A couple friends and I just finished recording a podcast series on ethics. After dialoging through 14 episodes we asked, who are we becoming? So many of us are on autopilot unaware of the conditioning we are undergoing, shaping who we are becoming individually and collectively. In other words, we Read more…
We are facing a full-blown pastor crisis. Currently, there is a massive shortage of clergy/pastors and other church staff. The signs are everywhere. Because of the work I do, it is much easier to see the negative than the positive. That said, I generally tend to be a hopeful, optimistic Read more…
Several years ago, I was in an unhealthy place. Not only did the congregation I served make everyday life difficult. I was also plagued by a paralyzing self-doubt. For the longest time, I thought “if only.” For example, “if only I was more extroverted, people would like me more”; or Read more…
Has the church in the United States entered into a Post Christian Era much like Europe? Without a doubt, yes. This question, however, while important, points us to a greater question. Is the emergence of a Post Christian Era in the United States good or bad news? But first, a Read more…
It’s the second week of Easter season. A week ago, we remembered our Lord’s crucifixion, descent into death’s realm, and triumph over death in the resurrection. By entering into death, He healed us—just as He healed and cleansed by touching the unclean, the socially outcast, the outsider, the broken, the Read more…
Recently, I sent out an email to a ministry leader with our ministry’s self-inventory tool attached. I had encouraged him to read through it and reflect on his current health. He wrote back a message that basically said, “Um. That’s long. Where do I even start?” He’s right. Pondering our overall state of health can be Read more…
As Christians, we often hear about the importance of finding joy in Jesus. But what does that really mean, and how can we experience it in our everyday lives? First, it’s important to understand that joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is an emotion often dependent on our Read more…
Palm Sunday & Good Friday: A Reflection on Pastoral Ministry At face value, Palm Sunday and Good Friday have little in common. Sure, they are both part of Holy Week and the culmination of the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry. They are also part of the culmination of the Gospel Read more…
In January I accompanied Marcus to Uganda for a three and half day training to church leaders. This was my first time in Uganda.Since my flight from Nairobi took 55 mins I landed in Entebe, Uganda two hours before Marcus. We spent the first day in a local church in the Read more…
As you know, we at Preparing for Amazement focus on the health of people and congregations.To aid you in thinking through such health, I want to take a final look at what it means for congregations to ask the following question focused on spiritual health: Are we in love with Read more…
