Gospel-Shaped Blog https://www.churchplantingpartners.com Tue, 08 Sep 2026 17:20:18 -0500 https://www.churchplantmedia.com/ Fifty Ways to Love Your Neighbor https://www.churchplantingpartners.com/blog/post/fifty-ways-to-love-your-neighbor https://www.churchplantingpartners.com/blog/post/fifty-ways-to-love-your-neighbor#comments Sat, 25 Nov 2023 13:55:00 -0600 https://www.churchplantingpartners.com/blog/post/fifty-ways-to-love-your-neighbor 50 Ways to Love Your Neighbor

While Paul Simon wrote and performed 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover, here’s 50 Ways to Love Your Neighbor to help you connect with your neighbors. These actions can help build strong, supportive relationships in your community, creating a more connected and caring neighborhood.

For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Gal. 5:14).

  1. Learn Their Names: Remember your neighbors' names and the names of their kids and pets. Personalizing your interactions goes a long way in building connections.
  2. Pray for Them: Pray for your neighbors by name, asking God to bless them. It's a beautiful way to show you care.
  3. Say Hi, Don't Be Shy: Make yourself a porch-sitter, available for impromptu chats. It's like your front-row ticket to spreading joy.
  4. Meet Their Needs: Be attentive to their needs and offer help when you can. Sometimes, a small act of kindness can make a big difference.
  5. Offer Borrowing: Let them know they can borrow everyday items like eggs, flour, sugar, tools, or tech in a pinch. Sharing resources fosters a sense of community.
  6. Listen to Their Stories: Engage your neighbors in conversation, ask questions about their interests and passions, and genuinely listen. This allows you to connect on a deeper level.
  7. Offer Assistance: When heading to the grocery store or Home Depot, ask if they need anything. This small act of consideration can be a great way to show you care.
  8. Lend a Ride: If a neighbor needs transportation, especially to the airport, offer a helping hand. It's a practical way to support them.
  9. Watch Their Home: Keep an eye on their house when they're out of town. It's a reassuring gesture that can help them feel secure.
  10. Avoid Gossip: Don't gossip about your neighbors or let others gossip in your presence. Maintain trust and respect.
  11. Be Trustworthy: If you promise to do something, commit yourself. Trust is the foundation of any relationship.
  12. Show Genuine Care: View your neighbors as people to love, not projects to accomplish. Authenticity is vital in building connections.
  13. Ask for Help: Don't hesitate to ask for assistance when needed. Building friendships often involves both giving and receiving help.
  14. Say You’re Sorry: Admit mistakes and apologize. It's like hitting rewind and starting fresh.
  15. Invite to Watch Together: Extend an invitation to watch a game, sporting event, or show together. It's a great way to bond over shared interests.
  16. Host Dinners: Invite them for dinner, even if it's takeout. Sharing a meal is a beautiful way to connect.
  17. Be Authentic: Don't present a perfect facade. Let your neighbors see the real you, flaws and all.
  18. Give Gifts: Share holiday joy by bringing over baked goods gift baskets. It's a warm and thoughtful gesture.
  19. Host Street Parties: Organize neighborhood gatherings, like Halloween or Christmas parties. Attend your neighbors' events when they invite you.
  20. Share Recipes: Exchange recipes and contact information. This simple act can lead to more interactions.
  21. Regular Gatherings: Consider having a regular BBQ or dessert night, weather permitting. It's an excellent opportunity for neighbors to socialize.
  22. Organize Get-Togethers: Plan ladies' get-togethers or men's hang-out times to create spaces for socializing. Or plan a progressive dinner in your neighborhood where you can walk from house to house.
  23. Movie Nights: Host movie nights for your neighbors. It's a fun way to enjoy time together, especially if it’s an outdoor movie!
  24. Ice Cream Nights: A sweet treat like an ice cream night at your house can bring neighbors together.
  25. Walking Group: Start a walking group to encourage physical activity and social bonding.
  26. Prayer Walks: Go on prayer walks in your neighborhood, praying for each house. It's a meaningful way to connect on a spiritual level.
  27. Support in Hard Times: Be present for your neighbors during challenging moments in their lives and share your struggles, too. This vulnerability can deepen your connection.
  28. Walk Your Dog or Stroller with Gospel Intentionality: Dogs and kids break the ice for many people. Take a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood to make yourself available to interact.
  29. Spend Time Outside: Try to sit on your front porch or yard. Being visible and approachable encourages neighborly interactions.
  30. Be Kind and Gracious: Don’t be weird or creepy. Be a kind and gracious neighbor. Your genuine, considerate attitude will go a long way in fostering a sense of community.
  31. Stay Open and Engaged: When walking in the neighborhood, leave your earbuds at home. This openness allows you to be present and approachable to your neighbors.
  32. Forgive: Living among others will lead to misunderstandings with neighbors. Forgive quickly. 
  33. Mow Your Lawn: Respecting neighbors means you take care of your lawn and garden. You don’t have to have the best lawn in the neighborhood, but don’t stand out as the disrespectful, seldom-mow, never-water, don’t care about aesthetics neighbor.
  34. Be Respectful of Noise: Noise is a nuisance in a neighborhood, especially late at night and early in the morning. Consider getting an electric lawn mower and trimmer. Be particularly aware of your loud vehicles. Keep your music volume at a reasonable level. 
  35. Drive Safely: Most neighborhoods include children, pets, the elderly, and bicyclists. Don’t get in a hurry. Drive as though your young children are playing near the streets.  
  36. Babysit: If you live in a neighborhood with kids, offer to babysit to allow Mom and Dad to go out for a few hours alone.
  37. Fire-pit on the driveway: Pull out your fire pit in the evening, set some chairs around, and provide snacks and drinks.
  38. Pet-Sit: Offer to pet-sit for your neighbors, even if it’s last minute. 
  39. Share Tools: Start a tool list with the men of your neighborhood. They can list the tools and equipment they have that can be borrowed.
  40. Fun Run: Organize a neighborhood fun run, like a Turkey Trot. Get matching t-shirts and have a party afterward. Find a meaningful charity to receive the entry funds.
  41. Holiday Parades: Invite the neighbors to have a parade for the Fourth of July or Christmas. Decorate electric cars, bikes, trikes, and dogs and parade through the neighborhood. 
  42. Barn Raising: The old-fashioned barn raising consisted of all of the able-bodied neighbors working on a particular project for someone. Build a shed, pour concrete, or construct a neighborhood playground. Other “barn-raising” ideas include canning fruits or vegetables, picking apples, bailing hay, mulching a garden, and cutting firewood.
  43. Provide a Meal: Make a meal for a family or individual when they have a medical need they are attending. 
  44. Teach a Skill: If you have a skill others in the neighborhood could benefit from, offer it to others. For instance, teach piano, a sport, dance, cooking, painting, photography, card games, carpentry, sewing, etc. 
  45. Friendly Competitions: Tournament time! Cornhole, pickleball—game on! Provide food, drink, and prizes.
  46. Backyard Bible Study: Invite your neighbors for a Bible study. Not all will be responsive, but it will bring a special connection for those who participate.
  47. Give Items Away: Instead of selling items you no longer need, offer them to the neighborhood for free. 
  48. Welcome to the Neighborhood: When new people move in, introduce yourself and provide contact information. Cookies are the welcome mat to friendship.
  49. Random Acts of Kindness: Surprising your neighbors with thoughtful gestures, like leaving a small gift or a note of encouragement, can brighten someone's day.
  50. Celebrate Milestones and Grieve Together: Acknowledge and celebrate special milestones like births, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, or achievements. Grieve with your neighbors when they face losses, health issues, family troubles, etc. 

These 50 simple ways to love your neighbors can help you create a warm and welcoming community in your neighborhood where care and connection thrive.

 

]]> 50 Ways to Love Your Neighbor

While Paul Simon wrote and performed 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover, here’s 50 Ways to Love Your Neighbor to help you connect with your neighbors. These actions can help build strong, supportive relationships in your community, creating a more connected and caring neighborhood.

For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Gal. 5:14).

