Very regularly, ministers ask for my help with ministerial and congregational life in very pragmatic ways. What is the best way to organize, plan, preach, administer, supervise, lead, teach, evangelize, pray, cultivate a spiritual life, raise a family, play? You…
VIEWPOINT: Letters from Jordan, the other Bible land, Part 2
In an attempt to stimulate tourism, the Jordan Tourism Board invited a group of editors and journalists to tour their country. I was fortunate enough to be included in the group. I look forward to sharing with you some of…
VIEWPOINT: Letters from Jordan, the other Bible land, Part 1
In an attempt to stimulate tourism, the Jordan Tourism Board invited a group of editors and journalists to tour their country. I was fortunate enough to be included in the group. With good reason, Jordan has been called “The other…
LETTER: Church isn’t actually ‘silent’ on sex
I feel a response is needed to the two recent articles on sexuality by Ken Camp [Herald, Sept. 9]. The article describing The Passion Principles by Shannon Ethridge leaves the meaning of “sexual freedom in marriage” rather ambiguous. I…
LEADERSHIP LINK: Is your church ready for the age wave?
My friend Gary lived a productive life and had loved ones he cared for and who loved him. He left his mark on his new church late in life and on me as his new pastor. Gary experienced multiple health…
VITAL SIGNS: Where is your parish?
One of the polarities every minister must navigate is between ministry within the congregation and ministry in the surrounding community. Is the minister called to serve the members of the local church exclusively, or is there a larger call to…
OPINION: Seeking God in the quiet places
When I was growing up in the church, there was a song we sang during many of our student-lead worship services that began like this: In the secret In the quiet place, In the stillness You are there, In the…
WINN RECOMMENDS: Books that matter
A Book of Prayers, by Arthur A. R. Nelson (IVP) The Scriptures say that the Spirit will help us pray whenever we don’t know how to pray. Arthur Nelson gives a helping hand as well. This fresh collection of prayers…
TRENDING: Competitive churches
According to dean of American church consultants Lyle Schaller, when leaders in nondenominational Protestant megachurches founded since 1975 are asked, “What proportion of your regular attendees in worship were born, baptized, reared and confirmed in a Roman Catholic family?”, responses…