Have you noticed the conversation changes when among leaders?

It sounds different (or at least it should). The nature of the conversation takes on a different form. The dynamics of the conversation work on a whole other level. If you are in a leadership role, you've experienced this. In fact, if you aren't, you've noticed a different dynamic when you engage leadership.

Your approach to them changes.
How you handle yourself in their presence changes.
Your expectations regarding what you hope will come from the interaction... change.

Words matter.

Consider how you speak about frustrating circumstances in your life... in your workplace, on the home-front. Words are the result of an attitude and the change when leadership is engaged, because we recognize whose company we are in! Yet for as much as we can forget that whoever is in our presence is valuable, so too can leadership drop the ball and possess the wrong attitude and correspondingly, communicate the wrong statement.

So, the question remains for us all of us, but especially the leadership...
... are we conversation changers for the better or because we are bitter?

Let's pray this #seniorPastorMonday, that pastors would not succumb to the frustration and angst of the circumstances and challenges they face. Pray that God would give them wisdom and discernment in navigating the matters that are brought before them. Pray that the conversation would change, because they are in the room. While we all face difficult moments, pray such times would neither detour nor derail their attitudes, and as a result, their speech in response to the problem(s) at hand. In all things, may God be glorified, as they seek and trust Him to bring about good, in moments were good is seemingly hiding from our finite vision.

That we may see with God's eyes,
And respond to life with His heart.
For His glory alone.

- PNC

Perhaps something clicked between yesterday and this morning, but it wasn't too far into the day when I started reflecting on some of the incredible life stories of recent pastors whose ministries and leadership I have enjoyed in recent years. The truly epic journeys that some of these men and women have endured, if not them, personally, their parents or grandparents whose lives got a hold of revolutionized.

A pastor with a grandfather who, after God called him into full-time ministry paid off his old gambling debts.
A pastor who had a biker for a father and a bar-maid for a mother... and yet God changed future generations.
A pastor, who at one time nearly stood at the edge of a wayward life... but God rewrote his future.

It's an incredibly powerful testimony to have such a conversion experience in the life of a pastor or ministry leader. And while it can be disconcerting to those who don't have such a powerhouse story; the legacy that begins with such stories is amazing.

It's amazing to watch it unfold in the generations that follow.
It's also a little scary, as we have watched numerous times, one generation witness a dramatic impact in their ministry and then the next generation somehow, somewhere along the line, dropped the torch. And the church suffers. Maybe not immediately, Maybe not entirely. But eventually.

As pastor has mentioned many times, every generation needs it's own revelation of God. For one generation's revelation is the next generation's religion. And that is when the legacy of ministry is placed into jeopardy.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray for pastors, especially those who do have an incredible testimony behind their ministries. Pray for their families and the generations that follow them; may the legacy be protected, not for their name sake, but for the sake of eternity. Pray that God would guard their homes and children; that they would not have to face and overcome the challenges and demons that previous generations battled. May generational curses be broken and generational promises established and fulfilled. Pray the impact of one's ministry would be increased by the generations that follow because of their own revelation of God, rather than hindered by allowing to become a religious exercise.

For God did not grant freedom,
That we would return to enslavement.
Victorious for the cause of Jesus Christ
For as many years that remain.

- PNC

Once again, a few things rattled around regarding today's #seniorPastorMonday post.

Until I heard part of a message from Dr. David Jeremiah. He was talking about the humble beginnings of the church he and his wife started in the early days of their ministry. Humble days. As many, if not all, pastors have experienced. And like all, there were days he wanted to call it quits. The struggle is real. The battle is hard. The road is rough.

Yet, someone reminded him of a prayer that always stuck with him and when he said it, it resonated.

"Lord, use what's left."

It continues to amaze, the nature and character of God. He does not waste anything. He does not waste a life. He does not waste an experience. He does not waste an opportunity in which He could be glorified.

While that's a comforting sentiment, it's also one that is hard to swallow. Think of how many times someone has told you there's nothing left to give, and you keep pushing them for more. To challenge and grow; to press in and to press onward. Then God says, I'm not done...there's more.

And we fight it; as other's have done with us.

However, I can't help but ask how many miracles are being held in the power of such a simple prayer... use what's left, God.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray that even if the midst of difficulty, frustration and burnout; may pastors retain the humble posture that would allow God to use what is left. May God strengthen and quicken them when the feel as though there is little left for God to use. May He work the miraculous, as with the loaves and fish. What is of little effect in our eyes, may we commit it to God's care and service to accomplish exponentially more than we could ever fathom.

Clay vessels are we,
Broken and spilled out
For God's plan
And His glory.

