Counterfeit Courage

Have you ever noticed how people will say things on the internet or in an email that they would never say to your face? Before I continue, let me make a point. I’m not replying to anybody on my blog. I’m not getting back at anyone. I’m not responding to a problem (that would be ironic wouldn’t it). I’m just making an observation. People say things on Twitter and Facebook, in blogs and emails, that they would never say to your face.

Jesus says in Matthew 5:37, “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’” In other words, be a man or woman of your word. Don’t say things about someone online that you wouldn’t say to their face. Here are two questions to ask so you can avoid counterfeit courage.  Continue reading

Four Ways to Deal With Criticism

No one likes to be criticized. But if you’re a leader, it comes with the territory. Be a big boy, accept it and learn how to handle it. Some guys try to avoid criticism by cowering in the corner. They hesitate. They vacillate. They never make a decision. Guess what? They’re still criticized for being spineless leaders. That’s not the route to take.

For me it’s important to accept reality. If you’re a leader, you will face criticism. Sometimes criticism is justified, sometimes it’s not. Either way, you need to learn how to deal with it. Here are four simple ways to deal with criticism. Continue reading

How to Grow as a Leader

I don’t want to anger any of my seminary professors or cerebral friends so I’ll go ahead and say it. I’m not minimizing doctrine and theology. Please don’t think that’s the case. Proper doctrine and effective leadership are friends, not enemies. You need proper doctrine and a good method to deliver that doctrine. So, a big part of pastoring is leading. Isn’t that what a shepherd is supposed to do?

While this list is nowhere close to exhaustive, here are six ways to grow as a pastor and a leader. Continue reading

Five Reasons I’m Grateful for the SBC

I have been a Southern Baptist for most of my life and for all of my ministry. While I was “brought” into the SBC by my family at a young age, I have chosen to remain for many reasons. Not the least of which I enumerated here.

Unlike many of my peers, I’ve never been a “young” pastor at odds with my convention. I affirm our theology, acknowledge our diversity, and appreciate our missiology. Having attended the Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention this past week in New Orleans, I was reminded of five reasons I’m grateful for the SBC.

1. The election of Fred Luter

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