Articles for Pastors

Discernment Is a Gift of the Spirit, Gnosticism Isn’t

We can be thankful that folks are once again concerned with what is true. But at the same time I would argue that what is being promoted as discernment has actually more in common with Gnosticism than biblical discernment.

Financial Checks and Balances: 2 Security Lessons I Learned The Hard Way

I don’t want to minister in a church in which people don’t trust each other. And I refuse to work with leaders I can’t trust. But trusting each other doesn’t mean we shouldn’t put proper financial checks and balances in place.

“I partied with Chris Farley–two nights before he died” A Book Excerpt from Holy Shift

The following is an excerpt from the opening of Jonathan Herron's book, Holy Shift. Jonathan leads one of America's fastest growing churches, LifeChurchMichigan.com. Part of his "training" was his time spent at Second City in Chicago.

Shepherds Must Whack the Wolves

A faithful expositional ministry will protect the flock from wolves both inside and outside the church. As a shepherd, it’s also our responsibility to identify the wolves.

Multiply Yourself for Ministry

Some pastors outgrow their jobs. Others find their jobs outgrow them. As you multiply your ministry, you must grow yourself.

The Church Staff Brainstorming Session: Is There a Better Way?

Research indicates that a number of individuals working alone will generate more diverse and better quality ideas than the same number participating in a brainstorming session.  

Fighting for Your Marriage When Life Beats You Up

Divorce rates among families with disabilities, infant loss, or special needs are high, and it’s no surprise. When the rest of your circumstances demand a fight, it can be hard to stick up for each other. It takes extra effort to fight for your marriage.

WHAT!?! Instructions to Not Sing at Church?!

Perhaps some would love to limit religious liberty, but I don’t read instructions to not sing during a pandemic when inside as necessarily an attack on my religious liberty. There are other biblical postures of worship that were not addressed in the instructions.