Finding the middle way
“It was a rich experience for me to understand that God is bigger than any one denominational box… All of the different perspectives find alignment and agreement in God,” Jones reflected.
Gabriela Akpaca
Simplifying Church
“The church of the future is going to have to simplify. We’re not going to be able to rely on giving as much to support a staff of 15 pastors. We’re going to have to know what we are about – preaching and teaching the word of God, inviting everyone..
Sharing Inspiration
If there’s one overarching aim Crisp has developed in 19 years as a pastor’s spouse, it’s authenticity – for her family life and her own spiritual development.
Houghton College Faculty Spotlight: Ken Schenck
“I love learning; and I love serving those who love learning. So, I see my job as basically finding ways to connect Houghton College with those who have the same love and longing for learning,” Schenck said.
Rev. Mike Cline on Pastor Appreciation
“More than any one time gift or note, the most encouraging thing to do for your pastor is to just show up on a regular basis and help create an overall healthy culture in your church,” says Rev. Mike Cline, senior pastor at Mountain View Church.
Experience God’s Best by Doing Less
We are in danger of not leading ourselves, our families, or our congregations well if we do not intentionally take the time to listen to God’s voice.
The Truth
In the midst of church planting Jordan talks about the Truth of who God is.
Seasons of Change
Today is my fifteenth anniversary. And instead of cruising through a blue Caribbean sea, or driving through the sparkle of big city lights, we are spending it staying still. Living with my parents. Almost all of our worldly possessions are in a storage unit ten...
Friendship
“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: “What! You too? I thought I was the only one.” ~ C. S. Lewis I am an extrovert. I like being around people and I thrive on conversations. I’ve been accused of smiling too much and,...
Wonderfully Made
Imagine an ultrasound picture of a precious baby. Or better yet, imagine holding that child in your hand while reading this Psalm (139): 13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and...
God is Bigger Than This
Friends, if you’re in a season of hurting- let me join you in praying that you’ll let Him lead you through. That you’ll choose to fight, and that you’ll keep your eyes on Him. He’s shaping you along the way.
Thrive In 5: Relational- Cultivating Friendships
A healthy pastor will seek to cultivate and maintain ongoing connection with others including other pastors.
Thrive In 5: Relational- Empathizing with others
Without empathy, we will be unable to relate effectively to those to whom we are called to love and minister.
Thrive in 5: Physical- 5 Activities & Resources to get your blood pumping
Sometimes the best thing you can do for your spiritual life is to start exercising.
Thrive in 5: Financial- Personal Insurance Needs
Taking action to provide for both our family and ourselves is an act of love, not a lack of faith
Thrive In 5: Emotional – Establishing Healthy Boundaries
As a pastor, you know how important your emotional vitality is to ministry. Take 5 minutes to consider the following suggestions of how you can establish and maintain boundaries to protect your own emotional health and sense of well-being.
Thrive in 5: Physical- Caring for your Body
Here are 5 things you can do beginning today to take care of your body.
Thrive In 5: Intellectual Lifelong Learning
Here are five suggestions that can help you stay ahead of the curve and position yourself for longevity in ministry.
Thrive In 5: Spiritual – Protecting the Spiritual Life of the Pastor
Take 5 minutes to read and think about how God might be speaking to you right now.
Thrive In 5: Emotional Cultivating an Emotional Core
Pastoral ministry requires the ability to withstand the emotional stresses of life and be “present” and empathetic to others.
Thrive In 5: Emotional
If you have read A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh, are you an Eeyore or a Tigger? “Eeyores” are your typical pessimists. Life is one disappointment after another. Positive things are never as good as imagined. Neutral things are worse than expected. Negative things...
Thrive in 5: Financial- Personal Finances
Few areas in our lives are as sensitive as personal finances. Finances are often a great source of stress for clergy. Yet no matter how much or how little we earn, we are responsible to be good stewards of what the Lord provides
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