Forgiving People Who Don’t Want It
Many people read the words of Jesus and conclude a Christian is obligated to forgive everyone, every time, for everything...
What Do You Not Like? How Will You Put Up with It?
My observations: As a preacher, you aren’t ready to commit to working with a new congregation until you know not...
Suggestion: If You’re a New Elder, Don’t Read that Letter Alone! — If You’re a New (or Old) Preacher, Don’t Read that Letter Alone!
I heard the story many times. Each retelling brought back the pain of the day. A brother had recently been...
A Dose of Humility from a Friend
As a young preacher, I knew when I preached a good sermon: adequate preparation, good timing for needs in the...
Beginning Well as the New Preacher
A friend asked recently for suggestions for a preacher beginning his work with a new church. Here are some of...
More on Preachers Placing Membership
After the post on Preachers Placing Membership, I received this question from Richard Root: Jerrie, do you think this has changed...
Where Do I Find the Time to Do What I Need to Do?
Some time ago, I was facing a day where I had typical responsibilities: study for sermons and Bible classes, memory,...
”Come Aside . . . and Rest Awhile”: A Preacher’s Sabbatical
I’ve been thankful for the words of Jesus in Mark six for many years: “Then the apostles. gathered to Jesus...
Is the Preacher a Member of the Congregation? When do he and his family “place membership”? Do they do it like other people or do they get a special pass?
I was in my third full-time work as a preacher. It occurred to me that I’d never “placed membership” with...
”Have you ever choked on a criticism sandwich?”
A friend asked this question recently: “Have you ever choked on a criticism sandwich?”. He’d heard my criticism workshop: Criticism Rule....