A few years ago a couple approached me with clenched fists after a sermon. I thought, this can’t be good. All weekend people thanked me for teaching on a topic that had frustrated them for years. I worked tirelessly on the message and felt that God had honored the time on my knees and at my computer. It was a good weekend. Then, this couple, ironically both … [Read more...]
10 Reasons You Shouldn’t Quit The Ministry
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...]
