Leadership

Periodically take a solo retreat. Occasionally I’ve taken a night and a day at a local retreat center. I’m usually the only one there. When I go, I think, pray, plan, write, and study. Those periodic getaways refresh my soul and help break me from the rigors of ministry, resetting my focus to respond appropriately to the stresses ministry brings.

What I needed was one-on-one instruction from a mentor. The classroom classes on preaching did not work for me. I was too much of a rebel, I’m thinking, looking back. Too determined not to make my sermons sound like everyone else’s.

I greatly respect president of Southern Seminary, Al Mohler, but disagree with him on this biblical issue. As a conversative evangelical Christian, I understand the fears and concerns the Southern Baptist Convention has regarding the ordination of women.

Storms are almost always temporary. Sure, they can be intense. The winds can be tornadic, but even the most violent storm passes. And, no storm is ever outside the control of the Creator who loves you. Hold on to that truth today.

When I was a new church planter, we ran from anyone who had any church affiliation. They weren’t our target. We didn’t want to offend other churches. In doing so, we robbed ourselves of potential leaders and kept some people from following the ministry God had laid on their heart.

Your love for God, worship, and consistent prayer life are your best investment for the spiritual battles that may come your way.

There are two alarming data points in our studies. First, churches are rapidly abandoning evangelism. Second, church members are steadily denying the essentials of the Christian faith.

To follow Christ is to die to self. And when you’re suffering mentally, dying to self looks like choosing to live, which is ironic, but there it is. It’s choosing to embrace life and not to despair.