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What You Don’t Know About Your New Church May Kill You

Many pastors begin an assignment at a new church and get blindsided from issues they never expected. When that happens, it can be deadly.

Surprising Mourners for the Decline of Christianity

In a recent interview, Richard Dawkins offered two startling admissions: first, that he mourned the loss of much of what reflects the Christian faith in the world, and second, that he would consider himself a “cultural” Christian.

5 Ways To Rebuke a Friend

You should be sure you are correct in your rebuke.

3 Lessons Learned From 50 Years of Marriage

In celebration of my parents' 50th anniversary, here are three lessons I have learned from their marriage.

Pastor: You Were Not Made for Fame

We have too often bought into the marketing lie that more is better and fame is the goal. But a pastor chasing fame comes at the expense of his soul. You can not desire fame as your pursuit without fame taking its toll.

The Meaning of the Parable of the Talents

These are the parables of the last days. These stories are well known: the parable of the wise and foolish virgins; the parable of the sheep and the goats; and the parable of the talents.

The Blessing of Constraints

Because God exists outside of time, constraints can be beautiful. I hope I will remember God’s faithfulness to us in that season the next time there is an unforeseen constraint placed on the ministry. Which there certainly will be.

Our Church Sponsored a Refugee Family—It Bridged the Political Divide.

The divisiveness of this election year is reminding me how welcoming a refugee family united our politically diverse community.

8 Reasons Pastorless Churches Should Consider an Interim Pastor

When a church is in a leadership transition, bringing on an interim pastor can be a blessing to the congregation.

One Pastor’s Humble Prayer Before Preaching

In Bob Hostetler's vast pastoral experience he has helped pastors in many aspects of the lives, including this prayer before preaching.

Why Is Everyone So Frustrated? Uncovering and Addressing Expectation Gaps

Are people frustrated in or around your organization? Or perhaps you’re frustrated.

5 Biggest Mistakes Pastors Make on Sundays (and How To Avoid Them)

The very day we want to be at our best requires more from us than any other day. As a result, we can easily make one or more of the five biggest mistakes pastors make on Sundays.

Christian Life Isn’t Just Cussing Less and Giving More

By itself, religion is powerless to change our hearts. It might change our behavior—by cussing a little less, or giving a little more—but the change doesn’t go any deeper than the surface. Living a Christian life is about so much more than these two things.

The Bible Dares You To Fill in the Blanks

Once upon a time, I loved Mad Libs. But maybe the Bible actually invites us—even dares us—to fill in some of the blanks in our own lives.

7 Trademarks of an Unhealthy Friendship

"I wish I could go back in time and pull words out of the ears of my wife, children and friends, but in that moment, I was blind."

Religious Change in America: They Buried the Lead

The latest research from the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) has found that 26% of Americans now identify as religiously unaffiliated, making them the largest single religious group in the U.S.

4 Things Visionary Leaders Hate To Hear

There are some things visionary leaders hate to hear. They make us cringe. Mostly because they distract the team from the vision and from being healthy attempting to achieve it.

10 Ways To Find Rest in Christ

How can we live with a conscience that is pacified by the blood of Christ? Christians, be persuaded to practice these steps to find rest.

The Greatest Danger to the Spiritual Life

What if the greatest threat to our spiritual vitality isn’t external at all? What if our real problem lies deep within us?

Churches Are Not Christian Cruise Ships

The church was never designed to be a Christian cruise ship. I’ve been on a couple cruises and loved them. They are a ton of fun! But church is not designed to please everyone.

Early Christian Scripture and Ancient Codices Draw Collectors’ Eyes to Paris

Amid all the preparations to turn Paris into a venue for the Olympic Games that begin in less than 100 days, one small corner of the French capital is preparing for another modern form of competition based in antiquity: Christie's auction of early Christian texts from North Africa.

Rebecca McLaughlin on Whether Christians Can Agree To Disagree About Same-Sex...

Dr. Rebecca McLaughlin joins “The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast” to talk about how church leaders can respond to common arguments that use the Bible to affirm same-sex relationships, the “why” behind God’s design for marriage, and the “beautiful and glorious vision” Christianity has for friendship.

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