For too many years, I thought being a peacemaker was simply being a nice person. Because of this illusion, I spiritualized my conflict avoidance and created a culture in my church where everyone pretended things were ok. This is the definition of false peace. In the most recent podcast episode, I introduced the explosive idea that true peacemaking actually comes by disrupting false peace. The truth is – Jesus’ kingdom cannot be built on lies or pretending that something wrong is right. This is why our definition of the work of peacemaking must be flipped upside down. In the second part of this series, we explore how Jesus disrupted false peace by cleansing the temple. If you’re a people-pleaser, this is a critical message for our day! Pete

I spent my early years avoiding conflict. Becoming a Christian only allowed me to put a spiritual veneer on conflict avoidance. I would quote verses like “Blessed are the peacemakers” to justify my immaturity. As I would later find, this is one of the most wrongly interpreted passages of Scriptures. True peacemaking, when understood correctly, actually comes through disrupting false peace. This is a critical shift we must make in our theology and practice in order to bring true peace in our tumultuous times. In today’s podcast, I share a sermon that goes deeper into this new understanding. I assure you…it changes everything.

Many pastors have been professionally educated and extensively trained. We’ve been to seminary. We’ve taken online courses. We read books and spend countless hours keeping up with the latest podcasts. The problem is – we are facing a massive discipleship crisis. I’ve found that much of our training doesn’t help get at the root of this problem. Deep change requires a new kind of training. In today’s episode, I cast a biblical vision for why training is not a “one and done” experience but a lifestyle we are called to. I finish by sharing about the exciting new additions to our Leader’s Training Vault – our online hub to learn how to create a disciple-making culture in your entire church!

Have you ever stopped to consider what season you are in? Spring, summer, fall, or winter? Many of us are expected to lead as if there is only one season – SPRING GROWTH! We push ourselves to produce measurable fruit and feel ashamed if our churches do not appear to be flourishing. But the truth is (especially as we come out of the pandemic era) much of the church is in a WINTER season. For many, there is nothing visible or spectacular above the surface of our lives or churches. But the gift of winter is that it’s a time designed for our roots to go very deep. When we ignore the reality of our season, not only do we constantly feel like we’re missing it, but we are unable to receive the unique gifts of God. In fact, as I share in today’s episode, I believe I am in a FALL season. That’s why I’m making some. Read more.

When you agreed to be a leader, you had a vision in mind – changing lives, baptizing new believers, and transforming your city. It’s likely you weren’t thinking about the possibility of betrayal, failure, disappointment, pressure, and being completely misunderstood. For many leaders, the pain and failure that come with leadership are often too much to bear. But the truth is – pain and failure are some of God’s greatest gifts to us. Why? Because it is the only way we will mature into the unique leaders He has destined us to become. In today’s podcast episode, I’ll show you how to perceive the challenges of leadership as gifts from the Father.

Have you ever returned from vacation tired and empty? There’s a reason why…. After talking with many pastors and leaders, I’ve noticed a pattern. Most either don’t take enough time for regular vacations OR the way they vacation doesn’t allow for deep rest to take place. Maybe you’ve even thought to yourself, “I need a vacation from my vacation!” As we enter into the summer months in North America, we have an opportunity to completely re-think the way we take our vacations from a biblical perspective. On today’s podcast, I explore what you must do BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER your vacation in order for you to get the rest and restoration you need.