One time we launched a new sermon series called, “How to Become a Superhero.” I didn’t come up with the title. I didn’t even like it at first. But then, I loved it. I was planning to do a series called, “The Me I Want to Be” (based on John Ortberg’s book). Our Program Team commented, […]
Recent Articles
A Dangerous Prayer
Twenty-one years ago I prayed a prayer that has changed me more than any other. It changed my vocation, location, orientation, and just about every other “ation” in my life.The prayer? “God, I don’t ask you for much today. I just ask that you give me your heart for lost people.” Nineteen words. Twenty-one syllables. […]
10 Reasons to Hold Your Own Church Leadership Conference
Hold your own leadership conference for more leadership maturity and better unity. Every church leader I know loves to attend a great conference. We love the learning, and we love to expose our people to inspiration and training that will take them, and our churches, to the next level. And we love the atmosphere. There […]
4 Keys to Finding a Mentor who Makes a Difference
You can find a mentor who will make a difference in your ministry. I once took a course from Dallas Willard where he lined out thirty-some-odd spiritual disciplines. “These are all tools,” he would say. “Use whichever ones help you personally.” I’ve discovered one that wasn’t on his list. Mentoring. It took me awhile, but […]
5 Benefits of Having A Mentor
July 2010 A few years ago I hired a mentor. It was humbling. After all, I had spent the previous three years mentoring nine pastors myself. But I finally admitted it… …I don’t know everything I wish I knew! Hiring a mentor was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, both for my personal […]
One Secret to Momentum in your Church
Want to know one way to get momentum in your church? Ask yourself this question: when do I take time to work on the ministry of my church? Most pastors feel so busy they spend all their time working in the ministry, rather than on it. I’ve found that the winter and spring are great times to ask, “What’s next […]
Are you Ready to Discover the Latent Power of Prayer?
Put a pan of water on the stove and heat it up. For awhile it will look like nothing is happening. Then, when the water hits the magic number of 212 degrees, it expands and turns to steam. This water-to-steam exchange is so powerful that the first modern engines used it to power railroad engines […]
4 Ways to Get the Most Out of Summer
Every pastor I know wants to see their church grow by having people come to Christ and take their place as maturing members of the family of God. Yet summer months usually see lower attendance and a slower pace in most churches. What’s the best way to take advantage of this? Proverbs 6:6 gives some wisdom […]