  1. Learn Their Names: Remember your neighbors' names and the names of their kids and pets. Personalizing your interactions goes a long way in building connections.
  2. Pray for Them: Pray for your neighbors by name, asking God to bless them. It's a beautiful way to show you care.
  3. Say Hi, Don't Be Shy: Make yourself a porch-sitter, available for impromptu chats. It's like your front-row ticket to spreading joy.
  4. Meet Their Needs: Be attentive to their needs and offer help when you can. Sometimes, a small act of kindness can make a big difference.
  5. Offer Borrowing: Let them know they can borrow everyday items like eggs, flour, sugar, tools, or tech in a pinch. Sharing resources fosters a sense of community.
  6. Listen to Their Stories: Engage your neighbors in conversation, ask questions about their interests and passions, and genuinely listen. This allows you to connect on a deeper level.
  7. Offer Assistance: When heading to the grocery store or Home Depot, ask if they need anything. This small act of consideration can be a great way to show you care.
  8. Lend a Ride: If a neighbor needs transportation, especially to the airport, offer a helping hand. It's a practical way to support them.
  9. Watch Their Home: Keep an eye on their house when they're out of town. It's a reassuring gesture that can help them feel secure.
  10. Avoid Gossip: Don't gossip about your neighbors or let others gossip in your presence. Maintain trust and respect.
  11. Be Trustworthy: If you promise to do something, commit yourself. Trust is the foundation of any relationship.
  12. Show Genuine Care: View your neighbors as people to love, not projects to accomplish. Authenticity is vital in building connections.
  13. Ask for Help: Don't hesitate to ask for assistance when needed. Building friendships often involves both giving and receiving help.
  14. Say You’re Sorry: Admit mistakes and apologize. It's like hitting rewind and starting fresh.
  15. Invite to Watch Together: Extend an invitation to watch a game, sporting event, or show together. It's a great way to bond over shared interests.
  16. Host Dinners: Invite them for dinner, even if it's takeout. Sharing a meal is a beautiful way to connect.
  17. Be Authentic: Don't present a perfect facade. Let your neighbors see the real you, flaws and all.
  18. Give Gifts: Share holiday joy by bringing over baked goods gift baskets. It's a warm and thoughtful gesture.
  19. Host Street Parties: Organize neighborhood gatherings, like Halloween or Christmas parties. Attend your neighbors' events when they invite you.
  20. Share Recipes: Exchange recipes and contact information. This simple act can lead to more interactions.
  21. Regular Gatherings: Consider having a regular BBQ or dessert night, weather permitting. It's an excellent opportunity for neighbors to socialize.
  22. Organize Get-Togethers: Plan ladies' get-togethers or men's hang-out times to create spaces for socializing. Or plan a progressive dinner in your neighborhood where you can walk from house to house.
  23. Movie Nights: Host movie nights for your neighbors. It's a fun way to enjoy time together, especially if it’s an outdoor movie!
  24. Ice Cream Nights: A sweet treat like an ice cream night at your house can bring neighbors together.
  25. Walking Group: Start a walking group to encourage physical activity and social bonding.
  26. Prayer Walks: Go on prayer walks in your neighborhood, praying for each house. It's a meaningful way to connect on a spiritual level.
  27. Support in Hard Times: Be present for your neighbors during challenging moments in their lives and share your struggles, too. This vulnerability can deepen your connection.
  28. Walk Your Dog or Stroller with Gospel Intentionality: Dogs and kids break the ice for many people. Take a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood to make yourself available to interact.
  29. Spend Time Outside: Try to sit on your front porch or yard. Being visible and approachable encourages neighborly interactions.
  30. Be Kind and Gracious: Don’t be weird or creepy. Be a kind and gracious neighbor. Your genuine, considerate attitude will go a long way in fostering a sense of community.
  31. Stay Open and Engaged: When walking in the neighborhood, leave your earbuds at home. This openness allows you to be present and approachable to your neighbors.
  32. Forgive: Living among others will lead to misunderstandings with neighbors. Forgive quickly. 
  33. Mow Your Lawn: Respecting neighbors means you take care of your lawn and garden. You don’t have to have the best lawn in the neighborhood, but don’t stand out as the disrespectful, seldom-mow, never-water, don’t care about aesthetics neighbor.
  34. Be Respectful of Noise: Noise is a nuisance in a neighborhood, especially late at night and early in the morning. Consider getting an electric lawn mower and trimmer. Be particularly aware of your loud vehicles. Keep your music volume at a reasonable level. 
  35. Drive Safely: Most neighborhoods include children, pets, the elderly, and bicyclists. Don’t get in a hurry. Drive as though your young children are playing near the streets.  
  36. Babysit: If you live in a neighborhood with kids, offer to babysit to allow Mom and Dad to go out for a few hours alone.
  37. Fire-pit on the driveway: Pull out your fire pit in the evening, set some chairs around, and provide snacks and drinks.
  38. Pet-Sit: Offer to pet-sit for your neighbors, even if it’s last minute. 
  39. Share Tools: Start a tool list with the men of your neighborhood. They can list the tools and equipment they have that can be borrowed.
  40. Fun Run: Organize a neighborhood fun run, like a Turkey Trot. Get matching t-shirts and have a party afterward. Find a meaningful charity to receive the entry funds.
  41. Holiday Parades: Invite the neighbors to have a parade for the Fourth of July or Christmas. Decorate electric cars, bikes, trikes, and dogs and parade through the neighborhood. 
  42. Barn Raising: The old-fashioned barn raising consisted of all of the able-bodied neighbors working on a particular project for someone. Build a shed, pour concrete, or construct a neighborhood playground. Other “barn-raising” ideas include canning fruits or vegetables, picking apples, bailing hay, mulching a garden, and cutting firewood.
  43. Provide a Meal: Make a meal for a family or individual when they have a medical need they are attending. 
  44. Teach a Skill: If you have a skill others in the neighborhood could benefit from, offer it to others. For instance, teach piano, a sport, dance, cooking, painting, photography, card games, carpentry, sewing, etc. 
  45. Friendly Competitions: Tournament time! Cornhole, pickleball—game on! Provide food, drink, and prizes.
  46. Backyard Bible Study: Invite your neighbors for a Bible study. Not all will be responsive, but it will bring a special connection for those who participate.
  47. Give Items Away: Instead of selling items you no longer need, offer them to the neighborhood for free. 
  48. Welcome to the Neighborhood: When new people move in, introduce yourself and provide contact information. Cookies are the welcome mat to friendship.
  49. Random Acts of Kindness: Surprising your neighbors with thoughtful gestures, like leaving a small gift or a note of encouragement, can brighten someone's day.
  50. Celebrate Milestones and Grieve Together: Acknowledge and celebrate special milestones like births, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, or achievements. Grieve with your neighbors when they face losses, health issues, family troubles, etc. 

These 50 simple ways to love your neighbors can help you create a warm and welcoming community in your neighborhood where care and connection thrive.

 

]]> Why Every Pastor Must Prioritize Health https://www.churchplantingpartners.com/blog/post/why-every-pastor-must-prioritize-health https://www.churchplantingpartners.com/blog/post/why-every-pastor-must-prioritize-health#comments Fri, 05 May 2023 23:01:40 -0500 https://www.churchplantingpartners.com/blog/post/why-every-pastor-must-prioritize-health Why Every Pastor Must Prioritize Health

  • Every Friday, I will pose a question to Chat GPT and use the answer it spits out. The "author" of the article is Art Intelligencia, aka Artificial Intelligence. I will add the headers. Enjoy. 

QUESTION: Why is it crucial for every pastor to pursue holistic health? Include the outcomes of an unhealthy pastor. Cite all references.

As a pastor, your calling is to lead and care for your congregation. However, while caring for others, it can be easy to neglect your health. Holistic health is crucial for every pastor to pursue, and neglecting it can have severe consequences for you and your congregation. In this blog post, we will explore why every pastor must pursue holistic health and the outcomes of an unhealthy pastor.

Holistic health is crucial for every pastor to pursue, and neglecting it can have severe consequences for you and your congregation.

What is Holistic Health?

Holistic health is a concept that refers to the interconnectedness of our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Pursuing holistic health involves caring for all aspects of ourselves, not just physical health. As a pastor, pursuing holistic health means taking care of your spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being and physical health.

One of the primary reasons every pastor must pursue holistic health is because their health directly impacts their ability to lead effectively. If you take care of yourself, it will be easier to care for others. An unhealthy pastor may struggle with burnout, fatigue, and emotional exhaustion, making it difficult to connect with their congregation and provide the support they need.

If you take care of yourself, it will be easier to care for others.

Additionally, an unhealthy pastor may struggle with mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which can negatively impact their ability to lead. Studies have found that pastors have higher rates of depression and anxiety than the general population [1]. Ignoring mental health concerns can lead to worsening symptoms and even suicidal ideation.

Finally, an unhealthy pastor may struggle with physical health issues like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. These health issues can be caused by stress, lack of sleep, and a sedentary lifestyle, all of which can be prevalent in the life of a pastor. Neglecting physical health can lead to a shorter lifespan and a decreased ability to care for your congregation.

What are the Benefits of a Healthy Pastor?

On the other hand, pursuing holistic health can have numerous benefits for pastors. Taking care of your spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health can increase your energy, reduce stress, and improve your ability to connect with your congregation. Pursuing holistic health can also help prevent burnout and emotional exhaustion, allowing you to care for your congregation for years.

