By Darryl Dash If forced to summarize the essence of pastoral ministry into one word, I’d go with delight. That’s a far different answer than I would have given in my younger years. Pastoral ministry is about delight. Specifically, it’s about delight in God, Scripture, and his church. Delight in God Our first and primary task — or maybe privilege — is to delight in God. It’s our first and primary responsibility. Without this, the rest of pastoral ministry falls short….
By Josh Reich All leaders know this feeling. Someone you have poured into walks out on you or doesn’t keep their word. A staff member, boss, or board member lies to you. You open up to someone about what is happening in you, and they don’t keep that. You share an audacious dream or calling, and someone starts out supporting you but then stops. Betrayal. Being personally let down. Gossip. Every leader knows this feeling too well. Even those who…
By Thom Rainer About one-third of you readers are laypersons. This article is for you. Of course, I know pastors and other vocational ministry leaders will be reading as well. Perhaps, more than my article, they will be reading your comments. They will be searching eagerly to see if anyone has a word of encouragement. They may be anticipating the responses will be a barrage of negativity they have become accustomed to receiving. Please hear me clearly. The vast majority…
By Mark Dance Our love for God fuels genuine compassion for others, but sometimes our fuel runs out. When compassion fatigue sets in on pastors, you can see it in their eyes and hear it in their voices. While tough seasons of ministry are inevitable, do they really have to be open-ended? If you’re in a ministry sprint that never ends, you need to ask yourself whether you’re actually sprinting or merely surviving. Pastors who love and lead on empty may…
By Bob Hostelter It’s one of the most frequent questions I field, and it’s always asked so sincerely, even desperately: “How do you balance ministry and family?” My answer: I don’t. In fact, I think the very question reveals the problem. There IS no balance. It is NOT an either/or issue. There’s nothing to balance. And thinking that there is is a problem in and of itself. I say to young men and women considering or embarking upon ministry, “Your family…
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