Pastoral Ministry

Christ Following Can Be Messy

Too often we stage our lives and our churches like a home stager stages a house. Following Jesus is messy but we try to make it look like there is nothing to it. It is tempting to make everything look okay in order to attract people to Jesus. The only problem with this model is, reality will always rear its head no matter how hard we try to make everything look perfect.

No More!

It is a feeling deep down in the pit of my stomach. It has been turning for a long time. I have managed to keep it from coming out but I no longer have the energy to fight it. I am not alone. (more…)

Spiritual Gifts Tests

There are a lot of people who do not follow Christ who have the same abilities as those who do follow Christ. If spiritual giftings are for the believer only then there must be more to these gifts than the natural-born talents that all humans possess.

The Fruit of the Spirit

Some fruit is bitter, other fruit is small or lacks colour. We too produce fruit that is not always the biggest, best, most flavourful and colourful. As we seek more of God the fruit of His spirit dwelling in us will improve the quality of the: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control we produce. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

Shepherd or Hired Hand

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 1 Peter 5:2-4 (NIV)

Temple Anger

I have to admit, I get angry. Sometimes I get angry with good reason. Sometimes I get angry for no reason. Sometimes I am angry because of things done to me. Sometimes I am angry because of things done to others. Sometimes I am angry because things aren’t done. Sometimes I get angry because things are done wrong. Sometimes (more…)