Looking for a way out
What do you do when your situation frustrates, discourages, or disappoints you? In this article Dace advises what to do when you just want out.
Pastoral authority?
As scandals of abuse and abuses of power are brought to light, the question comes to mind "Do pastors really have authority over their congregations?" Is "pastoral authority" a legit thing?
What your attitude reveals
How's your attitude? Our attitudes reveal where we are placing our focus. Attitude is like a barometer for our hearts - it shows what's going on underneath. What you cultivate inside always finds its way out.
3 Steps to incorporate the element of Argument in preaching
Take any introductory course to preaching and I can almost guarantee that you will learn about the three functional elements of preaching. They may not be called by that title,…
How to make a bad first impression in seven easy steps
Want to make a good first impression? Making a good first impression is very important. Sometimes churches can overlook vital ways to improve the experience of a first time visitor. In this article we address seven areas that are critical for making a good first impression.
Seeking simplicity in your sermons
How clear are your sermons? Listening to an unclear sermon is like being on a road-trip with an unknown destination. Clarity is a key feature of effective communication. In this article, preaching Professor Dr. Matthew McKellar explains how you can bring clarity to your sermons for effective preaching.
Building an evangelistic culture in the church
Jesus calls his followers to make disciples of all nations. The discipleship process begins with sharing the good news with the lost. Unfortunately, this great commission has become the "great omission" in many churches. In this article, Dr. Carl Bradford explains three critical moves every leader must make to cultivate an evangelistic culture in your church.
Pastoral tenure and healthy churches
How does pastoral tenure impact church health? It is not uncommon to see churches change pastoral leadership every few years and in some cases every few months. In this article, Dr. John Mann explains how pastors serving for an extended time can contribute to church health. Before you make a move in ministry, consider the impact you could have by staying at your current post.
Nine ways to leave a legacy
Serving Christ in a local church is a special calling. The decisions you make, the causes you champion, and the life you live all have an impact on the ministry. We are all leaving some type of legacy. What type of legacy are you leaving behind? In this article, Pastor Chris Ortego reflects on the type of legacy he endeavors to leave in a well-established church.
When your church hates you: lessons from the early years of Charles Simeon
Have key members in your church tried to get rid of you on multiple occasions? Has your flock deliberately tried to undermine your ministry? Have you been the object of fierce hostility, anger, and spite? If so, you are in company with one of history’s greatest preachers: Charles Simeon (1759-1839). In this article we will look at the turbulent beginnings of one of the greatest preachers of the nineteenth century.
Adjusting your expectations
Why do we have such a hard time adjusting to life when things don't go our way? Oftentimes, we look to blame outward things (situations, circumstances, and people) when what we're really upset about is our unspoken, oftentimes unrealistic expectations.
Should christians use profanity
As Christ-followers, what place does profanity have in our lives? Is there a link between the words that flow out of our mouths and the condition of our hearts? What does the Bible have to say about these things?
Church finance: budgeting and forecasting 101
There may never be the perfect time to talk about your church’s finances, but today we will add some greater detail around budgeting and forecasting for your church. This article is a response to an earlier post, Church finance: the business basics.
Why few christians are warriors
There are many pitfalls on the path to good leadership. In this post we will discuss common hazards of Christian leadership. Knowing these hazards will better prepare you to lead well in your ministry.
When you wish things were different
What does frustration in life have to do with our theology? In this article, we'll take a look at how God can work deeply in us through the trials of life, unchanging circumstances and difficult people.
Being a warrior for God, part two
Does God call us to be warriors?Being a Christian and a warrior are two ideas seldom connected in the modern world. However, if Christians embraced the discipline and ethic of a warrior, we would see an unparalleled resurgence of strength, leadership, sacrifice, courage, and love in our world. In this post, I’ll identify two more areas Christians can embrace the call to be a warrior.
Church finance: the business basics
Ministry and church leaders wear many hats as they seek to fulfill their calling. This article is designed to assist pastors and church leaders as they navigate the financial aspects of ministry by providing a basic foundation of business principles. The knowledge and application of these principles will help strengthen the financial integrity of any ministry. Stay tuned for additional articles on managing ministry financials.
Being a warrior for God
Being a Christian and a warrior are two ideas seldom connected in the modern world. If Christians embraced the ethic and discipline of warriors, our world would see radical change in Christian leadership.
Parenting in light of the Gospel
The Gospel brings about a radical change in our lives. How should our parenting be impacted by Gospel truth? In a world full of conflicting information, God's Word provides the needed foundation to lead our children in following Christ. In this article, we will discuss a few areas where the Gospel can produce liberating changes in our approach parenting.
Why pastors need real friends
Being well-known and having deep and abiding relationships with others are two completely different things. Some pastors are hesitant to develop relationships that go beyond surface matters out of a fear of being hurt or betrayed. In this post, we will discuss a few reasons why it is critical for pastors and ministry couples to cultivate deep friendships with others.
