Pastors

From time to time, our outlook needs refreshing. Our output needs sharpening. Our spirits need an uplift. Our days could use a new perspective. Here are some quick fix-its for the pastor’s mental health.

Individualism is one of the greatest threats to our faith. It encourages us to act in our own interests instead of looking to the interests of others (Philippians 2:3-4). Individualism values independence, autonomy, and self-sufficiency rather than growth in community and dependence on God—two defining characteristics of Christian doctrine.
 
With the rise of “me” culture, individualism has become more prevalent. Personal freedom to do what we want has replaced biblical boundaries instilled by God for our protection. The fixation on self has become toxic to families, churches, and workplaces, resulting in a higher incidence of divorce, decreased church attendance, and individuals who care more about climbing the corporate ladder than working collaboratively for the good of the group.
 
 In a world that tells us our autonomic self is our only authority, how can we help restore God to His rightful position on the throne of our lives? It starts by acknowledging Jesus is Lord, worshipping Him, and living in a way that glorifies God.
 
Here are 5 ways to avoid self-serving worship so you can grow in your faith and honor your Heavenly Father:

Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Iyan Kurnia 

By learning more about your pastoral care options, you may strengthen both your well-being and your relationship with God.

Why is there so much pain in the world? It’s a question that haunts many of us, especially when faced with personal loss and global suffering. This article explores the complex reality of pain through the lens of Scripture, addressing the effects of a fallen world, human free will, and God’s redemptive power. Discover how, even in the midst of our deepest struggles, God’s love, presence, and hope remain steadfast.

Churches that do more than survive, but thrive for the long haul–effectively ministering for decades and beyond–all seem to have these things in common.

In this brief article, I hope to put forward three ways guys can build their faith in the local church as they long to have their story heard by others, even as it is shaped by Christ.

In fourteen years of ministry, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes in how I’ve responded to the difficult people I’ve encountered.

I ask you to open your heart and let's talk about why Black History Month should matter, especially to those of us who are followers of Jesus.

Here are 10 messages every church should be sending to their women.

Ministry scars. Everyone in the Lord’s service will bear them sooner or later.

The truth is, we’re all beggars in desperate need of Jesus. God didn’t ignore us or withhold what we need most. He showed compassion and gave His beloved Son. So, how would Jesus respond to beggars? With compassion, mercy, and great love.

Being a Youth Pastor or a Youth Volunteer is a tough, but incredibly rewarding gig. Just like everyone else — in fact probably more so — they need our support, encouragement and to be treated like a valuable part of the church.

Here are 7 qualities, borrowed from the best of all leaders, Jesus, that congregants are looking for in those who lead well.

Why does a good God allow so much suffering? It’s a question we all wrestle with at some point, especially when trials hit close to home. This article dives deep into biblical truths about the origins of suffering, its purpose in our lives, and God’s ultimate promise to end it—offering hope, clarity, and a fresh perspective you don’t want to miss.

The challenge with many megachurches is that they are often personality-driven, and the senior pastor often has the last word on everything. These churches often lack accountability and are more prone to corruption.

It would be very easy to just fall back on the stereotypical answers. But I don’t want to do that, because getting men more involved goes beyond just having food and focusing on manly activities. That thinking is temporary, and while it may get men to show up to an event, it does not deepen their commitment or move them to get more involved.

Christians, and the church at large, should be cautious in how they approach someone coming from religious trauma. We must respect their experience. Jesus is the great Healer, and His example provides guidance for how to respond to religious trauma.

Perhaps more than with any other label, we must use extreme caution when either demonstrating this gift or receiving it from others, because we are biblically forewarned.

There’s a reason God drafts people into this work. If it were easy, everyone would flock to it and the Lord would have to turn people away. But it’s hard. Sometimes, it’s discouraging to your dreams, it demands of you far more than you have to give, and it can be deadly to your family. That’s why the pastor must be a person of great prayer; otherwise, he’s not going to make it.

How to live faithfully navigating life under imperfect leadership.