As a pastor of a congregation with young families you may have small groups, a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) ministry, Awana, and more. Your church may also be blessed to have a meals ministry to help individuals and families after a surgery or birth of a child. Your church is probably well equipped with support ministries for families to help disciple their children and to … [Read more...]
Despite the distance: Helping grandparents and grandchildren stay connected
Grandparents want to impact their families, particularly their grandchildren. They want to be a positive influence in their families’ lives, but sometimes grandparents need inspiration and encouragement to be involved. There are many barriers to involvement in the lives of grandchildren and adult children. A survey of over two hundred grandparents asked, “What are some of … [Read more...]
For the next generation: Engaging grandparents for powerful impact
When you look at the grandparents in your church, what do you see? My guess is that you see some pursuing travel and leisure with vigor, others heavily involved in child care for their grandchildren, and others on the sidelines because their grandchildren live far away. Of these, how many do you think have a clear vision of their spiritual calling as grandparents? There are … [Read more...]
The pastor and emotional intelligence, part 3: The surprising way your emotions affect your thinking
Consider the following scenarios. How are they similar to one another? How are they different from one another? Scenario #1: Cain Murders Abel (Gen. 4:3–9) Scenario #2: Jesus Disrupts Profiteering in the Temple Courtyard (John 2:13–17) In both of these scenarios we read about experiences with anger, and in both cases the anger motivates a strong response … [Read more...]
Helping people rediscover joy in trials
How do you help believers overwhelmed by a whirlwind of trials benefit from what the New Testament writers have to say about joy? First, keep in mind the nature of biblical joy: Joy is fueled by valuing what God values so that as we see Him at work, there is a genuine excitement about what He is accomplishing. Consequently, without submitting to the Spirit and avoiding … [Read more...]
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