Do you think that Jesus wept when he ventured off to that “desolate place” written of in Mark 1:35? Do you think he wandered away from Peter’s family’s home determined to find some space; some margin; some quiet spot where he could just sit and stare and summon his Father? The crowds hovered around him READ MORE
Ministry
The Power of Partnership
It was from the mouth of the venerable David Gergen that I first heard what has become one of my favorite quotes, which declares that “if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” Let me just say right here that he is exactly right. There is tremendous READ MORE
Fresh Wind for Tattered Sails
Too many pastoral leaders are isolated, ground-down by the rough chisel of people’s warped expectations, and filled with worry that they really are not making any meaningful difference. I should know. I have been there. The fact is, it is one of the devil’s most familiar tactical approaches with pastors and their families. So when READ MORE
When Ministry Wears You Down
It was a weary friend who appeared in my office the other day that got me thinking again about the wear and tear of ministry. Tired, she was; a bit spent. Perhaps not quite burnt out, but maybe not too far from that. “Matthew, what do I do?” was the question that wafted into the room READ MORE
Stress and Ministry
The religion editor from the Fargo Forum came and spent a couple of hours with me yesterday afternoon asking me to share a bit about stress in the ministry. This, of course, caught me by complete surprise because I typically do not think about “stress in ministry.” And, this encounter was somewhat curious timing to READ MORE
An Open Letter to Our Friends at Scofield Memorial Church
Word has it that you are on the verge of discerning who will be the new senior pastor for Scofield Memorial Church. I have to tell you that I do hope so, and Christa and I remain steadfast in prayer for this special man and his family. Of course, we love you so much, value READ MORE