation in Psalm 62: “I am at rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.” True rest is found only in God’s salvation. Read more [...]
A first impression is made in as little as seven seconds. Within a few moments, guests are beginning to form ideas—positive or negative—about your church. The first person a guest meets will influence the first impression. When a guest walks into the building, the first item they see will prompt them to form opinions about the church. These first impressions are universal. Businesses and schools deal with them. Everyone has first impressions. Even when you consciously try to be impartial, Read more [...]
Preaching is not the same as shepherding. The transition from preaching to pastoring involves building credibility through relationships. Pastors should be accessible to their congregation. Create a "GIP" list to start building relationships. The GIP list includes the top givers, influencers, and problem makers. When you meet with church members, ask them two questions. How did you come to know Jesus? How did you come to our church? Special Est.Church sponsor – Check out these resources Read more [...]
I once caught a deacon throwing choir robes out of the second story window into a giant fire on the ground below. “What’s going on?” “Fire hazard.” By the looks and smell of the robes, I agreed and went about my business. There were probably one hundred burning robes in the fire—enough for every person in the church to take home three or four. I wondered if the choir was ever that large, or if the church ever had a choir. No one knew. The remnant of my first church numbered Read more [...]
There is an ever-looming shuffle of lead pastoral positions. With that in mind many of our listeners will find themselves interacting with the "former pastor". It is an inevitable reality of leading an already established church. In this episode Josh and Sam tackle some of the nuances that come from interacting with your predecessor and some of the ways in which you can make that relationship something of value and joy. Special Est.Church sponsor – Check out these resources from Church Read more [...]
If you are a pastoral candidate or a new pastor, how do you discover the real story of a church? In this episode, we walk through how you can read a church. Special Est.Church sponsor – Check out these resources from Church Initiative! You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate. Pastors are Read more [...]
As my Dad began his "retirement" plan a few years ago, a dream surfaced. We thought about a company that would serve the local church with a unique digital approach. It was unchartered territory, but we went for it. I've learned a lot watching him guide us into these blue oceans. Last week we moved into new waters again. We launched the brand new www.ChurchAnswers.com. Our team has done an incredible job bringing all our resources into one place. It's the new hub for growing your church, leading Read more [...]
Micah and Sam share some thoughts about what has been lost during this time of quarantine. Special Est.Church sponsor – Check out these resources from Church Initiative! You need to learn more about two great resources from Church Initiative. The makers of GriefShare and DivorceCare offer a team of experienced coaches. They equip your church members to get the program started—so it’s not on your plate. Pastors are saying these are among the easiest, most effective ministries they’ve Read more [...]
Many churches are in the process of reopening. Pastors and church leaders are answering questions last asked during the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic. One hundred years ago, many churches closed their campuses for a season. One hundred years later, we are reliving the reopening. Much has changed in the last one hundred years. Prayer has not. Planning and preparation are critically important. Likely, you’ve already spent hours in meetings discussing what to do. The spiritual and physical health Read more [...]
