As I interact with pastors, I often see the weariness in their eyes of advancing the mission of the church with little to no team. As we discuss the value of investing in others, the key factors are often time and quality control. It’s true that it takes more time to equip and develop a team than it does to … Read More
Pitfalls in Ministry
A pitfall is an unexpected danger or difficulty. Pitfalls are hidden or camouflaged, so one can come out of nowhere. Therefore, on the trail or walking through life, caution is needed. This imagery is true in ministry, as well. Despite knowing they exist one must be on the lookout. It’s also helpful to have an extra set of eyes to … Read More
Responding to the Historic Flooding in Montana
When the waters of Rock Creek began to surge across its banks into homes and businesses in Red Lodge, Montana, the members of the Church of the Rockies began to respond. At first, it was neighbor helping neighbor, checking on one another and offering aid. Then, the Red Cross arrived. The church family quickly began to volunteer to be the … Read More
A Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
As you look out on your congregation, what do you see? Do you see an abundance of potential resources, co-laborers, and disciple makers? Or, do you view your church family through the lens of scarcity? There really isn’t much there to work with, is there? What you believe about them is what you will see in them. Think about that … Read More
The Disciple Maker Card
In any discipleship process, relationships are essential. A disciple maker is seeking to engage the heart of a new believer, or a disciple partner, with spiritual truths that lead to life transformation. These spiritual conversations have a high view of Scripture and emphasize our response to the Holy Spirit. What is God saying? What are you going to do about it? Discipleship can be … Read More
Who Has Your Back?
There is nothing more comforting than a friend or family group who has your best interest at heart. You know that no matter what you are facing, you can count on them to support and encourage you. They are a GRACE ZONE, because they understand what you are facing, and they sincerely care about you. In pastor life, these types … Read More
Discover, Develop, and Deploy
In 2 Timothy 2:1-2, we read an exhortation of the Apostle Paul to Timothy, which is a key principle in developing leaders. We are to entrust to faithful men (and women) what we have been taught, so those we are discipling can teach others. That’s four generations of discipleship in one verse. Our investment in developing disciple makers propels the … Read More
Baptism Sunday
One of the great joys of summer is to see our churches celebrating baptism in the lakes and rivers of Montana. While the sun is hot, we seek to take advantage of the narrow window of opportunity for this format, even though the water is still very much cold. As those who have responded to the Gospel with repentance and faith identify … Read More
It Started in a Coffee Shop
How can the prayers of 5 college students in Pullman, WA, be used by God to start a collegiate church planting movement? That’s a great question! It’s an amazing story of life transformation, which is now unfolding at the University of Montana and Montana State University! I They longed to see the Kingdom of Heaven experienced on earth! As they … Read More
How is your Spiritual Love Tank?
Do you ever feel like you are running on empty and there is nothing left to give? You are not alone, pastor. If we are not careful, the unrelenting pressures of life and ministry can put stress and strain on our relationships and leave us emotionally unhealthy. Though we know the value and promise of “Abide” from John 15, our … Read More