In conclusion, every pastor must pursue holistic health to lead effectively and care for their congregation. Neglecting holistic health can lead to burnout, mental health issues, physical health issues, and a decreased ability to care for others. Pursuing holistic health can lead to increased energy, reduced stress, and an improved ability to connect with your congregation. As a pastor, it is crucial to prioritize your health to continue serving your congregation well.

  • References: [1] Proeschold-Bell, R.J., Miles, A., Toth, M. et al. Using Effort-Reward Imbalance Theory to Understand High Rates of Depression and Anxiety Among Clergy. J Primary Prevent 34, 439–453 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10935-013-0321-4
]]> Why Every Pastor Must Prioritize Health

  • Every Friday, I will pose a question to Chat GPT and use the answer it spits out. The "author" of the article is Art Intelligencia, aka Artificial Intelligence. I will add the headers. Enjoy. 

QUESTION: Why is it crucial for every pastor to pursue holistic health? Include the outcomes of an unhealthy pastor. Cite all references.

As a pastor, your calling is to lead and care for your congregation. However, while caring for others, it can be easy to neglect your health. Holistic health is crucial for every pastor to pursue, and neglecting it can have severe consequences for you and your congregation. In this blog post, we will explore why every pastor must pursue holistic health and the outcomes of an unhealthy pastor.

Holistic health is crucial for every pastor to pursue, and neglecting it can have severe consequences for you and your congregation.

What is Holistic Health?

Holistic health is a concept that refers to the interconnectedness of our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Pursuing holistic health involves caring for all aspects of ourselves, not just physical health. As a pastor, pursuing holistic health means taking care of your spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being and physical health.

One of the primary reasons every pastor must pursue holistic health is because their health directly impacts their ability to lead effectively. If you take care of yourself, it will be easier to care for others. An unhealthy pastor may struggle with burnout, fatigue, and emotional exhaustion, making it difficult to connect with their congregation and provide the support they need.

If you take care of yourself, it will be easier to care for others.

Additionally, an unhealthy pastor may struggle with mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which can negatively impact their ability to lead. Studies have found that pastors have higher rates of depression and anxiety than the general population [1]. Ignoring mental health concerns can lead to worsening symptoms and even suicidal ideation.

Finally, an unhealthy pastor may struggle with physical health issues like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. These health issues can be caused by stress, lack of sleep, and a sedentary lifestyle, all of which can be prevalent in the life of a pastor. Neglecting physical health can lead to a shorter lifespan and a decreased ability to care for your congregation.

What are the Benefits of a Healthy Pastor?

On the other hand, pursuing holistic health can have numerous benefits for pastors. Taking care of your spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health can increase your energy, reduce stress, and improve your ability to connect with your congregation. Pursuing holistic health can also help prevent burnout and emotional exhaustion, allowing you to care for your congregation for years.

In conclusion, every pastor must pursue holistic health to lead effectively and care for their congregation. Neglecting holistic health can lead to burnout, mental health issues, physical health issues, and a decreased ability to care for others. Pursuing holistic health can lead to increased energy, reduced stress, and an improved ability to connect with your congregation. As a pastor, it is crucial to prioritize your health to continue serving your congregation well.

  • References: [1] Proeschold-Bell, R.J., Miles, A., Toth, M. et al. Using Effort-Reward Imbalance Theory to Understand High Rates of Depression and Anxiety Among Clergy. J Primary Prevent 34, 439–453 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10935-013-0321-4
]]> Why Every Pastor Must Prioritize Health https://www.churchplantingpartners.com/blog/post/why-every-pastor-must-prioritize-health https://www.churchplantingpartners.com/blog/post/why-every-pastor-must-prioritize-health#comments Fri, 05 May 2023 23:00:06 -0500 https://www.churchplantingpartners.com/blog/post/why-every-pastor-must-prioritize-health Why Every Pastor Must Prioritize Health

  • Every Friday, I will pose a question to Chat GPT and use the answer it spits out. The "author" of the article is Art Intelligencia, aka Artificial Intelligence. I will add the headers. Enjoy. 

QUESTION: Why is it crucial for every pastor to pursue holistic health? Include the outcomes of an unhealthy pastor. Cite all references.

As a pastor, your calling is to lead and care for your congregation. However, while caring for others, it can be easy to neglect your health. Holistic health is crucial for every pastor to pursue, and neglecting it can have severe consequences for you and your congregation. In this blog post, we will explore why every pastor must pursue holistic health and the outcomes of an unhealthy pastor.

Holistic health is crucial for every pastor to pursue, and neglecting it can have severe consequences for you and your congregation.

What is Holistic Health?

Holistic health is a concept that refers to the interconnectedness of our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Pursuing holistic health involves caring for all aspects of ourselves, not just physical health. As a pastor, pursuing holistic health means taking care of your spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being and physical health.

One of the primary reasons every pastor must pursue holistic health is because their health directly impacts their ability to lead effectively. If you take care of yourself, it will be easier to care for others. An unhealthy pastor may struggle with burnout, fatigue, and emotional exhaustion, making it difficult to connect with their congregation and provide the support they need.

If you take care of yourself, it will be easier to care for others.

Additionally, an unhealthy pastor may struggle with mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which can negatively impact their ability to lead. Studies have found that pastors have higher rates of depression and anxiety than the general population [1]. Ignoring mental health concerns can lead to worsening symptoms and even suicidal ideation.

Finally, an unhealthy pastor may struggle with physical health issues like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. These health issues can be caused by stress, lack of sleep, and a sedentary lifestyle, all of which can be prevalent in the life of a pastor. Neglecting physical health can lead to a shorter lifespan and a decreased ability to care for your congregation.

What are the Benefits of a Healthy Pastor?

On the other hand, pursuing holistic health can have numerous benefits for pastors. Taking care of your spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health can increase your energy, reduce stress, and improve your ability to connect with your congregation. Pursuing holistic health can also help prevent burnout and emotional exhaustion, allowing you to care for your congregation for years.

In conclusion, every pastor must pursue holistic health to lead effectively and care for their congregation. Neglecting holistic health can lead to burnout, mental health issues, physical health issues, and a decreased ability to care for others. Pursuing holistic health can lead to increased energy, reduced stress, and an improved ability to connect with your congregation. As a pastor, it is crucial to prioritize your health to continue serving your congregation well.

  • References: [1] Proeschold-Bell, R.J., Miles, A., Toth, M. et al. Using Effort-Reward Imbalance Theory to Understand High Rates of Depression and Anxiety Among Clergy. J Primary Prevent 34, 439–453 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10935-013-0321-4
]]> Why Every Pastor Must Prioritize Health

  • Every Friday, I will pose a question to Chat GPT and use the answer it spits out. The "author" of the article is Art Intelligencia, aka Artificial Intelligence. I will add the headers. Enjoy. 

QUESTION: Why is it crucial for every pastor to pursue holistic health? Include the outcomes of an unhealthy pastor. Cite all references.

As a pastor, your calling is to lead and care for your congregation. However, while caring for others, it can be easy to neglect your health. Holistic health is crucial for every pastor to pursue, and neglecting it can have severe consequences for you and your congregation. In this blog post, we will explore why every pastor must pursue holistic health and the outcomes of an unhealthy pastor.

Holistic health is crucial for every pastor to pursue, and neglecting it can have severe consequences for you and your congregation.

What is Holistic Health?

Holistic health is a concept that refers to the interconnectedness of our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Pursuing holistic health involves caring for all aspects of ourselves, not just physical health. As a pastor, pursuing holistic health means taking care of your spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being and physical health.

One of the primary reasons every pastor must pursue holistic health is because their health directly impacts their ability to lead effectively. If you take care of yourself, it will be easier to care for others. An unhealthy pastor may struggle with burnout, fatigue, and emotional exhaustion, making it difficult to connect with their congregation and provide the support they need.

If you take care of yourself, it will be easier to care for others.

Additionally, an unhealthy pastor may struggle with mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which can negatively impact their ability to lead. Studies have found that pastors have higher rates of depression and anxiety than the general population [1]. Ignoring mental health concerns can lead to worsening symptoms and even suicidal ideation.

Finally, an unhealthy pastor may struggle with physical health issues like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. These health issues can be caused by stress, lack of sleep, and a sedentary lifestyle, all of which can be prevalent in the life of a pastor. Neglecting physical health can lead to a shorter lifespan and a decreased ability to care for your congregation.

What are the Benefits of a Healthy Pastor?

On the other hand, pursuing holistic health can have numerous benefits for pastors. Taking care of your spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health can increase your energy, reduce stress, and improve your ability to connect with your congregation. Pursuing holistic health can also help prevent burnout and emotional exhaustion, allowing you to care for your congregation for years.

