John Stott once said that the occupational hazard of Christian ministry is discouragement. He was right. But that word is far too neat a container for what pastors actually carry. It doesn't account for the sleepless 2 a.m. hours wondering if you misread your calling. It doesn't capture the gut-punch of a church split, or an Elders meeting that ends in frustration and gives way to betrayal. It says nothing about a man watching his wife weep quietly at home when everything cha

Why Being Your Own Counselor Will Destroy You You are having a conversation right now that no one else can hear. It started before your feet hit the floor this morning. It will continue after you close your eyes tonight. It runs underneath every meeting, every meal, every relationship, every decision you make. No, it’s not your parent, not your best friend, and not your pastor. You are talking to yourself. Constantly. Relentlessly. And the voice doing the talking is the one y

What decision are you about to make today? You will make one—many, in fact. Some will be insignificant, others life-altering. It's the...

Have you ever found yourself painfully regretting a social media post, pic, or response? Have you ever attempted to address an issue or comment on one of your platforms only to soon discover that you're in the middle of a full-blown argument? Join the crowd. It's a common experience. Unfortunately, for all the good it offers, social media also provides a great opportunity for believers to ruin their personal witness. And let's be honest. We've all seen it happen. The deacon w

Recently I attended a concert at our county fair by a country singer who has been recording hits for twenty-five years. Her band was...

I stood, called my text, and began to preach. There was a weird response by the congregation. Something strange was happening, but I ...

Martyr, theologian, and pastor, Dietrich Bonhoeffer once stated, “Nothing can be more cruel than the leniency which abandons others to their

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from...

“‘What shall we do?’ is the deep heart cry of every man who suddenly realizes that he is a usurper and sits on a stolen throne. However...

“To be specific, the self-sins are these: self-righteousness, self-pity, self-confidence, self-sufficiency, self-admiration, self-love,...

The self-swindler is a rather boring creature and not easily spotted. If you are looking for him, you may be greatly dismayed because he...