RESOURCING THE CALL<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FINANCIAL PLANNING<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Budget to Advance the Vision!<\/a>\u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Strategies for Increasing Giving <\/a>– 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ministerial Housing Allowance <\/a>\u2014The 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n GREAT QUOTES<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Great Quotes for Life and Ministry<\/a> \u2014 Words have power. Used well, they motivate, influence, inspire, guide, and sustain us\u2014especially 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Illustrations and Stories<\/a> \u2014 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\u2019ve added a collection of illustrations and stories designed to inspire, challenge, and enhance your sermons and help you bring the Scripture to life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n MINISTRY IDEAS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n More than Flowers <\/a>— Ideas for remembering Mother’s Day. With the right heart and intentional planning, Mother\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n THE ART OF PREACHING<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Articles to help those who preach accomplish their call.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Pulpit and the Cross<\/a> – This article explores how preaching is designed not to elevate the preacher, but to crucify the ego. When the pulpit becomes a place of surrender rather than performance, Christ is exalted and grace flows freely to His people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keepin’ It Real<\/a> — Guiding principles for using personal experiences in sermons<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Purpose of Preaching<\/a> — Discover the clear and valued purpose to proclaiming the truth that transforms lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n WEDDING CEREMONIES & PREPARATION<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ministering Through Marriage: A Leadership Perspective on Officiating Weddings<\/a> – Officiating a wedding is more than delivering a script\u2014it\u2019s guiding a couple into a sacred covenant before God. Whether you\u2019re new to officiating or looking to refresh your approach, this resource includes key principles\u2014and a full sample ceremony\u2014to help you lead with confidence and care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n WEDDING CEREMONY – #1<\/a> \/ WEDDING CEREMONY – #1 — (PDF)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n WEDDING PLANNING QUESTIONNAIRE<\/a> – This resource is a practical, pastor-designed tool to help ministers plan a Christ-centered wedding ceremony in partnership with the couple. It guides the couple through a pre-wedding conversation designed to cover all essential spiritual and logistical details (including Scripture, vows, music, prayers, ceremony flow, and legal requirements).<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n FUNERAL SERVICES & PREPARATION<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking Life in the Shadow of Death<\/a> – A Shepherd\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pre-Funeral Service Questionnaire<\/a> – This helps ministers compassionately gather meaningful insights from grieving families to create a personalized and honoring service. It includes a structured Pre-Sermon Questionnaire<\/strong> and suggested funeral and graveside service orders<\/strong>, blending Scripture, reflections, music, and prayer to offer comfort and hope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n LEADERSHIP & STAFF DEVELOPMENT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Articles, conference resources, and teachings designed to assist the local church in the development of ministry teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your Identity and Calling<\/a> — 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Seven Keys to Longevity in Ministry<\/a> \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Three Most Important Decisions A Leader Will Make<\/a> – Great leaders make wise decisions\u2014but 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be Humble or Be Humbled <\/a>– True leadership follows Christ\u2019s example of humility\u2014choosing to serve others rather than seeking power, knowing that God exalts the humble and humbles the proud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Building A Team<\/a> – Character Matters. The goal isn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Adding to the Team<\/a> – A Pastor\u2019s Guide to Hiring Ministry Staff. There comes a time in every growing ministry when you realize\u2014you can\u2019t do it all alone. This article helps navigate the process of hiring within the local church. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Before<\/u><\/span><\/font> You Hire <\/a>– 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n INSIGHT, COMMENTARY, & WORD STUDIES<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Discover the Word (Word study – John 1:1-3)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In John 1:1-3<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dwelt among us (Word Study – John 1:14)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n in John 1:14<\/strong>, The apostle John describes the close and personal encounter Christ had with his people when he states, \u201cAnd the Word became flesh and dwelt among us\u2026\u201d<\/em> John emphasizes the fact that in Christ, God manifested a himself and came near.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Created and Sustained (Word Study – Colossians 1:17)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In Colossians 1:17<\/strong>, the phrase “In him all things hold together,” <\/em>employs the Greek word \u03c3\u03c5\u03bd\u03af\u03c3\u03c4\u03b7\u03bc\u03b9 (synist\u0113mi). This term is rich in meaning and plays a crucial role in understanding the theological implications of the verse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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