“Every anxiety in your life is an invitation to draw near to God.” – Jonny Ardavanis

I’m drawn to coaches and leaders who are humble in victory. They don’t need to puff themselves up or boast in their accomplishments…they let the results speak for themselves. There’s a quiet confidence and security there that’s rare and refreshing. It sets them apart.

If you haven’t done it in awhile (or ever) find a good systematic theology and read through it slowly over time…thoughtfully, prayerfully, worshipfully. Meditate deeply on the character and work of God. It will be so good for your soul.

"Live slowly enough to be able to think deeply about God." - J.I. Packer

Happy Thanksgiving to all my pastor friends…thank you for your faithfulness in serving the Lord and His people! Here is a short episode Clifton and I did to encourage you on this day! Thanksgiving Special: 5 Things Every Pastor Should be Thankful For https://t.co/I5en9FFiHK via

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. - Psalm 9:1

As pastors, may we never imagine ourselves to be a big deal. God doesn’t need us, but in His grace He chooses to use us for the few short years we have to steward on this earth. After all, every pastor is an interim pastor…some of our interims are just longer than others. There

A random thought from one SBC pastor to my fellow SBC pastor friends. I’ve been thinking…if we are going to see greater levels of cooperation between us, between pastors and churches in the SBC…planting new congregations, revitalizing and replanting struggling congregations,

One of the reasons I believe so strongly in church replanting is I have seen SO much amazing, Spirit-produced fruit over the past 10 years through replanting. Last night was just one more example. Let me tell you about these two great guys, Roy and Henry. I have to share this

I love the local church. Tonight we celebrated something truly special…God raising up two new deacons at Calvary La Junta. Congratulations, Roy and Henry! Grateful for the way the Lord continues to provide faithful leaders. Please join me in praying that these brothers will

This day is a gift from our kind and gracious God who alone is worthy of all our praise. Let’s worship Him, Church!

Paul writes in 2 Timothy 4:10... “Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me.” Somehow, slowly, quietly, subtly, Demas’ love for the world replaced his love for Christ. He didn’t fall in a moment…he drifted over time. And brothers and sisters, his story warns

Something we all need to be reminded of regularly...the Body of Christ is bigger than our tribe. And that’s a good thing. One of the greatest gifts the Lord has given me over the years in ministry is friendships with pastors and ministries outside my own circles. Different

Just got off the phone with a young pastor who is shepherding his first congregation, a flock of 19 in a small, rural community. His love for Christ and love for the people he is pastoring was so evident. I loved hearing his joy and hope for what the Lord is going to do in this

Effective church revitalization is both spiritual and strategic. Revitalization is never just about plans, programs, or new ideas…it is first and foremost a work of God’s Spirit in God’s people. Without prayer, repentance, reorientation around the gospel, and a fresh dependence

There are many hurting, discouraged, and lonely people you will meet today (and everyday). Let me encourage you to slow down, keep an eye out for them, and then build them up in some way…an encouraging word, pray for them, give them a hug, etc. May we show the kindness of

One of the most faithful and fruitful ministries I know of, focused on equipping and encouraging pastors, is Practical Shepherding. Led by my great friend, Brian Croft, this ministry is a gift to pastors and churches around the world. Please pray for this ministry and check out