- PNC

Former front-man for the band SonicFlood, posted a picture of Scripture, the end of chapter 24 in Exodus. An incredible description of the presence of the Lord high atop the mountain. To this day, it is hard to comprehend a "devouring fire" as an analogy for the "awesome glory" of the Lord. No wonder Moses upon reappearing to the people looked like a changed man. For indeed, He had been in the presence of Almighty God.

But not for five minutes, or an hour.
Not for five hours or a day.
Neither even a full week.
No... how about five and half weeks!

I'm not sure what God's fascination is with numbers: I know there's incredibly profound meaning behind them, but here again... 40 days and 40 nights, in which Moses got lost in the secret place of God. Away from every distraction; away from every detractor. Away from every supporter, beloved neighbor, closest friend and annoying relative. (Smile, would you?)

I keep thinking about how much more time I need to be spending in the presence of God. Followed by, if I have distractions as well as responsibilities calling for my attention constantly, and I'm of relative, little importance, how much more for the senior pastors of our churches; whose sermons and entire ministries are directly affected by the quality of their relationship with God and the time spent in His presence?

It is a game changer.
For the casting of vision
For the effectiveness of ministry
For the impact upon eternity.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray for those pastors, struggling to not only find adequate time in the presence of God, but mission-critical time. Pray for those struggling with time-management, and delegation of tasks and responsibilities. May God help them steward their time wisely and raise people up who will be more effective and efficient at handling matters that, while important, are distractions to the study of the Word. Pray that people would sense, with every encounter with the pastor, that they have just come down from the mountain of God. Pray for a sense of clarity that only comes from the throne of a sovereign, omniscient Father.

For what good is it to invest into people
If we don't take time to allow God to invest into us
Through His Word
In His Presence,
That others would see His glory.

- PNC

During praise and worship yesterday morning, we're singing Come To The Altar and the phrase "overcome by the weight of your sin" hit me. How often do we truly think about it?

Probably not nearly enough. Does it break our hearts like it breaks God's? Even as we are being sanctified and in the journey to greater reflect the Christ we love and the God we serve? Probably not.

Pastors on the other hand...

I've known many, that while it doesn't hold them back, have a keen sense of awareness of the human condition before God. And not just those whom they minister. They have a continual broken and contrite heart before God knowing that they, themselves, are not perfect and have neither arrived, nor achieved a position or status where there sin isn't ever before them. Yes, it's been forgiven, but they also understand it is only ever, one step behind them as well.

Conversely, just as it can easily become for all of us, so too, can a pastor forget or dismiss the power and damage of sin in relationship to how we connect with God and man. This is a dangerous place to be, because I think it does affect how we interact with others. And more importantly, it changes how we pray and communicate with God as well as how we read His Word.

That should be our wake-up call. But I fear for pastors who no longer are "overcome by the weight of their sin" as they song reads. It creates an opportunity for spiritual awareness to sneak out and away. Perhaps, worse, it opens the door for a contrite and broken to become a little less contrite and broken. And not because God has healed and restored it. But because it creates a sense that perhaps our sin isn't that bad or it's negative impact in our lives isn't so severe. And that is incredibly dangerous ground on which to stand, live and move our being.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray those pastors who perhaps, aren't as "overwhelmed" as they once wear. Pray for those whose heart isn't as broken and contrite as it once was. Whether they are feeling the effect in their ministry or not, pray that God would do a fresh work in their lives. Pray for their relationships as well, both within the church as well as their home and community. May there be a passion for others because the awareness of what God has done in their heart and mind is ever at the forefront of everything they do and set out to accomplish. Pray they hearts would not grow hardened nor the light go dim, nor their love go cold. May God strengthen their faith as they exercise their faith to greater things.

For the advancement of the kingdom of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.
For His glory alone.

- PNC

When in doubt, ask someone who knows what they're looking at.
And when in doubt regarding your own life, ask Him who knows you best.

All too often we go through a situation getting ideas and opinions and don't reach out to an expert. And when we do, we often don't do as a first response, but much later in the conversation, to the point of a last resort. We've all done, it matters important and not, but all of them secondary to what God is doing and working in the lives of those who are His.

As I heard a pastor friend confess recently to his congregation... it's easy to study in order to have a great sermon, to prepare to impress, to be the one that is looked up to and sought after for insight, advice and prayer and whatever else may capture the attention and feed the ego. Sometimes, it's that obvious. Other times, perhaps not so much.

You would think that it would be easy to do ministry and the preparation of it from a place of love. We know this, because we are so quick to criticize those in ministry as though they are doing it from a motive that is anything but a place of love.

Yet, ultimately, their ministry and it's effectiveness will be hindered without doing it for the love of God and the love of people as their primary motivator. I titled this post, a second look, because while we hope pastors enter the ministry with this understanding, sometimes the only one who can point out that other motivators have stepped in and over, is God Himself, placing His finger on hearts and minds with kindness; that the mark is being missed.

