Throughout Scripture, we find stories of sacrificial giving. The men and women in these stories demonstrated a type of generosity that was not easy or comfortable. And it is these uncomfortable stories that help us understand the type of generosity God desires of us. Each story provides lessons from which we can learn. Let’s look […]
“I don’t know what to do.” These are words leaders hate to say or think. Jerry was no different. Jerry had pastored a small church for seven years. In his first few years at the church, he knew where he hoped to lead the congregation. Back then, the challenges were obvious which made the vision […]
You may be familiar with the story. In John 6:1-15, we find Jesus and his disciples watching a crowd that had been following Jesus come toward them. Jesus asks his disciple, Philip, where he thought they could buy bread for the crowd, for the crowd had not eaten in a while. Philip stated the impossibility […]
The book of Proverbs is considered one of the Wisdom Books of Hebrew Scripture. Proverbs teaches wisdom to all. From young to old, poor to rich, inexperienced to experienced, no one is excluded from the wisdom in this book. It provides instructions on how to live a happy and peaceful life, by honor and respecting […]
Where are you on your generosity journey? Maybe you already give but wish to be one who reflects Macedonian-like generosity. Maybe you started giving out of obedience to God but desire a deeper love for generosity. Maybe you haven’t started giving but know generosity should be your next step of faith. Wherever you are, commit […]
As we journey along life’s path it is imperative to understand that beyond the current events of your ministry and life, good or challenging, the fact remains that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. But what does that mean? Does God change his mind about you based on your temperament or attitude? Does […]
Let me see if you can relate to this—You come home, burdened, tired, and stressed from a rough day of ministry. The evening is filled with you snapping at your family and making negative comments about coworkers or church members. Yeah, we’ve all been there. But we don’t like it. And we don’t like who […]
I grew up in church, and my family rarely missed a Sunday. I don’t remember a single sermon, but I do remember my nervousness over the word “stewardship.” Every September, our church hosted “Stewardship Sunday” where the minister would preach an emotional, guilt-inducing sermon stressing the need for everyone to give more – and it […]
What are you doing this summer? During this season, many churches experience what’s known as a “summer slump.” Attendance goes down. Volunteers are more difficult to find. And for many churches, generosity decreases (but it doesn’t have to be this way. For tips on how to avoid a summer giving slump click here.) Overall there’s […]
You inhale deeply. Lean back in your church. And say aloud, “wow, this is a lot.” Does this sound all too familiar to you? As a pastor, you have burdens on your shoulders constantly from a never ending to-do list. Ministry work is powerful work that results in rewards greater than any other calling. But, […]
How are you holding up after Easter weekend? Odds are you’re pretty tired. Whether your church just had one service or five, you had a lot to plan, a lot of places to be, and a lot of people calling on you. But as a church leader this isn’t anything new to you. You are […]
There are plenty of professions where it seems there is a disparity between what one does and how one lives. You may have heard the saying, “The cobbler’s children have no shoes.” This is perhaps because he is so busy making shoes for others that he doesn’t have the time or energy to make them […]