November

Jeffrey O. Brown

To stay or not to stay: that is the autumn question. To the promise of spring (ap­­proximately ages 20–35) and the pressure of summer (approximately ages 35–50), also add the problems of autumn (approximately ages 50–65), when ministry reaches a tipping point. Autumn means harvest, yet the expectation of fruit is sadly replaced by “nothing but leaves” (Matt. 21:19, AMP). Unresolved childhood issues are compounded by professional underachievement and managerial… Continue reading...

Ramon J. Canals

Have you ever asked, What does the ideal church look like? As a young pastor, I had an idea of the perfect church. I left seminary with a mental picture of such a church, and I even identified the church. I did not tell anyone, but secretly I hoped to become the pastor of that church. I began to think of all the things I could do with a church like that. I was coveting the largest and most influential church in the conference, but I was sent to the smallest church… Continue reading...

Summit attendees at Burman University. Photo: Evaldo Vicente Pastors across Canada meet to be restored and empowered Alberta, Canada The gentle hum of summer life was altered at Burman University, Alberta, Canada, during the first weekend of July as hundreds gathered on the campus. It began weeks and months out as the organizing team started preparing for the soon arrival of 300 pastors from across Canada, with the visitors totaling 500 people, including… Continue reading...

Rodney Anthony Palmer

Preaching to a Divided Nation is an excellent resource that provides not only valuable insights into the many polarizations and divisions that confront society but also a theologi-cal template that preachers can use to aid them in fostering healing and reconciliation in their congregations. Kim and Hoffman provide preachers with a seven-step model that serves as best practices for the faithful biblical proclamation of Jesus’ love and healing in “a world divided… Continue reading...

Kenneth Crawford

One morning, I awoke well before sunrise, rushed out the door, and was at my seven o’clock Rotary meeting on time. By eight-thirty, I was involved in discussing fundraising techniques at the office. By nine o’clock, I had switched to a counseling ap--pointment then finished the morning by fielding numerous phone calls, answering emails, sending memos, and working through a family health crisis with a parishioner. After eating a quick brown-bag lunch with my head… Continue reading...