On my last Sunday at my southern California church ten years ago, my pastor surprised me by calling me up to pray for my upcoming move. Friends surrounded me as his voice echoed across the school gym. “Lord, be with Meredith as she moves to Indiana.” My head still bowed, I cracked open one eye […]
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Revive and refocus
Once each year, the almost one thousand churches of the Illinois Baptist State Association are invited together into one place, for one large family gathering. The IBSA Annual Meeting, hosted this year at Cornerstone Church in Marion, is for many a “reunion” of long-time friends, co-laborers, and ministry partners. For others it is a time […]
Grief that won’t let go
Question: My mother-in-law died a year ago, and my wife is still really struggling with her absence. We know she’s in heaven, but my wife depended on her mom to be a sounding board and encouragement in ways I can’t replicate. How should a Christian deal with grief that just won’t seem to fade? Answer: […]
Pat’s Playbook: Christ over all
Question: People keep talking about unnecessary ministries and using one I really like as an example. Should I speak up, or are they right? Answer: Some types of ministries come and go. Something that was popular a few years ago may outlive its usefulness or even its effectiveness. Remember that genuine ministry is built on […]
Fresh fuel for tired engines
What volunteers really want is attention to their souls The current literature on ministry with volunteers emphasizes frequent expressions of gratitude with thank-you notes, recognition from the pulpit, and an annual banquet. After all, everyone wants to be appreciated, right? But addressing the question of “care and feeding” of volunteers, Dan Kimball points in a […]
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