The health of a leader’s soul matters more than any amount of success, education, following or charisma. While it would be hard to find someone who would push back against that statement, it seems like every week another news story is breaking about a pastor or ministry leader whose secret double life has been exposed. In the words of pastor and Christian counselor, Chuck DeGroat, “I’m not surprised when the secret lives of Christian leaders are exposed. I am so sad that we keep elevating them. I’m even more grieved for the countless ‘followers’ who feel betrayed, confused, maybe even […]

Connecting a group of people to its purpose starts with leaders. We’re tempted to talk more about the sacred. However, if God is redeeming all things, we must reframe how we invite others to a fresh Theology of Work. This forces some of us into a tense moment of dichotomy. If we, the Church, are a visible and recognizable entity living out the Father’s love in every city, it requires much of us. When a local congregation understands its true character as a holy priesthood, its most important contribution is its witness to the Kingdom of God, counteracting the world’s […]

I have been thinking about the idea of a first step. I am not sure what has prompted that idea, perhaps it is watching my grandchildren growing up, perhaps its watching students graduating university and starting their careers, perhaps its watching newlyweds and young families beginning to write their own stories. I have friends who are starting new business ventures, planting churches, and changing careers and all of these require a first step. Neil Armstrong took a first step and became famous for it. Do you remember those famous words, “One small step for man and one giant leap for […]