Category: Ministry

10 Things I Love About Being A Pastor

Posted in Church Chat, Life Happens, Ministry4 Comments

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as pastor in three Kentucky Baptist churches, along with several interim roles. Through it all, I’ve experienced the unique joys—and occasional challenges—of pastoral ministry. While every pastor’s journey is different, I love many things about being a pastor.

10 Things I Love About Being A Pastor

1. Walking Through Life With People I Know and Love. One of the greatest joys of pastoring is being woven into the everyday lives of church members. From weddings to hospital visits, from baptisms to funerals, I get to walk alongside people I truly care about. As someone who loves people, these connections are both meaningful and deeply rewarding.

2. Offering Encouragement in Difficult Times. Life isn’t easy—for anyone. But as a pastor, I’m often invited into moments of hardship, pain, and uncertainty. These moments are sacred. They give me the opportunity to offer hope, encouragement, and the reminder that God is near.

3. Preparing to Preach God’s Word. Each week, I open the Bible and ask, “Lord, what do You want to say to Your people?” The preparation process is both challenging and invigorating. And honestly, before I ever step into the pulpit, God has already preached the sermon to me.

4. Serving Alongside a Godly Staff. Ministry is not a solo act. Working with a team of dedicated, Christ-centered staff members is one of the joys of church leadership. When we’re united in purpose, it makes the work not only more effective but also more enjoyable.

5. Watching Kids Be Kids. There’s something beautiful about the laughter, honesty, and energy of children. They keep us grounded and remind us what matters most. Plus, they’re great at making us smile—sometimes when we need it the most.

6. Seeing People Become Passionate About Jesus. Nothing compares to watching someone’s heart ignite with love for Christ. Whether it’s a new believer or a long-time church member deepening their walk, seeing spiritual transformation is a thrill that never gets old.

7. Having My Own Passion for Jesus Renewed. Serving as a pastor constantly draws me to a deeper reliance upon Jesus. The responsibility of shepherding others drives me to remain rooted in Him and to stay in His Word daily. It’s both humbling and energizing.

8. Helping the Church Refocus. Churches, like individuals, can lose focus. Helping a congregation rediscover its mission and realign with God’s vision is one of the most rewarding parts of leadership. A renewed focus can lead to renewed fruitfulness.

9. Leading With Vision and Purpose. God calls pastors to lead—not just administrate or maintain. Leading a church with prayerful vision, bold faith, and Spirit-filled purpose is both a heavy responsibility and a great honor. Churches need leaders who are willing to step up and lead with courage and clarity.

10. Learning to Follow Well. Even as a leader, I’m still a follower—first and foremost of Jesus, but also in how I trust and empower others. Good leadership means knowing when to step back, delegate, and cheer others on. Leading well starts with following well.

Final Thoughts
Being a pastor isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. And while it comes with its challenges, the blessings far outweigh them. I’m grateful every day for the privilege God has given me to serve local churches and walk this journey of faith with others.

5 Reasons to Seek Help with Conflict

Posted in Church Chat, Church Consulting, Conflict, Deacon, Leadership, Life Happens, MinistryLeave a comment

In their helpful book Redeeming Church Conflicts: Turning Crisis into Compassion and Care, Tara Klena Barthel and David V. Edling remind us that there are times when it is wise to involve others in the midst of church conflict. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it is an act of humility and wisdom. Proverbs 11:14 tells us, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”

Here are five reasons why inviting an outside, godly helper can bring clarity and healing when conflict arises.

1. We Have Blind Spots. Conflict clouds our vision. Because we are emotionally invested, we often cannot see clearly. Others, especially those who are impartial, can discern perspectives we may miss. Scripture reminds us, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart” (Proverbs 21:2). A wise and godly third party can help us see what God sees more clearly.

2. We Forget the Truth. When our hearts are weighed down by burdens, it is easy to lose sight of God’s truth. A faithful helper can gently turn our eyes back to what is good and right. The apostle Paul exhorts us: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8). God often uses the encouragement of others to lift our thoughts back to His promises.

3. Our Fear Is Powerful. Fear can quickly take control when we feel we are losing influence, position, or something we treasure deeply. Fear distorts judgment and feeds division. Yet God’s Word speaks directly to our fear: “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). A wise third party can help calm our fears and point us back to faith in God’s sovereignty.

4. Our Tempers Need Restraint. Anger is a dangerous spark in any conflict. The presence of a neutral mediator can help keep emotions in check and set boundaries for respectful conversation. James writes, “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:19–20). Godly counsel provides space for anger to cool and for grace to work.

5. We Need Encouragement. Conflict often leaves us weary, discouraged, and tempted to lose hope. A trusted encourager can remind us that our hope is not in winning an argument but in Christ Himself. “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God” (Psalm 42:11). Outside help can point us back to the unshakable foundation we have in Jesus.

Closing Thought: Conflict is hard, but it can also be an invitation from the Lord to grow in grace. When we seek wise help, we are walking in humility and trusting God to bring peace where strife once ruled. Remember, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).

Prayer: Lord, when conflict comes, remind us that our hope is in You. Give us humility to seek help, courage to face our fears, and faith to trust Your Word. Make us instruments of Your peace, so that Christ may be glorified in His church. Amen.

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Being A Good Example

Posted in Church Chat, Deacon, Discipleship, Leadership, Life Happens, Ministry, UncategorizedLeave a comment

I’ve always wanted to be a good example, but that multiplied exponentially when I became a grandfather. The truth is, one of the greatest gifts we can give our family, co-workers, and other believers is the example of a faithful life. Paul reminded young Timothy of this truth when he wrote:

“You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings… yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:10–12, ESV)

Paul wasn’t simply telling Timothy what to believe—he was showing him how to live. Timothy had seen Paul’s doctrine, his daily conduct, his endurance through hardship, and his unshakable faith. That’s the pattern for us today. If we want to influence others for Christ, we must be willing to let our lives speak as loudly as our words.