How to kick troubling thoughts to the curb
Have you ever been troubled by your thoughts? Maybe you know what it is like to be burdened by chronic worry, fear, despair, or anger. Sometimes our minds can feel like a battleground. However, as a Child of God, we don’t have to let negative thoughts live “rent free” in our minds. In fact, the Bible talks about taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (see 2 Cor 10:5). In this article, we will walk through the steps to kick troubling thoughts to the curb.
What’s your dinner table used for?
The dinner table is a much under-used tool for evangelism and discipleship. As God has torn down the barrier that once separated us, inviting others to share a meal in our homes can also help tear down barriers. This post explains how we can use our dinner tables in an effort to reach out to others and build the Kingdom.
Dealing with unjust criticism and insults
There will be times in ministry when you are going to be hit. You will be the subject of criticism (some warranted and some unwarranted). Occasionally, someone fueled by a sense of self-contrived justice, is going to say something to you that is unfair, insulting, or ill-informed. Expect it. How do you face an unjust critic or personal insults? During this post we will discuss the keys to keeping your focus on Christ even when targeted by a critic.
Fighting for your faith when the struggle is real
There are no vacation days available when it comes to spiritual warfare and the fight can be exhausting. The struggle is real. Some days it feels as if the enemy never takes a holiday. In this post we discuss several ways to keep your focus on God when enduring difficulty, discouragement, and spiritual warfare.
Spurgeon’s view of depression
Are you experiencing depression in ministry? Depression in ministry should not take us by surprise. Like other obstacles in our lives, it can cause us to look to Christ, lean on God's promises, and rely on the Holy Spirit to get us through.
Three unique advantages to bi-vocational ministry
Are you in bi-vocational ministry? Bi-vocational ministry has unique challenges and opportunities. This article highlights some of the advantages of serving God in bi-vocational ministry. Bi-vocational ministers have the opportunity to leverage their calling in the workplace for the glory of God.
The danger of bitterness
Is bitterness ruining your ministry? Bitterness is a real killer of effective ministry. Every man and woman in ministry must guard against this danger. In this post I’ll explain the ways bitterness can take root in our lives. Understanding how bitterness grows prepares us to be on guard against this danger.
Skills for the normative pastor: the art of juggling
How do you find balance between ministry work and family life? Here are a few tips to help find the balance we all need.
Loving your wife: a long-term strategy
Be sure to check out our series on how to love your wife in ministry: Part 1: 5 Ways to love your wife dailyPart 2: Loving your wife: a long-term strategy…
Episode 22 – Church Crisis Planning: Coronavirus
Churches are wondering how to best function during the Coronavirus/Covid-19 Crisis. Kyle Willis and Dace Clifton share about the ministry and non-ministry related tasks that church leadership should be thinking through this week.
Episode 21 – Advice for Pastors
How can pastors stay motivated, growing, and effective in ministry? Carl Walker, founder of En Gedi retreat, shares keys to effective ministry.
Episode 20 – You Need Rest
Pastors need rest. Carl Walker shares his fresh perspective from working with dozens of pastors every year. Rest is not something we do apart from ministry, it should be a part of your ministry.
Episode 19 – Before you Build
Are you dreaming of building a new church facility? On this episode of the Thriving in Ministry podcast, Kyle Willis and Dace Clifton speak with Rodney James about what to consider before you build. Rodney is the President of Master's Plan Church Design and Construction and a pastor of over 20 years. We talk about due diligence, counting the costs, and the timing of financing and fundraising.
Episode 18 – Depression in Pastors
How often do pastors face depression? Aaron Halstead discusses depression in the life and ministry of Charles Spurgeon. Learn practical tips and keys to stay encourage in ministry.
Episode 17: The Power of $20
The story of Mona Dixon is perhaps the best story you have not heard yet. She shares her journey from a cardboard house to the White House. An investment of $20 by a stranger changed the course of Mona's life and has impacted thousands of youth.
Episode 16 – Implementing Change – The Pastors Pathway
Do you struggle with implementing change in your church? Dace Clifton and Kyle Willis share The Pastors' Pathway on Implementing Change. We discuss the best approach on how to communicate and increase engagement with your congregation during times of change.
Episode 15 – Making Decisions – The Pastors Pathway
Do you find it difficult to make decisions in your ministry? Dace Clifton and Kyle Willis share The Pastors' Pathway on Making Decisions. We discuss what every church leader should consider when thinking through tough ministry decisions.
Episode 14 – Benefits of Pastoral Tenure
How does the tenure of a pastor benefit a particular church? Dr. John Mann speaks of how his congregation has grown over the years under one leader. We discuss what every church leader should consider with regards to staying the course in your church.
