Pastoring is a hard job. There are unique challenges that come both personally and professionally. The Focused Pastor exists to come alongside pastors, their families, and the church with resources to encourage and equip them personally and to do their ministry more effectively. With biblically based content that is informed by pastoral research, we create resources that address these unique topics. The Focused Pastor seeks to encourage pastors and church leaders to be spiritually healthy and effective in their homes and in their roles.
When you are anxious about the evaluation of your ministry, rest in the truth that the Lord knows your heart and that the Spirit quietly commends your ministry through the changed lives of those who receive the gospel that you faithfully proclaim.
This touching memoir by two parents recounts the highs and lows of raising children with specials needs, ultimately directing readers to the God who promises us peace and joy, even in the midst of trials.
We preachers love praise—the love of adulation runs deep in our hearts. Man-pleasing is a complicated sin because it is a heart-level struggle. While the sinful pursuit of praise is not limited to pastors, our vocation provides extra temptation in this area of pride. Rather than keep this struggle in the dark, let’s throw some light on our motivation for ministry and address the too-often acceptable sin of the love of adulation.
This is the sixth in a series of articles on pastors and the spiritual disciplines. One of the disciplines we can practice either alone or with others is fasting. As with prayer, we fast in the hope that by His grace, God will bless us.
Pastoral ministry is hard work with many hardships, disappointments, and reasons to quit. It is easy to get caught up with all the negativity in ministry. However, pastors experience certain joys that others in different vocations may not experience. Here are some to encourage your hearts as you shepherd God’s flock.
People leave churches for many reasons, and your response to their leaving will depend, in part, on why they are going. Remembering that Scripture will help you keep even the most difficult exits in perspective.
Being a mom of young children and a pastor’s wife are both wonderful callings, but they also bring responsibility and can sometimes be unpredictable. Is there a way to balance it all?
Dave Harvey opens the delightful truth of God’s word and encourages the reader to see more clearly the glorious picture of what God does when sinners say “I do”.
In order to meet the challenges of today’s church, there are three key factors for church leadership to consider: the complexity of these challenges, the need for new leadership skills, and the importance of adapting to a changing context.
Fear can make us behave irrationally in our ministries. Trying to get people to like us prevents us from effectively serving the Lord. The approval of man adds nothing to our purpose, person, or calling. Instead, it takes energy and time away from what we should be focused on the most – pleasing God.
Dear pastor, proudly appreciate your treasury of books. Treat those precious gems with reverence. Keep reading and share their wisdom with your flock.