4 Ways to Be A Good Example

1. A Good Example Teaches Truth. Paul began with teaching. Right doctrine matters. People are being pulled in every direction by voices that deceive, but a faithful believer points to Scripture as the unchanging standard. To be a good example, you don’t need to know everything—but you must cling to the truth you do know, and pass it on with humility and confidence.

2. A Good Example Lives What They Teach. Doctrine without conduct is hypocrisy. Paul could say, “You’ve seen my teaching and my conduct.” The world may ignore our sermons, but it notices how we treat our spouse, how we handle money, how we respond when things don’t go our way. Every believer’s life is a message. The question is: is it pointing people toward Christ or away from Him?

3. A Good Example Endures with Faith and Patience. Paul’s life was marked by hardship—persecution, rejection, and even violence. Yet he remained steadfast. That kind of endurance only comes from faith. When we continue to love, serve, and trust God in the face of trials, people see that Jesus is real in us.

4. A Good Example Accepts That Persecution Will Come. Paul was clear: “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” The faithful life won’t always be easy or applauded. But our response in those moments—our patience, love, and steadfastness—shines the brightest witness. A Christian who suffers with grace proclaims the gospel more loudly than a thousand words ever could.

Summary: Being a good example is not about perfection—it’s about faithfulness. It means teaching truth, living consistently, enduring trials, and trusting God when the road is hard. When we do, others will see Jesus in us, and our lives will echo Paul’s words: “From them all the Lord rescued me.”

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the faithful examples of Paul, Timothy, and so many others who have gone before us. Help me to live in such a way that my teaching and my conduct match, that my faith is steady, and that my love is sincere. When trials come, give me the patience and steadfastness I need to honor Christ. May my life point others to Jesus, not to myself. Keep me faithful, even when the road is hard, and remind me that You are always with me and will rescue me in the end. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Where Do I Fit in My Church?

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Becoming part of a church family is one of the greatest blessings of following Jesus. Yet for new believers, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Where do I belong? How can I serve? What role does God want me to play?

Take heart—God’s Word assures us that He has a purpose for each one of us in His church. “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27). Here are five biblical truths to help you prayerfully find your place in His family.

1. Be Comfortable in Who You Are. God created you uniquely and purposefully. Psalm 139:14 reminds us, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” You don’t need to imitate others to fit in—you simply need to rest in who you are in Christ. When you walk confidently in your identity as God’s child, you’ll naturally connect with your church family.

2. Discover Your God-Given Gifts and Talents. The Holy Spirit equips every believer with gifts to build up the church. Romans 12:6 says, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” Ask the Lord to reveal your gifts and consider how your natural talents may be used for His glory. Whether it’s serving, teaching, encouraging, or showing mercy, your gifts have a place in His plan.

3. Learn from Others Around You. Proverbs 15:22 teaches, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Seek guidance from pastors, mentors, and trusted believers in your church. They may see strengths and opportunities you’ve overlooked. God often uses the wisdom of others to direct us to the right place of service.

4. Stay Open to Growth and Change. Your place in the church may shift over time as God shapes you. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Be willing to try new areas of ministry and allow God to stretch you. You may begin in one role and later discover an even deeper passion in another.

5. Pay Attention to Where God is Working. Jesus said, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working” (John 5:17). Look around your church. Where is God moving? Where are the needs? Often, your place is found at the intersection of God’s work, your gifts, and the needs of others. Pray for eyes to see and a heart ready to serve.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for placing me in Your family, the church. Help me to rest in who You made me to be. Reveal the gifts You’ve given me and show me where to use them for Your glory. Surround me with wise counsel, keep my heart open to new opportunities, and give me eyes to see where You are working. May my life bless others and bring honor to Christ, in whose name I pray. Amen.

4 Steps to Forgiving Those I Hate

Posted in Church Chat, Deacon, Discipleship, Leadership, Life Happens, Ministry, Preaching, Worship2 Comments

How can we forgive people we hate? How can we show grace to those we can’t stomach? The honest truth is that we can’t! In our own strength, we are unable to forgive those who have hurt us deeply, but with God’s help, it is possible.

4 Steps to Forgiving Those I Hate

1. Turn our hurts over to God. We should remind ourselves that nothing happens that God does not allow. As a result we should acknowledge our hurts and ask God to help us with them. He may choose to teach us through them and shape us into the person He wants us to be. God never wastes a hurt!

God never wastes a hurt!

2. Ask God to transform our hate to love. In time, God will change our hearts to match His heart if we allow Him to do so. We should pray and ask God to start the process of healing and forgiveness in our hearts.

3. Read what God’s Word says about forgiveness. The Bible is replete with verses on this topic. Reading what God says is a major part of how He moves us towards a heart of forgiveness. Here are a couple of passages on the topic:

“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”  Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV) 

“He said to them, ‘When you pray, say:  Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.'”  Luke 11:2-4 (NIV) 

4. Remember that we sinned against God. God forgave us when we didn’t deserve it, so we should forgive others when they don’t deserve it. We are never more like God than when we grant forgiveness to undeserving people.

Don’t spend the rest of your life without rest in your life!

If you’re struggling with hard feelings toward someone . . . if you’re mad, hurt, bitter, or all the above rolled into one, then let it go! Forgive! Do it for their sake! Do it for your sake! Do it for the Lord! Don’t spend the rest of your life without rest in your life. Unforgiveness can slow down or even sidetrack your spiritual growth.

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