While the intended audience of the book “Thriving as a Single Person in Ministry” is two-fold, I would like to offer this book as a necessary resource for church leaders of single staff members.
All tagged ministry
Growing Into Our Calling
We will always be in process, becoming what we are called to be. We learn through doing. Sometimes we learn by doing well, but typically we learn more by doing poorly.
Faithfulness Over Outcome
I will leave you with this encouragement: God is pleased with your faithfulness, not a human-perceived outcome.
Doing Churchy Things
When we enter into the lives of our churches and church members, may we bring the same love and joy that God designed each of us to have and to become.
Confident Insecurity: Embracing Vocational Marginality
Frustration and insecurity are difficult vocational experiences. However, invaluable growth can result from embracing insecurity, uncovering paths to deeper ministry and mission.
Thinking about God, Money, and Budgets
I have been thinking about God and money lately—and how that applies to my family and to my church family. Here are a few things I believe.
Why One Minister Has Stayed
These are my top five reasons that I have stayed in ministry. This isn’t the final word, but I do think that these are things that every person in full-time ministry needs to some degree.
Why Does My Ministry Exist?
Why does my ministry exist? This might seem like an overly simple question, but I think it isn’t just valid but essential. What role does my ministry play in the Kingdom of God?
For Ministers Who Aren’t Famous
As I’ve been reminded over and over during the last few months of studying the prophets, God’s plan of redemption is powerful, a solid promise, and a far, far cry from the often-hijacked definition of success.
Ministering From Our Broken Places
But if you have brought these experiences to the feet of Jesus and continue to experience his grace, forgiveness, and renewal, then those experiences can be the very things that give our ministry life, breath, and breadth.
An Impactful Ministry at Elkin Elementary School
Kids are under intense pressure and stress. Due to their limited vocabulary and inability to express themselves, kids experiencing stress are often overlooked.
Event Spotlight: ElderLink Arkansas
We recently sat down for virtual conversations with our church host (Chris Benjamin) and our breakout session leaders (Mark Hamilton, Grady King, John Knox, Roland Orr, and David Wray).
Made for Ministry
God created us with these various skills in order to bring glory to Him in unique ways. So everything we do, we must do with a ministry mindset. Everything we do gives evidence for God. Everything we do gives glory to God.
Event Spotlight: Ministry Amidst Grief and Hope
We recently sat down for virtual conversations with our keynote speaker (Don McLaughlin) and our breakout session leaders (Cheryl Bacon, Eddie Sharp, Dennis Conner, Omar Palafox, and Carson Reed).
It's Not Your Ministry!
Ministers often falsely believe that it depends on our skills, our energy, and our sacrifice to bring about God’s agenda in the world. It is time to name this narrative for what it is: a lie!
Serving with Love
Tabitha obviously served with love, and that love was sensed by those who were beneficiaries. She lived out her faith in a tangible way that blessed others.
Reflecting on the 2022 Salary Survey
I think its value—and what keeps us doing this survey each year—is in the feedback we receive from church leaders. Any time a minister or church is facing a transition, the salary survey provides helpful guidance.
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.
Ministers in Short Supply
I believe that resilient congregations, pursuing God’s purposes in the world, will find healthy and constructive ways to prepare, support, nurture and partner with ministers in the days to come.
Creativity and Theology
I love talking with people who are genuinely passionate about an art form. The comments and energy that surface come from a place deeper than productivity or even functionality.