In some ways I hate the way I phrased that title because it is not a … Should Pastors Get a Doctorate?Read more
Leadership and Ministry Blog
What About the Billy Graham Rule?
Should pastors and other Christian leaders follow the Billy Graham rule? This rule states that you … What About the Billy Graham Rule?Read more
Is Canada Arresting Pastors For Preaching?
James Coates, pastor of GraceLife Church in Edmonton, Alberta was arrested after refusing conditions that had … Is Canada Arresting Pastors For Preaching?Read more
The Problem With Ravi Zacharias was Not Just Sex
I have been writing on controversies about Ravi Zacharias for some time. First we knew that … The Problem With Ravi Zacharias was Not Just SexRead more
I Will Give Them an Everlasting Name – Review
It is common to hear about Muslims converting to Christianity. If you search, you will find … I Will Give Them an Everlasting Name – ReviewRead more
Doing Outreach in a COVID-19 World
The Church is meant to worship God, disciple their own and reach out to others. I … Doing Outreach in a COVID-19 WorldRead more
Should We Still Read Books by Ravi Zacharias, Jean Vanier, Etc.?
A number of major Christian figures such as Ravi Zacharias, Jean Vanier, Bill Hybels and others … Should We Still Read Books by Ravi Zacharias, Jean Vanier, Etc.?Read more
Why 2020 Was the Best Year For the Church
In general, 2020 was a difficult year. It has affected many people’s physical health, mental health, … Why 2020 Was the Best Year For the ChurchRead more
Self-Care For Pastors During a Pandemic
I am tired. I am tired of COVID-19 and I’m tired of not doing ministry the … Self-Care For Pastors During a PandemicRead more
The CBOQ and Deciding the Size of the Tent
I belong to a denomination called the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec (CBOQ). We recently … The CBOQ and Deciding the Size of the TentRead more
7 Ways to Respond to the Fall of a Christian Leader
I am writing this in the wake of allegations being made public about a well know … 7 Ways to Respond to the Fall of a Christian LeaderRead more
5 Ways Local Church Ministry Will Never Be the Same
The Church has gone through a radical shift over the past year during this time of … 5 Ways Local Church Ministry Will Never Be the SameRead more
Ravi Zacharias, Jean Vanier and Holding Our Heroes Accountable
I always write these posts with much fear and trembling. Ravi Zacharias is highly respected among … Ravi Zacharias, Jean Vanier and Holding Our Heroes AccountableRead more
What is the Difference Between a Pastor and a Preacher?
When my friends describe what I do, some will call me a pastor and some will … What is the Difference Between a Pastor and a Preacher?Read more
One of the Ministry Costs of COVID-19
This has been a difficult time for Christian ministry since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. … One of the Ministry Costs of COVID-19Read more
The Biggest Challenge Currently Facing the Church
I recently did a Twitter poll concerning the openness of Christians toward people in committed same-sex … The Biggest Challenge Currently Facing the ChurchRead more
5 Traits of an Effective Pastor
It does take much to become a pastor. It is another thing to be an effective … 5 Traits of an Effective PastorRead more
5 Reasons to Keep Your Online Service After COVID-19
Many congregations are beginning to or are at least thinking about opening their church buildings for … 5 Reasons to Keep Your Online Service After COVID-19Read more
Integrating Visitors into the Church
Deane Proctor had an opportunity to visit many churches and to observe how they integrate visitors … Integrating Visitors into the ChurchRead more
How the Church is Different From Apollo 13
The story of Apollo 13 and the movie that was made about it have captured the … How the Church is Different From Apollo 13Read more
How to Become a Pastor
What do you do if you want to become a pastor of a church? What steps … How to Become a PastorRead more
Are Churches Too Busy?
During COVID-19, churches have been forced to radically simplify. We have had to go to online … Are Churches Too Busy?Read more
Can We Worship Without Singing?
