In over 45 years of global travel, I have heard the words “We Are Next for Takeoff” hundreds of times. I confess: I like movement and speed. The thought of getting somewhere faster than normal appeals to me. I cannot sit for long periods of time without getting bored. It does not offend me if you classify my condition with…
A burden for ministry may take you to a place of service, but only a love for Jesus will keep you there. Cultivating your personal spiritual walk is not a bullet point on your ministry training checklist; it is the source of life and ministry. Notice what Ezra (ca. 450 BC) did when he went to rebuild the temple. From…
Just talk to any parent and they will tell you they have been bombarded with the question, “Why?” Little children constantly ask that question. There are days that every conversation, instruction, explanation, or clarification invokes a “Why?” So “Why” then do we as adults tend to stop asking “Why?” Why do we leave our curiosity unsatisfied or instructions unclarified? More…
“O, my friends, we are leaky vessels, and have to be kept right under the fountain all the time in order to keep full.” – Dwight Lyman Moody Is there a secret to keeping our souls full? Maybe you feel as if your spiritual reservoir is almost empty from the constant drain, and just one more little thing might suck…
“That comment hit me where it hurts!” Most people understand that criticism comes with the territory of just living life. However, some are surprised to discover they receive more criticism than positive reinforcement. Unfortunately, people are prone to air their complaints rather than their compliments. When we receive criticism, it can be incredibly difficult not to become defensive. Our natural…
Culture can possess a dominating, mesmerizing force over a person or generation without absolutes. I am not talking about youth culture nuances such as clothing or music preferences. This is beyond global demographic distinctions. One of the cultural traits manifested by two recent generations but mastered by the Millennials is performance. Unfortunately, this cultural trait seems to have “found religion”…
A place to step aside from the daily routine to discover new ministry tools, methods and be refreshed. Because you are always giving, you share a need for healing and encouragement. Conferences can be a great resource for your ministry and personal life. Consider these Six Reasons Why You Should Go to a Conference: We all need encouragement because ministry…
I am often asked for reading list recommendations on topics such as leadership, personal growth and student ministry. I plan to share these lists in future blogs. But for now… I wanted to get a little head start on the usual end of year list idea with my “Eight Month Top 10 List.” (These are in no particular order.) The…
False summits are the dread of mountain climbers! When a weary hiker rounds the curve to what he perceives as the last big push to the final peak – and finds it a false summit – his heart can feel as disillusioned as his body feels drained. Realizing a false summit has obscured his view of the true mountain peak…
If my spiritual growth is more about “what I do” than “who I am,” I find myself in danger of becoming “weary in well doing!” When our Christianity is relegated to an event, it often grows sterile and perfunctory. Our goal should be to keep our spiritual lives fresh and our relationship with Jesus intimate. Working on the “inner man”…