I started at Faith Church in October 2002 as full-time youth associate pastor. That meant, given my denomination’s recommendation that pastors receive sabbaticals every seven years, that my first opportunity for a sabbatical could have been as early as October 2009. But I didn’t take a sabbatical until January 1, 2018. Nine years later. Why?Continue reading “How a church that never gave a sabbatical in 50 years decided to give one – The Sabbath Year, Part 4”
Tag Archives: pastor
Sabbaticals should be required for employees in any organization – The Sabbath Year, Part 3
Do you know the first corporation to grant sabbaticals? McDonalds. Does your church or company grant sabbaticals? They should. If you are in leadership in a church or company, this post explains why sabbaticals are not an indulgent luxury, but deeply beneficial for the employee and the organization. As I mentioned in previous posts thisContinue reading “Sabbaticals should be required for employees in any organization – The Sabbath Year, Part 3”
What does the Apostle Paul mean when he says there are “greater” gifts – 1 Corinthians 12:12–31, Part 4
As we continue studying 1 Corinthians 12:12–31, in verse 28 Paul puts the gifts of the Spirit in an order appointed by God. FIRST – Apostles SECOND – Prophets THIRD – Teachers Then, workers of miracles, gifts of healing, help others, administration, speaking in tongues. If you’re reading that thinking “Time out,Continue reading “What does the Apostle Paul mean when he says there are “greater” gifts – 1 Corinthians 12:12–31, Part 4″
Do you feel the Holy Spirit passed you by when handing out gifts? – 1 Corinthians 12:12–31, Part 1
A person once told me they felt they didn’t have any spiritual gifts. I wonder if you have ever felt that way? You look around church on a Sunday morning, and it is easy to just see teachers, worship leaders, singers, musicians, and preachers. Did God pass you by? Are some gifts more important thanContinue reading “Do you feel the Holy Spirit passed you by when handing out gifts? – 1 Corinthians 12:12–31, Part 1”
Three tests we can and should use to evaluate preachers and teachers – 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22, Part 4
I observed a recent social media interaction that I think you’ll find interesting. On social media, Pastor #1 posted a video clip of Pastor #2’s sermon. On the video Pastor #2 said this, “If you call yourself a Christian and then behave in an unchristlike manner, you are misusing God’s name.” Agreed. In response toContinue reading “Three tests we can and should use to evaluate preachers and teachers – 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22, Part 4”
Preachers are not Holy Spirit robots? – 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22, Part 3
So far this week, we’ve studied what Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:20, when he says, “Do not hold prophecies in contempt.” But what do we do with the fact that the person is teaching something or prophesying about something that might be incorrect doctrine or teaching? Paul addresses that important concern in what heContinue reading “Preachers are not Holy Spirit robots? – 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22, Part 3”
How to evaluate your pastor – 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13, Part 5
Editor’s Note: This week we welcome guest blogger, Emily Marks. Emily is an adult & community educator. She and her husband Sean live in Lancaster, PA, with their dog Corvus. Emily grew up as a pastor’s kid, and therefore she brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to this week’s passage. When weContinue reading “How to evaluate your pastor – 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13, Part 5”
Pastors are not called to be CEOs – 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13, Part 4
Editor’s Note: This week we welcome guest blogger, Emily Marks. Emily is an adult & community educator. She and her husband Sean live in Lancaster, PA, with their dog Corvus. Emily grew up as a pastor’s kid, and therefore she brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to this week’s passage. In 1Continue reading “Pastors are not called to be CEOs – 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13, Part 4”
How to have radical love for your church leaders – 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13, Part 3
Editor’s Note: This week we welcome guest blogger, Emily Marks. Emily is an adult & community educator. She and her husband Sean live in Lancaster, PA, with their dog Corvus. Emily grew up as a pastor’s kid, and therefore she brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to this week’s passage. As youContinue reading “How to have radical love for your church leaders – 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13, Part 3”
Have superabundant respect for church leaders – 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13, Part 2
Editor’s Note: This week we welcome guest blogger, Emily Marks. Emily is an adult & community educator. She and her husband Sean live in Lancaster, PA, with their dog Corvus. Emily grew up as a pastor’s kid, and therefore she brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to this week’s passage. I hadContinue reading “Have superabundant respect for church leaders – 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13, Part 2”
Engaging Scripture 