I’m sitting here at my desk with a heart of gratitude for God’s favor in ministry as we come down the home stretch with the peddle to the metal and the engine roaring to finish strong through the Christmas season. As a pastor it has been a full and challenging year dealing with hard things that would check the oil … Read More
What’s the Difference between Shepherding & Disciple Making?
Clarity breeds brevity. Lack of clarity leads to lots of words. Our churches today lack clarity on disciple making. That confusion is evident by the long list of words used interchangeably such as discipleship, coaching, mentoring, disciple making, and shepherding. Unfortunately, these words aren’t synonyms. Instead of clarifying the call to make disciples, they complicate and confuse. In the past … 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
Raise Expectations!
In Matthew 4:19, Jesus called His first disciples. He said… “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” This calling was a personal invitation to know Him, to live in relationship with Him, and to join Him in His mission. This incredible life changing, paradigm shifting invitation from the Messiah also came with a cost. A true disciple … Read More
Giving Hope to Weary Souls: Who Will Say Yes?
Expectations shattered. Reality bared its ugly fangs and assaulted them with devastating effects. Living in rural Montana among the rural hamlets, grasslands of the East, mountains of the West, many people begin life with a desire to grow, flourish, and create a legacy for themselves. But when life’s inevitable rumble strips erode into bottomless sinkholes, suddenly help seems so far … Read More
Strengthening Your Discipleship Ministry
At the center of the mission of each local church is making disciples. One of the roles of the Strengthening Team is to equip and resource churches in this pursuit. Our partners at LifeWay recently provided training for discipleship leaders from across the MTSBC. These ministry specialists sharpened their skills in their area of ministry and networked with other leaders … Read More