Editor’s note: The recent resignation of Pastor Pete Wilson, founding pastor of Cross Point Church in Nashville, TN, has sparked conversations about what should be expected of pastors and how to prevent burnout. Eventually, every pastor—regardless of church size—will find congregational needs to be never-ending. There will never be a time when every care that needs … [Read more...]
How classroom layout affects kids
Have you ever stopped to look at your children’s area or classrooms from a child’s perspective? Places where children spend meaningful time need to feel safe and comfortable. But adults don’t see and feel the same things elementary-aged children see and feel when entering a room, so they often inadvertently create spaces that, to children, may be crowded or confusing. … [Read more...]
Confessions of a poor listener
Time is precious; I’m sure you agree. Only so many hours in a day to get everything done—attending a men’s Tuesday morning Bible study, getting ready for Wednesday’s prayer meeting and fellowship meal, studying for Sunday’s sermon, exorcising the copier’s demons, etc. So, when Mrs. Smith “drops in” to see how I’m doing, surely you can appreciate the challenge I face. Mrs. Smith … [Read more...]
Can your church help the mentally ill?
Mental illness can seem tricky or uncomfortable for a layperson in care ministry. Your lay leaders may feel they aren’t qualified to provide care for people diagnosed with a psychiatric illness. Yet people with mental illnesses are in our churches, and they need the help and care that lay leaders can provide. This article will help you encourage your lay leaders to know … [Read more...]
10 ways to be certain your pastoral care is helpful
When we care for one another wisely, three things should happen: (a) the person being cared for should be blessed, (b) the love of Christ should become more tangible, and (c) our faith should grow. Sometimes our attempts at caring can be done unwisely, resulting in unintended consequences: (a) the person being cared for is enabled, (b) the love of Christ is misrepresented, … [Read more...]