Some days I can act like low attendance doesn’t affect me. This past Sunday wasn't one of those days. It was beautiful outside and the seats were empty. After third service I went back to this little electrical closet in the back of the auditorium - one that I re-made into a sermon and prayer room by squeezing a tiny table and chair into it - and just sat there silently and … [Read more...]
The Myth of the Happy Church-Growth Pastor
In the early years of starting Christ's Church of the Valley I was asked to write an article for a ministry magazine. At the time of writing I was starting more services, hiring more staff, assimilating more people, and putting out more fires than what seemed humanly possible. The editor told me to write about anything I wanted, so I sat down and just started writing, and … [Read more...]
The 3 Most Helpful Questions I Was Asked In Therapy
I’ve been to therapy twice in my life. The first time was when our new church was in the middle of its second building project in five years and the economic downturn hit. I was making preparations to quit the ministry, so I spent a week at a place called The Blessing Ranch in Colorado (think intensive outpatient care for pastors) to explore my options with Dr. John Walker. … [Read more...]
My Monthly Trip to the Monastery
I’ve found that if I don’t get away about once a month and “clear my head” by refocusing and reprioritizing what’s on my plate, I go nuts. I mean that. With all the demands I put on myself as well as the things thrown at me by others, I’ve learned that if I ignore this monthly spiritual discipline I tend to become distracted, eat way too much Mandarin Orange chicken, and begin … [Read more...]
Every Senior Pastor’s Dirty Little Secret
Over the years I’ve rubbed shoulders with more Senior Pastors than I can remember. I’ve talked with Senior Pastors of large churches, small churches, and every size in between. I’ve hung out with black pastors, Hispanic pastors, Episcopal pastors, Republican pastors, and yes, to my shame, even pastors who are Yankee fans. You name ‘em, I’ve probably picked up their lunch … [Read more...]
