Pastoral Struggles and Advice Zone

Love is not something that can merely be taught; it must be caught.

12 Commitments for a Ministry that Pleases the Lord

“Pray first.” It sounds so simple—yet when the demands of ministry and life pull us in a hundred different directions, that single command can transform our day.

"Read the Bible" - Let's admit it, sometimes that is easier said than done!

The health of a ministry begins with the health of its leader.

You never know how much someone needs encouragement until you take the time to ask.

When you consistently teach from the Bible, you’re not only shaping young minds, you’re shaping their habits.

Listening is more than a ministry skill — it’s a spiritual posture.

Being teachable doesn’t mean you’re unsure of your calling. 

We are never more like Christ than when we choose to forgive.

Do everything as if for the Lord. 

As ministry leaders, we need to treat praise like a relay baton, not a trophy.

In a world that glorifies hustle, rest can feel like a luxury—or worse, laziness.

Ten easy steps to help you get started on your goal to partner with families in your church.

Need a good reason to love Children's Ministry? How about 110 reasons?

Each of us have blind spots in our life and ministry that we may not be aware of.

What small things can you do to make 2019 even better for your ministry?

How do you work on improving yourself? Is it working?

Being the object of criticism can be discouraging and deflating. It can also be an opportunity for growth.

How do you handle discipline in your ministry? Not just punishment, but maintaining control before it gets out of control? Here are some tips to help you run a smooth Sunday morning (or Wednesday evening).

Feel like ministry is on fast-forward mode all the time? Here are four ways to press STOP and learn to pause.

How do you work in leadership with family in order to avoid unnecessary stress?

Change effects all of us in different ways. Make sure you SHOULD make the change before plowing ahead.

An open letter from those who serve in children's ministry to their senior pastors.

Make Sunday mornings easier with these 5 tips.

Use this list as a springboard for your own endeavors in recruiting volunteers.

Avoid these pitfalls that new pastors make. 

Kids matter to God and they should matter to us. Here are 68 reasons why.

Other than take-home papers and a summertime VBS, most people - even church boards - don’t know what children’s ministry should do or be.

Do you know God's commands for your life? Or are you just misunderstanding them? 

Don't lead the same ho-hum meetings. Learn tricks to engage your team!

 Learn how God used a kid to teach us about healthy leadership.

Watch for these signs that your volunteers need to take a break from serving in ministry. 

What happens when you lose the vision for your ministry?

What does a toxic church environment look like, and when should you leave?

How far must you go to reach Digital Minimalism?

How well is your ministry discipling kids?

Do you preach or do you pastor?

Learn to 'fire' a volunteer while maintaining their dignity and yours. 

You can be the victim in your ministry. Or you can be proactive with your ministry.

As a pastor, you need to seek God's heart, and then tailor things to fit your ministry. 

How do you retain visitors to your church?

Can a Pastor take a day off? Yes, you CAN get a day OFF. And it can be Amazing!

How can you and your volunteers help children deal with stress?

God brings many people (staff, volunteers, parents and children) into our circle of influence. Pray for them, and choose to speak life into their lives. 

What do you call your Church's children's service time?

Some advice on how to manage your classroom at all age levels. 

3 steps to collaborative problem solving.

Discipleship is messy and gritty and sloppy, and that’s the beauty. And some weeks that can also be the tough part of it.

Saying "sorry" is a good thing, but not when your goal is to win volunteers to your ministry and vision.