When Conflict Interrupts Ministry
Is your conflict a deadly threat or a doorway to breakthrough? Our small group was off to an amazing start. Few of the members had ever experienced the level of heart sharing we were enjoying. And our excitement wasn’t … Continued
When Love Languages Aren’t Enough
Have you ever gone all out to make someone feel loved and hit a wall? I’m blessed to be married to a woman who has all five of the love languages described in Gary Chapman’s bestseller The Five … Continued
Can You Say, “Follow My Example?”
I’ve forgotten most of what I heard in my college Christian education classes, but one class rocked my world. That day a guest lecturer made an innocent-sounding yet subversive observation: “Jesus’ methods are just as much a part of … Continued
Church Without Masks
“Why are masks so common in some churches yet rare in others?” At our church retreat last week, during the Saturday morning session a man who just started attending our church confessed that he struggles with meth. The … Continued
Confident Humility
Barry struggles with confidence. When he’s not sure what to do, his first instinct is to run. He often expresses his frustration by saying, “I’m going to quit.” Barry often makes decisions where trying to manage other people’s perceptions of … Continued
Your Problem Is My Problem. Or Is It?
The note on the youth pastor’s desk phone reminded, “Your problem is my problem.” I was wowed. As a college student volunteering with youth, I loved being mentored by this pastor. “Cool!” I thought. “What a great reminder!” Flash forward … Continued
Taking Offense Is a Choice
“I won’t be coming to the men’s breakfast tomorrow.” Mark snarled. “I refuse to let anyone disrespect me the way Gary does.” “What happened?” asked Pastor Jermaine. “Last Sunday after church, Gary and I were the only ones in … Continued
Instead, Choose Curiosity
Is there someone who can’t seem to stop criticizing you? Is it challenging to know how to respond? It’s a great strategy to maximize the time we spend with people who give us energy and minimize time with those … Continued
“Weakness” by Design
“What does my spiritual gift profile tell you?”* Michael asked. Michael was eager for any insights that could help him more effectively lead his church-planting team. We began with his strongest gift. “Your gift of compassion means you … Continued
Why Knowing Your Gifts Isn’t Enough
“Most of our people know their spiritual gifts,” the pastor said, “but they don’t know what to do with them.” This comment, which I’ve heard at several churches, grows out of a common misconception–that our spiritual gifts tell us what … Continued