In conclusion, every pastor must pursue holistic health to lead effectively and care for their congregation. Neglecting holistic health can lead to burnout, mental health issues, physical health issues, and a decreased ability to care for others. Pursuing holistic health can lead to increased energy, reduced stress, and an improved ability to connect with your congregation. As a pastor, it is crucial to prioritize your health to continue serving your congregation well.

  • References: [1] Proeschold-Bell, R.J., Miles, A., Toth, M. et al. Using Effort-Reward Imbalance Theory to Understand High Rates of Depression and Anxiety Among Clergy. J Primary Prevent 34, 439–453 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10935-013-0321-4
]]> Why Every Pastor Must Prioritize Health https://www.churchplantingpartners.com/blog/post/why-every-pastor-must-prioritize-health https://www.churchplantingpartners.com/blog/post/why-every-pastor-must-prioritize-health#comments Fri, 05 May 2023 13:41:23 -0500 https://www.churchplantingpartners.com/blog/post/why-every-pastor-must-prioritize-health Why Every Pastor Must Prioritize Health

  • Every Friday, I will pose a question to Chat GPT and use the answer it spits out. The "author" of the article is Art Intelligencia, aka Artificial Intelligence. I will add the headers. Enjoy. 

QUESTION: Why is it crucial for every pastor to pursue holistic health? Include the outcomes of an unhealthy pastor. Cite all references.

As a pastor, your calling is to lead and care for your congregation. However, while caring for others, it can be easy to neglect your health. Holistic health is crucial for every pastor to pursue, and neglecting it can have severe consequences for you and your congregation. In this blog post, we will explore why every pastor must pursue holistic health and the outcomes of an unhealthy pastor.

Holistic health is crucial for every pastor to pursue, and neglecting it can have severe consequences for you and your congregation.

What is Holistic Health?

Holistic health is a concept that refers to the interconnectedness of our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Pursuing holistic health involves caring for all aspects of ourselves, not just physical health. As a pastor, pursuing holistic health means taking care of your spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being and physical health.

One of the primary reasons every pastor must pursue holistic health is because their health directly impacts their ability to lead effectively. If you take care of yourself, it will be easier to care for others. An unhealthy pastor may struggle with burnout, fatigue, and emotional exhaustion, making it difficult to connect with their congregation and provide the support they need.

If you take care of yourself, it will be easier to care for others.

Additionally, an unhealthy pastor may struggle with mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which can negatively impact their ability to lead. Studies have found that pastors have higher rates of depression and anxiety than the general population [1]. Ignoring mental health concerns can lead to worsening symptoms and even suicidal ideation.

Finally, an unhealthy pastor may struggle with physical health issues like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. These health issues can be caused by stress, lack of sleep, and a sedentary lifestyle, all of which can be prevalent in the life of a pastor. Neglecting physical health can lead to a shorter lifespan and a decreased ability to care for your congregation.

What are the Benefits of a Healthy Pastor?

On the other hand, pursuing holistic health can have numerous benefits for pastors. Taking care of your spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health can increase your energy, reduce stress, and improve your ability to connect with your congregation. Pursuing holistic health can also help prevent burnout and emotional exhaustion, allowing you to care for your congregation for years.

In conclusion, every pastor must pursue holistic health to lead effectively and care for their congregation. Neglecting holistic health can lead to burnout, mental health issues, physical health issues, and a decreased ability to care for others. Pursuing holistic health can lead to increased energy, reduced stress, and an improved ability to connect with your congregation. As a pastor, it is crucial to prioritize your health to continue serving your congregation well.

  • References: [1] Ritter, C., Vannoy, S. D., & Blevins, C. E. (2017). Mental health of clergy: A review of the literature. Journal of pastoral care & counseling: JPCC, 71(1), 3-12.
]]> Why Every Pastor Must Prioritize Health

  • Every Friday, I will pose a question to Chat GPT and use the answer it spits out. The "author" of the article is Art Intelligencia, aka Artificial Intelligence. I will add the headers. Enjoy. 

QUESTION: Why is it crucial for every pastor to pursue holistic health? Include the outcomes of an unhealthy pastor. Cite all references.

As a pastor, your calling is to lead and care for your congregation. However, while caring for others, it can be easy to neglect your health. Holistic health is crucial for every pastor to pursue, and neglecting it can have severe consequences for you and your congregation. In this blog post, we will explore why every pastor must pursue holistic health and the outcomes of an unhealthy pastor.

Holistic health is crucial for every pastor to pursue, and neglecting it can have severe consequences for you and your congregation.

What is Holistic Health?

Holistic health is a concept that refers to the interconnectedness of our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Pursuing holistic health involves caring for all aspects of ourselves, not just physical health. As a pastor, pursuing holistic health means taking care of your spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being and physical health.

One of the primary reasons every pastor must pursue holistic health is because their health directly impacts their ability to lead effectively. If you take care of yourself, it will be easier to care for others. An unhealthy pastor may struggle with burnout, fatigue, and emotional exhaustion, making it difficult to connect with their congregation and provide the support they need.

If you take care of yourself, it will be easier to care for others.

Additionally, an unhealthy pastor may struggle with mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which can negatively impact their ability to lead. Studies have found that pastors have higher rates of depression and anxiety than the general population [1]. Ignoring mental health concerns can lead to worsening symptoms and even suicidal ideation.

Finally, an unhealthy pastor may struggle with physical health issues like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. These health issues can be caused by stress, lack of sleep, and a sedentary lifestyle, all of which can be prevalent in the life of a pastor. Neglecting physical health can lead to a shorter lifespan and a decreased ability to care for your congregation.

What are the Benefits of a Healthy Pastor?

On the other hand, pursuing holistic health can have numerous benefits for pastors. Taking care of your spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health can increase your energy, reduce stress, and improve your ability to connect with your congregation. Pursuing holistic health can also help prevent burnout and emotional exhaustion, allowing you to care for your congregation for years.

In conclusion, every pastor must pursue holistic health to lead effectively and care for their congregation. Neglecting holistic health can lead to burnout, mental health issues, physical health issues, and a decreased ability to care for others. Pursuing holistic health can lead to increased energy, reduced stress, and an improved ability to connect with your congregation. As a pastor, it is crucial to prioritize your health to continue serving your congregation well.

  • References: [1] Ritter, C., Vannoy, S. D., & Blevins, C. E. (2017). Mental health of clergy: A review of the literature. Journal of pastoral care & counseling: JPCC, 71(1), 3-12.
]]> Why Every Pastor Must Prioritize Health https://www.churchplantingpartners.com/blog/post/why-every-pastor-must-prioritize-health https://www.churchplantingpartners.com/blog/post/why-every-pastor-must-prioritize-health#comments Fri, 05 May 2023 11:45:23 -0500 https://www.churchplantingpartners.com/blog/post/why-every-pastor-must-prioritize-health Why Every Pastor Must Prioritize Health

  • Every Friday, I will pose a question to Chat GPT and use the answer it spits out. The "author" of the article is Art Intelligencia, aka Artificial Intelligence. I will add the headers. Enjoy. 

QUESTION: Why is it crucial for every pastor to pursue holistic health? Include the outcomes of an unhealthy pastor. Cite all references.

As a pastor, your calling is to lead and care for your congregation. However, while caring for others, it can be easy to neglect your health. Holistic health is crucial for every pastor to pursue, and neglecting it can have severe consequences for you and your congregation. In this blog post, we will explore why every pastor must pursue holistic health and the outcomes of an unhealthy pastor.

Holistic health is crucial for every pastor to pursue, and neglecting it can have severe consequences for you and your congregation.

What is Holistic Health?

Holistic health is a concept that refers to the interconnectedness of our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Pursuing holistic health involves caring for all aspects of ourselves, not just physical health. As a pastor, pursuing holistic health means taking care of your spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being and physical health.

One of the primary reasons every pastor must pursue holistic health is because their health directly impacts their ability to lead effectively. If you take care of yourself, it will be easier to care for others. An unhealthy pastor may struggle with burnout, fatigue, and emotional exhaustion, making it difficult to connect with their congregation and provide the support they need.

If you take care of yourself, it will be easier to care for others.

Additionally, an unhealthy pastor may struggle with mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which can negatively impact their ability to lead. Studies have found that pastors have higher rates of depression and anxiety than the general population [1]. Ignoring mental health concerns can lead to worsening symptoms and even suicidal ideation.

Finally, an unhealthy pastor may struggle with physical health issues like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. These health issues can be caused by stress, lack of sleep, and a sedentary lifestyle, all of which can be prevalent in the life of a pastor. Neglecting physical health can lead to a shorter lifespan and a decreased ability to care for your congregation.

What are the Benefits of a Healthy Pastor?

On the other hand, pursuing holistic health can have numerous benefits for pastors. Taking care of your spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health can increase your energy, reduce stress, and improve your ability to connect with your congregation. Pursuing holistic health can also help prevent burnout and emotional exhaustion, allowing you to care for your congregation for years.

