“I just want to move on…” I hear this phrase often from pastors. We’re tired of the pandemic and we’re over talking about it. Most of us would rather keep our heads down and power through. But as we discussed in last week’s podcast, we MUST acknowledge the deep grief and loss that we’ve experienced in this last year. This is where Jesus wants to meet us and unlock new revelation of God and ourselves. But HOW do we actually lead ourselves and our churches through grief and loss? In today’s podcast, I offer ten practical ways we can practice grief and loss. I believe this will give you simple next steps and a new imagination for what this could like in your life and church. It all starts by beginning our “long apprenticeship with sorrow” which I unpack in this episode. Take a listen.

Will this pandemic ever come to an end? That’s the lingering question following us around like a cloud. The truth is – no one really knows when things will get better and predictions are all over the map. Until then, we hold on to the hope of recovering normalcy in our lives and churches. This deep desire for a new future drives us forward each day. But in our anticipation of the future, it’s essential that we not neglect the pain of the present. This week, over 441,000 people have died from COVID-19 in the United States since the pandemic began. Don’t just skim over this. Take a moment and let it sink in. As leaders, we must not avoid pain and loss in our lives and world. When we do, we actually miss out on seeing a deeper revelation of God and ourselves. In today’s podcast, I share part one of a series. Read more.

We are approaching the end of our first full year of the pandemic and it is clear we are in the middle of an unfolding global revolution. While we have yet to understand all of its layers, we know that this breadth of massive change continues to leave us feeling confused and alone. It’s a place we didn’t choose. And it feels much like we’ve entered our own “lion’s den”. It’s a dark, confusing, and dangerous place. We wonder what we did to deserve this kind of outcome. But much like the prophet Daniel experienced, there is a much deeper work waiting for us in this pit of despair. Rather than exhausting our energy asking the “why?” questions in the lion’s den, it’s critical we turn our attention to the profound and hidden ways God is coming to us in this season. In today’s podcast, we explore the three things God is wanting to develop. Read more.

You are a person of influence. Even if you’re not leading a church or ministry, God has entrusted people into your care. Leadership, in God’s eyes, is no small task. But in a time like this, it’s easy to lose sight of the significance of this calling. Many leaders become discouraged without the usual metrics of success. We can get frustrated and wonder if it’s all really worth the blood, sweat, and tears. This is why Jesus reframes leadership in an important way. He calls his disciples not just to be leaders, but to become shepherds. Three times he invites the ashamed, defeated Peter to, “feed my sheep”. For Jesus, caring for His precious sheep is the greatest work on the face of the earth. So what can we learn from the honorable, yet costly calling of a shepherd? In today’s podcast, I address the 3 critical tasks of shepherds and remind you why your. Read more.

Most of our lives (and churches) are built around what can be seen and measured. We set goals, make plans, grow our numbers, curate a social media presence, and manage people’s expectations. While there is nothing wrong with external activity, leaders today must give special attention to their inner life in order to thrive in the days ahead. Today on the podcast, I want to share with you a message about the prophet Jeremiah and his hidden life with God. The reality is – the world needs to see something different in the culture of the church. I believe this starts with the ability to slow down and discern God’s hidden Presence amidst the tumultuous times in which we live.

Happy New Years! As we launch into 2021, we turn our eyes to what’s ahead. Even though the calendar year has changed, we still find ourselves surrounded by many limits. The challenges for church leaders are great. And for many, these harsh realities have led us down a path of increased pessimism and discouragement. But what if we could see our limits through the eyes of Jesus? In today’s episode, I share a word of encouragement as we enter a new year. Based on the story of fishes and loaves, we’ll discover how Jesus invites us out of the fear of scarcity into the joy of abundance.