9 TIPS FOR RESPONDING TO A CRITIC
The only surefire way to avoid criticism is to do nothing. In a span of 45 years of ministry, here are response suggestions that I’ve learned the hard way. 1. Not every critic or criticism merits a response. If I defend myself from every salvo, the effort...
3 REASONS NOT TO LOSE HEART IN MINISTRY
Feeling incompetent for required tasksDoubts about fruitfulnessConflicts/oppositionWeariness from overworkPhysical infirmitiesPersonal burdens or family tensions Those are just some of the reasons we get discouraged and our motivation for ministry wanes.Here are...
5 TEAM-BUILDING IDEAS FOR STAFF MEETINGS, BOARDS, OR SMALL GROUPS
If you lead a group of Christ-followers, you’re on a safari for ways to enhance the relational atmosphere, even when it’s a task-oriented venue. Occasionally I utilize a structured but creative activity that provides a social lubricant and increases bonding among...
As Long As Forever
My son and daughter-in-law were wed on the beach in South Carolina in 2004. I wrote this poem for them and read it during the ceremony. May their marriage and the marriage of your children last “as long as forever.” Terry 3/31/16How long should you love this...
QUESTIONS FOR DEVOTIONAL BIBLE STUDY
The following questions help shuttle God’s Word from my head to my heart. I often use them to keep my devotional study of a passage from becoming too sterile or academic. Undoubtedly there’s overlap to some of these questions, and not every Bible passage offers...
IS IT EVER OKAY TO LIVE IN THE PAST?
4 Reasons Why My Answer Is “Yes!” “Living in the past” isn’t normally associated with spiritual vitality. But there’s one sense in which repeated excursions into our past is integral to a more robust walk with Christ. Digest these reasons for looking over your...
5 Reasons to Read FAIL: Finding Hope and Grace in the Midst of Ministry Failure (by J.R. Briggs)
I’m gearing this post to pastors, associate staff members, pastoral students in Bible College or Seminary, members of church boards, and parachurch leaders. Wives of pastors will also benefit. If you don’t fit any of these categories, this book will instill within...
3 Things I’m Learning the Hard Way About Aging
Not everything we learn is fun or fascinating. Take lessons about growing older as an example. I didn’t register for the course on aging, but at 66, I daily take my front-row seat in the classroom. I don’t know if this will be on the test, but what follows are...
4 TRUTHS THAT CHALLENGE PREACHERS AND BIBLE STUDY LEADERS
What biblical perspectives keep me from settling for mediocrity as a communicator of God’s Word? Whereas my previous two posts focused on encouragement for teachers, this one examines texts or insights that have challenged or convicted me.1. God evaluates our...
4 MORE TRUTHS TO ENCOURAGE PREACHERS AND BIBLE STUDY LEADERS
When fatigue, criticism, spiritual warfare, feelings of inadequacy, or some form of failure threaten to sabotage our ministry of handling God’s Word, what Bible verses and truths can sustain us for the long haul?In my previous post, I cited six truths with...
6 TRUTHS TO ENCOURAGE PREACHERS AND TEACHERS
For 45 years, I’ve been teaching Bible in both formal and informal venues. Here are truths that have cultivated resiliency within me despite the inadequacy, warfare, and weariness that accompany a teaching ministry. You’ll profit more from this post if you read...
I AM DEPRESSED, BUT GOD IS GOOD
What follows is a journal entry from 2005. The first part sounds bleak. I was knee-deep in a depressive episode and couldn’t slog my way out. I’m posting it to show you how depression expresses itself in the minds or emotions of some Christian workers you may...
