RESOURCING THE CALL
FINANCIAL PLANNING
Budget to Advance the Vision!— A ministry budget is more than numbers. It is a tool that funds your mission and advances the vision God has given your church. This article will help you prepare a strong, healthy, and strategic church and ministry budget.
Strategies for Increasing Giving – A healthy culture of generosity is essential for sustaining impactful ministry and fulfilling the mission of the local church. These eleven (practical) strategies help leaders inspire, equip, and engage their congregations in faithful and joyful stewardship.
Ministerial Housing Allowance —The Ministerial Housing Allowance can feel complex, but it does not have to be. It is one of the most valuable tax benefits available to ministers, and it should be used wisely and correctly. In this resource, I walk you through the essential steps to calculate and request your housing allowance from your governing board. You will also find helpful links to worksheets and templates that will guide you through the process with confidence.
GREAT QUOTES
Great Quotes for Life and Ministry — Words have power. Used well, they motivate, influence, inspire, guide, and sustain us—especially in ministry. A timely quote can speak to the heart, clarify vision, or stir courage in the face of challenge. This collection of great quotes is designed to encourage and equip those who lead, serve, and shepherd others.
Illustrations and Stories — Stories have a way of shaping our hearts. If you’re looking for new, strong, compelling illustrations for your next message, you can find them here. I’ve added a collection of illustrations and stories designed to inspire, challenge, and enhance your sermons and help you bring the Scripture to life.
MINISTRY IDEAS
More than Flowers — Ideas for remembering Mother’s Day. With the right heart and intentional planning, Mother’s Day can become a meaningful moment to present the gospel, reach the unchurched, and reveal the love of Christ through the warmth of your congregation.
THE ART OF PREACHING
Articles to help those who preach accomplish their call.
Keepin’ It Real — Guiding principles for using personal experiences in sermons
The Purpose of Preaching — Discover the clear and valued purpose to proclaiming the truth that transforms lives.
WEDDING CEREMONIES & PREPARATION
Ministering Through Marriage: A Leadership Perspective on Officiating Weddings – Officiating a wedding is more than delivering a script—it’s guiding a couple into a sacred covenant before God. Whether you’re new to officiating or looking to refresh your approach, this resource includes key principles—and a full sample ceremony—to help you lead with confidence and care.
FUNERAL SERVICES & PREPARATION
Speaking Life in the Shadow of Death – A Shepherd’s Guide to Funeral Ministry: Funerals are sacred opportunities to honor the deceased, comfort the grieving, and proclaim the hope of the gospel by offering the peace and assurance found in Christ. Through personal reflection, compassionate ministry, and a Christ-centered message, pastors can guide mourners toward the lasting hope of eternal life.
Pre-Funeral Service Questionnaire – This helps ministers compassionately gather meaningful insights from grieving families to create a personalized and honoring service. It includes a structured Pre-Sermon Questionnaire and suggested funeral and graveside service orders, blending Scripture, reflections, music, and prayer to offer comfort and hope.
LEADERSHIP & STAFF DEVELOPMENT
Articles, conference resources, and teachings designed to assist the local church in the development of ministry teams.
Your Identity and Calling — The call to preach is not just a role or position — it’s a sacred covenant you live out. Discover more by reading the seven commitments within this article.
Seven Keys to Longevity in Ministry — Discover the power of deep roots in ministry through this heartfelt reflection on the beauty, challenges, and lasting impact of staying faithful where God has planted you.
The Three Most Important Decisions A Leader Will Make – Great leaders make wise decisions—but some choices carry more weight than others. Discover the three most critical decisions you’ll ever make in life and ministry, and learn how these foundational choices can unlock the abundant life Jesus promises, deepening your joy and multiplying your impact.
Be Humble or Be Humbled – True leadership follows Christ’s example of humility—choosing to serve others rather than seeking power, knowing that God exalts the humble and humbles the proud.
Building A Team – Character Matters. The goal isn’t just to find people to fill positions but to cultivate a group of individuals who will serve in unity and purpose. So, what should you look for in a team member? This article addresses some of the key traits to look for in team members.
Adding to the Team – A Pastor’s Guide to Hiring Ministry Staff. There comes a time in every growing ministry when you realize—you can’t do it all alone. This article helps navigate the process of hiring within the local church.
Before You Hire – Hiring a new team member is one of the most important decisions a pastor or church can make. This article will help you navigate the process with wisdom, protecting your church while positioning your new staff member for lasting success.
INSIGHT, COMMENTARY, & WORD STUDIES
Discover the Word (Word study – John 1:1-3)
In John 1:1-3, John the apostle identifies Jesus as the “Word.” In doing so, he points to his divine nature, noting that he is the eternal creator, eternal God, and is completely divine. He is the messiah, the son of God, and the salvation of all mankind.
Dwelt among us (Word Study – John 1:14)
in John 1:14, The apostle John describes the close and personal encounter Christ had with his people when he states, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” John emphasizes the fact that in Christ, God manifested a himself and came near.
Created and Sustained (Word Study – Colossians 1:17)
In Colossians 1:17, the phrase “In him all things hold together,” employs the Greek word συνίστημι (synistēmi). This term is rich in meaning and plays a crucial role in understanding the theological implications of the verse.
Rooted In Christ (Word Study – Colossians 2:6)
In Colossians 2:6, the phrase “just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,” uses the Greek word “παρελάβετε” (parelabete) to convey the idea of accepting Christ by FAITH into our lives. This would include the acceptance of His divine presence, His love, His grace, His teaching, and His sacrificial act upon the cross — into our lives.
Watchful Obedience (Word Study – Joshua 1:7-9)
In Joshua 1:7-9 we are reminded that following God isn’t just about knowing His Word — it’s about living it out. In this passage we are given the phrase “observe to do” (shamar la’asot). These words (and their unique pairing together, form a key biblical pattern repeated throughout the Old Testament. It is a process that begins with paying close attention to God’s instruction, and then responding with intentional action.
Guardians of the Flock
Even though this is an AI-generated video, the message is still powerful. It shows a shepherd stepping in to defend his flock from a wolf, courageously protecting what has been entrusted to his care. That is a vivid picture of pastoral ministry. Shepherding is more than preaching sermons, it also means protecting souls. God has entrusted pastors with the care of His people, and there are moments when we must confront spiritual danger, guard against deception, and stand firm against the enemy who comes “to steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10). As pastors we are called not only to feed the flock, but also to defend, guide, and faithfully watch over them — just as our Good Shepherd does for us.