Reading fiction should be part of every pastor’s job description. Most pastors read often, but if a pastor’s reading consists only of Bible commentaries and leadership books, then their reading is anemic. A good novel is more helpful for the work of pastoral ministry than over 99% of “pastoral leadership” books on the market. Fiction, […]
There are a few good reasons to leave a church, but many bad reasons. One of the worst reasons to leave is that you disagree with something your pastor says in a sermon. Now, to be clear, true heresy is another matter (and we need to know the difference between a disagreement and heresy). If […]
“I still haven’t found what I’m looking for…” These words from U2 have had a profound impact on my understanding of the life of faith. For years I heard these words as a song expressing a lack of faith. As Augustine famously said, “My heart is restless until it rests in thee.” I would hear […]
It’s been a while. Our plan was to start out strong in 2024 and that did not happen. We even recorded this episode back in January, but were interrupted (Elliana’s show ended, Sam woke up from his nap) and told each other we would finish the recording “in a few days”. March, Take 2. The […]
Last week I went to see Dune: Part Two for the second time. Being a parent of young children, going to the movies is a bit of a rarity. So for me to go see a movie twice in a theatrical run is as big of a compliment as I can give it. Dune: Part […]
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I’m there with them” Matthew 18:20 (CEB). Few of us believe this anymore. Many of us will say we believe it. Jesus said it so of course we confess it to be true. But the reality is that few in the western world believe these […]
There are two sticky notes I keep posted on my desk that I am sure to notice and read at least once a week. The first says, “You know that you are not the best of pastors, but you are the best your congregation has now.” The second: “When you don’t believe in yourself – […]
These past couple of weeks I have been watching rug cleaning videos on youtube.1 I understand this may sound like watching videos of paint drying! Why sit and watch a twenty minute video of someone cleaning a rug? Yet the experience is surprisingly satisfying. The rug cleaner begins by unrolling the rug. We see all […]
“Out of the mouths of babes and infantsyou have founded a bulwark because of your foesto silence the enemy and the avenger.” Psalm 8:2 It is difficult to watch a movie with young children. Friday night is movie night in our house. This last week we watched Candleshoe (a good little movie that I had […]
“Daddy, will you forgive me?” These words from my four year old daughter were unexpected. Not thirty seconds earlier, her eyes shot daggers at me when I walked into her room. The last thing I expected was an apology. It had been a difficult evening. I could blame it on all the Halloween candy. Or […]
The Local Pastor 