In conclusion, every pastor must pursue holistic health to lead effectively and care for their congregation. Neglecting holistic health can lead to burnout, mental health issues, physical health issues, and a decreased ability to care for others. Pursuing holistic health can lead to increased energy, reduced stress, and an improved ability to connect with your congregation. As a pastor, it is crucial to prioritize your health to continue serving your congregation well.

  • References: [1] Ritter, C., Vannoy, S. D., & Blevins, C. E. (2017). Mental health of clergy: A review of the literature. Journal of pastoral care & counseling: JPCC, 71(1), 3-12.
]]> Why Every Pastor Must Prioritize Health

  • Every Friday, I will pose a question to Chat GPT and use the answer it spits out. The "author" of the article is Art Intelligencia, aka Artificial Intelligence. I will add the headers. Enjoy. 

QUESTION: Why is it crucial for every pastor to pursue holistic health? Include the outcomes of an unhealthy pastor. Cite all references.

As a pastor, your calling is to lead and care for your congregation. However, while caring for others, it can be easy to neglect your health. Holistic health is crucial for every pastor to pursue, and neglecting it can have severe consequences for you and your congregation. In this blog post, we will explore why every pastor must pursue holistic health and the outcomes of an unhealthy pastor.

Holistic health is crucial for every pastor to pursue, and neglecting it can have severe consequences for you and your congregation.

What is Holistic Health?

Holistic health is a concept that refers to the interconnectedness of our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Pursuing holistic health involves caring for all aspects of ourselves, not just physical health. As a pastor, pursuing holistic health means taking care of your spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being and physical health.

One of the primary reasons every pastor must pursue holistic health is because their health directly impacts their ability to lead effectively. If you take care of yourself, it will be easier to care for others. An unhealthy pastor may struggle with burnout, fatigue, and emotional exhaustion, making it difficult to connect with their congregation and provide the support they need.

If you take care of yourself, it will be easier to care for others.

Additionally, an unhealthy pastor may struggle with mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which can negatively impact their ability to lead. Studies have found that pastors have higher rates of depression and anxiety than the general population [1]. Ignoring mental health concerns can lead to worsening symptoms and even suicidal ideation.

Finally, an unhealthy pastor may struggle with physical health issues like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. These health issues can be caused by stress, lack of sleep, and a sedentary lifestyle, all of which can be prevalent in the life of a pastor. Neglecting physical health can lead to a shorter lifespan and a decreased ability to care for your congregation.

What are the Benefits of a Healthy Pastor?

On the other hand, pursuing holistic health can have numerous benefits for pastors. Taking care of your spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health can increase your energy, reduce stress, and improve your ability to connect with your congregation. Pursuing holistic health can also help prevent burnout and emotional exhaustion, allowing you to care for your congregation for years.

In conclusion, every pastor must pursue holistic health to lead effectively and care for their congregation. Neglecting holistic health can lead to burnout, mental health issues, physical health issues, and a decreased ability to care for others. Pursuing holistic health can lead to increased energy, reduced stress, and an improved ability to connect with your congregation. As a pastor, it is crucial to prioritize your health to continue serving your congregation well.

  • References: [1] Ritter, C., Vannoy, S. D., & Blevins, C. E. (2017). Mental health of clergy: A review of the literature. Journal of pastoral care & counseling: JPCC, 71(1), 3-12.
]]> What if the Church Hurts Me? https://www.churchplantingpartners.com/blog/post/what-if-the-church-hurts-me https://www.churchplantingpartners.com/blog/post/what-if-the-church-hurts-me#comments Sat, 01 Apr 2023 14:36:40 -0500 https://www.churchplantingpartners.com/blog/post/what-if-the-church-hurts-me

What if the Church Hurts Me?

The church . . . is a hospital in which nobody is entirely healthy, and anyone can relapse at any time. (J. I. Packer, A Quest for Godliness)

Almost all of us will be hurt *in* the church by human weakness and sins. Others need our ministry because we are built up by one another (Ephesians 4:16). We can't let relational offenses sway us away from the Christian community. In fact, it is another reason to stay engaged with a more significant commitment.

On the other hand, some have been hurt *by* the church when ministry leaders in authority intentionally seek to harm someone, or they disregard the consequences of their actions on another person. Spiritual abuse (SA) is a form of emotional and psychological abuse. SA is the misuse of a position of power, leadership, or influence to further the selfish interests of someone other than the individual who needs help. The victim can be a congregant or, often, a staff person. All the definitions of spiritual abuse in the literature involve using power or authority to manipulate and control. The authority is often a leader but may be, for example, from a church board towards a leader. It can also be a system, such as a set of beliefs or a way of doing things that don't allow individual freedom.

A leader can unintentionally hurt congregants, and this is excusable. But leaders who commit spiritual abuse must be held accountable, and, sadly, often are not. It is usually long after the damage is done if they are held responsible. Church governing bodies fail to view their four-fold role in the church: 1) A shepherd to the flock; 2) A faithful, loyal church member; 3) A legal overseer of the ministers and ministries; 4) A member of the governing board in submission to the board at large.

Every church needs a policy and practices for reporting and biblically addressing spiritual abuse. I did not readily find one, but I am searching.

The responses of the victim of spiritual abuse are the following:
  1. Pray for God's grace and peace amid your emotional storm.
  2. Report the abuse immediately to the governing body.
  3. Discern your ongoing membership at the church. It most likely requires a separation of either the victim or the abuser.
  4. Commit to love both Christ and His bride. Find a relatively healthy local church to worship God amongst imperfect people and leaders. That particular local church's action does not determine the identity of Christ's bride. Determine to love the church in all her imperfections. Augustine implored, “Let us honor her, for she is the bride of so great a Lord. . . . Great and unheard of is the bridegroom’s gracious generosity; he found her a whore, he made her a virgin” (The Works of Saint Augustine, 1993, p 145).
  5. Forgive your abuser if possible. Forgiving them does not require their confession of wrongdoing, and it does not require further interaction with them (2 Tim. 4:14-15).
  6. Allow yourself time to heal. It takes six weeks to heal a broken bone. A broken heart takes longer. Remind yourself of the gospel, find a safe community, and don't rush.

Love the church because Christ loves her in all her overwhelming unloveliness. One day the bride of Christ will be pure and perfect and holy. For now, she needs healing. Jesus said, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Mark 2:17).

The church is not perfect, but she is the bride of Christ, and therefore, we can love her. Picture Christ at the wedding altar awaiting his bride, the elect of God. God the Father escorts her down the aisle, but her dress is stained with mustard, and her ruffles are torn. Her hair is messy, her lipstick smeared, and her flowers wilted. As she limps down the aisle with one broken heel, Jesus detects the smell of last night’s alcohol and vomit. Yet, Christ passionately says, “Here is my bride, and she is my beloved. I will receive her to make her holy. I will wash her with the water of the word. She will be my bride without spot or wrinkle” (see Song of Solomon 2:16; Ephesians 5:26–27).

Let the words of Isaiah wash over you with love:

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord to display his splendor (Isa 61:1-3).

 



]]>

What if the Church Hurts Me?

The church . . . is a hospital in which nobody is entirely healthy, and anyone can relapse at any time. (J. I. Packer, A Quest for Godliness)

Almost all of us will be hurt *in* the church by human weakness and sins. Others need our ministry because we are built up by one another (Ephesians 4:16). We can't let relational offenses sway us away from the Christian community. In fact, it is another reason to stay engaged with a more significant commitment.

On the other hand, some have been hurt *by* the church when ministry leaders in authority intentionally seek to harm someone, or they disregard the consequences of their actions on another person. Spiritual abuse (SA) is a form of emotional and psychological abuse. SA is the misuse of a position of power, leadership, or influence to further the selfish interests of someone other than the individual who needs help. The victim can be a congregant or, often, a staff person. All the definitions of spiritual abuse in the literature involve using power or authority to manipulate and control. The authority is often a leader but may be, for example, from a church board towards a leader. It can also be a system, such as a set of beliefs or a way of doing things that don't allow individual freedom.

A leader can unintentionally hurt congregants, and this is excusable. But leaders who commit spiritual abuse must be held accountable, and, sadly, often are not. It is usually long after the damage is done if they are held responsible. Church governing bodies fail to view their four-fold role in the church: 1) A shepherd to the flock; 2) A faithful, loyal church member; 3) A legal overseer of the ministers and ministries; 4) A member of the governing board in submission to the board at large.

Every church needs a policy and practices for reporting and biblically addressing spiritual abuse. I did not readily find one, but I am searching.

