The Bible tells us that fathers play a fundamental and foundational role in their families. Yet more often than not, dads typically fail to realize the powerful impact they have on their children. I have discovered that fathers don’t hear often enough how important they are in the lives of their kids, and I believe that we as leaders must change that. Why should your church … [Read more...]
Helping perfectionists receive criticism
Dr. Amy Baker, author of the book Picture Perfect, talked with us recently about how perfectionists struggle when criticized, whether justly or unjustly. Her answers give pastors needed insight for counseling perfectionists who don’t handle criticism well or who need special encouragement to not resort to hopelessness. Why do perfectionists have trouble receiving … [Read more...]
Ministering to senior adults
As a pastor, what is your ideal church member? Most of us, if we answer honestly, would say that we want young adults. That’s the way to grow the church, after all. But did you know that the senior adult population, the 55+ age range, is exploding at three times the national population growth? This means there’s a tremendous opportunity for ministry in this area. But how do we … [Read more...]
Hospital and nursing home visitation tips
Being a shepherd means being with your sheep through whatever transpires in their lives—birthdays, weddings, job transitions, and the declines evident in old age. When someone in your congregation loses the ability to live on his or her own, nursing home care might be needed. Brian Morphonios, a full-time nursing home chaplain in North Carolina, offers hospital visitation tips … [Read more...]
What caregivers want from pastors
Mary Tutterow, author of The Heart of the Caregiver, shared some of her thoughts with CareLeader.org about the importance of ministering to caregivers and how pastors can facilitate this ministry in their churches. What is your experience with caregiving? My husband and I have a son who’s a rising senior in college, and we have a daughter who is twenty-four years old, … [Read more...]