Minister's Toolbox

Leaders lead. We all know that. But do we understand the difference between leading and managing? Most of us think they are the same. Your church needs management to be sure but needs a leader even more. Today's podcast shares a simple change in how you do ministry that will revolutionize how you see yourself and your calling. Join me! During the podcast today, I mentioned the work of Dean Ra...

The Church has largely remained silent over the past decade whenever the acronym LGTBQ is mentioned. Some denominations have adjusted their theology to accept and welcome homosexual and transgender communities into their leadership ranks. Others declare their love for the LGTBQ community to avoid a media backlash. In this second part of a two-part interview, Matthew Karchner shares his journey as...

The Church has largely remained silent over the past decade whenever the acronym LGTBQ is mentioned. Some denominations have adjusted their theology to not only accept but welcome the homosexual and transgender communities into their leadership. Others strain to declare their love for these communities while avoiding any hint of rejecting people for fear of media backlash. You don't want to m...

The Church largely ignores the subtle strategy destroying young people today. While we prepare sermons to inspire, Satan is busy infecting the next generation with misinformation designed to damn their souls. How can we combat this demonic strategy in our churches? Today, I interview Dennis Ritchie from Oasis Church in Cheshire, CT, who shares insights from the Book of Daniel. Connect With Dennis...

Commander Michael H. Imhof, U.S. Navy (ret.), and former Navy SEAL, was born in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and raised in Blasdell, New York. He attended the State University College of New York at Buffalo, where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree. After completing Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training in Coronado, California, Commander Imhof was assigned to SEAL Team TWO, subsequent Nav...

The majority of pastors suffer from low self-esteem. They wonder if their labors are making any real impact on the congregations they serve. Some of this may be due to allowing people to usurp or even ignore their directives or decisions. It is impossible to lead a church without owning the respect due to every servant of God. If you've lost that, let me help you get it back. During the podca...

Have you ever felt lost in your life, with no hope, no options, no direction, and fear so suffocating you couldn't breathe and wanted to die because it would be easier? Sadly, 40% of Americans are dealing with at least one mental health or drug-related problem which was only exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Suicide is a global public health crisis, causing around 800,000 deaths annually...

When I say the word "gospel," most people think of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. While true, is that the whole gospel? Are there elements of Christ's teachings we shy away from declaring for fear of how people will respond? Are we unknowingly ashamed of the gospel of Christ? During today's podcast, I invited you to connect with me on YouTube. Would you take a mom...

Today's Interview is with Jeff Orr. Jeff is an expert in leadership, holding two master's degrees in Business and Leadership (MBA, MSL) from Grand Canyon University. He speaks to thousands in the private sector as well as on University campuses about leadership, building a thriving corporate culture, and the critical importance for developing the next generation of leaders. Jeff coaches...

Can you believe it? This is my 200th podcast. Wow. Where did the time go? During today's podcast, I interview Dr. Bill Senyard. Bill is Dr. Bill Senyard is an experienced pastor, discipler, church revitalization specialist, lecturer, and conference speaker with 25 years as a local church pastor. He is the author of twelve books and two online experiential paths to help people who struggle wit...

Hebrews 11:6 declares that without faith, it is impossible to please God. When we look at our schedules and all the tasks needing attention and completion, how much of what we do is "by faith?" If we are honest, MOST of our labors speak more of maintenance than accomplishing things in partnership with God. A challenging and encouraging discussion awaits on today's podcast. During th...

In this final part of my two-part interview with Dr. Joe Martin of RealMenConnect.com, we discuss how to discern the difference between a church with problems or a problem church. How does an abuse victim break free from the toxic behaviors that continue to plague them long after leaving such an environment? Join us for an important discussion! Check Out My Book, Spiritual Abuse: How To Break Free...