The responses of the victim of spiritual abuse are the following:
  1. Pray for God's grace and peace amid your emotional storm.
  2. Report the abuse immediately to the governing body.
  3. Discern your ongoing membership at the church. It most likely requires a separation of either the victim or the abuser.
  4. Commit to love both Christ and His bride. Find a relatively healthy local church to worship God amongst imperfect people and leaders. That particular local church's action does not determine the identity of Christ's bride. Determine to love the church in all her imperfections. Augustine implored, “Let us honor her, for she is the bride of so great a Lord. . . . Great and unheard of is the bridegroom’s gracious generosity; he found her a whore, he made her a virgin” (The Works of Saint Augustine, 1993, p 145).
  5. Forgive your abuser if possible. Forgiving them does not require their confession of wrongdoing, and it does not require further interaction with them (2 Tim. 4:14-15).
  6. Allow yourself time to heal. It takes six weeks to heal a broken bone. A broken heart takes longer. Remind yourself of the gospel, find a safe community, and don't rush.

Love the church because Christ loves her in all her overwhelming unloveliness. One day the bride of Christ will be pure and perfect and holy. For now, she needs healing. Jesus said, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Mark 2:17).

The church is not perfect, but she is the bride of Christ, and therefore, we can love her. Picture Christ at the wedding altar awaiting his bride, the elect of God. God the Father escorts her down the aisle, but her dress is stained with mustard, and her ruffles are torn. Her hair is messy, her lipstick smeared, and her flowers wilted. As she limps down the aisle with one broken heel, Jesus detects the smell of last night’s alcohol and vomit. Yet, Christ passionately says, “Here is my bride, and she is my beloved. I will receive her to make her holy. I will wash her with the water of the word. She will be my bride without spot or wrinkle” (see Song of Solomon 2:16; Ephesians 5:26–27).

Let the words of Isaiah wash over you with love:

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord to display his splendor (Isa 61:1-3).

 



]]> Five Ways to Encourage Others https://www.churchplantingpartners.com/blog/post/five-ways-to-encourage-others https://www.churchplantingpartners.com/blog/post/five-ways-to-encourage-others#comments Tue, 21 Feb 2023 09:31:20 -0600 https://www.churchplantingpartners.com/blog/post/five-ways-to-encourage-others Five Ways to Encourage Others

Anxiety in a man's heart will weigh him down, but a good word will cheer him (Prov. 12:25).

Truett Cathy (founder of Chick-fil-A) was fond of saying, “How can you tell if someone needs encouragement?” His answer was, “they are breathing.” 

Cathy was right. We all need encouragement. So, why is encouragement so challenging to give to others? God said to Jesus, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Do we prefer pointing out a minor deficiency to highlighting a major character quality? Are you only allowed to dole out one encouragement every Leap Year? Is this leap year?

Encouragement costs you nothing but failing to encourage could cost someone everything. 

Do not tell your neighbor, “I do not know what to say,” or “I am too busy,” when the encouragement is on your lips. Never walk away from someone discouraged; your words could be God’s encouragement for that person (adapted from Prov. 3:27).

It is selfish and cruel to withhold encouragement from those who need it. And everybody needs it to some extent. People are facing unbearable grief to sheer desperation. We lose loved ones, marriages break, financial ruin befalls, betrayal occurs, or a physical ailment makes it challenging to get through the day. One word of encouragement could make a difference. 

Encouragement has many benefits. 1) It strengthens their faith. 2) It emboldens them to attempt some mission for God. 3) It comforts them in their losses. 4) It stirs their hearts to follow God. 5) It motivates them to change their attitudes or behaviors. 

Five Ways to Encourage Others

1. Encourage One Person Every Day.

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “today,” so that none of you become hardened by the deception of sin (Heb. 3:13). Daily encouragement will become a habit that will pay dividends to you and the other person. 

2. Look for People Whose Faith Needs to be Built and Encourage Them.

Therefore, encourage and build one another up, just as you are doing (1 Thes 5:11).  

3. Encourage Someone Who is Undisciplined in Their Walk with God. 

Typically, we look to honor people for their good deeds and forget those who are failing. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the unruly (1 Thes. 5:14). The word admonish is not synonymous with “rebuke,” but rather, exhort; put in mind. Reminding someone of the gospel of grace is more influential than scorn. A person in sin may expect chastisement, but the gospel offers forgiveness and restoration through repentance.

4. Listen for a Need and Meet it.

And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone (1 Thes. 5:14). Listening, essentially,  brings encouragement. We encourage best when we listen to the point of godly compassion, which constantly moves us to action. 

5. Use Your Words.

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body (Prov. 16:24).  Anxiety in a man's heart will weigh him down, but a good word will cheer him (Proverbs 12:25). A smile, a wave, or an emoji pales compared to the warm hug of words of affirmation. 

Start today by encouraging someone with words of grace.




]]> Five Ways to Encourage Others

Anxiety in a man's heart will weigh him down, but a good word will cheer him (Prov. 12:25).

Truett Cathy (founder of Chick-fil-A) was fond of saying, “How can you tell if someone needs encouragement?” His answer was, “they are breathing.” 

Cathy was right. We all need encouragement. So, why is encouragement so challenging to give to others? God said to Jesus, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Do we prefer pointing out a minor deficiency to highlighting a major character quality? Are you only allowed to dole out one encouragement every Leap Year? Is this leap year?

Encouragement costs you nothing but failing to encourage could cost someone everything. 

Do not tell your neighbor, “I do not know what to say,” or “I am too busy,” when the encouragement is on your lips. Never walk away from someone discouraged; your words could be God’s encouragement for that person (adapted from Prov. 3:27).

It is selfish and cruel to withhold encouragement from those who need it. And everybody needs it to some extent. People are facing unbearable grief to sheer desperation. We lose loved ones, marriages break, financial ruin befalls, betrayal occurs, or a physical ailment makes it challenging to get through the day. One word of encouragement could make a difference. 

Encouragement has many benefits. 1) It strengthens their faith. 2) It emboldens them to attempt some mission for God. 3) It comforts them in their losses. 4) It stirs their hearts to follow God. 5) It motivates them to change their attitudes or behaviors. 

Five Ways to Encourage Others

1. Encourage One Person Every Day.

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “today,” so that none of you become hardened by the deception of sin (Heb. 3:13). Daily encouragement will become a habit that will pay dividends to you and the other person. 

2. Look for People Whose Faith Needs to be Built and Encourage Them.

Therefore, encourage and build one another up, just as you are doing (1 Thes 5:11).  

3. Encourage Someone Who is Undisciplined in Their Walk with God. 

Typically, we look to honor people for their good deeds and forget those who are failing. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the unruly (1 Thes. 5:14). The word admonish is not synonymous with “rebuke,” but rather, exhort; put in mind. Reminding someone of the gospel of grace is more influential than scorn. A person in sin may expect chastisement, but the gospel offers forgiveness and restoration through repentance.

4. Listen for a Need and Meet it.

And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone (1 Thes. 5:14). Listening, essentially,  brings encouragement. We encourage best when we listen to the point of godly compassion, which constantly moves us to action. 

5. Use Your Words.

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body (Prov. 16:24).  Anxiety in a man's heart will weigh him down, but a good word will cheer him (Proverbs 12:25). A smile, a wave, or an emoji pales compared to the warm hug of words of affirmation. 

Start today by encouraging someone with words of grace.




]]> Five Reasons Pastors Lose Hope in the Ministry https://www.churchplantingpartners.com/blog/post/five-reasons-pastors-lose-hope-in-the-ministry https://www.churchplantingpartners.com/blog/post/five-reasons-pastors-lose-hope-in-the-ministry#comments Tue, 14 Feb 2023 16:25:11 -0600 https://www.churchplantingpartners.com/blog/post/five-reasons-pastors-lose-hope-in-the-ministry Five Reasons Pastors Lose Heart in the Ministry

One Sunday morning, as I was walking into the worship center of a church I served as Lead pastor, the leading elder, Bill, a long-standing leader in the church, was talking to another member of the church about how I “forced” the elders to fast and pray every Thursday. He was not quiet or shy about his resistance and saw me coming down the open staircase. It seemed he aimed his comments intentionally in my hearing when he said, “We have never done this before, and we have never needed to, and no pastor can make me.”

I laughed it off because it was ridiculous, but it also hurt me—no doubt more than it should have. It wasn’t the first time or last time I experienced ridicule and disrespect, and it hurt every time. 

“Elder Bill” is found in almost every church. Acts 20:30 tell us that people will arise from among our church membership to thwart the gospel’s work among the body. How do we minister with joy despite these unjustified attacks?

The Apostle Paul encouraged ministers to “not lose heart” (2 Cor. 4:1, 16). Scripture uses this Greek word, translated as “lose heart,” six times. In each case, it is associated with doing something good and yet becoming discouraged by the outcomes of our ministry. Discouragement is common in the ministry. Paul could not have humanly anticipated the "cynical saints" associated with the church in 2023, but the Spirit of God knew we would need encouragement. Paul points out that ministers will experience affliction and persecution but, with their focus on Christ, will not be crushed or driven to despair (2 Cor. 4:7-9).  That's good news!

