One pastor’s recommendation to equip the church to respond well to grief
Dear Pastor,
Are you tired of being the only one in your church who reaches out to the broken-hearted?
Why I don’t expect everyone in my church to agree with everything I say
A pastor spends hours researching a sermon, then someone in the church challenges one of the main points. A pastor prays for months about a new vision, then someone in the church disagrees with the proposed direction. A pastor studies in seminary for years, then a person in the church takes issue with a doctrinal stance. Most pastors know these frustrations. While pastors should care deeply about preaching, doctrine, and vision, it’s unreasonable to expect everyone to agree with everything you say.
Book Review: Emotionally Healthy Discipleship by Peter Scazzero
A few months ago, the book Emotionally Healthy Discipleship by Pete Scazzero came across my desk. I am usually excited to dive into new titles to stay on top of what’s out there. However, this book triggered a different kind of reaction.
What pastors’ kids need from their parents
Most of my memories from childhood involve waiting around an empty church. Since I was too young to be left at home, I would often be dragged there to sit around, probably playing Pokémon on the original grey brick Gameboy, while my dad prepared for a service or event.
Turning “ticked off“ into “curiosity”
Do you ever have one of those days that moves along really well? You’ve had a great night’s sleep. Things are going according to how you expected. The kids got up and ready for school without a fuss. Everyone made it out the door with a smile on their face. You get to work and open your email to find a note of encouragement: “Hey Pastor, just want you to know that I’m thankful for you and praying for you today.”
4 reminders if you’re facing discouragement
We are now almost two years into a global pandemic. To say that vocational leaders are tired and discouraged would be a colossal understatement. On the front end of it, most seemed to quickly acknowledge, “This isn’t going to be a sprint, we’re going to have to lace up for a marathon.” And pastors did just that.
Building a thriving marriage in the midst of ministry
I’m what many in the church refer to as a “pastor’s wife.” I haven’t always been one. I gained this title or label almost nine years ago when my husband, David, accepted his first pastoral position as associate pastor of our church. Up until then, we both had careers but were very involved in lay ministry together.
Pastor, own your calendar or someone else will!
We all have those moments when someone says something that resonates deeply with us. We often don’t even know why, but something tells us: “Pay attention here.”
What I learned from a Christmas tree
The Christmas season is upon us and I would like to share some stories about a blending of traditions in our home.
Getting to know our new president, Jean-Paul Beran
We hope that you have seen and heard the news that we welcomed a new president here at Focus on the Family Canada this summer. If you missed seeing Jean-Paul Beran’s story in one of our emails or in our October magazine, you can click here to get to know him and his family.