Dave Ramsey took an interesting phone call on the show earlier today; a man who was starting a ministry, had a newborn baby and expressed his concern for finding and living a "balanced" life, in terms of being able to do his work, be there for his kid and be a good husband.

To this dilemma, Dave gave the man kudos, for indeed his heart and desire is it the right place. Downright noble, in fact. Then I was taken aback, for just a moment.

"A balanced life is a myth!"

Then Dave continued to explain. Your life isn't balanced when a baby is born. Forget work. Your focus is on the birth of your kid. For the 10 hours at the hospital, for the first 10 days you are home getting adjusted. Nothing is balanced. So too, will the time come to work. Not every day will be a "home at 5:30" and ready for family dinner. Work has it's demands and there will be times to push in, stay late and hustle and grind. Don't miss the major events, but part of balance means everyone and everything is subject to just as much of a give as they do take.

We all applaud the movie where the parent quits the job in favor of the family....and yeah, there are those moments and times when that is a real decision that needs to happen. For most of us, though, this is where reality meets understanding and grace. Meetings go long. Clients pay the bills. And there's only one senior prom.

We can drive ourselves crazy getting caught up trying to a live in balance, when in reality, we need to live in focus for the moment. And if it's different tomorrow or next week, then be ready to shift and adjust accordingly.

So pray, this #deaconThursday, not only for the pastors who obviously struggle with this issue, but also for the extended leadership and staff, who are often helping in ministry in addition to their own responsibilities at home as well as in the secular workforce. Pray that God would strengthen them in the juggling of the relationships and inter-workings of their daily duties. Pray that God would help them to maintain proper perspective; that the world is closing in when certain task or routines get skipped, missed or overlooked because of the priority of the moment... whatever it happens it be at the time. Pray that there would be a new level of understanding and grace that occurs in their lives and relationships, both at home as well as in the market and ministry. May God give them favor as they go about their day, each moment as it comes.

For wherever we are
Let us be there.
To be used by God
For His glory and purpose.

- PNC

I'm not sure what got me thinking about this, but we pray a great deal about wisdom and discernment for those who are in daily, working relationship with the pastoral and leadership team of the church. And one step removed, are the "almost".

This is another one of those, I hope that really doesn't happen, I wouldn't want to be a part of a church where that happens or whatever. But sadly, as much as we don't want to think about it, it does happen. Why? Because churches, like politics, deals with misinformation all the time.

People want to be in the know and sadly, they are often, all too eager to share it. With somebody. With anybody. And in the hands of the undiscerning, it may not matter that they don't have the whole story. They may not understand the background behind the matter. They have highlights without context. Ideals without foundations.

It's a difficult place to be, for sure. We want to believe that within the church, they are well-intentioned, perhaps not knowing the harm or damage that they are causing. Yet, depending on a whole host of factors, trouble is bound to happen... sooner or later.

So, let's pray this #deaconThursday, that God would help the leadership of the church navigating circumstance where misinformation is roaming. Pray that there would be an understanding regarding the operations and processes that take place within the church and that there would be a culture that responds the work of the leadership. May God grant wisdom in dealing with people who are in fact, purposefully creating problems. Pray the church would be a place of grace, but a place of intention; where communication matters and truth comes first.

May grace and love abound,
Even as they cover the truth as it is delivered
For the glory of God
And the church of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

There's nothing like the onslaught of news reports to remind you of the power of great leadership while simultaneously reminding you of the stupid decisions made by  leaders at every level. There are better ways, of course. But that's not my focus, except to say once again, there is a great dichotomy that occurs within leadership and the people with which they surround themselves.

I'll be the first to admit I don't deserve grace, but I have no shame in stating that I wouldn't plead for it either. We've all done stupid. Or as Dave Ramsey often calls it, "getting a Ph.D in d-u-m-b".

People. Can't live with them... can't.... well, you fill in the blank. Full of surprises, we are. Sometimes the people upon whom we place high expectations and they somehow, some way, some day, severely miss the mark. And others, upon whom there is little expectation, in just as an impressive manner, find themselves greatly exceeding it.

And regardless of your position in relationship to the leadership, who doesn't benefit by being the type of person that leadership can count on in their time of need and their day of trouble. Nobody ever does everything perfect. And while political correctness goes off the deep-end on any given day, we also have to be true to ourselves. But more importantly, especially within Christiandom, we need to be the people who God has created us to be, as well as who He has called us to be... and do.