Pray this #seniorPastorMonday, that pastors would not miss the mark. Pray that they would continue to operate their church and ministry from a place of love. May there be an awareness about their lives that they would recognize when their priorities and rationale for decisions and process have changed. Pray they would possess an ever-sensitive heart for the prompting and leading of the Holy Spirit, not only for what God would have them to accomplish, but also what God would desire to accomplish in their lives. Pray that distractions, detours and delays would be short-lived, and ultimately ineffective in the grand design of God sovereign plan. May they come out with a deeper relationship for God and a deeper passion for the people within the reach of their ministry.

An open mind and an open heart
To the work of God
In the lives of the leadership of the church
As an example to the body
That God isn't done with any of us.
For His glory.

- PNC

All this conversation about God moving and people and churches taking different directions and making changes with operations and approaches got me thinking again. (I know, somewhat dangerous, and "again" recognizes the potential for this to be an issue revisited)

What happens when people don't buy in to the vision?

Well, let's operate from the understanding that church leadership and pastoral staff have proven to be people of prayer and the Word, consistent in season and out of season. Not perfect mind you, but there is a depth of character and maturity, especially in spiritual matters whereby God has positioned them and mightily used them and the fruit of their ministry shows this to be true.

I think the worst case (or at least what might appear to be so) is the parting of ways within the congregation who don't agree to the point of separation. Are they right or the pastor? That's a delicate situation and we've all seen it backfire way more often than it's been of benefit, at least in the short-term. What happens when people begin to silently wirhdraw and distance themselves? Others may notice, or they may do so internally; staying in ministry roles, but not giving it their all, nor their best attitude in the process. Who benefits from that?

Are both parties hearing God and is it He who is organizing and rearranging lives and purpose and He's doing so because the change wouldn't happen otherwise? Is stubbornness, tradition and other factors at work in people's response?

I've had changes occur in life that led to  a change in church becoming necessary. And as previously stated, no church is perfect, there wasn't an issue with a church that presented itself as the driving factor for making a switch. It was simply life. But having said that, it would seem to be a difficult and painful process for there to truly be a cause or problem that would in fact change one's interaction with the church, both in the local congregation and the church-at-large.

So, the trust factor that a pastor places in God as a ministry or mission plots change, multiplies many times over to having to trust the rest of the church leadership and congregation that they will be on board and change with it. This is not a light and simple ordeal, neither for the pastor casting vision nor the believer's response.

And on that note, pray this #seniorPastorMonday for confidence. While every leader has moments of hesitation, doubt and questions, may their be a sense of peace and calm; that in the stillness of God's presence they would know they way they should go and lead. Pray for a spirit of unity within the church as people respond. While there may be a time for parting for a few, pray that it would not happen in a way as to bring discourage, detriment or ruin to the ministry nor the relationships of those involved. Pray for a clarity as pastors cast vision and an understanding of mind and excitement of the heart as people respond.

May the church multiply
As we were created and instructed to do.
Because of leaders and pastors who have heard from God,
Having instructed accordingly as they have followed God's leading
And the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

I was part of a conversation last night, in which the topic of tradition came up, as it relates to their place and practice within the church. While traditions have their place and relevance, their can be a adverse reaction to them as much as their is an enduring response to them.

Thus, the conversation brought us to a place of understanding that there is a balance to tradition, both how we hold them in respect and reverence as well as the reason and manner in which we keep them in practice.

Understanding the balance is one thing. Keeping the balance is another.

It's impossible to please everyone, especially all at the same time revolving around one particular issue. One needs to go no farther than asking the family where to go to dinner or a group of friends to decide on a movie.

Every church, congregation and community is difference. Their approach to ministry and outreach is different. The people they are trying to reach will always have differing experiences of church, Christianity not to mention the Christians they come in contract with. So, it goes without saying, that this is simply another area in which the pastor must practice patient, purpose and perspective, while not negating the impact and importance that they may hold.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray that God would give clarity to pastors regarding the practice and purpose of traditions. Pray that God would help them to keep and serve well those that truly serve a meaningful place and purpose within the church and not hang on to them for the mere sake of tradition that perhaps nobody understands why they exist. May God give them wisdom and the words, to be able to explain when needed, why certain processes and operations within the church happen in the time, place and manner that they do. Pray also, once again for a spirit of unity. May the differences of tradition and the understanding and practice of them, not be a hindrance that keeps people from the presence of God and a meaningful encounter with Him.

For every thing has a time and a place,
A reason and a season for its' existence.
For the glory of God
And the advancement of the cause of Christ.

- PNC

First things first. To those whose families have served in the defense of this great country, our heart felt thanks and gratitude to you and yours, in honor of those who gave their lives for our freedom.

