Pastors

Pastoring in the death zone means attempting to sustain an elevated level or pace that has the potential to jeopardize your family, your ministry, and your health.

The United Methodist Church currently feels like a war zone. But the way forward is to “beat our swords into plowshares” (Isaiah 2:4) on the anvil of compassion. Here are three principles that can guide us.

They lead in their own power rather than God’s power. They may use the language of “God’s power,” but honesty would require them to say that they’re living in their own strength. They’re tackling very little that they could not do on their own.

The young minister was all smiles and oozing enthusiasm as we ordered our lunch at the restaurant. My goal wasn’t to steal his smile, but to help equip him for the realities of servant leadership.

Leaders are in charge—mostly. Being a leader means you have followers. Otherwise, you’re just taking a walk. The sheer presence of followers provides leaders two things we really, really love: power and authority.

There are two types of credibility. Both personal and professional credibility are essential for the leader. The former is about character and integrity. The latter is about execution and faithfully and skillfully doing one’s job.

The mantra taught to 21st century church leaders is that “leadership is influence.” There’s a lot of truth in that statement for business or secular leaders, but not for spiritual leaders.

I love my pastor, but I must admit, I don’t often express that I do. Shame on me. Allow me to take a few moments to articulate some of the reasons why I appreciate my pastor so much.