Pray this #deaconThursday, that God would give wisdom to the pastoral and leadership team of the church. Pray that their would be a covering of grace and forgiveness for the stupidity and repentance and correction for the sin. Pray that God would give discernment in handling the troubling circumstances in this polically-charged cultural. May the leadership be ever-increasingly aware, not only of the times in which we live, but more importantly of the direction and prompting of God through the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray that ministry would not be hindered by humanities' flaws, but enhanced by heaven's fortitude.

Surrounded by His presence
Even when ours leaves a lot to be desired.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

There are some things you have control over. Others, obviously, not so much. And for the things that you do have control over, decisions must be made. Will you handle it? That's a good first question, because if you aren't, then it makes moving forward that much easier. Delegate it if you must.

Forgive me. I'm laughing. A moment of confession. I'm writing this a day late. Thursday has passed. It's Friday. But I had this somewhat planned out in my head, so writing it for yesterday. Since starting it a few moments ago, my youngest child joined me. And now, as I'm typing, the words are being read aloud behind me. As if there was an echo in my brain, as I attempt to think of the next sentence. Meanwhile, the oldest has also joined us, wanting to read what I'm typing. Which the youngest as not called writing, as I don't have a pen in my hand. So it's "texting". Except I'm not on a phone, so technically, typing.

Why tell you all this? Oh, the irony.

I'm trying to work out the thought process of how to handle disruptions and God, in His incredible sense of humor, is having fun with me for posting this a day late. The youngest has caught up to my typing and as I contemplate the next thought, I hear... "by, Peter Conlin?" as if I were done. This is really hard!

No, I'm not done. But this disruption is keeping me from getting back on track, so that I can be done. What a dilemma. So, will I handle this? Yes, I'm smiling. That's my responding to it.  For some things, that's all you can do. Just react, preferably with a smile. Some things, even if you do have control over them, require consideration, as to whether you spend the time and effort to deal with them. Just like every dollar spent or invested in this or on that, is one less dollar spent on that or in this, so too are the decisions we make regarding everything we encounter on a given day; whether it was on the schedule or disruptive to it. And as much as plans have both a positive and negative aspect to them, so also, do the disruptions of life. Timing, perspective, relationship, importance and many other factors all demand our consideration and influence our response. Handle with care.

Pray, this #deaconThursday, that God would help church leaders to properly respond and handle the disruptions that occur. Both in their personl lives and in ministry, may the nature of disruption not ruin or detour their faith or their witness. Pray for clarity as they navigate difficult circumstances and conversations; that the fog and haze of the matter would be lifted. Pray that any sense of defeat and discouragement would be short-lived and removed; that they would walk in confidence and victory. May there be spirit of peace, that does not allow fear to take over and bring confusion and anxiety. Pray also, that we would recognize when the disruption is from God, attempting for whatever reason to capture our attention and perhaps, our heart as well.

Thanks for entertaining my disruption
On my thoughts regarding disruptions.
Only God in His timing, is perfect.

- PNC

I caught part of a sermon from Chuck Swindoll on the radio, and he mentioned how at a previous church he pastorsed, he had to deal with the heinous acts of one of elders. He didn't go into great detail, obviously, but he talked about when it came it to the surface, that the church dealt with it. Publicly. And correctly. Matters such as what that church encountered can't mess around, when it comes time for resolution.

We are all human, even the nicest, most admired and influential of leaders. Sadly, at some point, more churches than not have had matters that have been a troubling and delicate balancing act that they have had to deal with and bring instruction, correction, resolution and healing.

But it begins by the things we keep in the closet of our lives. There's big difference between guarding the treasures and hiding the monsters. And every time one passes from this life, with monsters not dealt with, we leave a looming disaster. For just as you don't know who will walk through the "empty" house after you move, neither do you know who will discover what your life has left behind. Who knows what the repercussions will be, but at least if the monsters in your life are dealt with while you are still around, you have a presence and a voice in the outcome. If they are found after the fact, well... it's a devastating disaster waiting to happen. And it ruins the reputation of your life, as there is now, no way for anything good to follow it.

