Though there is much we can learn from the leaders of this present world (Luke 16:8), it is important the Christian leader look to Jesus Christ as his primary source for leadership training. Jesus has much more to say on the subject of leadership than we can cover in this little post, however I will point to one particular scene in which we see Jesus … Continue reading Leadership – Lessons from Jesus
The American mind has a very difficult time trusting those in authority. Perhaps we were more traumatized by the tyranny of King George or the dictatorial demands of authoritarian regimes from which we migrated than previously expected. Perhaps words like Watergate, Lewinski, WMDs, and deleted emails have broken down the walls of trust. Perhaps too many fathers have walked out, employers have flipped out, and … Continue reading WHY IS IT SO HARD TO TRUST LEADERS?
There is nothing more beautiful than watching a relationship sprout, blossom, and bloom. One of my favorite things about being a pastor is watching love grow in our congregation. It’s so much fun to look out into my flock and see a man who previously came alone sitting (very closely) to a woman who previously sat alone. LOVE! Then they ask to speak with me. … Continue reading 3 Signs your Marriage is in Trouble
Heather and I love talking about marriage, speaking at marriage retreats, and sitting with married couples in order to discuss marriage. Marriage counseling has become a passion of ours, as we have now been privileged to sit with hundreds of couples and help them navigate the joys and dangers of relationships. In the last 12 years I’ve noticed a common denominator in each of our … Continue reading The One Thing I Tell Every Couple
As humans, we have the proclivity to speak authoritatively on subjects in which we know very little. “I seriously don’t think Donald Trump will make it past the primaries.” – J. Teis, June 16, 2015. “Disney purchased Star Wars? They’ll probably destroy it!” – J. Teis, October 30, 2012. “I can say with certainty, that this whole Facebook thing is a fad.” – J. Teis, … Continue reading Mental Illness and the Christian Church
For Christmas one year my parents scrimped enough money to give me an electric-powered slot-car racing track. It was absolutely incredible! Two cars, one blue and the other red, would race down the strait-away, take ninety-degree turns, round embankments, and speed toward a double loop de loop. My brother and I spent hours racing each other. There we’d sit, clutching our plastic hand controls, attempting … Continue reading Brace Yourself for Change
Hire the right people! Over the last 12 years our church plant has grown from zero to 1,000 in attendance. This has been clearly a work of God and only His grace can be credited for such growth. We’ve been the recipient of His unmerited favor and often sit in awe of God’s blessing. In the last 4 years I’ve had many pastors ask what … Continue reading The Single Greatest Contributor to Ministry Growth
In November I found myself in Alabama. I wasn’t there for a football game or family reunion. I had traveled thousands of miles to attend a one-day event for ministry leaders called Idea Day. Idea Day is a day to share ideas for pastors, evangelists, missionaries, and all ministry leaders. We came to share and receive ideas; and this is precisely what we accomplished. But … Continue reading Pastors Need Pastors
