The short answer is yes. The real answer is yes but with some nuance. First, we … Is It Okay to Question What Your Pastor Says?Read more
Leadership and Ministry Blog
Chaplains Under Fire: American, British, and Canadian Padres on D-Day
On June 6, 1944, more than 156,000 Allied soldiers crossed the English Channel and assaulted the … Chaplains Under Fire: American, British, and Canadian Padres on D-DayRead more
Should Pastors/Chaplains Be Present at Medically Assisted Deaths?
I always hesitate to write posts that start with “Should.” It suggests a binary of either … Should Pastors/Chaplains Be Present at Medically Assisted Deaths?Read more
25 Years of Ordination
It was twenty-five years ago today that I was ordained at Queensway Baptist Church in Brantford, … 25 Years of OrdinationRead more
3 Facets of Christian Ministry and Leadership
I have been involved in Christian leadership and ministry in one way or another for about … 3 Facets of Christian Ministry and LeadershipRead more
Why Has Mark Carney’s Speech Had Such an Impact?
It is not often that people make a big deal about a politician’s speech. Normally, it … Why Has Mark Carney’s Speech Had Such an Impact?Read more
Do We Have to Throw Away All of Our Philip Yancey Books?
In case you have not heard, Philip Yancey is the latest respected Christian who has fallen … Do We Have to Throw Away All of Our Philip Yancey Books?Read more
The Part of Pastoral Ministry I Want to Continue
I am coming close to the end of my pastoral ministry. In less than two weeks, … The Part of Pastoral Ministry I Want to ContinueRead more
Can You Be Arrested in the UK for Criticizing Transgender Ideology on Social Media?
In the UK, you generally cannot be arrested simply for expressing a political or religious opinion, … Can You Be Arrested in the UK for Criticizing Transgender Ideology on Social Media?Read more
Should Churches Work With Churches of Other Denominations?
There are churches that prefer not to work with other churches at all. There are other … Should Churches Work With Churches of Other Denominations?Read more
The Real Lesson From the Coldplay Kiss Cam
There were a lot of memes and jokes after two married (not to each other) people … The Real Lesson From the Coldplay Kiss CamRead more
5 Things That Are Hard About Being a Pastor
I want to begin by saying that I have had a positive experience as a pastor. … 5 Things That Are Hard About Being a PastorRead more
Should Religious Charities Lose Their Status?
A quiet but deeply concerning recommendation has emerged from a recent report by the House of Commons … Should Religious Charities Lose Their Status?Read more
What Christian Leaders Can Learn From the Trump-Zelanskyy Conflict
I am sure that many people were shocked by the recent events that took place at … What Christian Leaders Can Learn From the Trump-Zelanskyy ConflictRead more
Where Should Christians Get Their Values?
What in life do you feel is important? How do you determine what is right or … Where Should Christians Get Their Values?Read more
Pastors as Cultivators of Hope
We are living in difficult times. As I write this, there has been a recent advancement … Pastors as Cultivators of HopeRead more
Top 5 Recent Christian Leadership Blog Posts
In the ever-evolving landscape of Christian leadership, thought leaders continue to provide valuable insights to guide … Top 5 Recent Christian Leadership Blog PostsRead more
The Disparate Ones – Review
I have been familiar with author and blogger Marty Duren for a number of years. I … The Disparate Ones – ReviewRead more
Proclamation and the Golden Rule
How should someone share their faith? How should a pastor proclaim the gospel? There are plenty … Proclamation and the Golden RuleRead more
Spiritual Readiness – Review
I sometimes get asked about my role as an army chaplain. “Is that like a pastor … Spiritual Readiness – ReviewRead more
Top Christian Leadership Articles of the Week
In the past week, several thought-provoking articles have highlighted key trends, insights, and spiritual reflections on … Top Christian Leadership Articles of the WeekRead more
3 Steps to Becoming a Worshipping Church
It seems to go without saying that churches should be places of worship. And yet, those … 3 Steps to Becoming a Worshipping ChurchRead more
5 Signs of a Healthy Church
What does a healthy church look like? We might begin with a large congregation, a sizeable … 5 Signs of a Healthy ChurchRead more
I Was Wrong About Donald Trump
Way back in October 2016, just a few weeks before Donald Trump was first elected President … I Was Wrong About Donald TrumpRead more
More Thoughts on the Billy Graham Rule
There are a lot of people who have very strong feelings about the Billy Graham Rule. … More Thoughts on the Billy Graham RuleRead more
Can Pastors With Different Beliefs Be Colleagues?