The monster is now your legacy, rather than your guarded and prized treasures.

Don't let what's wrong in your life go unchecked and unresolved. Lest the unknown be your defining moment, rather than that which you have striven to make known.

On this #deaconThursday, pray for those in church leadership who perhaps have monsters in hiding. Pray for the power of confession to do it's work, that resolution and healing may occur. Pray for wisdom as churches and pastors deal with delicate and troubling situations, regardless of their nature. Pray for correction and instruction to have it's place. May such circumstances be saturated with grace and truth, love and forgiveness; even when punishment and justice are in order. Pray that the church would be healthy and holy, functioning as a whole body, serving a holy God.

For His glory alone
Called to be holy, as only He is
For the advancement of the Gospel of Christ.

- PNC

As we often pray for our leaders, in all kinds of arenas of life, we understand that have vision to cast and agendas to achieve. And by and large, that's good. They have goals and often approach them with a clarity and purpose and pursuit towards improvement. Or at least that's what we hope.

Of course, depending on where you look, you'll quickly notice there are many who have agendas that are questionable, to say the least and dangerous, if we're be brutally honest. But it got me thinking about followers. The reasons people consider themselves "followers" are many, but do we view them as having an agenda with the same meaning and intent as the standard we hold for leadership?

I think the short answer is yes! Otherwise, there is no meaning for the term "hidden agenda". Likewise, advisors and those who are on the "inside" assisting leadership have their reasons and agendas as well. And when there is diametric opposition between any of the three, then the breakdown begins. Tensions become apparent, problems start to arise and the conflict becomes complex. And the longer it goes unnnoticed, ignored and excused, the more difficult the process of course-correction becomes.

The alignment is easy and inexpensive when caught early. Delayed and prolonged, it's a whole other level of work and cost involved to make things right.

Pray this #deaconThursday, that this would not be the existence of church leadership. Pray that those involved, especially at the leadership level or position of influence, would be a group who is in agreement and unity. Pray for those whose agenda and purpose is detrimental and damaging to the ministry and the advancement of the Gospel. May God do a work in their hearts and minds that would prompt a spiritual shift. In these challenging days, may the church be a people who seek God and love others. Pray there would be a genuine connection, whereby we would link the hurting among us to the God who loves and heals us.

For the only following that matters,
Is that of the leading hand of God.
For His glory alone. Eternal.
Unlike humanity's, which is fleeting.

- PNC

You've heard the old adage, 80% of all statistics are made up, on the spot? 80%! Or was it 83.7?

The problem with moving the line in small, incremental changes is that it's harder to notice at times, just how much progress has been made. There are times that this is a good thing... like getting out of debt. Other times, this is not so good. Like not noticing how much you are going into every time you run your credit card at Starbucks in the wee hours of the morning.

There are worse lines to move, though. Like truth. There's a divine reason for boundaries. A purpose beyond what the finite mind sees. So when society and culture starts moving things around that God never intended, we can find ourselves in very dangerous places; in circumstance and position for which we are not prepared.

We can't see or predict everything. But there is a priority and great benefit in being surrounded by those committed to seeking truth, speaking truth and living by truth. Unwavering. Uncompromising. Honest.

In a world that seems to be nothing but the opposite, in nearly every aspect and arena of life, these are days the church (and society for that matter) needs leadership that is above reproach. Which is made even more difficult by a culture that is so quickly offended and even more quick to seek and destroy those who are so bold as to declare their disagreement when the truth is not told and facts are twisted to serve a purpose that does not serve the greater good.

So, pray this #deaconThursday, that the church leadership would be a place of truth, that wavers not and compromises even less. May truth ever be on their lips and in their hearts. Pray for a steadfast-ness, that stands out from those who change the line to fit wherever they may be standing at the time. May they stand before the throne of grace, in need of grace; not defined by failures, but by the fact of God's love. Pray they would live with clarity, bringing wisdom and discernment to a world that is quickly losing both.

For the glory of God
And the benefit of the people of God.
To change the world for eternity.

- PNC

There's a scene on of the many brilliant episodes of The West Wing, where the administration makes a number of changes in the Ambassadorships, as far as the people who hold them are concerned. In the course of the conversation between the President and the Chief of Staff, the President jokingly comments on the changes, that if they continue and everyone keeps moving up, then he can go home!

