Phil Steiger

Preparing for ministry as a family and looking ahead to the possibility of decades in ministry means we need to lay a good foundation and be ready to build the right walls and doors. Pastoring is not easy, and it is not getting easier. But, be of good cheer, our Savior has overcome the world, and he gives us his grace and peace.

Pastors face a lot of cross pressures from week to week, especially when the stakes are high. Easter brings both high hopes and lofty expectations. Being able to lean on the cross and the resurrection gives us the strength to speak the truth of hope in Christ and leave the rest to Him.

God created us to work. Discover what the Bible says about work and how to teach your children about its importance.

Christians have been here before, and we can take comfort and wisdom from the actions of those who faced these kinds of things well. During the first 100 years or so of the early church, there are letters written by Roman governors during times of plague talking about the behavior of this strange new group of people, Christians.

Trying to make sense of tough topics, most people will end up online and in social media listening to friends or cultural icons. Nothing compares, however, to how a pastor will be around after the service, available over email and present the next week.

How are pastors and church leaders to address such hot-button issues as those of abortion and infanticide? We must remember that we operate within the truth, goodness and beauty of the Christian worldview.

Pastors are not immune from suicidal thoughts, and neither are those under their care. How should a pastor shepherd individuals in the church who struggle with the debilitating effects of suicidal ideation?

Pastors and church leaders are given the difficult task of counseling members through the hard times of life. How can a leader not try and fix each and every problem presented to them by members?

Advent is a time of hope. It is during this season pastors and church leaders can have a profound effect on those who have little or no hope. When we show them the profound truths which the incarnation brings, it gives them a higher hope than anything this world can offer.

These seven traits offer parents the tools they need to break harmful parenting habits and the opportunity to replace them with healthy practices.