In life, we keep track of numbers for the things that are important to us. We measure birthdays and anniversaries. We make our kids stand against a wall and mark their height each year. We constantly know how much money is in our bank account and how much principal is left on our mortgage. And as my doctor was quick … Read More
How to Strengthen Your Personal and Spiritual Foundation
When you’re feeling out of sorts, you may need to strengthen your personal and spiritual foundation. There are two main categories to consider when doing this: public activities and private disciplines. When you are feeling emotionally drained, anxious, or depressed, lean even harder on both. Make sure to be intentional about the following: Your connection with your church. Stay connected … Read More
Leaders Seek Counsel
“Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.” — Proverbs 11:14 (NLT)
Bill Bright on Exercising Your Faith Muscles
“I had to learn how to trust the Lord. My faith muscles grew. Just like, you’re exercising your muscles and they may be sore for a while, but they become stronger with exercise.” — William R. “Bill” Bright (October 19, 1921 – July 19, 2003) was an American evangelist and Christian leader. His influence spanned the last half of the … Read More
10 ways to identify and develop missionaries from your student ministry, by The Baptist Messenger
Student pastors have a unique opportunity to raise up missionaries from within their student ministries. During the 2019 Student Pastor Summit at Midwestern Seminary, I had the opportunity to address a room chock-full of student pastors on the topic of how to help students take their first steps toward missions. Student pastors must be intentionally taking steps to identify and … Read More
Assimilation Lessons from a BIG Mistake
One Sunday not too long ago, at one of our Journey early services, we had zero first-time guests. I’m confessing this to you in hopes that you will avoid making a similar mistake and take action today in evaluating your own Assimilation system. It is very rare for us to have zero anything! We always have first-time guests, new believers, … Read More
Join Me at Disney for the Last Church Systems Boot Camp until 2021!
For 8 years now I’ve been leading a workshop around the 8 systems of a healthy church. Over the years we’ve seen this event grow to 200+ pastors, three days of training, and special speakers and bonuses like we never imagined in the early days. This year is going to be better than ever — but I must warn you, … Read More
What Moses Can Teach Us About Making Healthy Choices
As I began my own journey toward health, I found myself particularly interested in the life of Moses. Moses was the leader of over a million people. He lived a life of vision and momentum, leaving a legacy that still lives on thousands of years after his death. He was a guy intent on walking in the fullness of life … Read More
Priority Check: Two Daily Decisions Pastors Need to Make Jesus #1
Your life and your ministry will be defined by how well you follow your Lord. But what does it look like, practically speaking, to put Jesus first in your life and yourself second? Well, here’s what it doesn’t look like: It doesn’t look like giving yourself a green light to do whatever pleases you rather than meeting the needs of … 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)