At the time I am writing this, we are beginning to make plans to return to … Can We Worship Without Singing?Read more
COVID-19 Proves Churches Can Change
I have joked that “I don’t mind change as long as it’s the same kind of … COVID-19 Proves Churches Can ChangeRead more
Why I Am Not in a Hurry to Reopen My Church
I am hearing from a number of pastors who are very eager to reopen their churches. … Why I Am Not in a Hurry to Reopen My ChurchRead more
Naked Man Running – Review
No, this is not about what you might think it is about. The full title is … Naked Man Running – ReviewRead more
5 Things I Hope For the Future of the Church
The Christian church, along with the rest of the world, is going through a time of … 5 Things I Hope For the Future of the ChurchRead more
Essential and Non-Essential Ministry
During our current pandemic, governments were forced to make decisions about what were essential and non-essential … Essential and Non-Essential MinistryRead more
How to Pastor During a Pandemic Apart From Technology
Most of the conversation about pastoring during our current pandemic has revolved around technology. Pastors have … How to Pastor During a Pandemic Apart From TechnologyRead more
Is Online Communion Even a Thing?
In this age of COVID-19, the church has been forced to reinvent itself and adapt to … Is Online Communion Even a Thing?Read more
The Body Keeps the Score – Review
I wish we lived in a world in which there was no trauma. However, trauma from … The Body Keeps the Score – ReviewRead more
Small Church Essentials – Review
I have only pastored at small churches, ranging from 15 to 150 people. Pastors often hate … Small Church Essentials – ReviewRead more
Starting an Online Service on a Budget
Many churches already have some sort of streaming portion of their service. It may be the … Starting an Online Service on a BudgetRead more
Being the Church During a Disease Outbreak
As I am writing this, there are many concerned about the spread of the COVID-19 virus. … Being the Church During a Disease OutbreakRead more
Experimenting With Preaching
Preachers sometimes joke that sermons are “three points and a poem.” That is an exaggeration but … Experimenting With PreachingRead more
Thoughts on Alpha
I just finished leading my first Alpha. In fact, even though I have pastored for over … Thoughts on AlphaRead more
7 Things We Can Learn From the Abuse of Jean Vanier
I recently blogged on the revelation of Jean Vanier’s abuse of a number of women. This … 7 Things We Can Learn From the Abuse of Jean VanierRead more
You Are What You Do – Review
I told my wife I was reading a book titled You Are What You Do and … You Are What You Do – ReviewRead more
Discernment – Review
I have been reading a number of books by Henri Nouwen lately. One of the best … Discernment – ReviewRead more
Should Churches Support Food Banks?
I recently wrote a post suggesting that supporting a local food bank would be a good … Should Churches Support Food Banks?Read more
Outreach That Any Church Can Do
Most churches presumably want to have an impact on their community. This may include help people … Outreach That Any Church Can DoRead more
Should Churches Still Use Facebook?
I remember when Facebook was the thing for churches to use. I still hear older people … Should Churches Still Use Facebook?Read more
Pastors, Please Don’t Do This!
Have you ever been on vacation and have visited a church in another town? The people … Pastors, Please Don’t Do This!Read more
A Bad Motive For Starting a Church Ministry
Churches are starting new ministries and programs all the time. But how does a church choose … A Bad Motive For Starting a Church MinistryRead more
Mental Health First Aid
One of the biggest needs that I see in local church ministry is in the area … Mental Health First AidRead more
The New Guide to Crisis and Trauma Counseling – Review
I regularly encounter people experiencing emotional difficulties and who are victims of trauma both in role … The New Guide to Crisis and Trauma Counseling – ReviewRead more
An Important Lesson For Christian Ministry
One of the most important lessons I have learned in my two decades as a pastor … An Important Lesson For Christian MinistryRead more
The Painful Truth About Being a Pastor
I have been a pastor for over twenty years. I enjoy it and I’m thankful that … The Painful Truth About Being a PastorRead more
What a Complex Disease Taught Me About Leadership
A number of years ago I got very sick. So sick that I thought I was … What a Complex Disease Taught Me About LeadershipRead more
How to Preach Topical Sermons
I know that there are some preachers that are very against topical sermons. It is expository … How to Preach Topical SermonsRead more
Should People With Mental Illness Be In Church Leadership?