As in government, so to in ministry, are times when the people and the leadership disagree. Even though the pursuit of the end result is understandable and agreeable, the methodology to get there often creates hang-ups for people in terms of joining the mission.

This was the sentiment shared during service yesterday, which by the way, turned out to be quite incredible. Yet as Pastor relayed stories of vision from 20+ years ago, included as a part of the tale, where the moments of people stepping up to inform him, that they were in fact, disengaging. Which, you'll remember, is exactly what we prayed would not happen, as vision gets recast.

I pray that doesn't happen this time around. It's hard to be honest, that it couldn't... for indeed, sadly, it just might. But this is what God does, especially one who moves. He moves people as well. They come for a season. They go for a season. Occasionally, they return... for another season. Or two.

But the conversation that is involved in such circumstances are difficult. Sometimes troubling. Creating the possibility of second-guessing. A test of the will. A check of the confidence. A questioning of purpose. A moment of doubt. A revisit to the plan and to prayer.

This is why we pray for pastors; to be in tune and in step with the will of God... for Scripture is filled with stories when God answers with detailed specifics regarding a matter, and man ignored or modified them.

On that note, I'd be remiss, if while calling you to prayer, I didn't ask that you include the families who have lost loved ones and friends to the service of this nation. May God strengthen and comfort them as they grief and uphold them as this people honor their memory. Pray too for pastors, struggling with those who may not be on board with a change in the vision. May they know how to handle the conversation and may they trust that God will bring about the people and resources necessary during times of change and transition. Pray for their confidence and resolve to what God has called them to remain strong, despite criticism and disagreements. Pray for wisdom as they move forward, even when the picture and path is neither crystal clear nor brightly lit.

In service to our God
In service to our community.
In honor of those who came before
And advancing for those who come behind.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

So, I got thinking about leadership, and in particular on this whole topic of moving when God moves. I know how much in my life, both in general and in faith, that I get it wrong. Leaders make me stand in amazement.

It's not that they never get it wrong. The Bible is replete with stories of great leadership who royally messed up and missed the move of God. And yet, it continues to bother me how we have moved away from being able to extend grace. There is no grace for those who have fallen; there is however, a rush to judgement and destruction.

Which, do we need to be reminded, is a job responsibility best left to God.

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm hard enough on myself when I mess things up. At times, being a man of faith makes things "worse" because of the conviction of the Holy Spirit. A broken and contrite heart is what God cares about and looks for as a sign for wanting to make a course correction in our lives.

But all too often, we look at the mistakes and failures of our leadership and rather than offer them opportunity to make a course correction, we kick them off the course altogether. That may not be their ultimate fate.. grace will make its' appearance and restoration may be offered. For less extreme matters, eventually life and ministry moves on and continues to advance. Civil discourse over our disagreements has given way to corporate destruction. And by that, I'm not talking about the dissolution of corporations, but the "mob rule" mentality that seems to permeate so much of our culture and society to the point that it occurs within the church, not nearly as often, but certainly more than it should.

So, on this #seniorPastorMonday, pray that senior pastors would indeed, have an increased awareness of the voice of God and the prompting of the Holy Spirit as they lead and move. But more importantly, pray for a covering over their lives and ministries for when they miss the mark. May there be an extension of grace as matters arise and are resolved. Pray that the church culture would not be so quick to rush to judgement and worse, the propensity to bring to ruin leaders who fail or leaders we think deserve to fail.

May we be people of grace
As God has extended grace to His people.
Even to those who fail and with Him we disagree.
For we have all been that person to God.

- PNC

Forgive me in advance...

I'm still reflecting on the loss of this pastor from the southern tip of Illinois. The lady who presented the news and prayer request to a social media group, offered the information, that one of their current plans being discussed was offering Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University.

What's crazy about sudden, life-changing events such as these, is that you can't help but wonder, what else was in the works? What other matters was He seeking the face of God regarding? What other dreams and plans was God planting in His heart? What relationships and conversations were in various stages of development?

I don't know about you, but such circumstances would drive me nuts. Probably because I'm always thinking or dreaming of I would like to be able to do or accomplish in the next weeks, months and years. Which I guess should be all the more motivation to live life fulfilling the plans and purposes that God has called us to, as well as that which He has specifically placed in our hearts and not lose a day dragging our feet on the matter.

Easier said than done and once again, yes, I'm preaching to myself. You don't struggle with this, do you?

On this #seniorPastorMonday, let's pray, that God would help Pastors to pursue and fulfill the plans and dreams that God has placed within them. Pray that they would be wise stewards of their time, as well as their resources and relationships. May God give them discernment as to who they should surround themselves to achieve those goals and work the ministry. Pray that regret and frustration would not hold them back or frustrate them; but that they would motivated all the more to seek the face of God and advance the Gospel of Christ.

