5 Ways to Improve As an Active Listener

Let me say up front that this post is longer than usual, but if you read it all and truly wrestle with it, you’ll be a better leader and your family and congregation will thank you for it. Let’s dive in! Communication is key to being an effective leader...

Why I’ve Been Blogging For the Past 12 Years

Before I tell you why I blog, let me start with how I got into blogging. In the summer of 2006, my friend Don Chapman of WorshipIdeas.com, was visiting me in Dallas. I was driving to Oklahoma City to speak at a conference and Don came with me. It was about a 3 hour...

Wonder: Old Story – New Song

I once asked Pastor Derwin Gray how he stayed so passionate and fired up about his faith, his ministry, and his relationship with Christ. He said, “I just think about what Christ has done for me.” I’ve been taking a little time to do some soul...

Little Drummer Boy

Some close to me know my favorite Christmas song is “Little Drummer Boy.” Something about it resonates deeply with me. I think we all long to see Jesus smile at us and know that he loves us just as we are. Merry Christmas, friends. Little baby Pa rum pum...

The Results of a 2015 Pastors Survey

The following are the results of the 2015 Pastor Survey conducted by ExPastors.com. I think you’ll find them very insightful. I also encourage you to participate in the 2016 Pastor Survey, which is currently going on and has new and improved questions to help us...

Mercy: Patient God. Trust: Patient Christ-follower.

I recently turned 41 years old. The older I get, the more thankful I am for God’s grace, mercy, and patience with me. As we look back on Thanksgiving and forward to Christmas, I want to briefly touch on patience. We just kicked off the season of Advent. Nothing...