Ministry Issues
While most of the attention of our Pastoral Ministries effort at Focus on the Family is on the personal and family lives of pastors, we also care about the quality and fruitfulness of their professional ministries. Here are some articles on the various aspects of ministry.
Appeals Court Overturns National Day of Prayer Ban
Last Thursday, a three-judge panel on the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a lawsuit by the Freedom From Religion Foundation
Black Church History
The Black Church is an integral part of Black culture and provides a foundation that generations have depended on to help them in the midst of trials and celebration.
But the Grass Is So Green ...
"You should see the church they attend," Lucille said, armed with bulletin and newsletter. Creases formed across my brow as celebration gave way to comparisons — a trap that had sprung too many times.
Caring Enough to Confront
Recently I experienced a first in my many years of being a pastor’s wife. Oh, I know that church members have been unhappy with my husband at times, for reasons ranging from the understandable to the ridiculous. And I am sure negative comments have been exchanged between parishioners in private. That’s part of ministry. You simply can’t please all the people all the time.
Changing Careers
There is one question that pastors do not like to talk about much. In fact, some don’t believe it is even theologically valid to ask it. Should I change careers?
Come Away or Fall Apart
We talk about how we are out doing great things for God. Yet it’s rather arrogant to think that He needs us. What I really learned was that God did not care what I did for Him. Rather He cared who I was and what I was to become. Was I to become more like Jesus, or just do lots of stuff?
Compromised?
Have pastors today compromised the gospel and their callings to avoid hardship, criticism and involvement? Are they too comfortable in their isolated offices to mingle with their beloved as did the Great Shepherd?
Dancing Over Your Pastor
Everyone needs to be danced over. But to dance well over your pastor — that is, to show delight and affirmation — you need to know something about the unique perils of his vocation.
Do you take time to get to know some of the great pastors from the past?
Calvin, Luther, Whitfield, Edwards, Mueller, Spurgeon and the list goes on.
Doing It Right
The greatest power ever known is the spoken Word of God. Yet, in far too many pulpits, that powerful Word lies unopened, unspoken and, therefore, uncomprehended.
Dream the Impossible Dream
Dreams are the raw materials for adventure. They are heady stuff that enliven people and move mountains.
Faith for the Low-Yield Years
At times, I have felt that my work in ministry was wasted. However, if I could see from heaven's perspective, I would know that in the spiritual realm, when progress appears slowest, kingdom movement is actually occurring.
Finding Ways to Be a Redemptive Voice
Rev. Clark D. Carr led hundreds of religious activities during his nine months of serving as a chaplain in Iraq: “From a chaplain’s perspective, no matter what position we had regarding the onset of the war, our overriding concern was for souls — souls of our warriors, the souls of the innocent and opposition forces who perished.”
Firearms in Houses of Worship
According to Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, people may carry guns into worship services for personal protection
Giving Up the Grudge
Several years ago, my pastor-husband and I found ourselves divorcing — not each other, but a church. We struggled with a gamut of emotions: anger, bitterness, betrayal, jealousy and resentment. In order to recover spiritually and serve again healthily, we needed to embrace four essential principles.
God Loves You — You Matter a Lot
At the basis of your ministry as a pastor and your relationship with Christ as a believer is His love for you.
God's Calling . . . Me, You, Us?
How to know God's will for your ministry as a couple.
Going Into All the Neighborhoods
Boost your church's outreach by encouraging your congregation to simply love the people in your community. While you're at it, why don't you and your family set the example? Here are some ways to reach your neighboorhood with simple acts of love.
Governor Signs Pair of Pro-Life Bills
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback, a Republican and longtime life advocate ...
Grounds for Restoration
As a result of a church tragedy, Al and Phyllis Grounds bring healing to wounded pastors and churches embattled in conflict.
Hearing the Voice of God
When working with other people, especially those of another ethnic group, always remember to follow the principles set down in God's word.
The History of Church Seating
I've always believed that when Noah descended from the Ark, right after he kissed the ground and gave thanks, God handed him another set of plans for turning those spent boat planks into splintery, uncomfortable seats of holiness to be placed at all the sweltering hot outdoor summer revival meetings I attended as a child. The backs of my legs still bear the imprint of the wooden slats.
Holiness and Morality
A life of personal holiness is not easy. But it is important -- both for the Christian himself, for those he encounters and for those whose lives he might someday touch.