I know... what's this have to do with pastors on this #deaconThursday?

It's simply a point of reference, as I sat in service over the New Year's weekend at the announcements being made in our own church leadership. Changes within the existing leadership and it literally was a series of three positions, that as the first one moved "up", someone took their place, leaving another vacancy to be filled. The connection made me smile and so I'm sharing it with you. You're welcome.

Of course, as the Pastor shared the back-story and the conversation that began 8-10 months prior to the changes being made; you get a sense of the prayer, wisdom and perception involved as church leadership comes together, seeks the face of God and carries on the conversations of what is God doing for the future of various ministries within the church and who should be casting and leading their future trajectory.

The business world calls it "scaling". Progress isn't a knock on people, resources or capacities. The truth is that every aspect of life reaches a point where the question of "what's next" (another West Wing reference) must be answered. Thus, if changes needed to be made and those will naturally require time and energy, then why not give due diligence to make sure that they are done right and proper?

The question answers itself. If only the prayer wrote itself.

Let's pray, this #deaconThursday, that church leadership would indeed give due diligence to the decisions and changes they are facing and discussing. Pray for an increased awareness and sensitivity to be on the alert for matters and circumstances that have yet to present themselves, but that leadership would benefit in taking a proactive approach. Pray for wisdom and discernment as they seek the face of God and discuss solutions and implement changes. May their be a covering of grace during times of transition and all the more in times of great difficulty and challenge.

For the best days are yet ahead
For those prepared to meet them.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

I heard another sermon recently which talked about wisdom. And once again, received a painful reminder of the constant struggle of trusting in God and seeking Him rather than trying to figure it out on your own with your solutions, skills and strength.

It's not enough. It's never been enough. It never will be enough.

Let me ask myself the question that many have done for me many times... when will you learn?!

Shall we count the ways and times that I don't heed the words of Matthew?? Seek first His righteousness; His kingdom.

Him.

Neither what we do nor what happens to us is about us. We deceive ourselves that it is and we defend ourselves that it is, but alas, the eternal reality of it all is that is not... about us.

But ideas, words, and decisions do have consequences as much as they have rewards depending on the nature and intent of it all. We don't always remember that that's the case and we don't always enjoy when the fruit of that comes true, but it is, nevertheless true.

The struggle is great and incredibly real, but the necessity to seek the wisdom of God should always be our first and top priority. In all things, great and small.

Pray this #deaconThursday for those struggling to trust and seek God first. May that always be our default understanding and response; even in light of the most stressful and difficult of circumstances. Pray that church leadership would resist both the urge and temptation to talk and work through problems and challenges merely though man's solutions and perspectives. May God grant grace and wisdom as they seek His face in all they do as church and ministry to their congregation and community at large.

For the glory of God alone.

- PNC

... are those that are fully informed.

Yes, I waited late in the day to write this. My apologies.

But the truth is this... information is critical.

When it's missing, all kinds of problems and questions crowd the room. Some of the questions are worthy of discussion. However, some of the answers may be troubling and the problems that are created go beyond challenging.

I've said it before and it bears repeating... there are times where it's impossible to have "all" the information and so you find yourself making decisions with the best information that you have at the time. And sometimes everything works out well. Other times, you find out that you were wrong and need to make changes.

Meanwhile, we all would love to believe in the truth. We all tell ourselves that the truth matter, that we seek truth, speak truth and desire the truth to come forth when it is apparent that pieces are missing from making a complete picture by which accurate assessments and conclusions can be made.

That said, we all make justifications. We all make excuses. We have all focused on one aspect of an event and forgotten other important aspects for any number of reasons. Then if you have a terrible memory, this process of having and retaining things of importance from which to build upon as you progress through life, events and the decisions involved and things can get challenging.

Life is difficult and at times, incredibly hard. Often though, it's hard because we make it that way. It's not that we bring circumstances and events upon ourselves, though sometimes that is true. But we allow are responses to be dictated by many things that somehow take importance over the truth. Fear, anxiety, opinions, relationships, career, government and more.

If only we would make decisions from the onset and respond better to life and events earlier than we do, how much would our life, and society change? And the church for that matter?

