Several years ago, Kaye and I went white-water rafting together while on a summer vacation. We planned it for months as it was something we were looking forward to doing together. As we planned the trip, we noticed a big difference between travel agents and tour guides. We talked to travel agents who could book…
Church Leadership
3 Common Ways Leaders Disqualify Themselves
With the recent passing of the great preacher and evangelist Billy Graham, many are celebrating his finishing well. He remained faithful to God’s call on his life, fought the good fight, and finished the race. He avoided scandal and accusations against his integrity and was above reproach as he faithfully served the Lord throughout his…
“Saturday Night Specials” Versus When Pastors Really Prepare
Preachers talk smack and use slang too. For example, “sugar stick” is a sermon a preacher preaches over and over again in multiple places. If you are preaching in a new place, have a message you invested significant time and work into preparing, and it’s still fresh on your heart, it is appropriate to pull…
3 Cultural Paradoxes Ministry Leaders Should Know and Respond to
Ministry leaders serve and lead within a cultural context. And we should understand the language of the culture and utilize the tools of the culture to serve and reach people. At the same time, there are cultural norms we must challenge and not embrace, cultural realities that must be overcome to effectively serve people well….
6 Thoughts on Leading an iGen’er for Parents and Ministry Leaders
I took my first church staff role when I was a few weeks from turning nineteen; I became the youth pastor at a church in Ruston, Louisiana, where I attended college. Though my roles have changed, I have been committed to leading and discipling kids and students through the local church ever since. Our kids…
3 Reasons Why Church Leaders Need to Be Familiar with Secular Worldviews
I am honored to lead the Resources Division at LifeWay and serve with a team of leaders who are passionate to serve the Church in her mission of making disciples. Each Wednesday, I share the heart behind one of the resources our team has developed and give an opportunity for you to register to win a free copy of…
Research on Suicide in Our Churches and 3 Reasons Churches Must Be Concerned about Mental Health
Famous YouTuber Logan Paul recently walked into Aokigahara forest near Mount Fuji, a forest known as Suicide Forest because of the number of suicides attempted there each year. He discovered a body hanging from a tree and disrespectfully continued to film and make comments. The video was received with significant backlash, and Paul has issued…
5 Negative Influences on Pastors Who Leave Pastoring
We often hear of pastors who step away from pastoring to pursue other opportunities, some within vocational ministry and some within the marketplace. At times there are moral failures that disqualify leaders from their roles. At times the pastors develop a passion or sense God calling them to something else. And at times the pastors…
4 Possible Reasons Some Pastors Struggle Financially
Of the more than 700 pastors’ spouses surveyed in a recent LifeWay research project, more than half expressed that their income from the church is insufficient, and more than two-thirds are concerned they do not have enough saved for retirement. Why is this? Why do so many families in local church ministry struggle financially? While…
Research Reveals Realities of Being a Pastor’s Spouse
Halloween is not the only national day in October… October 7th is National Frappe Day (as in the drink). October 8th is National Clergy Appreciation Day. October 9th is National Moldy Cheese Day. October 10th is National Handbag Day. October 11th is National Sausage Pizza Day. To some people, clergy appreciation day sounds like it…