People arrive in our churches with a myriad of problems and challenges. One of the worst challenges is wounds from spiritual abuse - the misuse of authority from other church leaders. Today, we turn the tables and interview...ME! Dr. Joe Martin interviews me from his national podcast. Join us for part one! More About Spiritual Abuse book. Can you offer me an honest review? It will only take a seco...

Gerard Long is a professor of life and death, having experienced a blessed life, followed by the darkest valley of suffering after the suicide of his beloved youngest son, the near break up of his marriage, and the unbelievable death of his beautiful daughter. As if this wasn’t enough pain, in the same eight-year period, his beloved sister and brother also died, as did a nephew! Rising from the as...

What if you woke up in a hospital bed not knowing why you're there? What if you also had no memory of the church you pastored for several years or of any of your church members? David Carroll was told he had amnesia and that his memories might never return. Join us today for an incredible interview with David and Shannon Carroll as they share their journey and how God transformed their lives....

Barna reported that up to 50% of certain age populations never intend to return to church once all restrictions are lifted after COVID 19. Why? Many excuses are listed, but none seem to address the underlying issue: Christian foundations. Many leaders have unwittingly taught their people that pulpit ministry is the central reason to gather. Now that the internet has made it possible to watch from...

On Today's Podcast, I interview Chris Faett who shares his journey from chaos to recovery. This inspiring testimony will encourage you in your work of reaching people who need Christ. Chris and I are working together to build the Recovery Center of Greater Waterbury, a program for substance abusers and an outreach to the homeless community. Connect with the Recovery Center Connect with Recove...

During this podcast, I shared a personal story from our family that impacts how I do ministry each and every day. What has God called you to do for His Kingdom? One day, we will stand before Him to give an account of how we spent the resources entrusted to us. Are you on track for giving a good report on that day? This podcast from last year was one of our most listened to podcasts and I know it w...

Dr. Joe Martin is an award-winning international speaker, author, educator, and certified “man builder." His life’s story can be summarized in one simple sentence: “He went from rags to riches to ruined to redemption.” Join me for the second half for this powerful testimony to God's goodness in the midst of deep pain. Learn how to reach men for Christ in your community. Investigate the m...

Dr. Joe Martin is an award-winning international speaker, author, educator, and certified “man builder." His life’s story can be summarized in one simple sentence: “He went from rags to riches to ruined to redemption.” Join me for this powerful testimony to God's goodness in the midst of deep pain. Learn more about his ministry to men @Realmenconnect.com

When most of us hear the word, "prophet" we think of Old Testament figures like Isaiah or Jeremiah. Anyone considering themselves a prophet today is typically viewed as people with behavioral or mental problems. Paul taught that Christ gave this gift to His Church to equip people to do ministry work. Further, he commented that God's ultimate plans for His people will not come to fru...

In this second of a three-part series, we delve more deeply into this mysterious yet biblical gift of prophecy. What is the "life" gift of prophecy, and how does it differ from a gift of the Holy Spirit? How can we know if a person possesses the life gift of prophecy? Why is misunderstanding this gift potentially dangerous to a local church? Some important questions I answer during today...

The hot topic in the church these days is prophecy. Some believe it only belongs to the first century. Others use it as a mechanism to make a name for themselves or create a following. Today's podcast is the first of three, speaking about prophecy's biblical gift and proper use. There are three levels of prophecy in the New Testament. Today, we will briefly discuss the first. Join us! Ch...

Many churches throughout the western world are dying of old age. The average age of many congregations is fifty and above. How can we reverse the trend? Does it mean filling our churches with new lighting and special music? No, says Ryan Sweat, student ministry pastor from Jackson Beach, Florida. Listen as he shares four ways older churches can attract more young people. (Not as hard as you think!...

You and I carry around a treasure (II Corinthians 4:7). Is this treasure confined to a weekly sermon alone? I have shared about publishing in episode 53. Today, we delve a little deeper into the importance of writing. Here are some free resources that will enable you to publish and market books. Few vocations are more suited for publishing than those who work in ministry. Get Your Free Download !...