rest – Dr. Todd Gray

Longer Tenures

The days of Baptist pastors changing churches every 18 months are long gone. Many pastors and ministry leaders now stay 10 years or more in their assigned place of ministry. I was recently in a week of revival services with a pastor who has had long tenures in growing churches. He has been withContinue reading “Longer Tenures “

Sharpen Your Ax

Ecclesiastes 10:10 reminds us, “If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.” Leadership burnout results from continually giving one’s energy and resources for the well-being of others without taking time to invest in one’s own well-being—or a failure to sharpen one’s ax. Some will immediatelyContinue reading “Sharpen Your Ax “

Leaders Must Recharge

I participated recently in a gathering of about 100 ministry leaders for a time of encouragement focusing on self-care. This was not some sort of navel-gazing atmosphere, but instead an event that focused on tips and best practices for active ministry leaders to care well for themselves as they give their lives to advance theContinue reading “Leaders Must Recharge”

Workaholism Not Acceptable

At a funeral several years ago, I heard a pastor describe himself as a workaholic. But he quickly followed it up by saying that there are worse things one could be. It is true — there are worse things than workaholism, but that doesn’t take away from the problems with being addicted to work. WorkaholicsContinue reading “Workaholism Not Acceptable”

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”

Mistakes I have made

Every pastor and church leader can sympathize with the first line of a Queen song which says, “And bad mistakes, I’ve made a few.” The number and severity of those mistakes may be commensurate with the number of years one has spent in vocational ministry. Many of us tire of hearing the success stories ofContinue reading “Mistakes I have made”

Time to think

I love solitude. I look forward to time alone with a cup of coffee and a comfortable chair — it is a life-giving and energy-restoring discipline for me. Ten to 20 minutes alone fuels me up for hours of productivity. But until recently, I did not know there was a term for what I wasContinue reading “Time to think”

Leaders must care and not care

Dr. Justin Irving, author and professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, writes in his book Leadership in Christian Perspective, “Leaders must care and not care at the same time. They must care deeply for the people they lead, but not for the shifting praise and approval of others.” Dr. Irving hits onContinue reading “Leaders must care and not care”

Thanksgiving habits

When my girls were small and demonstrated a bad attitude or entitlement disposition, I would punish them by making them list 10 things they were thankful for. That practice either made them more thankful or less vocal with their complaints. Either way, it was a welcome relief. The disciplined practice of giving thanks is notContinue reading “Thanksgiving habits”

Appreciate your pastor

October is recognized worldwide as Pastor Appreciation Month. Some will remember Focus on the Family in the 1990s encouraging churches to show appreciation to their pastors and staff — but to do so especially during the month of October. Since that time churches have found unique ways to honor their pastor and staff. Why shouldContinue reading “Appreciate your pastor”