Five Reasons Pastors Lose Heart in the Ministry.

  1. We lose heart when we become the point of ministry. 

We are not promoting ourselves but Jesus Christ, the image of God. Promoting ourselves is exhausting and unsustainable. What we talk about is what we worship. Sometimes that is our new ministry project, church, or even our own lives. Our focus, as believers—and certainly as ministers—must be Jesus (2 Cor. 4:5). We don’t have to pastor a megachurch to walk around with an attitude of a celebrity pastor.

  1. We lose heart when we forget our calling to sacrifice for the good of others (2 Cor. 4:11-12). 

Ministers are “servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Cor. 4:5). Just as Jesus suffered for our good, ministers can celebrate death as it manifests the life of Jesus, who willingly suffered for our salvation. He was the good shepherd who obediently laid his life down *for the sheep* (John 10:11-12). We must willingly die to our ambitions, dreams, and comfort to produce life in others (2 Cor. 4:11-12). It’s not self-glorifying but instead a self-denying calling.

  1. We lose heart when we focus on the outward evidence of our ministry (2 Cor. 4:8-9, 17-18). 

The Western world equates success with God’s blessing (attendance, financial resources, conversions, number of small groups, etc.). That fallacy leads us to believe God is done with our ministry if we are not experiencing quantifiable growth. So, we pack up and leave, only to repeat the previous situation. Paul says ministers will experience affliction, persecution, and disrespect (2 Cor. 4:8-9). Suffering, for the minister, is a part of the design and plan of God (2 Cor. 4:17; John 16:33). 

We must not focus on being afflicted, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down. Instead, we focus on the promise of not being crushed, driven to despair, forsaken, or destroyed. Paul repeats this phrase, “we don’t lose heart,” about not looking at the temporal things of life and looking at the eternal. “So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Cor. 4:18, CSB).

  1. We lose heart when feeding our inner man is lacking (2 Cor. 4:16).

Therefore we do not lose heart, but even if our outer person is being destroyed, yet our inner person is being renewed day after day. (4:16, Lexham). The opposite perspective is striking.

While we obsessively focus on maintaining and improving our outer man, our inner man decays daily due to neglect. The result is giving up on God and our faith.

We are promised both a decaying body and a renewing soul. Yet, we can fight for physical vigor and allow our spiritual life to atrophy. Of course, we can exercise the outer and inner man. But bodily exercise profits only a tiny amount compared to our pursuit of godliness (1 Tim. 4:8). 

If a mother focused on her comfort and satisfaction and deprived her young children's basic needs, she would be guilty of child neglect and risk harming her children long-term. Many ministers are guilty of soul neglect while focusing on the church body's temporal needs. Paul encourages the elders, “Be on guard for yourselves and all the flock…” (Acts 20:28). Ministers who fail to renew their inner souls cannot minister to the flock effectively. Therefore, all ministers' main priority is to feed their inner person. 

  1. We lose heart when we do not see our suffering as God’s plan (2 Cor. 4:17).

Paul says, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Cor. 4:17). Paul knew trouble. He didn’t find glory in trouble itself. Instead, he prayed that it would go away. But he rested in allowing God to use his suffering to accomplish His unseen plan. 

We can get mad at Elder Bill for causing pain, or we can respond with the character of Christ, who allowed the Romans to unjustly convict, beat, and crucify him for an eternal glory that far outweighs the temporary displeasure. 

The suffering is real, dear pastor. Do not lose heart. Jesus is the focus, not you. Don’t forget that our calling is to sacrifice for the sheep’s good. So, feed your inner man until you’re filled with His presence and power, and accept that He is allowing you to suffer for His glory–even if you don't understand it right now.

]]> Five Reasons Pastors Lose Heart in the Ministry

One Sunday morning, as I was walking into the worship center of a church I served as Lead pastor, the leading elder, Bill, a long-standing leader in the church, was talking to another member of the church about how I “forced” the elders to fast and pray every Thursday. He was not quiet or shy about his resistance and saw me coming down the open staircase. It seemed he aimed his comments intentionally in my hearing when he said, “We have never done this before, and we have never needed to, and no pastor can make me.”

I laughed it off because it was ridiculous, but it also hurt me—no doubt more than it should have. It wasn’t the first time or last time I experienced ridicule and disrespect, and it hurt every time. 

“Elder Bill” is found in almost every church. Acts 20:30 tell us that people will arise from among our church membership to thwart the gospel’s work among the body. How do we minister with joy despite these unjustified attacks?

The Apostle Paul encouraged ministers to “not lose heart” (2 Cor. 4:1, 16). Scripture uses this Greek word, translated as “lose heart,” six times. In each case, it is associated with doing something good and yet becoming discouraged by the outcomes of our ministry. Discouragement is common in the ministry. Paul could not have humanly anticipated the "cynical saints" associated with the church in 2023, but the Spirit of God knew we would need encouragement. Paul points out that ministers will experience affliction and persecution but, with their focus on Christ, will not be crushed or driven to despair (2 Cor. 4:7-9).  That's good news!

Five Reasons Pastors Lose Heart in the Ministry.

  1. We lose heart when we become the point of ministry. 

We are not promoting ourselves but Jesus Christ, the image of God. Promoting ourselves is exhausting and unsustainable. What we talk about is what we worship. Sometimes that is our new ministry project, church, or even our own lives. Our focus, as believers—and certainly as ministers—must be Jesus (2 Cor. 4:5). We don’t have to pastor a megachurch to walk around with an attitude of a celebrity pastor.

  1. We lose heart when we forget our calling to sacrifice for the good of others (2 Cor. 4:11-12). 

Ministers are “servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Cor. 4:5). Just as Jesus suffered for our good, ministers can celebrate death as it manifests the life of Jesus, who willingly suffered for our salvation. He was the good shepherd who obediently laid his life down *for the sheep* (John 10:11-12). We must willingly die to our ambitions, dreams, and comfort to produce life in others (2 Cor. 4:11-12). It’s not self-glorifying but instead a self-denying calling.

  1. We lose heart when we focus on the outward evidence of our ministry (2 Cor. 4:8-9, 17-18). 

The Western world equates success with God’s blessing (attendance, financial resources, conversions, number of small groups, etc.). That fallacy leads us to believe God is done with our ministry if we are not experiencing quantifiable growth. So, we pack up and leave, only to repeat the previous situation. Paul says ministers will experience affliction, persecution, and disrespect (2 Cor. 4:8-9). Suffering, for the minister, is a part of the design and plan of God (2 Cor. 4:17; John 16:33). 

We must not focus on being afflicted, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down. Instead, we focus on the promise of not being crushed, driven to despair, forsaken, or destroyed. Paul repeats this phrase, “we don’t lose heart,” about not looking at the temporal things of life and looking at the eternal. “So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Cor. 4:18, CSB).

  1. We lose heart when feeding our inner man is lacking (2 Cor. 4:16).

Therefore we do not lose heart, but even if our outer person is being destroyed, yet our inner person is being renewed day after day. (4:16, Lexham). The opposite perspective is striking.

While we obsessively focus on maintaining and improving our outer man, our inner man decays daily due to neglect. The result is giving up on God and our faith.

We are promised both a decaying body and a renewing soul. Yet, we can fight for physical vigor and allow our spiritual life to atrophy. Of course, we can exercise the outer and inner man. But bodily exercise profits only a tiny amount compared to our pursuit of godliness (1 Tim. 4:8). 

If a mother focused on her comfort and satisfaction and deprived her young children's basic needs, she would be guilty of child neglect and risk harming her children long-term. Many ministers are guilty of soul neglect while focusing on the church body's temporal needs. Paul encourages the elders, “Be on guard for yourselves and all the flock…” (Acts 20:28). Ministers who fail to renew their inner souls cannot minister to the flock effectively. Therefore, all ministers' main priority is to feed their inner person. 

  1. We lose heart when we do not see our suffering as God’s plan (2 Cor. 4:17).

Paul says, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Cor. 4:17). Paul knew trouble. He didn’t find glory in trouble itself. Instead, he prayed that it would go away. But he rested in allowing God to use his suffering to accomplish His unseen plan. 

We can get mad at Elder Bill for causing pain, or we can respond with the character of Christ, who allowed the Romans to unjustly convict, beat, and crucify him for an eternal glory that far outweighs the temporary displeasure. 

The suffering is real, dear pastor. Do not lose heart. Jesus is the focus, not you. Don’t forget that our calling is to sacrifice for the sheep’s good. So, feed your inner man until you’re filled with His presence and power, and accept that He is allowing you to suffer for His glory–even if you don't understand it right now.