May they not live life unfinished,
But completed.
Having done well, as a servant of the Most High God.
For His glory and honor alone.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

I can't believe in just a matter of weeks, this project will begin year number four. We've prayed over many things as they relate to community. Much emphasis and time has been given to the churches' and believers' impact on community. In recent weeks, we've prayed over community in terms of the family unit.

And sadly, I write this in need of prayer over the community of the local church.

Thanks to the influence of social media, some tragic news out of Southern Illinois came across my newsfeed. A 68 year old Baptist pastor was in car accident while en route to meet up with some members of the church. One of the church members responded to my inquiry; and while authorities haven't released details, his vehicle was found in a ditch-creek.

So, while many will be stepping into a church service tomorrow to celebrate the amazing life and influence of Mothers, one small community will be morning the loss of their Senior Pastor. I'm at a loss.

I've been a part of some great churches over the years. And they have been blessed with some incredible pastors, and staff; people of God and of the Word. High quality leaders and people who are dedicated and devoted to powerful and impactful ministry.

I don't know that one is ever prepared. Never emotionally at least. But I'm hoping and praying that systems and processes, plans and people are in place; that while the church grieves, ministry will not come to halt.

On this #communitySaturday, would you keep the people of United Missionary Baptist before the Lord. Pray that God would bring comfort and peace to this community and the community of believers. Pray for his wife and family during this time of mourning. Pray that the days and weeks to come would demonstrate the impact of his life, as many more come and come back to God as a result of his ministry and the relationships that he built and the effort that he put forth. Pray for the leadership of this church, and the decisions that need to be made as the church moves forward in its mission and ministries. May God grant them wisdom and discernment; bring clarity and direction in a time of mourning and grief.  Pray the love of God would be felt as a life is celebrated; not because of his greatness, but the greatness of the God He served with his life.

For we mourn with those who mourn,
And grieve with those who grieve,
But not as those without hope.
For in Christ, is eternal glory.
And that, of God our Father.

- PNC

I heard a really cool phrase this morning... and thought, what a great concept for #seniorPastorMonday. Then I lost it. However, in the past two days, I've heard a story, or a portion of a story from two different pastor couples regarding personal decisions in their lives that will or would affect their ability to do ministry.

A funny thing about both instances; they involved a serious financial component to the conversation.

A three-way juggling act, between being obedient to the hand of God and the prompting of the Holy Spirit, trusting what has been placed in the heart, and making sense of it in the mind.

For following the mind, can cause you to miss the decision God wants and calls you to make.
Just as easily, and often for that matter, the heart misleads. The emotional "tug" and the feelings of the moment fade, to varying degrees of course; but even the strongest of instincts are occasionally wrong.

Finally, there's the downright, "yeah, I can't do that". Whether we don't feel ready, willing or able isn't really the question. It's a question of trust. Is wisdom involved? Yes. Prayer, absolutely. But wisdom only goes so far, for our finite minds are just that.

The super-natural realm of a sovereign, spiritual, Supreme Being can't be understood, let alone explained through physical eyes and earthly words. God is God and we are not. So it has always been. So too, will it forever be.

But that doesn't make the prayer in the process any less important. It doesn't negate the difficulty of the decision-making process and revolving conversations. It does not ignore the pursuit of Godly counsel from the outset to the outcome.

Nobody ever said ministry was easy. Nobody ever said the personal matters of life and faith of those who lead got easier while in ministry either.

So, on this #seniorPastorMonday, pray for those pastors in ministry struggling with any and all variety of decisions. Pray for marriages that are having difficulty navigating the conversation and reconciling the prompting of the Holy Spirit and the hand of God compared to finite wisdom and understanding. Pray God would grant discernment to know what is truly a step of faith and an act of obedience compared to what is a hope and emotion that is not a part of God's plan. May He work the miraculous as only He can do and may He intervene and keep from harm, those who are on the verge of missing God's plan and making a disastrous and damaging mistake.

To know the will of God
And hear His still small voice.
Even if it is one step at a time,
One decision at a time.
Living the life He has called us to live.
For His glory alone.

- PNC

 So there's a group of us sitting in class last night at church and among the material being presented, the topic of Adam and Eve in the garden was mentioned for a few minutes. And the point that stood out, as we took an overview of what transpired and the relationship was broken, is really, how all relationships begin to break. It's the beginning of the process of regret and the erosion of confidence and trust.

Satan's favorite question to all of us regarding any and every matter in life.

"Did God really say?"

That's all it took. Four words, and the "sliver of doubt" pricked the soul.

