I first met Scott in Colorado as we both stepped into a mentor group that would begin to shift and change both of us as leaders. I have always described him as the most down to earth man with the most amazing leadership. When you hang with Scott he is like any other guy on the surface. He is funny, sarcastic, loving, self-deprecating (in the best of ways), and yet he drops the nuggets of gold that you start to take notice of.
Read MoreThis week’s podcast is with a church leader making a difference. I’m looking forward to what you’ll hear from Cal Jernigan, longtime pastor with Central Christian Church in the greater Phoenix, Arizona area.
Read MoreMy friend Brook Brotzman calls it “The Art of the Hang.” If you get together with people who will challenge or encourage you, you’ll discover there’s no better way to spend your time. If you just hang with leaders who care about your ministry, your ministry will be better for it.
Read MoreI remember the first time a biracial couple visited the small church where I grew up. Everybody there that day noticed, in a “you don’t belong here” sort of way. I felt uneasy for those two then. And today, many years later, I’m still troubled by the lack of diversity in many local churches.
I realized very quickly that I was growing up in a church bubble. The people in my church looked like me, thought like me, dressed like me, shared the same values and preferences. We were comfortable inside our white, middle-class boundary.
But today I’m not comfortable.
Read MoreIf you’re a pastor and you feel lonely, you’re not the only one. Loneliness can plague even the most productive pastor, especially after he got close to and got burned by the wrong confidant. When that happens, he may feel that alone is the only safe place to be.
I understand. In fact, I warned about that in last week’s post. But this week I want to share the other side. It is worth the risk of being hurt for the hope of being helped. Every pastor needs a friend who fits the following four descriptions.
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