Nobody starts out in a sport, discipline, or relationship saying, “Wow, I hope this doesn’t go well!” Or, “I hope I’m difficult to work with!” It’s not our intention in the beginning. When we fall or fail, usually something happened along the way that took us off course. If we don’t see these distractions, it is because we have become inattentive to our own lives. As … [Read more...]
Ministering to the reluctant and the resistant
While many people think the main part of the pastor’s job is simply to preach, the Scriptures tell us that the pastor is also called to shepherd people through the suffering of life. Shepherding people, though, is a difficult thing; it gets messy. Additionally, shepherding people through the difficulties in life can expose two different types of difficult people: The … [Read more...]
3 essential elements in the change process
You might not know “Brock,” but his struggles with extravagant spending and gambling can illustrate three essential elements for change in a Christian’s life. What Brock needs to change in his life Brock has been a Christian for about three years. Currently, he is a manager at a plastics manufacturing company, and he receives a good salary. Nevertheless, he is struggling … [Read more...]