By Bill Wilson “Yes, but” are Two of the most dangerous words in a minister’s vocabulary. Two of the most destructive words a congregation will ever utter. The order of their utterance is important. First we say, “Yes. I agree….
Are you closed?
By Bill Wilson A friend recently shared with me an interesting story. When his church decided to replace its sign out front, it meant that the old one had to come down. For about a week, there was no sign…
What will we do with failure?
By Bill Wilson Failure. Just saying the word in the same sentence as our name makes us nervous. Far too often, failure and ministry go together. Frequently, failure is the last word for ministers and churches. Many ministers’ inner life…
Dreaming with God
By Bill Wilson I’ve made a transition in recent years in the way I think and talk about God’s will. For many people, the will of God is a mysterious, elusive and frustrating concept. Too often, we have made it…
Traps for clergy and their new congregation
By Bill Wilson Several traps come to mind: The trap of expectations. Coming into a congregation as the new minister is a wonderful season of new beginnings and possibilities. People await you with great expectations. Often those expectations are exaggerated…
A week to remember
By Bill Wilson Some weeks fade from memory quickly. Others stand out for their significance and impact. This year, the week of Easter and following was a memorable week to learn some indispensable things about being a vibrant and healthy church…
Words from a master
By Bill Wilson I recently had the privilege of hearing Fred Craddock preach. For many clergy, Craddock represents the personification of a stream of preaching that emphasizes narrative and intuition over expository and logic. For some it is extremely appealing,…
A new ministerial role
By Bill Wilson For centuries the church has taken Ephesians 4 to heart and suggested that there are five primary roles for a minister to fulfill. Modern ministers are expected to embody these roles as needed and with a significant…
A church for those who wander
By Bill Wilson The book of James closes with a most interesting assertion: “My brothers and sisters, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and is brought back by another, you should know that whoever brings back a sinner…