Healthy Pastors Leading Health Churches
Most pastors have been there, struggling over the news that someone they love and care about has left the church in a tizzy. It doesn’t matter if the church has a hundred people or ten thousand; it always leaves at least a little sting when they go. This is especially true if they go away mad. We cannot control what people do, but we … [Read more...]
Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. (Isaiah 55:6-7 ESV) With open arms and abundant, forgiving grace, God invites … [Read more...]
Earlier this month, Sandy and I spent a couple of relaxing days at Cape May, N.J., where the houses are Victorian, the breezes are fresh, and the beaches are wide. The only downer was the vicious cold I developed just in time for our little getaway. But even that couldn’t take away from the loveliness of our stay. Actually, I used to … [Read more...]
Statistically, this is the time of year when most people abandon the goals they set just a few weeks ago, giving into the idea that change is either hopeless or just too hard. We often give different names to the reasons for our failures: Time - usually not enough of it. Tough - the task is just too hard. Terrible - to describe how … [Read more...]
We’ve been talking about life plans as part of our Strongology as ministry leaders. If you’ve been following this blog for some time now, you know that Strongology is a lifestyle built for maximum ministry while eliminating burnout at the same time. Are you considering developing your own life plan? Here are some resources to get … [Read more...]
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 (NIV) If you lived in a frontier town constantly harassed by raiding parties from an enemy, one option for your military would be to send troops to actually live beside you. These troops would be garrisoned … [Read more...]
About 40 years ago, I was at a camp in the mountains. Alone in a room, I prayed, “God, if there is a God, I’m open. If you’re real, I want to know you’re real. And, Jesus Christ, if you can change my life, if there is a purpose for my life, I want to know it.” You know what happened? Nothing. I didn’t get goose bumps. I … [Read more...]
I tweeted earlier this week that: “True believers are marked by their love. It flows from God through men and women to the world. Want to impact the world? #LoveSomebody” I whole heartedly believe this is true. Last week I sat down with my friend Joel, a man I have much respect for whose love for God and others cannot help but … [Read more...]
Walking last evening in mid-town Manhattan, I was struck, as always, by the vast multitude of people, walking past and with me from all directions. At most, I will “know” these people in the fleeting depth of one glance, barely registering on my consciousness; soon unseated in my very limited memory by a million other sights and … [Read more...]
I hope the people at your church know it is okay to smile every once in a while. Even laugh occasionally (but not during the pastor's sermon, please!). Sometimes I think we take the things that happen at church a bit too seriously. Do you know what I mean? No, I'm not talking about things like sin or theology or repentance or … [Read more...]
A Weekly Word from Pastor Rick
The Latest News from Pastors.com
Free Sermon Downloads
And Much More!