One of criticisms I hear about Christianity is that there are all these denominations and churches … Can Pastors With Different Beliefs Be Colleagues?Read more
Toxic Pastors and Church Growth
We are hearing more and more about pastors who are abusive, not physically or sexually, but … Toxic Pastors and Church GrowthRead more
Bruxy Cavey and Assault Charges
I have been following the Bruxy Cavey and Meeting House situation, not because I have a … Bruxy Cavey and Assault ChargesRead more
Bruxy Cavey, Choices, and Consequences for the Church
My intention for writing about Bruxy Cavey is not to target one individual but to try … Bruxy Cavey, Choices, and Consequences for the ChurchRead more
Presidential Debates and Leadership Evaluations
I am writing this the day after the first presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald … Presidential Debates and Leadership EvaluationsRead more
Is It Wrong to Preach Topical Sermons?
There are many defenders of expository preaching that would be very critical of topical sermons. Some … Is It Wrong to Preach Topical Sermons?Read more
What is the Pastor’s Job?
Congregations have expectations of pastors. That is normal and should be expected. In some cases, there … What is the Pastor’s Job?Read more
Thinking About the Billy Graham Rule
From time to time, there is still debate over the value of the Billy Graham rule. … Thinking About the Billy Graham RuleRead more
How Bad is the Church Today?
There is plenty of bad news about the church in the media. Unlike some people, I … How Bad is the Church Today?Read more
Introverts, Extroverts, and Church Leaders
You get a call that the church social planned for tonight is cancelled due to bad … Introverts, Extroverts, and Church LeadersRead more
The Unseen Cost of Being a Pastor
I have been a pastor for approximately twenty-five years and I have enjoyed it for the … The Unseen Cost of Being a PastorRead more
An Open Letter to the Babylon Bee
Emotionally, I want to write a different letter than what I am going to write. I … An Open Letter to the Babylon BeeRead more
What is and What is Not Church Trauma?
Until relatively recently, there was very little if any discussion of church trauma. Now there is … What is and What is Not Church Trauma?Read more
Leading With a Limp – Review
I have read quite a few leadership books and have found most of them helpful. However, … Leading With a Limp – ReviewRead more
Should Congregations Support Families at Christmas?
There are many families that struggle financially. This can be because of a loss of income … Should Congregations Support Families at Christmas?Read more
Programs vs Relationships
There tends to be two different emphases when it comes to ministry styles. One is program-focused … Programs vs RelationshipsRead more
What We Learn From the Termination of John Stackhouse
I have commented on the fall of numerous respected Christian leaders from Ravi Zacharias to Bruxy … What We Learn From the Termination of John StackhouseRead more
The Church Must Address Clergy Sexual Abuse
What is the greatest threat to the church today? Some people claim it is Critical Race … The Church Must Address Clergy Sexual AbuseRead more
Churches Need Good Websites
Every once in a while I have a reason to do a search for a particular … Churches Need Good WebsitesRead more
Christian Ministry and Efficiency
How important is efficiency to Christian ministry? Over the last three decades, Christian leadership has drawn … Christian Ministry and EfficiencyRead more
Can a Church Lack a Vision?
A lot of pastors talk about vision casting. Some people pushback on that as a business … Can a Church Lack a Vision?Read more
The Crisis of Character
Pastors and other church leaders often seeking the silver bullet for successful ministry. We attend the … The Crisis of CharacterRead more
3 Reasons I Promote Reserve Military Chaplaincy
There are people who are full-time military chaplains in the regular forces and I’m so thankful … 3 Reasons I Promote Reserve Military ChaplaincyRead more
Bruxy Cavey, Abuse, and Future of Ministry
I recently wrote a post that reflected on Bruxy Cavey’s return to ministry. It was a … Bruxy Cavey, Abuse, and Future of MinistryRead more
Bruxy Cavey and a Return to Ministry
I recently recorded a video about Bruxy Cavey after I noticed that he was producing content … Bruxy Cavey and a Return to MinistryRead more
3 Tasks of a Leader
Certain people are recognized as leaders. The contexts could range from the church to the military … 3 Tasks of a LeaderRead more
What is Your Sweet Spot as a Pastor?
