Tag: leader

Staying Well When Life Hurts

Posted in Church Chat, Church Consulting, Church Revitalization, Discipleship, Leadership, Life Happens, Ministry, Preaching, WorshipLeave a comment

Life can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s the weight of ministry, family struggles, health concerns, or unexpected challenges, we all face seasons that test our emotional and spiritual endurance. Pastors and ministry leaders especially carry a unique burden as they seek to serve others while managing their own stress and fatigue. Since difficulties are a normal part of life, how can we stay grounded and healthy when life hurts? 

5 Keys to Wellness When Life Hurts

1. Love God. Regardless of what is happening around us, nothing will ever substitute for loving God. Jesus said this is the greatest commandment, and on it, all the others depend (Matthew 22:37). Like marriage, our relationship with God requires discipline, attention, and intentionality. Spiritual practices such as prayer, worship, and Scripture reading help keep our hearts aligned with Him. We will have ups and downs, but we must work to keep our relationship with the Lord fresh and strong.

2. Love Your Family. God created the family before He created the church. That truth should shape our priorities. Many pastors and ministry leaders, myself included, have struggled to maintain balance between family and ministry. Yet, God never calls us to sacrifice our families on the altar of service. Make time for your spouse, your children, and those closest to you. The people in your home are your first and most important congregation. When your family life is healthy, your ministry becomes more authentic and effective.

The people in your home are your first and most important congregation.

3. Love People. People are imperfect—just like us. They’ll disappoint you, misunderstand you, and sometimes frustrate you. But love them anyway. Ask God to help you see people the way He does. Love those who support you and those who oppose you. Love the ones who are easy to be around and those who are not. Jesus calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39), and that includes everyone He brings into our path. God blesses a heart that loves others well.

4. Love the Bible. Many of us claim to hold a “high view of Scripture,” yet we often fail to give it the priority it deserves in our daily lives. We should not only believe the Bible but live it, teach it, and communicate it with passion and accuracy. As ministers and believers, we must let God’s Word shape our hearts and guide our decisions. When people look back on our ministries, may they say, “He always preached God’s Word faithfully and lived by it sincerely.”

5. Love Yourself. This isn’t about vanity—it’s about stewardship. God gave you one body, one mind, and one soul. Take care of them. Nurture your spiritual life through prayer and devotion. Care for your body by eating well, exercising, and resting. Tend to your emotional health by setting boundaries and finding healthy ways to recharge. When we neglect self-care, we limit our effectiveness and risk shortening the time we have to serve the Lord. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s wise stewardship of the life God entrusted to you.

Final Thought: Life will bring its share of storms, but we can weather them well when our hearts stay anchored in God’s love and our priorities stay in order. Loving God, loving family, loving people, loving the Word, and loving yourself—these five keys can keep you strong when life is difficult and equip you to keep serving with joy.

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.

Similar Posts:

8 Reasons to Hire An Interim Pastor

Posted in Church Consulting, Church Revitalization, Leadership, Preaching, UncategorizedLeave a comment

When a pastor leaves, the church enters a tender and often uncertain season. Even if the pastor’s departure was expected—or even welcomed—it still creates disruption. The transition between pastors is a vulnerable time, and how a church navigates it will often shape the future health of the congregation. One of the wisest steps a church can take is to hire an interim pastor. Here’s why:

1. The church needs consistency. Rotating guest preachers may seem like a solution, but it creates a revolving door in the pulpit. Without a steady voice, the church often experiences tension, confusion, and even division. An interim pastor provides stability and consistency week after week.

2. You safeguard doctrine. It’s far easier to vet and trust one qualified interim pastor than a new guest speaker every Sunday. A parade of different preachers—especially those without theological training—opens the door to doctrinal drift. An interim helps protect the pulpit and guard the truth.

3. The church needs space to grieve. When a beloved pastor leaves, there’s loss—whether people realize it or not. That loss must be acknowledged. An interim pastor provides the space and guidance needed for the church to process its grief, heal, and be ready to fully embrace its next shepherd.

4. A leadership void must be filled. The departure of a pastor leaves a vacuum. If it isn’t filled by a qualified leader, one of two things happens: either the church stalls without direction, or members step into roles they were never meant to hold—and may not want to give up once the new pastor arrives. An interim pastor prevents both pitfalls.

5. The Search Team needs breathing room. A pastor search committee carries a weighty responsibility. Without an interim, they feel pressure to rush the process. A wise interim pastor shoulders part of that burden, allowing the search team to move prayerfully and carefully instead of hastily.

6. Fresh eyes bring clarity. An interim pastor comes without preconceived notions. He notices things insiders may overlook—facility issues, worship dynamics, staffing challenges, or ministry gaps. His perspective can spark helpful conversations and positive change.

7. New ideas can bring momentum. Most interim pastors have years of ministry experience. They’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t—in a variety of contexts. Their ideas can inject fresh energy and keep the church moving forward instead of stagnating during the transition.

8. The staff needs pastoral guidance. Even the most capable church staff feels unsettled when the lead pastor’s chair sits empty. An interim pastor provides the leadership, accountability, and encouragement they need so they can continue to serve well until the new pastor arrives.

Final Thought. An interim pastor isn’t just a “placeholder.” He’s a bridge—helping the church move from one season to the next with health, stability, and hope. Churches that skip this step often regret it. Churches that embrace it often find themselves stronger, healthier, and more unified when their new pastor finally steps into the pulpit.

For more information or assistance in this area, please contact me at steve.rice@kybaptist.org or at 502-489-3434.

Is Your Church Safe & Secure?

Posted in Church Consulting, Deacon, Leadership, Security, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Every church MUST think about church security in today’s world! Every church should have a comprehensive Church Security Plan and a Church Security Team in place! BUT, where do you begin and who can help?

We have six Kentucky Baptist Convention Regional Consultants prepared to make a presentation to your church or a group of leaders that will raise awareness for the need of a good security plan as well as cover some of the basics. They can provide first steps and help a church take next steps.

We created a Church Security page on our website with resources available for churches as well as links to several Church Security training videos filmed at one of our KBC Church Security Conferences:

For additional assistance please contact a KBC Regional Consultant directly or contact me at the Kentucky Baptist Convention.