Mark 6:31 "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while." Pastors sometimes assume withdrawal is what faithful people do only after ministry ends. Jesus' life tells a different story. Jesus withdrew in the middle of ministry—not because the mission was unimportant, but because communion with the Father was essential to the … Continue reading Come Away and Rest A While: What Pastors Can Learn from Jesus’ Pattern of Withdrawal (Part 5)
Small Church
Jesus is Our Rest: Why the Deepest Renewal a Pastor Needs Cannot be Found Merely in a Day Off (Part 4)
In Matt. 11:28-29 Jesus said, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." A pastor can take a day off and still remain restless. He can leave town and carry the church with him in his head. He can sleep longer and still wake up anxious. That … Continue reading Jesus is Our Rest: Why the Deepest Renewal a Pastor Needs Cannot be Found Merely in a Day Off (Part 4)
Sabbath: God’s Rhythm for People Who Cannot Do Everything (Part 3)
Recovering Rest, Worship, and Delight in a Culture of Constancy The Bible’s first picture of rest appears before human sin, before the law of Moses, and before Israel existed as a nation. Genesis 2 describes God ceasing from his work on the seventh day, blessing that day, and setting it apart.1 The point is not … Continue reading Sabbath: God’s Rhythm for People Who Cannot Do Everything (Part 3)
Small Town Rural Church = Eternal Significance (Part 2)
I was recently on a panel and asked many questions about my experiences as a small-town rural church (STRC) Pastor. Two questions seemed to rise above the others, and I want to address these questions in this post in hope that they will encourage other brother-pastors in similar situations. The first question is, what did … Continue reading Small Town Rural Church = Eternal Significance (Part 2)
Small Town Rural Church = Eternal Significance (Part 1)
"In God's eyes, there are no little people or little places," said Francis Schaeffer in a book of sermons compiled on that topic. His words were on my heart as I considered the small-town churches scattered throughout our country. The church I pastor is a part of the Southern Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist … Continue reading Small Town Rural Church = Eternal Significance (Part 1)
Valley Shepherds 