Pastors in small churches are usually generalists. For example, in addition to my regular pastoral duties, … What is Your Sweet Spot as a Pastor?Read more
Church Success is Measured in Faithfulness
How do you recognize a successful church? There are many ways that people would go about … Church Success is Measured in FaithfulnessRead more
Andy Stanley and the Gay Community
People are upset with Andy Stanley again. I suspect that this will be at least a … Andy Stanley and the Gay CommunityRead more
Is the Increased Focus on Abuse by Pastors a Good Thing?
We have always known that there have been pastors who abuse their authority, and often people … Is the Increased Focus on Abuse by Pastors a Good Thing?Read more
Bruxy Cavey, Adultery, and Abuse
After allegations against Bruxy Cavey, the investigation has been completed. But was this “just an affair”? … Bruxy Cavey, Adultery, and AbuseRead more
One of My Frustrations With Church Ministry
What I am about to share is not specifically about our current congregation, but rather is … One of My Frustrations With Church MinistryRead more
Why I am Glad I Participated in Short-Term Mission Trips
There has been a lot of pushback on the once popular practice of churches sending teams … Why I am Glad I Participated in Short-Term Mission TripsRead more
Pastors Don’t Get Time Off
This statement might surprise you. You are well aware that your pastor takes one or two … Pastors Don’t Get Time OffRead more
Why We Welcomed the Freemasons into Our Worship Service
We recently had a service at our church in which the Freemasons were our guests and … Why We Welcomed the Freemasons into Our Worship ServiceRead more
What is the Difference Between Biblical and Christian Counselling?
There are times in people’s lives that they experience circumstances in which they need some help. … What is the Difference Between Biblical and Christian Counselling?Read more
Good News: Interim Ministry
I have been blessed with many different ministry opportunities one the course of my pastoral career. … Good News: Interim MinistryRead more
Reserve Military Chaplaincy is Not a Distraction From Pastoral Ministry
I serve in two primary roles: in a local Baptist denomination as a pastor and in … Reserve Military Chaplaincy is Not a Distraction From Pastoral MinistryRead more
7 Steps to Grow as a Pastor
I have been a pastor for approximately twenty-five years. Over that time, I have tried to … 7 Steps to Grow as a PastorRead more
Measuring a Healthy Church
When people are looking for a church to join, what do they look for? Many people … Measuring a Healthy ChurchRead more
Should We Talk About Leaders Who Fall?
Mark Driscoll, James MacDonald, Bill Hybels, Ravi Zacharias, Bruxy Cavey. There is no lack of examples … Should We Talk About Leaders Who Fall?Read more
Pastors Need Self-Care
In addition to teaching the Bible and praying with people, many pastors provide care for their … Pastors Need Self-CareRead more
Co-Pastoring: An Evaluation
When Amanda and I decided to move on from our previous congregation, it was so that … Co-Pastoring: An EvaluationRead more
Pastors and Community Involvement
Pastors feel a lot of pressure to be involved in outreach. There is often a double … Pastors and Community InvolvementRead more
5 Things Pastors Need to Communicate to Their Congregation
Pastors are communicators, whether or not they are the preaching/teaching pastor. No matter what pastoral role … 5 Things Pastors Need to Communicate to Their CongregationRead more
4 Essential Qualities For Pastors in This Season of the Church
The church is living in a different time. We will always need pastors but these days … 4 Essential Qualities For Pastors in This Season of the ChurchRead more
What Non-Southern Baptists Can Learn from the SBC Guidepost Report
Recently a report was released regarding sexual abuse within the Southern Baptist Convention. You can find … What Non-Southern Baptists Can Learn from the SBC Guidepost ReportRead more
Six Purposes of Visitation in Pastoral Ministry
In most job descriptions for pastoral positions, at least for mid to small sized congregations, there … Six Purposes of Visitation in Pastoral MinistryRead more
The Church: Unity in Diversity
I have been attending churches for most of my life. I have been a part of … The Church: Unity in DiversityRead more
The Challenge For Megachurches
Before I comment on megachurches, I need to state up front that I am a pastor … The Challenge For MegachurchesRead more
Back to Visitation
One of the ministry highlights for me from the past couple of weeks has been doing … Back to VisitationRead more
A Third Option: Small Churches
When I hear “experts” talking about the future of the church, I often see them going … A Third Option: Small ChurchesRead more
Should Pastors Care About Disability Ministry?
