Articles

Faith When It’s Difficult

The past couple of weeks remind us why our souls long for heaven. Shootings and fires. Grief and worry. The list feels long, and this is difficult. As those made in the image of God, we look at this and know this isn’t how it…

Use Your Voice

We all have talents and skills. Some of us are musicians, artists, bakers, cooks, handy with tools, and more. We all have strengths and gifts. Some of us can teach with clarity and authority, lead worship with joy and passion, provide administrative support with vision…

Ever Feel Like There’s Not Enough?

I have a confession to make about a birthday party I threw for my oldest son 5 years ago. It was his first birthday, I was a new mom, and serving in ministry full time. For his birthday party, we chose an airplane theme, and…

The Biggest Battle You Face

It’s not a lack of volunteers. Although, it can definitely feel like it when they are all on vacation. The biggest battle I see leaders facing today is this: the battle for your faith. In life and in ministry, we juggle multiple roles, responsibilities, and…

What Great Leaders Know (and how you can do those things this week)

About 40 years ago in Colorado, a few children’s ministry leaders serving faithfully in their communities had a realization. They needed each other. Sure, they could probably white-knuckle through the journey of shepherding kids and families for a bit, but not for the long haul….

Advent Week 4: God With Us Always

Matthew 1:23 (KJV) | Isaiah 7:14 | Matthew 28:18-20 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, “God with us.” “and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I…

Advent Week 3: Racing Toward the End

Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus,…

Advent Week 2: Candy Hearts, Broken Hearts, Rescued Hearts

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight…

Advent Week 1: Stuck In The Middle With You

“Come quickly, Lord Jesus.” This phrase of longing is one I seem to be hearing a lot lately. The daily news reports feel more depressing than informative, tragic rather than triumphant, deterioration instead of progress. Isn’t there any good in the world to talk about?…