Dale Partridge has recently given his opinion about people with mental illness in leadership in the … Should People With Mental Illness Be In Church Leadership?Read more
Why I’m Glad That I Changed My Day Off
Some pastors don’t believe in a day off. “The devil doesn’t take a day off and … Why I’m Glad That I Changed My Day OffRead more
How Could a Pastor Commit Suicide?
We are hearing more and more about pastors committing suicide. How can that be? Aren’t pastors … How Could a Pastor Commit Suicide?Read more
Is God’s Love Reckless?
I have heard some people critical of the song from Bethel Music titled Reckless Love. The … Is God’s Love Reckless?Read more
Worship and Music Are Not the Same Thing
I once applied for a youth pastor position and was horrified to see that the role … Worship and Music Are Not the Same ThingRead more
Power of Proximity – Review
I have seen an encouraging increase in church’s dedication to helping the poor. Even evangelical churches … Power of Proximity – ReviewRead more
Thoughts on Family Ministry
I recently had the opportunity to teach a course on Family Ministry at Tyndale University College. … Thoughts on Family MinistryRead more
What is the Difference Between Pastoral Counselling and Pastoral Care?
One of the roles of pastors is to be there for people in their congregation when … What is the Difference Between Pastoral Counselling and Pastoral Care?Read more
A Surprising Discovery
I have been teaching at Christian schools on the undergraduate level since 2010 (you can find … A Surprising DiscoveryRead more
What Are the New Steeples?
The past week I have visited the community that I grew up in. There are no … What Are the New Steeples?Read more
Good News: Praise in the Park
My Good News for this week is about the outdoor service Queen Street Baptist Church had … Good News: Praise in the ParkRead more
The Church is Not a Building But Take Care of That Building
Growing up, I thought the church was the building. The church was a place that people … The Church is Not a Building But Take Care of That BuildingRead more
Reasons Why Family Ministry is More Complicated
Some people define family ministry as ministry aimed specifically at children or youth. I prefer a … Reasons Why Family Ministry is More ComplicatedRead more
The Church of Us vs Them – Review
One of the problems with the church, whether the global church, within a denomination or even … The Church of Us vs Them – ReviewRead more
How Should Churches Look at Past Ministry?
I have had people in my congregation make comments like, “This ministry was done thirty years … How Should Churches Look at Past Ministry?Read more
How Can Pastors Get Involved In the Community?
I love my church and spending time with the people in my congregation. They are great … How Can Pastors Get Involved In the Community?Read more
Weekend Leadership Roundup
Here are some leadership posts I came across this week. The Type of Leader God Uses, … Weekend Leadership RoundupRead more
Weekend Leadership Roundup
Here are some leadership posts I came across this week. Stop Walking Around Like a Sack … Weekend Leadership RoundupRead more
Weekend Leadership Roundup
Here are some leadership posts for you to check out. 7 Good Reasons Why I’ve Stayed … Weekend Leadership RoundupRead more
How Scotiabank Taught Me About Leadership
Scotiabank, the bank we use, recently updated their mobile app. Not surprisingly, there were some glitches. … How Scotiabank Taught Me About LeadershipRead more
Weekend Leadership Roundup
Here are some leadership posts to check out. 5 Brain-Savvy Tips that Improve Team Creativity – … Weekend Leadership RoundupRead more
Weekend Leadership Roundup
Here are some leadership posts for you to check out. How to be a Kingdom Seeker … Weekend Leadership RoundupRead more
Growing Young – Review
Most churches feel like they are growing old. But what if we could grow young? That … Growing Young – ReviewRead more
A Picture of What Ministry Can Look Like
At Queen Street Baptist Church we have been running a ministry on Saturday nights for our … A Picture of What Ministry Can Look LikeRead more
Weekend Leadership Roundup
Here are some leadership posts for you to check out. Building Purpose Driven Churches the Jesus … Weekend Leadership RoundupRead more
The Family – Review
I have been doing some research on Family Ministry and came across The Family: A Christian … The Family – ReviewRead more
Weekend Leadership Roundup
Here are some leadership posts for you to check out. How to Respond to Stupid Suggestions … Weekend Leadership RoundupRead more
What Theological Education Should a Pastor Get?
