I was sitting at home on a Saturday talking with my parents, who were visiting from out of state. The phone rang, and I was shocked to hear the reason for the call. On the other end of the phone was a man from church, Don.1 “Jeff, it’s Don. Carol has flipped out. I don’t know what to do.” “Don, what do you mean by ‘flipped out’? What is happening?” “We were having a … [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...]
Why leaders must exercise self-control over their emotions
In order for you to help others and serve others well, you need to understand and control your emotions. This will help you stay calm when caring for others and allow you to be a good example to the people you care for. The following recommendations are effective tools that will help you do that. Know your emotional self – Know your emotional reactions and how the … [Read more...]
Fightin’ words? How humility may help you avoid your next conflict
Do you have more conflicts than conversions? More disputes than disciples? If so, growing in humility may be what you need to avoid your next potential argument. Susan Lutz explains why. Takeaways and additional thoughts … The proud person can fall into the trap of believing his flaws are minor, so he can be tempted to think the person who complains … [Read more...]
5 beliefs that make pastoral care more challenging
Sometimes our beliefs about pastoral ministry hinder our effectiveness. As I have interacted with pastors, elders, and deacons—from a wide range of Christian denominations—I have heard a few beliefs about pastoral care that actually undermine pastors’ commitment to shepherd God’s people. It’s not that these people are wanting to shirk their responsibilities; they just haven’t … [Read more...]