We need help and support, and that support can come from our brothers and sisters who are no longer living, by means of their writings and their example.
All tagged friendship
Minister and Elder Relationships
I want to share some encouragement and guidance for how I am trying to maintain and develop healthy relationships with my current shepherds. I am by no means the expert on this dynamic, but I will share what little I have learned in over a decade of congregational ministry, serving in various roles for those churches.
Conflict: Our Story (Part 2)
Conflict is to be expected; get in there and work on it. Possibly the best gift for your congregation is conflict training. The longer you wait, or the more you let fear paralyze you, the worse it gets.
Back Off—She’s My Friend
As the self-appointed communication evangelist, my focus is usually on how we talk to each other, especially during conflict. Negative self-talk, is a type of conflict. Never in a million years would we talk to other people like we talk to ourselves. Yet we allow these thoughts to bully us every day.
Big Issues and Conversations
We know that hitting people over the head with the Bible and proclaiming the wrongness of their actions doesn’t work. We’ve often been embarrassed that our well-intentioned but judgmental practices of the past left deep wounds and were certainly not effective evangelistic tools. At the same time, it feels two-faced to keep quiet.
Letting Go: Embracing New Beginnings in 2025
This year, as we embark on new endeavors and seek to build and foster relationships that align more closely with our purpose, let us remember that God is ever-present, guiding us through each change and loss. In moments of despair, we should recognize these opportunities for growth and be willing to step into the newness of life God offers us.
It’s Like This Verbal Jesus Was in the Room
It occurred to me that it’s hard to get to know people on a Sunday. We are all in the same building, but rarely does the Sunday structure allow for in-depth conversations. Worship is the priority, of course, but those in-depth conversations are gems of connection and inspiration. I wish I had asked my parents and grandparents to share their stories in this manner.
Exemplar, Mentor, Soul Brother, Friend
Proverbs’ wisdom reminds us that a friend sticks closer than a brother and is of immeasurable value. John Willis’ holy living and substantial friendship transformed my life.
Why Have You Stayed?
Ministry transition, even ministers leaving ministry, begs we ask honoring questions. A recent gathering of ministers revealed three questions worth exploring around the fellowship table.
Companions for the Journey
We know the value of good companionship, right? For some of us, we have made it through the past two years of pandemic life precisely because of our companions.
Noticing Beauty
If your biggest news is about an interesting insect whose path you crossed on your walk, then you’re onto something.
Spiritual Friendship
The truth of God’s saving grace through faith becomes realer than real when experienced in life, interacting with those who wear skin. We need to have, to be, a friend.
Reflection Roundup: Coming Up for Air
My first favorite memory verse was around age 14, and it happened to be Exod. 14:14, “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to keep still.” Hmm, wonder if there’s something to that.