Let’s take a look at the important balance between natural and spiritual leadership. A leader, obviously, must have some God-given natural qualities that cause others to respond to his or her influence. At the same time, the Christian leader must possess a marked degree of Spirit-directed, humble devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ . . […]
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Tenderness
When I was just a kid, I got a bellyache that wouldn’t go away. It hurt so bad I couldn’t stand up straight or sit down without increasing the pain. Finally, my folks hauled me over to a big house in Houston, Texas where a surgeon lived. He had turned the back section of his […]
Read MoreBreaking Point: One Pastor’s Story of Pain, Porn, Addiction, and Redemption
It’s 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, and I’m logging on the Internet to check my email, read a newspaper article, and begin research for Sunday’s sermon. Well, that’s what I’m trying to convince myself. But I know exactly what I’m doing. When my secretary leaves at two, I will be alone in the building. I will […]
Read MoreWhat We Need to Help Us Through Trials
When you encounter people who are going through a trial, do you find yourself thinking: I really want to help others who are struggling, but what do they need most? As human beings, we all need the following qualities in our lives to help us through our toughest times. Trust: We need to sense acceptance […]
Read MoreWhat Should I Say to Hurting People
Ever wish you could reach out to a friend in crisis, but you’re just not sure what to say? Most of us tend either to avoid the person or situation altogether or to rush in and say too much. The list below demonstrates some ways you can effectively support people in need. Notice how these […]
Read MoreTen Essential Characteristics of a Healing Church
Have you ever walked through your house at night in the dark and jammed your pinkie toe into the side of the sofa? That little toe, the one you never think about, is suddenly your primary focus as you jump up and down because it’s screaming in pain—and your whole body feels it. Amazing—one small […]
Read MoreWhat to Do When A Leader Falls
God’s work is sacred. So when a person engaged in ministry repeatedly defies God’s high and holy standards, that individual is to be removed. The apostle Paul’s judgment and command are uncompromising. The very reason God’s work is holy is because He is holy. Those who minister will never do so without some failures, because […]
Read MoreA Weekly Furlough for Your Pastor
Church folk don’t always live in reality—especially those who are on committees searching for a new pastor. In a description for the perfect pastor, one church was looking for the following characteristics.1 The perfect pastor for our church must: Be married with two children—one boy and one girl Be on call 24/7, including holidays and […]
Read MoreFive Promises from a Shepherd to His Flock
A number of years ago, a friend dropped by my study. He’s a true friend, one who knows me well . . . and loves me, warts and all. He also speaks the truth in love, which is exactly what he did in the last twenty minutes of our visit that day. I could tell […]
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