Pray this #deaconThursday, that God would guide church leadership to be fully informed, to the best of their ability. Pray for the decisions they face and the challenges that lie before them. May God give them wisdom as they lead. May we be reminded of their importance, not because of who they are, but because of the position and responsibility that they steward. For though power corrupts and absolute power corrupts, absolutely; pray church leadership would lead with grace and humility. May they never forget that it is God who has raised them up and ultimately, God who takes them down.

May there be but one agenda,
The cause of Jesus Christ.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

Life has a way of throwing off our balance. Each and every one of us has "one of those days". Made worse when they line up consecutively as the week progresses. We try to refresh. We try to regroup. And some days we still miss the mark and simply fail to get things together. Or at least maintain the appearance that we have things together.

Frustrating matters.
Worrisome and troubling things.
Challenging people
Difficult circumstances.
Impossible odds.
Annoyances and inconveniences that are minor on their own, yet major when they accumulate.

It amazes me the things which we allow to get under our skin, and rub and irritate us to the point that we become a robber of someone else' joy and the hijacker of their day. There is no further proof needed than browsing Facebook for a few minutes. Or Twitter if you only can spare a few seconds.

All of that too say, on any given day, we have no clue what someone's battle may involve. Who knows what worry has kept them up, what burden has weighed them down, what treasure has been stolen, what dream has been crushed. Are we all not battered, beaten and bruised from the words and decisions of others that have negatively impacted us; to say nothing of the decisions and self-talk with which we have caused self-affliction to our own hearts, minds and spirits?

God help us all in such cases; especially those not simply solved by more water, a good meal, more caffeine and a good sleep.

Pray, this #deaconThursday, for grace, in times where leadership struggles to lead. Whatever the battles, pray for strength to endure and vision to overcome. May their spirits be renewed that they would not quit, nor their hearts exhausted that they would fall early. Pray God would lift up their heads; that they may see from His vantage point, rather than the trouble that lies before them. Pray that confusion would give way to clarity and the storms calmed as Christ speaks peace into their lives.

For we are not identified by our days
But by what God has declared over our days
Speaking order to the chaos
For the glory of God.

- PNC

I was reminded earlier today, of just how much of a struggle the balancing act can be, between ministry and life outside the four walls of the church. People love being involved in ministry and rightfully and commendably so. But sometimes they do so, putting other aspects of their life at risk.

It's not they shouldn't make a sacrifice, nor that certain positions of ministry are risky. However, having a home life that is out of balance or finances that are out of control or relationships that are perhaps less than beneficial can stand in the way of how one approaches ministry.

Stress, worry, anxiety, frustration... the sorting and balancing of life is difficult enough most days. But it is both problematic and dangerous to build a ministry from a personal life that may have some foundational issues. It is a fine line. I'm not suggesting everything needs to be "perfect" before stepping into ministry. I'm reminded every time I sit to write this site, that I'm taking this lesson to heart.

But Paul understood this dichotomy all to well. If the struggle interferes with ministry...

Granted, he was talking about a specific struggle, but the larger point is there. Ministry has enough battles and struggles of it's own without our entering it with our own, unresolved chaos and undue stress... much of which could be avoided or eliminated by out daily decisions.

So, pray this #deaconThursday, that God would help church leadership and staff solve and correct the matters and issues in their personal lives where problems outside the church are affecting their work within the church. Pray that God would give them wisdom in handling those situations and grace in dealing with those involved. Pray that God would grant them strength, for the weary and down-trodden who've recognized their troubled existence has lasted far too long. May God accomplish the miraculous as they commit to bringing order and structure where there is little to none. Pray for increased blessing over their ministry as they get their personal affairs together and on the right track.

For the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

So, the past few days, I've one album in particular, on repeat. And I'm loving it. The album is titled "Beautiful", from a band by the name of The Walter Eugenes. It's a great Christian Rock album; I've had it for a few years, and I'm enjoying it more with every play through.

A number of songs hit really close to home, both in their message and the events that have transpired in the lives of some close friends. But the lyrics in the song, Hole For A Heart have a phrase which we've all stated at some point in our lives.

"I would have done it differently, if I had known from the start..."

"I could have known, but I would not see; if I would have listened from the start..."