Homebound
For the elderly who are homebound, a phone call, a visit, a home-cooked meal or pet care would bring joy and light into the lives of those who are desperately in need of human contact.
How Blessed We All Are!
A Thanksgiving message to pastors.
How Not to Be a Grinch
Even with limited funds and a crowded schedule, you can give joyfully to the congregation at Christmastime.
It's Not the Size of the Church,
But Its Health That Counts!
More than 100,000 churches in the United States have 50 attendees or less. That means that the average church will have fewer than 100 worshippers this Sunday. The survival of a church will be ensured by its health, not its size.
It's SuperRev!
Ever feel like you are expected to be a "superhero"? To many in the church, SuperRev's family should have few needs and always be ready to sacrifice time, energy and fun for the sake of the SuperCall. A pastor must balance life as a "superhero" with the realities of family and ministry.
Leaders Need Other Leaders
The marriages and families of too many pastors are falling by the wayside. Pastor Gary Kinnaman has developed a strategy that can hold them together.
Leading Through Times of Uncertainty
Leading in times of uncertainty can test your character and spirit as a leader. Navigating through times of uncertainty, when the winds are still and forward progress is limited, provides new challenges for any leader.
Leading in the Quest for Spiritual Renewal
I think the one thing that I prayed for most often during the three decades of my pastoral ministry was revival in the church I pastored. I remember praying at first for a return to something, although I wasn't exactly sure what — just something that once was, a happening, a spirit, a feeling.
Letting the Laymen Work
There may be risks associated with pastors delegating authority to their laymen, but pastors cannot fulfill every ministry need. Your congregation can profit greatly when dedicated laymen took ownership of projects and outreaches.
The Little Black Book: A Lesson in Forgiveness
We want to! We try! We think we give it our best effort, but for many of us, we just don't seem to be able to rid ourselves of that painful feeling that comes from being wronged by another.
The Long-Term Care of Your Pastor
There are a number of long-term ways your congregation can show its love and appreciation for your pastor(s) and demonstrate its respect for his or her divine calling among you. Here are a few very important things your church can do to provide the ongoing care God expects from you.
Losing Your Baggage
Every pastor brings some form of "baggage" into both his ministry and his family relationships, a burdensome "pile" that tends to grow with each passing year.
Making an Impact Through Youth Ministry
The need for youth ministry is far more extreme than I have ever thought. Through my experience, I have noticed that teens today have a lot of doubt in God and little respect for their parents. The need for a positive impact by a youth pastor has become essential.
Martin Luther King — American Dreamer
We need to reach beyond our grasp and trust God for that which might seem impossible. We need to dream.
The Matter of Integrity
Ministers live in a world of tension. We must balance our message with our behavior. Yet sometimes the two don't match. Integrity presents a life of consistency and sincerity, with no deception or pretense.
Mentoring
Every young pastor needs a mentor, and every experienced pastor should become one. But just what is mentoring? The important aspect of mentoring is not using a protegé to accomplish the mentor's goals. Rather, it is a process by which the one being mentored becomes all that he of she should be.
Modeling
In many ways, a pastor is like a parent to his or her congregation. Like children, church members observe the priorities, values and interactions demonstrated by pastoral couples.
More Than a Dream
Every year, Andre Allen, the pastor of Second Baptist Church in Wheaton, Ill., travels to schools and churches in the greater Chicago area in an attempt to bring the message of Martin Luther King, Jr., to life. Allen’s rendition of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech is so realistic that if you closed your eyes, you’d almost think you were standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963. But his impassioned impersonation isn’t the only thing that resurrects dead words from the pages of a history book.
Most Evangelical Leaders Say Tithing Not Required for Christians
A recent survey conducted by the National Association of Evangelicals shows that a majority (58%) of evangelical leaders do not believe that giving 10 percent of one's income to the church is "required" by scripture.
The Need for Significance
With pastors working long hours and having little confidence that they are doing well, it is difficult for them to believe that their ministries are very significant. As much as we may desire to be affirmed by people, sometimes it simply may not happen.
The Need for Unity and Fellowship Among Pastors
It is required for us to be united as fellow laborers in the work of the lord. We need to seek the benefits of unity and peace of the churches that we oversee. We need to be concerned for the well being of the whole work of God.