These suckers are not any fun. I've had one in my left index finger that I could not get out the day it happened. It's been weeks now and I still haven't dug it out. Talk about irritation that is now sensitive to touch and painful in my attempts to remove it.

If such a circumstance results in physical agony, then we begin to understand the spiritual dilemma of Satan's question. And obviously, the eternal impact his words created.

But this is his nature, to kill, steal and destroy. While the Word of God plants seeds of faith, the enemy plants seeds of distrust. Like going about daily life and normal tasks and it doesn't take much, but asking the question. The heart is pricked, the crack in the mind is found. And he keeps touching the infected and irritated area.

If it's not taken care of so it can heal, it will be a long-term problem, ever growing worse. I know, I'm talking to myself now. Someone is reading this, yelling at their screen for me to get this sliver out of my finger!

And I'm asking you to pray with me, that pastors will not go so long when slivers of doubt are planted in them as they lead the people of God.

Therefore, pray this #seniorPastorMonday, that the slivers of doubt would indeed be quickly removed. May they not create such an irritation to become a problematic hindrance to the ministry of the church. Pray for wise counsel during this time; that any legitimate questions and concerns would be answered and resolved, whether by the Word of God, or prayer or conversation. Pray for the guarding of the hearts and minds, for no Christian or pastor is immune from spiritual attack. May such moments neither derail nor destroy their life, faith or ministry; but they would overcome and remind the enemy of both his proper place and his future destiny.

The foe is already defeated
Our confidence is steadfast and firm
In the Lord our God
As we call upon the name above all names.

- PNC

If you've listened to Dave Ramsey for any length of time, you've heard him give some very basic advice, particularly when it comes to investing. And it's great advice for a wide variety of other areas of life as well, but it's this...

Don't put your money in things you don't understand.

The investment can be dangerous. We've all heard the horror stories, or been the victim in the story. I trusted the guy who said he knew what he was doing... and yeah; I wish I hadn't.

I know... you've been reading for 30 seconds and you're wondering what this has to do with ministry and pastoral burnout. Well, Dave recently expounded on that concept and applied it on a grander, more impactful scale. His $200 million business which employs over 600 people. It's an incredible story.

But he shared on the air recently, that there's a lot that he doesn't understand. Like technology. But if he's sitting in a meeting where he's being asked to make an investment... it's his money. If somebody can't explain it with some degree of clarity and understanding so that Dave can see it's value and understand long-term what it will accomplish, then it's probably not happening.

While senior pastors are people of the Word and study the Word is their primary responsibility is to deliver the Word, I think there are many churches who have gotten into trouble over the years for the same reason that many businesses have gone under and many families have gotten into trouble.

Decisions have been made that cost us dearly. Emotionally. Mentally. With our time, resources and connections. And yes, with our wallets and checkbooks. All because someone pulled a fast one us that we didn't see coming. Because we were rushed into the decision making process; whether through fear or an "immovable deadline". Perhaps it was peer-pressure or group-think.

Somehow, some way; the ability to exercise discernment and restraint usually has a bigger payoff than the initial presentation of information leads us to believe actually exists. And when it is not exercised, it costs us... in our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Relational. Financial. Ministerial.

Get burned bad enough and you'll be burnt out for a while.

So... let's pray this #seniorPastorMonday for wisdom. And discernment. Pray for the situations and circumstances that call for their attention, demand their understanding and even more, require their decision. May God grant them the ability to understand that which doesn't come naturally. Pray God would help them to surround themselves with those who will give them wise counsel and direction, as well as guard them from attack and plunder. Pray they would not fear regret nor mistakes because they were rushed or convinced into a decision in which peace and understanding was absent from the process.

May the leadership be wise as serpents
And harmless as doves.
Faithful in ministry;
And protected from those who would desire to derail and destroy it.
For the advancement of the kingdom of Heaven.

- PNC

I don't know about you, but I keep finding myself somewhat in awe, of just how many #seniorPastorMonday posts are prompted by something that was said during a Sunday morning service. I don't plan it or intend it to work out that way; I just keep an open mind that perhaps a unique perspective might come from the pulpit.

That said, Pastor started a new series on what God mean when He said "church". Specifically, He was talking about building the church and the distinction between the original use of the word.

Jesus was talking about building the church as the people of God, or "Ecclesia" rather than "kirch", which is church as the institution.

And you don't have to look very far, even in Jesus time to understand the difference. His conversations and interactions with the Pharisees and religious leaders should tell you all you need to know between one's focus of church in terms of the people and relationships versus church as known by its building, traditions, theology, dogma and so forth.

The latter is why so many people have a problem with the "church" in these modern times. The problems that people focus on don't revolve around those who are building relationships and community to share the Gospel and the love of Christ, but rather what's wrong with the institution and it's traditions; the religious exercises and contradictions between theology and religious practice. And somewhere in the middle of all of that, people have gotten hurt and offended and upset, resulting in wanting nothing to do with "organized religion".