Books have been written; and could be written from this perspective! I don't know of a single person, who hasn't reflected upon at least one circumstance and shared this sentiment of frustration. I think there's a reason hindsight is 20/20. It's because we don't the time to adjust our vision, our vantage point and our approach to the situation. Consider how many adjustments the optometrist makes before ordering your lenses? They get it dialed in!

Us? Not always. Not so often. Not nearly enough.

If you find yourself wishing you had known more from the start, then we aren't we asking every question possible when starting something new? Yes, I understand that the best laid plans get side-swiped and sabotaged, but great confidence comes from clear vision You can't know what you can't see; you can't deal with what you refuse to see.

Pray, this #deaconThursday, that God would given clear vision and insight to the tasks and projects that are currently underway and especially, those which are being taken into consideration. May their be clarity of communication and understanding of processes and perspectives. Pray for a spirit of unity despite an airing of differences. Pray God would grant divine direction where there has previously been a spirit of confusion. May God prepare the way and show it; that church leadership advance in confidence and obedience.

That we would not be a people who lack vision
But see what God sees
As He sees it
For His glory and purposes.

- PNC

James McDonald shared an honest statement in a recent broadcast... one I thought incredibly appropriate for #deaconThursday. In essence, he made the point that it's problematic when we place a higher value on people and their wisdom than we do the prompting of the Holy Spirit and the power of Christ.

Seems elementary, doesn't it?

And yet it happens often... as in daily.
Those in the pews esteem their pastors insight, charisma and perspective more than going directly to God.
Just as easily, so can pastors rely more on the counsel of their deacon board more than God's Word.

It's dangerous ground, for sure. Consider a time in your life, when you did the same? I don't suggest that as a reminder of the pain that memory recreates, but as a frame of reference that once again, pastors and church leadership are just as human and flawed as the rest of us. Sometimes more so, for out of a great mess comes a great message. And some of my favorite pastors have come from incredible backgrounds that have produced amazing testimonies.

Even that statement alone, if allowed, could be a launch point for temptation even in my own life, to give them greater importance and influence than the very work and word of God. It is with great care and intention that we must guard who we give preferred seating in our hearts and minds, and that ultimately, only the Divine resides on the throne

Pray, this #deaconThursday, that pastors and church leadership alike, would indeed, take great care in keeping God first, especially in the direction and decisions of their ministries and churches, as well as their own lives. Pray for revelation and warning for those who have perhaps gotten the seating arrangement in their lives out of order. May God reestablish His rightful place. Pray the power of the Holy Spirit would neither be lost, nor hindered, nor the eyes of the leadership blindsided or skewed. May their be a clarity of the spiritual vision in this fallen, physical world.

Give us eyes that see,
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,
But powers and principalities of this dark age.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

I'm still reeling over this scandal with the Catholic priests.

I know we've prayed many times over, that deacons and other non-pastoral leadership people would be those who would give well-grounded Biblical advice and insight. We've also prayed for discernment as those people were chosen and placed. And this situation places a high-priority on the incredible importance of both of those factors becoming reality.

Good people who give good advice who continually and consistently make good decisions themselves. Repeat.

I know, we closed yesterday's prayer with idea that none of us are in a place to say, thank God I'm not...

None of us know what the person next to us has gone through and they don't know the same about you or I. Indeed, the indictment and judgement you pass on your neighbor very well could be your own. Of course, the process of giving careful consideration to who we allow in our "inner circle" is complicated by the fact that not only do none of us probably deserve to be in the positions we are; we could just as easily fall from grace as the next person... and as these priests have done.

I'm having difficulty writing this... the issue is that complex. Clearly, the examples that serve as evidence of this are countless. High-profile breaking news on national and international stages. Local news that rivets a community. And who knows how much more that are caught and dealt with in seeming obscurity.

This is a big deal because there's 1000 victims and 300 perpetrators. But it's just as disastrous for one life, one family, and the demise of one church that nobody outside of a small village may ever know.

Pray this #deaconThursday for the auxiliary leadership of the church. Pray that they would not only be people of character, but Godly, Biblical character, full of faith and the Holy Spirit. Pray that they would take great care in guarding their faith, hearts and minds, as well as their marriages and relationships. May God give them wisdom and discernment beyond their years; that they would be people of the Word and a voice for truth.

God give them clarity
Spiritual vision
In a dark reality.
For the glory of God.

- PNC