The Baseball Fan’s Bucket List

My Baseball Fan’s Bucket List: What I’ve Done—And What’s Left To Experience If you love baseball, The Baseball Fan’s Bucket List by Robert and Jenna Santelli is one of the most enjoyable guides ever written for America’s pastime. It’s a celebration of the sights, sounds, and stories that make baseball more than a sport—it’s aContinue reading “The Baseball Fan’s Bucket List”

Wise Openness: Sharing Honestly Without Oversharing

I’m a naturally open and direct person. I value honesty, clarity, and quickly getting to the heart of things. But I’ve learned that not everyone interacts that way—and that my directness can sometimes feel overwhelming or abrupt to people who are wired differently. God has been teaching me to slow down, listen first, and adjustContinue reading “Wise Openness: Sharing Honestly Without Oversharing”

Devoted to the Word: Building a Healthy Rhythm of Studying Scripture in Community

The early church had a simple rhythm that shaped everything they did. They were devoted — not casual, not occasional, but steadfastly committed — to learning the Word of God together. Their devotion to “the apostles’ teaching” was not just an intellectual exercise but a relational and transformational practice that built a gospel-shaped community. InContinue reading “Devoted to the Word: Building a Healthy Rhythm of Studying Scripture in Community”

Pastoral Insights for Healthy Group Multiplication

Multiplying groups signifies health and growth, but can also bring challenges. As leaders, we want to shepherd our people with care so that relationships remain strong and God is glorified. Here are 10 relational dangers to watch out for and Scripture to guide you as you lead through them. 1. Not Communicating with the Sending Group 2.Continue reading “Pastoral Insights for Healthy Group Multiplication”

10 Dangers All Church Community Groups Face

I’ve been thinking about these dangers and adding to this list for the past week. As I think through most of these, I must say, “Been there, done that!” Experience can be the best teacher! As you think and pray through these, ask yourself, “Am I at this point? If so, what conversation with theContinue reading “10 Dangers All Church Community Groups Face”

The Anonymous Letter (or email)…

I’m a little surprised that I’ve never received one—not that I want one—no one does. When I served a small church in my 30s, and someone asked me if I’d ever received an anonymous letter or email; I said, “Nope. The ones that have an issue with me usually just tell me!” I had aContinue reading “The Anonymous Letter (or email)…”

From Anxiety to Openness: Asking for Meetings that Build Trust

The way we ask for meetings matters to you and those you meet. Making a few adjustments in how you ask for a meeting or ask for clarification can help maintain respect and earn trust. We’ve all sent that vague text, “Hey, can we meet?” Sometimes those on the receiving end can have a panic attack, question theirContinue reading “From Anxiety to Openness: Asking for Meetings that Build Trust”

Riding The Tiger: Servant Vs. Dictatorial Leadership

Al Mohler, President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, often references a vivid phrase from political history: “Riding the tiger.” The idea is simple but sobering—when a leader gains power through control or fear, they may appear strong, but they’re actually in danger. They’re riding a wild beast that cannot be tamed. And once on,Continue reading “Riding The Tiger: Servant Vs. Dictatorial Leadership”

Biking the Katy Trail: Day Five

We woke at the Marthasville, MO, community park club, packed our gear, and headed toward St. Charles. Day five included a 38-mile final stretch that went by quickly! We left Marthasville around 7:15 am and arrived in St. Charles by 11:15 am. The scenery included more farmland, and as the trail grew closer to theContinue reading “Biking the Katy Trail: Day Five”