I would like to say as much as possible but it really depends. The more the … What Theological Education Should a Pastor Get?Read more
Weekend Leadership Roundup
Here are some leadership posts for you to check out. Criticism: How to Handle Your Critics … Weekend Leadership RoundupRead more
5 Reasons I’m Glad I Quit Pastoral Ministry
No this is not an announcement that I’m quitting ministry or resigning from my church. This … 5 Reasons I’m Glad I Quit Pastoral MinistryRead more
Weekend Leadership Roundup
Here are some leadership posts I came across this week. How productivity helps you pray – … Weekend Leadership RoundupRead more
5 Ministry Killers and How to Defeat Them – Review
Pastoral ministry is one of the most rewarding careers and yet it has its share of … 5 Ministry Killers and How to Defeat Them – ReviewRead more
Weekend Leadership Roundup
Here are some leadership posts that I came across this week. 21 Ways to Keep a … Weekend Leadership RoundupRead more
Weekend Leadership Roundup
Here are some leadership posts for you to check out. 5 Ways to Lead When You’re … Weekend Leadership RoundupRead more
A Helpful Exercise For My Preaching
While pastoring is more than preaching, developing my preaching skills is high on my priorities. There … A Helpful Exercise For My PreachingRead more
Weekend Leadership Roundup
Here are some leadership posts I came across this week. Seven Surprising Ways to Prepare Yourself … Weekend Leadership RoundupRead more
Perspectives on Family Ministry – Review
I began my pastoral career as a youth pastor. The model we worked with was that … Perspectives on Family Ministry – ReviewRead more
Weekend Leadership Roundup
Here are some leadership posts for you to check out. Are You Forgetting the People in … Weekend Leadership RoundupRead more
Weekend Leadership Roundup
Here are some leadership posts that I came across this week. The Positive Side of Leading … Weekend Leadership RoundupRead more
Leadership as Influence
Last Sunday I preached a sermon that some people felt challenged by. Some people even disagreed … Leadership as InfluenceRead more
Weekend Leadership Roundup
Here are some leadership posts to check out. Why it may be Good and Time for … Weekend Leadership RoundupRead more
Preaching to a Diverse Audience
I love my church, especially in its diversity. We are have a variety of ethnic groups, … Preaching to a Diverse AudienceRead more
Weekend Leadership Roundup
Here are some leadership posts for you to check out. Is Your Sacrifice for Jesus Getting … Weekend Leadership RoundupRead more
Weekend Leadership Roundup
Here are some leadership posts you should check out. The Enneagram, Leadership, and Knowing Yourself – … Weekend Leadership RoundupRead more
Bill Hybels and James MacDonald: Are Megachurches the Problem?
Ten years ago, if you looked at “celebrity pastors,” many would have considered Bill Hybels and … Bill Hybels and James MacDonald: Are Megachurches the Problem?Read more
When Helping Hurts – Review
I have always been convinced that the church’s role is to help people in need, especially … When Helping Hurts – ReviewRead more
Weekend Leadership Roundup
Here are some leadership posts that you should check out. Prayer Doesn’t Fix Everything, But It … Weekend Leadership RoundupRead more
Why I Still Learn From Andy Stanley
I regularly listen to Andy Stanley’s Leadership Podcast. I do this despite some of the controversy … Why I Still Learn From Andy StanleyRead more
Weekend Leadership Roundup
Here are some leadership posts for you to check out. Pulpit Discipleship: Organizing Your Annual Preaching … Weekend Leadership RoundupRead more
Why As a Pastor I Read Military History
Many pastors read books on leadership, theology and other related subjects. But what about military history? … Why As a Pastor I Read Military HistoryRead more