Sympathy is feeling sorry for someone; empathy seeks to understand them. Sympathy feels bad when you are in a dark deep hole, but empathy crawls down in the hole with you and may eventually help you out. My mother died when she was 54, so whenever I hear of someone losing their mother atContinue reading “The empathetic leader”
Tag Archives: pastor
Learning From Failure
I remember the first time I heard the phrase “free to fail.” I was in a Bible study with Bob Warren, former west Kentucky pro basketball player who came to know Jesus in his late 20s and spent the remainder of his life teaching God’s Word. Warren was communicating to believers that we are lovedContinue reading “Learning From Failure”
Overcoming Cynicism
Comedian George Carlin said, “Scratch any cynic and you will find a disappointed idealist.” He is probably right. Cynicism often comes from being let down by others or by circumstances of life. Jonathan Brush, being interviewed by Andy Andrews, said, “Optimism gives way to cynicism and cynicism gives way to bitterness.” I don’t know anyoneContinue reading “Overcoming Cynicism”
Remember the 98%
At his recent inauguration as the sixth President of Clear Creek Baptist Bible College, Dr. Charlie Goodman made this statement about the cooperative work of Southern Baptists: “I understand not everything is perfect in our world, convention, or churches. But when you look at how our money is spent in our convention — it isContinue reading “Remember the 98%”
What Do I Do with My Discouragement?
According to Lifeway Research, 48% of protestant pastors surveyed listed “discouragement” as one of the top mental health challenges they faced in ministry. Levels of discouragement can run from “Ministry Mondays” where the challenges of Sunday make a pastor or Christian leader feel numb on Monday, to full blown depression that calls for a greaterContinue reading “What Do I Do with My Discouragement?”
Do It Now
I worked in sales when I was in my 20s, and the vice resident of our company bought me a little book to help me in professional development. The title of the book says it all, “Do It Now.” The book addressed a topic that impacts every leader: procrastination. Leaders procrastinate for a variety ofContinue reading “Do It Now”
Your Greatest Investment
In Max De Pree’s book, Leadership Jazz, he says that a leader’s job is developing people rather than directing them. Truthfully, a leader must do some directing, but he or she must be highly focused on developing people. During a podcast interview, Jonathan Pokluda from Harris Creek Baptist Church in Waco, Texas, was askedContinue reading “Your Greatest Investment”
Decision Making When Risk is Involved
Some ministry decisions are riskier than others. For instance, the decision to build a new worship center will require much prayerful input and carry a fair amount of risk. Deciding whether to continue a long tenured program at the church may carry a different type of risk — nonetheless a significant one. While readingContinue reading “Decision Making When Risk is Involved”
7 Questions to Ask When Searching for a Church
Finding a new church home can be a major challenge faced by many Christians. Each local church is a family. Leaving one, whatever the reason, is difficult — as it should be. Although saying goodbye to a church family is tough, what’s even more difficult may be finding that new church. How doesContinue reading “7 Questions to Ask When Searching for a Church”
Working “On” It, Not Just “At” It
I can remember stores and businesses that served our community and nearby town where I grew up that are no longer in existence today. There are many reasons why these businesses sadly did not make it. In some cases, they may have spent so much time working “at” their business that they forgot to workContinue reading “Working “On” It, Not Just “At” It”
Dr. Todd Gray 