Read: Acts 20:24 ESV Pastoral ministry is tough. I believe it is one of the toughest jobs in the world. So tough in fact that no pastor can do it well without constantly depending on God. So many pastors start off strong but fade out before they cross the finish line because in an attempt […]
Leader Development
Revive us, O Lord: Renewal starts with deeper dependence on God, preachers urge
Michael Kramer woke up a few weeks ago exhausted. The discipleship pastor from Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton was headed back to bed, he told his audience in Marion, but he had to do one thing first. Dispose of a raccoon in a trap on his roof. As he dug the raccoon’s grave, one of […]
What and when you should report
Question: I volunteer with the children’s ministry at my church, and want to make sure I’m doing the right thing if I ever suspect abuse or neglect. Can you summarize Illinois’ reporting laws, especially how they pertain to churches and ministries? Answer: Considering the prevalence of childhood abuse and neglect, your questions are both timely […]
A thank you note
Read: Psalm 30:1-5 David composed this psalm after God delivered him from a near-death experience. It was a dark time in David’s life when he thought his life would come to an end. This psalm is a thank you note to God for deliverance. David’s prayer for help had been answered, so in return for […]
The toughest day of the week
As an introverted pastor and ministry leader, Monday is the toughest day of the week. After a Sunday of ministry where I find myself around lots of people, on Mondays I’m tired, depleted, and sometimes discouraged. (It is rumored that most pastors quit on Mondays.) I was bemoaning my plight to my wife after a […]
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