Articles for Pastors

How We Stop Short in the Debate on Christians and Alcohol

How We Stop Short in the Debate on Christians and Alcohol - The problem with the debate of alcohol is every person I have heard preach against it has stopped short of the real problem alcohol represents.

How to Teach People to Tithe (and Why Some Will Resent It)

Clearly, the early Christians practiced the tithe or their critics would have pointed it out. But having said all the above, the real point is sacrificial giving to the Lord’s work, whatever that means in your situation.

Ethical Boundaries (and Risks) of Using AI for Sermon Preparation

What are the promises and pitfalls of using AI for sermon preparation, and how can church leaders can embrace technological assistance without compromising spiritual integrity?

Is God Proud of Me?

Is God proud of me? If you're like me, it's SO hard to believe, but I promise you it's true. It has to be because of the cross. 

Why Women Don’t Like Women’s Ministry

We know that some women love women's ministry, but there are others who will never attend. Why is that? And how can those of us passionate about women's ministry be even more effective?

Tara Sun: Don’t Neglect Your Own Soul for the Sake of Ministry

ChurchLeaders spoke to Tara Sun about her new book, “Overbooked and Overwhelmed,” which comes from her own experience with being stretched to the max in her life and is full of wisdom from the Bible about what rest truly means.

How Do I Know I’m Called to Be a Pastor?

While the Bible does not offer aone single, definitive checklist for identifying a pastoral calling, Scripture, church tradition, and the experience of pastors through the centuries highlight several key markers that can help guide your discernment.

The Holiness of God and the Sinfulness of Man

Two things that every human being absolutely must come to understand are the holiness of God and the sinfulness of man. These topics are difficult for people to face. And they go together.

J.C. Ryle: 10 Questions to Test Whether You Are a True Christian

Are you a true Christian? Consider these challenges from J.C. Ryle, who invites every reader to join him in calm, searching self-examination over this important question.

The BrokenHearted Pastor

I thought I could pastor without it. No more. If you’re a pastor, you’re going to have to learn to pastor sometimes as a brokenhearted pastor. If you’re a pastor, you’re going to have to learn to pastor sometimes as a brokenhearted pastor.

What Does the Bible Mean by Love?

What is love? Specifically, what does the Bible mean by "love"? Jesus shows us that we can hold our ground on things we believe are biblical (loving God), while also entering into the mess of real people’s lives in order to show them the way of Christ (loving our neighbor).