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”

What the Bible Says About Discipling, Mentoring, Counseling, Coaching, Ministering, and Befriending

The panel at Bridgeway Church emphasized discipleship as the core of mentoring, counseling, coaching, ministering, and befriending. Discipleship fosters spiritual growth, enabling individuals to serve and guide others. Each role is interconnected, aiming to lead others toward deeper faith and obedience to Christ, fulfilling the Great Commission.

Rhythms for Rest: 5 Ideas to Encourage Community Group Leaders Toward Health

This post discusses the challenges of leading a community group and offers practical advice for reducing stress and maintaining group health. Suggestions include enlisting co-leaders, using multiple meeting places, developing leadership apprentices, planning breaks, and practicing personal spiritual and home disciplines to alleviate pressure and foster growth.

To Listen is to Do: Practical implications of the word “hear” (שׁמע) in the Shema (Pt 2)

Toby reveals a renewed spiritual journey, emphasizing the practice of spiritual disciplines, prayer for supernatural guidance, attention to circumstances, and taking faith-driven next steps. Through increased devotion and openness to prophetic guidance, Toby and his wife navigated major life changes, learning to discern the voice of God through patience and practice.

To Listen is to Do: Practical implications of the word “hear” (שׁמע) in the Shema (Pt 1)

The passage discusses the Shema and the author’s reflections on listening to the Lord. It emphasizes recognizing one’s need, being intentional in pursuing God, and developing a hunger for Him. The author shares experiences of seeking God’s will and the need for deep, authentic connection with Him.

Boundaries: Too Many “Yeses,” or Too Many “No’s”

The post discusses the importance of setting boundaries in ministry and personal life to avoid burnout. It emphasizes the need to balance “yeses” and “no’s” to maintain spiritual and physical health. The author shares personal experiences and prompts readers to consider their own limitations, rhythms, and ways of recharging. The post also addresses the impact of excessive “no’s” on individual well-being and the need for counseling and community integration.

A Healthy Leader is Godly When Adversity Comes

Several years ago adversity came my way from a fellow believer. It would be nice to say, “I took the high road and honored the Lord with my actions.” I did neither. I took the low road and damaged my relationship with this person AND dishonored the Lord with my actions. I’ll never forget theContinue reading “A Healthy Leader is Godly When Adversity Comes”

A Healthy Leader Exhibits Servant Leadership

If you do a quick Google search, or even better, search Amazon, you will see a myriad of material written about servant leadership. Licioni, Maxwell, Covey, Collins, etc. I suppose you could read a book a week on servant leadership for several years and still not exhaust the written material available on the subject. AsContinue reading “A Healthy Leader Exhibits Servant Leadership”

A Healthy Leader is Patient and Consistent

During a morning devotion last week, I was reading Luke 8-10. In Luke 8:15, Jesus says, As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. Luke 8:15 (See also Matthew 13 and Mark 4) I stopped when I read,Continue reading “A Healthy Leader is Patient and Consistent”