5 Reasons Leadership Coaching Trumps Leadership Conferences

One on One Coaching - PastorServe

In his book, The Next Generation Leader, Andy Stanley has these words to offer about coaching: “You will never maximize your potential in any area without coaching. It is impossible. You may be good. You may even be better than everyone else. But without outside input you will never be as good as you could be…” Hmmm….…

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Vocational Ministry – A Great Place for the Lazy Few to Hide

Lazy Person at Work - PastorServe

Perhaps you’d disagree. Or if you do agree, maybe you’d use the word unintentional or unfocused instead of lazy. Regardless, I don’t think most of us in ministry set out to be lazy, unintentional or unfocused; rather, I think we’re lulled into it if we’re not careful.  Ministry is unique work, especially if it’s your…

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The Huge Expectation You Place On Your Pastor Every Week

Pastor Expectations - PastorServe

This better be good! Who of us hasn’t thought that just moments before the pastor gets up to speak? As one who got to preach numerous times before I actually became a pastor, it didn’t take long for me to realize that those in the pews have expectations. You have expectations. You expect your pastor…

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The Rhythm of Life

The Rhythm of Life - PastorServe

Rhythm – procedure marked by the regular recurrence of particular elements, phases, etc. If you were to review the activities of the most recent week in your life, what patterns would emerge?  For me, I see moments of intentionality like teaching prep, strategic planning, reflection, enjoying community with others and prayer (not nearly enough).  Though,…

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Fighting for Joy on the Battleground of Discouragement

When was the last time you experienced real joy in your ministry? Deep, abiding joy–in spite of the busy schedule, the naysayers, the workload, the unexpected, the stress, the lack of appreciation, the sermon that bombed…again…? You get the idea. Whether you’ve been in ministry for a brief time or many years, you know there…

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Connected, But With Who?

I was sitting at the kitchen table recently doing some research on my laptop.  My 20 year old daughter was at the other end answering emails on hers.  Other than the sound of fingers on the keyboards, there was complete silence as we kept pecking away.  Forty-five minutes later, my daughter broke the silence:  “Wow! …

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Blessing Those You Shepherd

Blessing Those You Shepherd - PastorServe

I’ll never forget the first time I experienced receiving a benediction at the end of a worship service that was different than a closing prayer. The pastor walked to the front and said these words: “Now, I want to give you the good word. Please stand.” He kept his eyes open and with raised hands…

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Keep the Tractor Running

Keep the Tractor Running - PastorServe

As a pastor, how often have you thought about quitting your current assignment? Usually, the response I get to that question is, “Every Monday morning!” Let’s face it. There’s much about the weekends that serves to send adrenaline rushing through your veins. When it’s over, however, you’re faced with the relentless return of the Sabbath…

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Are You Relationally Bankrupt?

Are You Relationally Bankrupt? - PastorServe

Other than your wife, if married, who’s your closest friend? Some of you might admit that your wife is your only true friend. She knows you better than anyone else. She’s your soul mate. You can pour your heart out to her at the end of a long day. She provides a safe place in…

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Being Content

I recently had the opportunity to teach for a pastor friend of mine. He’d been teaching through Philippians and asked if I’d teach on 4:10-13. While excited to fill in for him, my heart sunk when I heard the passage from which he wanted me to teach–Paul’s familiar words on contentment. As a pastor, do…

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