North Dakota Religious Liberties Amendment
In 2012, voters in North Dakota likely will get to vote on the Religious Liberty Restoration Amendment ...
Not Such a Bad Egg
A humorous sermon illustration from Dr. Adrian Rogers.
A Passion for Unity
It does not take much to divide a congregation, eliminate the effectiveness of the pastor and stunt the growth or the influence within the community. Until we make unity one of our highest priorities as pastors and people, we will continue to send a negative signal to the watching world. They will avoid us.
The Pastor's Weekly Briefing
(April 29, 2011)
Articles for the April 29, 2011 issue
The Pastor's Weekly Briefing
(August 12, 2011)
Articles for the August 12, 2011 issue
The Pastor's Weekly Briefing
(August 19, 2011)
Articles for the August 19, 2011 issue
The Pastor's Weekly Briefing
(August 26, 2011)
Articles for the August 26, 2011 issue
The Pastor's Weekly Briefing
(August 5, 2011)
Articles for the August 5, 2011 issue
The Pastor's Weekly Briefing
(July 1, 2011)
Articles for the July 1, 2011 issue
The Pastor's Weekly Briefing
(July 15, 2011)
Articles for the July 15, 2011 issue
The Pastor's Weekly Briefing
(July 22, 2011)
Articles for the July 22, 2011 issue
The Pastor's Weekly Briefing
(July 29, 2011)
Articles for the July 29, 2011 issue
The Pastor's Weekly Briefing
(July 8, 2011)
Articles for the July 8, 2011 issue
The Pastor's Weekly Briefing
(June 10, 2011)
Articles for the June 10, 2011 issue
The Pastors Weekly Briefing
(June 17, 2011)
Articles for the June 17, 2011 issue
The Pastor's Weekly Briefing
(June 24, 2011)
Articles for the June 24, 2011 issue
The Pastor's Weekly Briefing
(June 3, 2011)
Articles for the June 3, 2011 issue
The Pastor's Weekly Briefing
(May 13, 2011)
Articles for the May 13, 2011 issue
The Pastor's Weekly Briefing
(May 20, 2011)
Articles for the May 20, 2011 issue
The Pastor's Weekly Briefing
(May 27, 2011)
Articles for the May 27, 2011 issue
The Pastor's Weekly Briefing
(May 6, 2011)
Articles for the May 6, 2011 issue
Thriving Pastor
(November 4, 2011)
Articles for Thriving Pastor Connection (November 4, 2011)
The Pastor's Weekly Briefing
(October 14, 2011)
Articles for the October 14, 2011 issue
The Pastor's Weekly Briefing
(October 21, 2011)
Articles for the October 21, 2011 issue
The Pastor's Weekly Briefing
(October 28, 2011)
Articles for the October 28, 2011 issue
The Pastor's Weekly Briefing
(October 7, 2011)
Articles for the October 7, 2011 issue
The Pastor's Weekly Briefing
(September 16, 2011)
Articles for the September 16, 2011 issue
The Pastor's Weekly Briefing
(September 2, 2011)
Atricle for the September 2, 2011 issue
The Pastor's Weekly Briefing
(September 23, 2011)
Articles for the September 23, 2011 issue
The Pastor's Weekly Briefing
(September 30, 2011)
Articles for the September 30, 2011 issue
The Pastor's Weekly Briefing
(September 9, 2011)
Articles for the September 9, 2011 issue
Thriving Pastor Connection
(November 25, 2011)
Articles for Thriving Pastor Connection(November 25, 2011)
A Pastor's Unknown Influence
Ever since Sept. 11, 2001, Pastor Andy Pryor has approached his calling with a deeper sense of intentionality. Todd Beamer, the 32-year-old Wheaton College graduate who died heroically on United Flight 93 that crashed in Pennsylvania, had grown up in Andy's church.
A Perspective on Abortion
I expected more affirmation, anticipating that she would also comment positively about the sermon on abortion. But she surprised me by asking, "Pastor, do you know how many women like me were sitting in the congregation today?" I thought maybe she was talking about the number of women who came to church alone. Then, like water from a broken dam, the pain from her own abortion gushed out.
Pharmacists' Rights of Conscience
In Illinois a circuit judge has ruled that pharmacists should not be forced to violate their religious beliefs ...
