Get Outside of Yourself

I’m introspective by nature.  A navel gazer.  Self reflective.  Most times far too analytical.  I’m sure there are benefits to this, but I’m too lazy to think of what they are right now.  Very often, someone who is very introspective becomes the person who is often depressed.  In other words, too much time spent in [...]

Pastor Salaries (or I stand naked before you all)

Have you ever had the “naked” dream?  The one where you show up somewhere public only to realize that you must have forgotten to put any clothes on?  I had it for the first time as a pastor a few weeks ago.  I was, for some reason only my dream knows, sitting in the back [...]

I Can’t Stop Listening!

To Coldplay’s new song, Viva La Vida.  The lyrics are amorphous enough that even though it sounds like a song sung in first person by a deposed tyrant (not in any way like me!), I relate.  And Coldplay, love ‘em or hate ‘em, know how to craft excellent melodies. Here’s my obvious run down [...]

Learning to Accept Loss

One of the harder aspects of ministry is dealing with loss. Seeing those that you’ve grown to love in fellowship over time move on to be with the Lord. People you’re used to seeing week after week. You know where they sit, who they ride with, you get to shake their hand, [...]

Deal w/Don’t Avoid

I read a very interesting quote today that got my mind racing in regards to personal criticism. It said, “To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.” Isn’t that the only way to avoid being criticized? Pastors are especially susceptible to criticism because of their visibility and responsibility. It will [...]

Not Just a Doctor of Souls…

It’s strange being a pastor. I guess it would be anywhere, but especially so in a smaller church where you have the opportunity to get to know the people on a much more intimate level. You hear about places in peoples’ lives that nobody else really gets to hear. All the darkest [...]