Yet, the most basic "organization" of the Ecclesia form of church, is God's promise that where two or more are gathered in His name, He will be in their midst. You could have "church" in your favorite coffee shop today as you read this and pray for pastors! And iced coffee is awesome, by the way... you should try it.

There was so much in this sermon that was on point... it was just that good. But as we go to prayer, Pastor pointed out that the landscape of our nation and indeed our world, is filled with beautiful, amazing structures called Church. At one time filled with the people of God. And for whatever reason, at some point, there was a shift... when it became less about the gathering of God's people and instead, something to do. Less about relationship and instead religious practice. Tradition instead of compassion. Protection instead of engagement.

Now they sit dormant... a remnant of the kingdom of God, instead of vibrant, active community of believers with an incredible history of service for the cause of Jesus Christ.

Thus, on this #seniorPastorMonday, pray for the open churches of today. May their focus be and remain on being "Ecclesia". Pray especially for those pastors and churches that are perhaps on the verge of making a dangerous transition; where religious practice and tradition are dominating the conversation and experience. For those that are struggling to see a fresh and miraculous move of God, pray for a revelation of what needs to be changed. Pray for a return to knowing God and having a fresh revelation of who He is and who He has called the community of believers to exemplify. May church not simply be a gathering or an activity, but pray that it would an experience where people seek the face of God and see Christ in those around them. Not something to do, but an opportunity to engage in relationship with both God and man.

For we are called not to do church,
But to be the church.
For it is in being the church,
To which people were added daily.
It is God who builds it
For His glory.

- PNC

I heard the sad story over the weekend, and not even the complete one at that, of closed doors.

We've all experienced closed doors. Opportunities that were on the horizon, being chased after, even being lived out. Then one leads to another and the opportunity is gone and the door is closed.

We pray against burnout; we pray for the effectiveness of church and their ministry and the ability for a congregation to impact their community. But it doesn't always work out.

The dreams and the visions and hopes don't always align with reality and for any number of reasons, a church closes it's doors.

And you could still hear the loss and the heartache in the voice of a pastor, who without going into any specific details, relayed that has part of his reality and experience. And my heart breaks with him.

It's hard to fathom and yet for as often as it happens, we never hear about it, much less get any advance warning as if something could be done to help keep the doors open. And while God does work things out for good, even amidst loss and sorrow, it doesn't change the reality of shattered hopes and dreams for those who wanted to change their community through the ministry of the church. Even when it opens opportunity for ministry elsewhere, it remains a sad piece of the story.

So, on this #seniorPastorMonday, pray for those pastors who have experienced the pain of closing church doors. May God give them strength, even after the loss, whether it be recent or long ago. Pray God would use them for effective ministry as well; that opportunities would be made available beyond what they thought possible. Pray for healing and restoration; for there is a grief and an agony that accompanies such circumstances. May the reality of the circumstance be an opportunity for God to work the miraculous, rather than the enemy to gain a foothold of defeat and destruction in their heart, mind and soul. Finally, pray for an awareness; that communities and churches would desire the doors to remain open and have opportunity to help out long before it becomes to late.

For the sovereign hand of God
Opens doors that no man can shut
As much as He shuts doors that cannot be opened.
For His glory, by His will.

- PNC

So the final game of March Madness is tonight. And man, what a crazy couple of weeks in the world of college basketball. I don't normally follow much of it, but for some reason, this year I did. But every match-up has been covered in a shroud of conversation, which always includes a discussion of the "odds-on favorite" as the pundits and prognosticators make their predictions.

This final game, is no different.

But it got me thinking about the conversation that goes on when pastors prepare to take on a new church or ministry project that involves a making a serious move or transition from their current post.

I've had trouble deciding which job to take when there has been more than option on the table! Yet, ministry opportunities about and many pastorate seats are needing to be filled at any given time. I'm certain the conversation is given more thought, debate and prayer than the game-day commentators, but I still can't help but wonder, given the preference of options, is one position more desirable than other?

Among the choices, is there a preferred, "odds-on favorite"?

I know God works in mysterious ways. I know often times, Pastors just know, where there supposed to go and when. But what if they don't? What it takes time? What if it takes longer than anticipated? What if, as the course of the game progresses, things don't go as planned?

Pray, this #seniorPastorMonday, for those seeking God's direction on the court and course of their ministry. May God lead and guide them to the specifics of where He has ordained for them to go. Pray for wisdom as the conversation progresses and strength to endure when things don't go as planned. May they not be derailed or detoured when things get frustrating or stressful; but may there remain a quiet confidence in the calling God has placed upon their lives.

