The call to ministry is the call to prepare — and preparation is an ongoing process. You will never learn all there is to be learned about any subject; you’ll never reach the pinnacle point in any area. And who would want to? It’s the continual reaching that grows you, equipping you to live and minister at an ever-increasing level. … Read More
8 Biblical Principles for Recruiting New Volunteers
When I was just starting in ministry, one of my most respected mentors said something to me that I’ve never forgotten. As I was venting to him about feeling like a one-man show in my young church, he put his arm around me and said, “Nelson, remember, every member in your church is a minister. You are not in this alone … Read More
Leaders Should Be Servants
“But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant.” —Luke 22:26 (NLT)
Wiersbe on Trusting in God
“Trusting God means thinking and acting according to God’s word in spite of circumstances, feelings, or consequences.” – Warren W. Wiersbe, American pastor, Bible teacher, author and conference speaker
Good Stress vs. Bad Stress: Understanding the Difference
Yes, there is such a thing as good stress. Small amounts of good stress keep you focused and motivated. You grow through certain levels of stress. The stress gravity exerts on you makes your bones denser and your muscles stronger. When you exercise, your endurance rises as a result of the stress you impose on yourself. When you decide to … Read More
Companions in Christ: What God Says About Close Friends
God created us to have close relationships. When we don’t have these close relationships, we are actually living out of step with the way God created us. The great people of God had companions, almost without exception. (The ones who didn’t often found themselves in trouble.) We could start with Adam and Eve. Moses had Aaron as his companion. The … Read More
Leaders Endure with Patience
“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” — James 1:12 (NLT)
Hudson Taylor On Humble Good Works
“As our Father makes many a flower to bloom unseen in the lonely desert, [let us] do all that we can do, as under God’s eye, though no other eye ever take note of it.” — James Hudson Taylor (May 21, 1832 – June 3, 1905) was a pioneer in reaching the unreached for Christ. He was unlike any other … Read More
Free Live Webcast – 6 Differences Between Small Groups That Work and Those That Don’t
Over the past year, both online and in-person Small Groups have been very important in keeping people connected to the church, to their faith and to each other. At The Journey, we consistently have over 100% of our average Sunday attendance in Small Groups each semester. And in all Journey locations, we’re holding Small Groups online and in person — … Read More
Zero Distractions: How to Work in Blocks of Time
Pastors wear so many hats–preacher, counselor, human resources manager, maybe even plumber–that it may seem impossible at first to group similar tasks into blocks of time. Many of us are so accustomed to jumping from one activity to another that it would be hard to break the cycle. But for renegade pastors, working in blocks of time is a great … Read More