spiritual growth
10 Characteristics of Spiritually Weak Christian Leaders
I’m hesitant to write this post because I know I probably exhibit some of these characteristics. Nevertheless, here are some […]
Blog
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- faith
7 Bible Stories/Passages That Help Me When My Faith Struggles
We live in a messed-up world that seems to get even crazier every day. I wish I could […]
- faith
10 Ways to Challenge and Stretch Your Faith
Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). Still, many of us have a stagnant faith […]
- Sermon Preparation
7 Reasons We Preachers Need to Listen to Other Preaching
When I first started preaching decades ago, the primary ways to listen to other preachers were to visit […]
- Pastors
7 Reasons Why Ministry Can Contribute to Ego
Ego always lurks at the door of even the finest ministers of the gospel. In fact, my experience […]
christmas
A Christmas Wish for a Nonbelieving Friend
Hi, friend. You and I have had such good times together. We can be apart for months at […]
advent
What Christmas Eve Means
It’s Christmas Eve. Scholars debate the actual date of Jesus’ birth, but the truth of this event is […]
Nativity Story
A Christmas Devotion for This Weekend
They’ve been some of the most gripping moments of my life. I’ve watched silently around the world as: […]
christmas
A Christmas Preaching and Teaching Illustration I Pray Challenges and Encourages You
I remember well the Christmases of my childhood. Seldom did we sleep well on Christmas Eve. I doubt […]
gratitude
12 Ways to Build Thanksgiving into Your Life
We have so much for which to be grateful today. I fear, though, that we too often limit […]
gratitude
7 Things the Sin of Ingratitude Reveals about Us
It’s Thanksgiving season, when we spend time expressing our gratitude to God and each other. I fear, though, […]
Encouragement
Encouragements for New Leaders: Lessons I Wish I Knew as a Young Pastor
On April 1, 1981, I began my ministry as a full-time pastor. Here are some lessons I wish […]
Encouragement
7 Reasons Why Pastors Need Encouragement Today
I’m always grateful for “Pastor Appreciation Month” every time it comes around in October. It means a lot […]
Pastor Appreciation Month
12 Unique Gifts Believers Have Given Me as Their Pastor
It’s Pastor Appreciation Month. As I think about this month, I’m reminded of some of the unique gifts […]
Children's Ministry
One Time When I’m Most Pleased with My Preaching
I love to preach the Word of God, but I make no claims to be good at it. […]
Children's Ministry
8 Reasons Why Pastors Need to Serve in the Nursery or Preschool for a Sunday
I’ve served as a pastor, and I fully understand our desire to preach every Sunday. Few of us […]
Humility
A Quiz: Are You a Teachable Person?
I recognize that I’m not always teachable, so I hesitate to write this post. At the same time, […]
Pastoral Ministry
A Word to Pastors, Student Ministers, Student Leaders, and Churches
I was 13 years old, and I attended church for the first time in my life. Over the […]
christian living
Why Believers Must Avoid Immoral Joking
Several months ago, I wrote on why how we talk as believers matters. I’ve hesitated since then writing […]
Mentoring
10 Reasons Why Pastors Need to be Mentoring at Least One College Student
Few things excite me as much as the opportunities I have to invest in college students, even if […]
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