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…
In reality, even if we are living into and out of a healthy trajectory, there will be moments when we melt. Even if we’ve grown a wide window of tolerance for what provokes us, there are times when we move out of functioning from our best selves to states of Read more…
After a long break due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we held our first international ministry trip at the end of January and beginning of February. It was an incredible way to start of 2023. About Our International Ministry There are two components to our international ministry: Pastor/Youth Pastor/Church leader training Read more…
What do you need? This is a question close friends have asked me recently during a trying time. In the midst of crisis, it’s difficult to know what you need. Here’s where sitting in a quiet space listening brings awareness. The reality is we ought not wait for crisis to 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 moment and consider what it means for congregations to ask the following question focused on spiritual health: What are the most life-giving aspects Read more…
Often as leaders we have an unhealthy perspective that we are to fix things for others. We can get caught in the temptation to take on this responsibility as if people and their lives are projects. I propose that a healthy perspective shift may draw others closer to Jesus. What if instead we Read more…
Church ministry is complex and very contextual. Every church ministry setting is uniquely different and ever changing. Yet, as we look at the nature of church ministry, there are only three types of ministry: birthing, revitalizing, and chaplaincy. Giving Birth (birthing) This type of ministry is simple: planting new churches. Read more…
