All Resources
Article
Silence
Silence is a catalyst for care for one’s soul and for combating a noisy, hurried ministry.
Article
Modern Exhortations to Pastoral Friendship
Despite increasing connectedness, many in our culture face a growing isolation of the soul and pastors are prime candidates for this paradoxical lifestyle.
Video
Session 6 – How Do You Raise Up Elders and Deacons When There Are None? – Brian Croft
Listen to “Session 6 – How Do You Raise Up Elders and Deacons When There Are None? – Brian Croft” on Spreaker 9Marks, the North American Mission Board, and Send partnered together for a one-day conference on church revitalization in Washington, DC.
Article
Preaching the Gospel at Funerals
The most helpful advice I ever received about preaching at a funeral for someone I didn’t know is: “Don’t preach them into heaven. Don’t preach them into hell. Just preach the gospel for the people who are there.”
Article
Ten Steps to a More Fruitful Sabbatical
If you are planning for an upcoming sabbatical, I hope this begins a helpful conversation about what would be the best ways for you to benefit from this gift.
Article
Overcoming the Monday Morning “Preaching Hangover”
How do you overcome the Monday morning “preaching hangover”? You may call it something different, but every pastor knows about it. It is the mental, emotional, and spiritual crash that takes place the next day (Monday) as a result of pouring your heart and soul out in the proclamation of God’s Word to God’s people […]
Article
Evaluating Prospective Church Members Who Appear Unconverted
How do you evaluate a prospective church member who appears unconverted? A dear pastor friend of mine contacted me recently with what he felt was this exact dilemma. I have faced it. Many of you have faced it. All pastors are grateful when individuals desire to be at church and want to commit themselves to […]
Article
Facing Attack and Betrayal by Church Members
Some of the most painful situations I have ever faced in ministry is when those whom are your biggest supporters are the ones who turn on you. I can remember trembling when I read Charles Spurgeon’s advice, “Prepare for when your dearest brother betrays you.” What, you mean that will happen? In over 16 years […]
Article
Lessons Learned from Shepherding a 106-Year-Old Widow
I have had the honor of knowing an amazing lady in my church. Tillie Roberts, affectionately known to most of us as “Ms. Tillie,” is 106 years old and is doing well despite some recent health problems. She was in the hospital this past week for fatigue issues and has been moved to a nursing […]
Article
Coming Together: The Pastoral Fellowship for Practical Theology
From the four corners of Louisville, a growing number of pastors have been gathering for fellowship, teaching, and prayer. Here’s their story, and some of the unexpected fruits they’ve seen.
Review
Book Review: The U-Turn Church, by Kevin Harney and Bob Bouwer
Here are a few ways this book can help pastors who are reforming churches, as well as cautions you will want to consider as you read.
Article
Five Unexpected Lessons in Church Revitalization
The gospel can not only build a local church, but rebuild it also—sometimes in surprising, unexpected ways.