Articles for Pastors

How Pastors Can Discern Their True Friends

Don’t get me wrong; most people in the church are friendly. Most people treat pastors with respect. But it can be hard to find true friends among those you’re charged to shepherd.

Let’s Stop Over-Interpreting Agape vs Phileo

It's not agape vs phileo: Both agape and phileo can be used as synonyms, and it is the usage in the context of conversation or narration that tells us the degree of love or the object of love in focus.

Pastor: Leave Before You Have to Leave

I’ve watched people in organizations – in government, business, nonprofits, and, sadly, far too often in the church — some leaders (people) simply stay too long. Leader, leave before you have to leave. 

Are You a “What’s Next” Leader or a What’s Now Leader?

For so long, I lived in the “what’s next” space that I constantly missed what’s now. It’s hard to stop and smell the roses when you are moving so fast that you barely notice there are roses to smell.

What to Say When Someone Dies (And What Not to Say)

"Many people struggle with what to say to the grief-stricken."

Christ, the Commoner King

What does God look like? He looks like Jesus, the Commoner King. When God became man, it looked like Jesus, and he still does.

How to Predict Divorce (Hint: It Involves the Wedding Cake)

What are some common signs of divorce? You might be surprised to hear that as a pastor, I can predict the likelihood of divorce based on how the wedding cake is exchanged.

The Bible Is Not ‘Magical’—Jen Wilkin Addresses Common Misconceptions in Our Approach to God’s Word

In a recent interview on the Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast, author and Bible teacher Jen Wilkin addressed misconceptions Christians have about reading the Bible and also offered suggestions for how church leaders can help congregants engage with the Bible well.