For in the kingdom of God
There is no winning or losing.
Only faithful service
To the cause of Jesus Christ
For the glory of God.

- PNC

33 years in... well, 33 minutes.

That was the sentiment pastor shared yesterday in the opening statements of his message; to convey 33 years of experience condensed in a morning message. Or 33 minutes for the sake of phraseology.

He was talking about how we are an imperfect people and yet, in we are made perfect in Christ as we grow in our revelation and knowledge of who He is. And that is a process that takes time. As another pastor friend of mine always says, whenever you read the Word, the Word reads you.

But, it really is true. The revelation of God is an evolving process. His infinite existence. Our finite minds. I don't need explain further. As life unfolds, our understanding expands. Pastor pointed how true this is, in the story of the woman caught in adultery. When Jesus asks for him who was without sin to cast the first stone, we are told that one by one, her accusers left. Starting with the oldest among them.

Why? Perspective that leads to wisdom. And the words of Christ turning the mirror upon their very souls. The recognizable problem of their own condition was more apparent to those who had been around longer; the younger, naturally, took a little longer.

I say all of that to say, I continue to be amazed at the direction and process of pastors in navigating the steps of what to preach and when and the changes that occur along the way. Not knowing who might be in church, nor what they are going through... so much goes unknown.

There's an art to public speaking. And for the most part, the speaker knows the topic and the audience has an expectation of the topic. Preaching on the other hand, really is a divine ordeal. The unseen hand of God arranging circumstances and events in peoples lives, in such a way as to be open to hear the Word of God, or closed and yet changed by the Holy Spirit as the Word is delivered. Conviction. Grace. Love. Hope. Restoration. The range of experiences, perspectives and understandings that people leave with, from the same sermon is utterly incredible.

It'd be easy for a pastor to get caught up in sharing whatever they feel like on any given Sunday, as much as it would be for me to write these posts. But I think we could all agree, in these last days, we truly need pastors to continually be seeking the face of God as they prepare for every message and devotional.  They may not fit their 33 years of experience in the time allotted for the sermon or service, but they can fill those "33 minutes" with the revelation of God through His Word.

Pray, this #seniorPastorSunday, that such would be the case in every service and opportunity. May they continually seek the face of God and share that which He has imparted and revealed to them through prayer and study. Pray an awareness in their lives, for their church and community; that they would know what to present and when as they trust the hand of God and the power of the Holy Spirit to be at work in their ministry and congregation.

That we not trust our own intuition
But solely on the sovereignty of God
And the prompting of the Holy Spirit,
For it is not our experience that matters,
But God's purposes being carried out
In those whose lives are wholly His.

- PNC

Yesterday's message on the story of blind Bartimaeus was a powerful... to say the least. But one element stood out; as it usually does. The message, by the way, came from a high-energy man who happens to be the Under Sheriff for the county! So, it was a pretty cool service, indeed.

There's much that is amazing about his story, but this was the capturing moment. Christ' own disciples tried to silence him when he called out to Jesus. But Bartimaeus called out louder.

As we've talked many times before, we see just how hard of a time people are having with the truth. Hearing it, receiving it, responding to it. And sharing it.

Bartimaeus calls out, yells out... screams out. Without conviction. Refusing to be silenced. Sure, he needed something from Jesus. But more importantly, something resonated in his spirit, that he knew He needed to respond. And of course, Christ responds to him.

Truth matters. If for no other reason, as once shared in an episode of the West Wing, it's the easiest thing to remember.

But more importantly, we're dealing in spiritual matters. Lives hang in the balance, here on Earth, certainly. Even more so, they hang in the balance for the sake of eternity as well.

My schedule in writing these posts has been thrown off late, and while I knew this was the topic for the day, writing this later in the day has it's advantage... for before doing so, a link appeared in my social media newsfeed.

A megachurch Baptist Pastor in Harlem, whose congregation has grown from 350 to over 10,000 in the past 14 years now speaks that it's "insanity" to believe Jesus is the only way.

What are we doing, if we are not speaking the truth?

With conviction. Beyond the voice of the critics and those who attempt to silence those who speak it... even those within the church. Our pastors need prayer. Our churches need help. And a lost and dying world is crying out... and we if we are not responding with the cries of truth; then why respond at all?

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray that pastors would speak and declare truth. Pray that they would know, understand and preach the WHOLE counsel of God. Not the part that is loving and accepting, not the emotionally comforting, not the pleasant, politically correct; but the WHOLE TRUTH of God's Word. Pray for a spirit of wisdom and discernment in all circumstances and conversations. May the word be revealed anew and afresh as they study, pray and devote themselves to God.

For His Word is truth.
A lamp to our feet;
A light to our path.
That leads us to the cross of Christ.
For the glory of God.

- PNC