As a pastor, I know that there are many demands and different voices calling for attention. … Should Pastors Care About Disability Ministry?Read more
Reflections on Leaving a Church
I am currently transition from being the pastor of Queen Street Baptist Church to being the … Reflections on Leaving a ChurchRead more
Can You Celebrate Communion Like That?
I have seen a number of discussions about communion on social media recently. Some of them … Can You Celebrate Communion Like That?Read more
Are Celebrity Pastors the Problem?
Think back fifteen years. Some of the most respected evangelical leaders would have included Bill Hybels, … Are Celebrity Pastors the Problem?Read more
Going Down the Path of Co-Pastoring
In a recent post, I announced the upcoming change for our family and ministry. A big … Going Down the Path of Co-PastoringRead more
Godspeed: The Pace of Being Known
A friend of mine pointed me toward a documentary called Godspeed: The Pace of Being Known. … Godspeed: The Pace of Being KnownRead more
Is the Rise and Fall of Mars Hill Failure Porn?
Many people have been listening to the Rise and Fall of Mars Hill. It is popular but … Is the Rise and Fall of Mars Hill Failure Porn?Read more
4 Things That Should Happen in a Bible Study
Bible studies are very important for churches. Some churches have multiple small groups or they may … 4 Things That Should Happen in a Bible StudyRead more
What Does Worship Style Have to Do With a Successful Church?
Different churches have different worship styles. Where they are at may be for a variety of … What Does Worship Style Have to Do With a Successful Church?Read more
Responding to Biblical Illiteracy in the Local Church
A lack of biblical knowledge is an issue in churches today. We can mourn the loss … Responding to Biblical Illiteracy in the Local ChurchRead more
3 Ways That Every Christian Can Be Involved in Ministry
Many Christians see ministry as something limited to pastors and other gifted leaders in the congregation. … 3 Ways That Every Christian Can Be Involved in MinistryRead more
3 Things the Church Must Do
The Christian Church has been involved in many things, from establishing hospitals to killing “infidels” and … 3 Things the Church Must DoRead more
5 Things Pastors Need to Know About Post-Pandemic Ministry
As we come out of this pandemic, many church leaders and pastors are looking forward to … 5 Things Pastors Need to Know About Post-Pandemic MinistryRead more
Pastors as Theologians
I will often hear pastors preface their remarks with “I’m not a theologian, but…” The problem … Pastors as TheologiansRead more
The Problem With “Good Ideas”
If you are a pastor or other type of church leader, you probably encounter people who … The Problem With “Good Ideas”Read more
Should Congregations Discuss Controversial Topics?
There are certain topics that often threaten to split congregations. Probably the one that is most … Should Congregations Discuss Controversial Topics?Read more
What Pastors Need to Consider for Post-Pandemic Church
Where I live, things are finally getting better after about a year and half of pandemic. … What Pastors Need to Consider for Post-Pandemic ChurchRead more
“Acceptable” Sins in the Church
In the denomination that I belong to, there is some debate about who should be allowed … “Acceptable” Sins in the ChurchRead more
What I Learned During My Leave From Church
I just returned from one month off from my church. It really wasn’t a vacation, it … What I Learned During My Leave From ChurchRead more
Is Canada Persecuting Churches?
There has been a lot of talk about the freedom churches have had in Canada during … Is Canada Persecuting Churches?Read more
A Burning in My Bones – Review
When many people hear the name Eugene Peterson, they respond with: “Isn’t he the guy who … A Burning in My Bones – ReviewRead more
Jesus Centered – Review
One of the influential experiences in both my Christian walk and my ministry journey was going … Jesus Centered – ReviewRead more
The Church and the Poor
After I came to a personal faith, I began attending a conservative evangelical church. They made … The Church and the PoorRead more