Leadership

But I know that many pastors are keenly aware of the month’s significance and desperately need whatever appreciation might flow their way as a result.

“I believe we will look back at these days and see this season as one of the most critical in God’s kingdom influence growing in our country and world.” —Dean Fulks

“We need to build relational capital. These guys need to enjoy gathering together. They need to love one another. They need to really practice the ‘one anothers’ that we see in Scripture. So, that was our primary goal for that fall season.” The groups took off and thrived.

Polling reveals two things we all seem to agree on: people are more likely to express anger on social media than in person (nearly nine in 10), and we are angrier today compared to a generation ago (84%).

It is not the man who has not struggled who makes a great champion for Christ. It is the one who has overcome by the power of Christ. And there is no overcoming without the struggle arriving first.

Yet within the Christian community, where openness and grace should flow the richest and deepest, where the masks are meant to come off and safety offered to all, owning depression is virtually taboo. There is an unwritten rule that people of faith shouldn’t be depressed.

Perhaps it’s because the strained connections and harsh words feed into my own insecurities.  Or maybe it’s because there are so many more of the blessed times.

In a church, the faces the congregation sees on the stage matter. If all the faces are the same race, gender, or age, they often assume that’s who’s welcome in that church.