The Powerful Prayer of the Intercessor
Who intercedes for you? For whom do you intercede? Someone has said, "Praying for others is one of the best ways of loving people." I agree.
Pro-Life Television Ad
Abby Johnson, former Planned Parenthood abortion clinic director turned pro-life advocate, has released a new TV ad
Respect Your Elders
Far too often the majority of the population views retirees as worthess, no longer contributors to the world at large. Tragically, too many of our churches support this impression, relegating seniors of the congregations to roles of ushers, volunteers and bulletin folders, without taking advantage of the wisdom and experience the elderly have gained.
Resurrection iWitness iPad App
Just in time for Easter, on Tuesday, LifeWay Christian Resources announced today the release of the Resurrection iWitness iPad app into Apple's App store.
The Rythms of Life: Rest
It is virtually impossible to live a meaningful spiritual life without rest. Do you believe that for yourself, pastor? Ministers are called to care for distracted souls, beginning with their own. If we don't know how to find rest for ourselves, we will live and give out of a depleted soul. Practicing the rhythm of rest is of primary significance.
God himself has modeled this rhythm, as recorded in the opening pages of Holy Scripture. In the creation account, after completing his work with great satisfaction, he rested (Genesis 1: 31; 2:2,3).
Sabbath rest is designed for one full day in a week, as well as for ongoing whole life transformation. On a regular basis we are to learn how to release what was previously considered productive time (in our busy lives) in order to embrace that which gives us abundant life.
The rhythm of rest invites us to cease our daily work in order to notice God's deeper work in us. We rest so we can fully experience the aspects of God we've been missing along the way. When we sit with the Word and incline our ear in prayer without a sense of hurry, we discover afresh what it means to receive the love of God with heart, soul, mind and strength. A nap, an afternoon stroll, a trip to the nearest shoreline … do any of these have a spot on your calendar? If not, how do you find rest and more importantly are you practicing it regularly? more... Bi-vocational pastors were asked if they had any words of advice for other current and future bi-vocational pastors. They were more than happy to share some of their accumulated wisdom to help others considering bi-vocational ministry. Here are their suggestions. As I travel the country, the one thing that I see dividing congregations and setting pastors and people at odds with one another is music. Tolerance traditionally means simply to recognize and respect others' beliefs, practices and so on, without necessarily agreeing or sympathizing. But today's definition is vastly different. Many of the people you serve are probably facing the uncertainty of a new year. I have been so impressed by men and women like you who have stared evil in the eye without blinking and led your people with a sincere faith, affirming the assuring words of Jesus to not worry. A social concern committee can be of great assistance to any pastor in understanding and addressing cultural issues. It is like Nehemiah on the wall — a watchman on behalf of the church and the community it serves. The word-picture of Aaron and Hur supporting Moses' weakened arms is a vivid depiction of pastoral ministry. As pastors, we can relate to the story well, but have you ever considered how that specific situation must have looked to Joshua? So often, the great conflict in any organization is the inability for senior leadership to co-exist effectively and cordially with their colleagues. A senior pastor of over 30 years describes what he has learned about staff relationships. Thriving Pastor Connection - February 13, 2012 Thriving Pastor Connection - February 20, 2012 Thriving Pastor Connection - February 27, 2012 Thriving Pastor Connection - February 6, 2012 Thriving Pastor Connection - January 30, 2012 Thriving Pastor Connection - Week of January 16, 2012 Thriving Pastor Connection - Week of January 2, 2012 Thriving Pastor Connection - Week of January 23, 2012 Thriving Pastor Connection - Week of Janurary 9, 2012
Should I Become a Bi-Vocational Pastor?
The Significance of Your Music
Silenced by Tolerance
So Do Not Worry
A Social Concern Committee: Worth a Try?
Steward of Another Man's Vision
Things I Have Learned as a Senior Pastor
Thriving Pastor Connection - February 13, 2012
Thriving Pastor Connection - February 20, 2012
Thriving Pastor Connection - February 27, 2012
Thriving Pastor Connection - February 6, 2012
Thriving Pastor Connection - January 30, 2012
Thriving Pastor Connection - Week of January 16, 2012
Thriving Pastor Connection - Week of January 2, 2012
Thriving Pastor Connection - Week of January 23, 2012
Thriving Pastor Connection - Week of January 9, 2012
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