Articles for Pastors

40 Ways to Increase Baptisms in the Next Year

"Here’s a list of some simple things we do to set the stage for more baptisms at Saddleback that almost any church can do…"

QUIZ: How Teachable Are You?

"If you recognize that you need to be more teachable, ask God to make you humble today."

This Season, Preach a Messy Christmas

The sites, sounds, and smells we associate to Christmas today couldn’t be further from the first century experience: it was a messy Christmas.

Moving Traditional Seminary Training Beyond Online Education

At Southern Evangelical Seminary and Bible College (SES) we have come together to think carefully about how to best meet the needs of our student body academically, relationally, and professionally through online education.

Your ‘Gospel Game’ Is Far More Important Than Your Shoe Game

I've heard thousands of sermons in my 30+ years of ministry. Out of them all, I'd say 30% of the time the preacher gives the gospel & 30% of those who give it, present it clearly. Many forget to even mention the cross. Preachers, forget your shoe game. Work on your gospel game."

8 Ways to Become More Humble

Pride can devastate your ministry. Here are several suggestions to help you steer clear of the danger of pride.

9 Signals Your Hormones May Be Hijacking Your Leadership

Brain researchers have discovered that sustained high levels of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline affect our ability to think clearly, creatively, and decisively, thus diminishing our ability to lead most effectively.

When It’s Time to Leave a Church

What are the legitimate reasons for leaving a church? When is the right time to leave a church? How should one leave a church to join another?