This Poor Pastor's Podcast

In part three, I want to bring to a conclusion...at least for now, the discussion on why so many of our young people are walking away from the faith.  I wish I could offer more answers, but maybe by giving voice to the problems, we can arrive at some solutions.  At the very least, I hope you will join me in committing ourselves to fighting for the heart and soul of our young people as lo...

Okay...I hope you are ready for this!  Not everyone will agree with the content of this podcast.  So what else is new. My hope is not to convince you of what I am saying, but that by saying it, I can challenge you to face the problem head-on, and go to battle! Our young people are walking away from the faith in large numbers.  Is it inevitable?  Is there anything we can do? &nb...

All of us know it's true.  Kids grow up in church, and then walk away.  It happens to our friends. We have members who raised their kids in church, but then they left the faith when they turned 18, or 21...or whatever.  It happens All. The. Time.   Is there a reason?  Can we do anything about it?  As a pastor, what about my own kids?  It's a tough topic, but...

This episode is for the pastors who will feel forgotten this month. I know we didn't get I to the ministry for the honorable mentions, but many men serve is discouraged silence. This episode is for them. If you are a church member, it doesn't have to be money or gifts...just acknowledging your pastor's service would encourage him. If you are a Pastor, let's be sure to encourage one another!

Hooray for episode 10!!!  Next stop...100! Okay, last week I talked about the problem facing Titus on the Isle of Crete. He had to find, train, and install elders in every city who fit the qualifications Paul had given to him.  The problem was that the culture was known to be the exact opposite of those qualifications. This is actually not much different than our own positions as pastors...

Seeing people transformed is the heartbeat of every pastor.  It can be incredibly discouraging when we don't see it happen. Finding qualified men and women to serve in the leadership of the church is equally difficult.  Is there a solution?   Titus was given a similar mandate by the Apostle Paul, in  a place where the citizens were known for being the polar opposite of Biblical...

Pastor's are to be grace bearers.  We are to point people to a loving God who values them. We minister as God's representative to His people, and our words and actions should demonstrate His care for the flock.  In this episode I want to encourage my pastor friends to major on Grace, speak seasoned with salt, and carry a pocket full of blessings. If you want to reach out to me, you can d...

Nothing is worse that trying to do church in a toxic culture, especially when that toxicity is promoted or caused by the under-shepherd.  In this second part of my discussion regarding mistakes I have made, I decided to talk about the painful reality of my own mistakes in this area.  In the early years of my ministry, I fostered such a culture.  I didn't realize it, or maybe I was w...

All pastors make mistakes. Some of us make more than others.  I have made my share, and in this episode I want to share them with you.  I am going to take two episodes to go through the mistakes that I believe hindered me the most, and how I have tried to correct them. I am also going to talk about mistakes I made for which I needed to apologize to someone.  My hope is that you will...

Discouragement is real.  Sometimes we can feel like we are alone, and there is no one to encourage us.  However, in many cases, our encouragers may be sitting in our own congregations.   In this episode, I discuss the importance of learning to allow our congregation to encourage us.  I want to discuss transparency and honesty with our people. I will share my struggle, and the lessons I have learne...

The desire to conform is so strong.  It is made stronger if you are the kind of person who has a low estimation of your own worth.  Recognizing that God called "you" to pastor the people of your church is a game changer.  There is nothing wrong with seeking to be the best we can be for God, but that is not the same as trying to be just like the other pastors around us.  We are unique and valuable...

Every young pastor hears a version of this statement.  It is usually made by an elder man or woman in the congregation with the intent of letting you know that they are not impressed with your age.  Sometimes it is harmless.  Sometimes it is the first volley in a long battle.  Pastoring is hard.  Pastoring older members when you are a young pastor can be even harder.  In this episode, I want to sh...

It happens.  You get the call.  You are offered the senior pastor position.  You accept it.  You are excited!  Then comes the question.  Maybe right away. Maybe in the middle of the night.  Maybe a week later.  You ask yourself..."What in the world have I done?"   I get it.  I had the same question.  How could I possibly be capable of pastoring a church?  Who was I kidding anyway?  Those doubts an...

Welcome to my new podcast!  This podcast is created for pastors, but anyone is welcome to listen in.  In this episode I tell you a little bit about myself, and my goals for this podcast.  Mostly it is a just a chance to introduce myself to you, and hopefully, get you to subscribe and listen in on the next episode.  New episodes every Monday!