The church of Jesus Christ is itself full of those who make a habit of criticism and condemnation. Some seem to think their critical spirit is a spiritual gift. But the Lord does not agree. In the opening verses of Matthew 7 (the final chapter of the Sermon on the Mount), our Lord sets the... Continue Reading

Yes, I know churches can expend funds in imperfect ways. Yes, I know all churches need systems of accountability and checks and balances with their finances. Yes, I know some churches need greater transparency with their budgets and spending. But there is absolutely no excuse for making threats with the money you and others have... Continue Reading

I listen to this guy preach once or twice a month, depending on the roster. He heads up the team of leaders caring for us, doing the same work beside them. He makes the call on which ministries our church continues or puts on hold. He’s been in my life for years in various roles,... Continue Reading

The preacher must be a careful student of both worlds; exegeting both his text and his times.  To accomplish this, Stott contended the preacher must ask himself two questions: what did the text mean then, and what does it say now? The latter answer, of course, rooted in the former.   In John Stott’s classic Between... Continue Reading

Beth described her marriage to her husband, a pastor, as “living under the same roof but being physically and emotionally divorced.” With Anna, however, she experienced the deeply satisfying emotional oneness she had always craved.  Their physical affection slowly pushed past appropriate boundaries. Before long, these two Christian sisters were involved in a sexual relationship.... Continue Reading

Pastors have a dual role in the church. As shepherds, they provide pastoral care, but as sheep, they need pastoral care. When a pastor falls into sin, he needs the same restorative care afforded him that is due to any believer. Paul writes in Galatians 6:1, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who... Continue Reading

In one corner is the “evangelism is primary” group and in the other corner is the “discipleship is primary” group. While the two groups spar for a watching audience, the fight is useless and unfruitful. Not only are both important but they fuel each other.   As I have transitioned out of a role that... Continue Reading

In 2009 we started Soul Shepherding as a training center to help pastors thrive with Jesus. Our unique approach as doctors of psychology and spiritual directors cultivates intimacy with Jesus, emotionally healthy relationships, and fruitful ministry. To discover how we can help you check out our Soul Shepherding Institute.   Pastors and other ministry leaders are often under... Continue Reading

While serving as senior vice-president of LifeWay, I was on a team that gets to serve tens of thousands of churches a year. Every week I spoke with church leaders and listened and learned from both their struggles and the places where they saw the Lord working. I was also apart of several large-scale research... Continue Reading

The Bibles that had managed to leak out into the general population were also targeted for disposal. Chinese authorities once dumped a cache of them into a cesspool, believing they were soiled beyond use. Quickly, Chinese Catholics who had witnessed the vandalism hosed them off and sprayed them with perfume. Such was the hunger for... Continue Reading