]]> Calling, Competence, & Canines https://www.churchplantingpartners.com/blog/post/calling-competence-canines https://www.churchplantingpartners.com/blog/post/calling-competence-canines#comments Wed, 04 Jan 2023 14:46:07 -0600 https://www.churchplantingpartners.com/blog/post/calling-competence-canines Calling, Competence, and Canines
January 5, 2023 by Scott Thomas

I played basketball competitively well into my 40’s. I was relatively good at it, and I enjoyed it. Despite that, I set out to train for a marathon. I read many articles (two), did my research (talked to my friend), and bought special shoes and silky short shorts, which my wife promptly made me return for my good. Then I started running. I have OCD tendencies which works well for marathon training, even though it is normally a burden. I ran. Every. Single. Day. My Dalmatian dog, Polly, and I ran early morning through the quiet streets and rolling dirt trails. We thought we were pretty cool. I let Polly off the leash when we got near the dirt trail; she knew the usual route we would take. Sometimes she would look back to see if I was keeping up. I envisioned the day I would run those 26.2 miles unattainable by mere mortals.

During my training season, I went to Ohio for a ministry trip. I stayed with a family in their home. That’s what frugal (cheap) pastors do. The 50-year-old lady of the house found out I was going running and asked if she and her black lab could tag along. I thought, “I hope she doesn’t slow me down. I’m training for a marathon, not a 5K fun run.” I laced up my expensive running shoes, and off we went. I told her to lead since I didn’t want to leave her in the dust. That would be rude. I would reduce my pace to her middle-aged speed and it would undoubtedly be an off day for me, but she did provide a “delicious” vegetarian dish the night before. What is eggplant parmesan anyway?

She ran ahead at what I thought was a naively unsustainable speed. I knew she would slow down when we came to the hill at the end of the block. I was wrong. Oh, was I wrong! She kept up her speed, and I desperately tried to keep up, motivated mainly by my male ego. I thought I was dying, but I kept going. I could feel my back tightening like a hawk’s claws around an unsuspecting field mouse. She didn’t seem to be slowing at all. At one point, her dog stopped to do what dogs do, and I bent over with my hands on my knees and prayed that he was constipated so I could finally catch my breath. Nope. Larry, the lab finished in record time, scratched his pheromone paws on the ground, and raced on. I love dogs, but at that moment, I hated Larry. 

This excruciating race was about to end. Finally, I could see the house in the distance and muttered, “Bless the Lord, oh my soul and all that is within me.” But my way past-middle-aged running mate asked, “Do you want to run past the house to the top of the hill and back?” I gave her a thumbs-up signal because I am a people pleaser and couldn’t get enough breath in my lungs to respond verbally. When we returned to the house, she bounded up the front steps. Once she was inside, I used both hands on the handrail to pull myself up like a drunk returning from an all-night bender. I collapsed in her family room. When I regained consciousness, I looked at her wall that spanned twelve feet. From floor to ceiling, she had about sixty 8x10 photographs of every marathon she had ever run. The photos included the marathon locations such as Boston, New York, LA, Chicago, Baltimore, and the prestigious Glass City Marathon in Toledo.

I felt both relieved and duped. This experienced marathoner was the female version of Forrest Gump, but she didn’t let on when she asked if she and her stupid dog could “tag along.”

Labrador

I quit my marathon training that day and was determined to never attempt something I was not equipped to accomplish. I rejoined my basketball team and vowed to never tell anyone about that embarrassing event in Ohio. That is, until now.

We can frustrate and hurt ourselves when we try to become something we are not equipped to be. I am not, was not, and never will be a marathon runner.  Paraphrasing Martin Luther, "Here I stand. I cannot do marathons. God help me. Amen."

You may be trying to force yourself into a position in the church that is not a fit for you. Not everyone is cut out to be a church planter. Great pastors can make poor church planters. Your quest in life is to find your unique role in the church and fill it. Be content with how God has equipped you. There is no shame in that. The real shame is praying that some sweet puppy experiences bowel restriction because you tried to be something you were not intended by God.

 

]]> Calling, Competence, and Canines
January 5, 2023 by Scott Thomas

I played basketball competitively well into my 40’s. I was relatively good at it, and I enjoyed it. Despite that, I set out to train for a marathon. I read many articles (two), did my research (talked to my friend), and bought special shoes and silky short shorts, which my wife promptly made me return for my good. Then I started running. I have OCD tendencies which works well for marathon training, even though it is normally a burden. I ran. Every. Single. Day. My Dalmatian dog, Polly, and I ran early morning through the quiet streets and rolling dirt trails. We thought we were pretty cool. I let Polly off the leash when we got near the dirt trail; she knew the usual route we would take. Sometimes she would look back to see if I was keeping up. I envisioned the day I would run those 26.2 miles unattainable by mere mortals.

During my training season, I went to Ohio for a ministry trip. I stayed with a family in their home. That’s what frugal (cheap) pastors do. The 50-year-old lady of the house found out I was going running and asked if she and her black lab could tag along. I thought, “I hope she doesn’t slow me down. I’m training for a marathon, not a 5K fun run.” I laced up my expensive running shoes, and off we went. I told her to lead since I didn’t want to leave her in the dust. That would be rude. I would reduce my pace to her middle-aged speed and it would undoubtedly be an off day for me, but she did provide a “delicious” vegetarian dish the night before. What is eggplant parmesan anyway?

She ran ahead at what I thought was a naively unsustainable speed. I knew she would slow down when we came to the hill at the end of the block. I was wrong. Oh, was I wrong! She kept up her speed, and I desperately tried to keep up, motivated mainly by my male ego. I thought I was dying, but I kept going. I could feel my back tightening like a hawk’s claws around an unsuspecting field mouse. She didn’t seem to be slowing at all. At one point, her dog stopped to do what dogs do, and I bent over with my hands on my knees and prayed that he was constipated so I could finally catch my breath. Nope. Larry, the lab finished in record time, scratched his pheromone paws on the ground, and raced on. I love dogs, but at that moment, I hated Larry. 

This excruciating race was about to end. Finally, I could see the house in the distance and muttered, “Bless the Lord, oh my soul and all that is within me.” But my way past-middle-aged running mate asked, “Do you want to run past the house to the top of the hill and back?” I gave her a thumbs-up signal because I am a people pleaser and couldn’t get enough breath in my lungs to respond verbally. When we returned to the house, she bounded up the front steps. Once she was inside, I used both hands on the handrail to pull myself up like a drunk returning from an all-night bender. I collapsed in her family room. When I regained consciousness, I looked at her wall that spanned twelve feet. From floor to ceiling, she had about sixty 8x10 photographs of every marathon she had ever run. The photos included the marathon locations such as Boston, New York, LA, Chicago, Baltimore, and the prestigious Glass City Marathon in Toledo.

I felt both relieved and duped. This experienced marathoner was the female version of Forrest Gump, but she didn’t let on when she asked if she and her stupid dog could “tag along.”

Labrador

I quit my marathon training that day and was determined to never attempt something I was not equipped to accomplish. I rejoined my basketball team and vowed to never tell anyone about that embarrassing event in Ohio. That is, until now.

We can frustrate and hurt ourselves when we try to become something we are not equipped to be. I am not, was not, and never will be a marathon runner.  Paraphrasing Martin Luther, "Here I stand. I cannot do marathons. God help me. Amen."

You may be trying to force yourself into a position in the church that is not a fit for you. Not everyone is cut out to be a church planter. Great pastors can make poor church planters. Your quest in life is to find your unique role in the church and fill it. Be content with how God has equipped you. There is no shame in that. The real shame is praying that some sweet puppy experiences bowel restriction because you tried to be something you were not intended by God.

 

]]> Six Ministry Values https://www.churchplantingpartners.com/blog/post/six-ministry-values https://www.churchplantingpartners.com/blog/post/six-ministry-values#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.churchplantingpartners.com/blog/post/six-ministry-values  

 

SIX MINISTRY VALUES

Below are my personal ministry values. 

1. Abide in the Vine, not in my strength.
2. Promote Jesus, not a ministry.
3. Get energy and passion from the great commission, not some project.
4. Put my hand only to the plow Jesus intends, not every opportunity.
5. Intentionally develop young kingdom difference-makers.
6. Practice a holistically healthy, sustainable lifestyle.

]]>  

 

SIX MINISTRY VALUES

Below are my personal ministry values. 

1. Abide in the Vine, not in my strength.
2. Promote Jesus, not a ministry.
3. Get energy and passion from the great commission, not some project.
4. Put my hand only to the plow Jesus intends, not every opportunity.
5. Intentionally develop young kingdom difference-makers.
6. Practice a holistically healthy, sustainable lifestyle.

]]>