The Homiletics Online Blog
Pastoral duties follow a cycle, but they’re pretty much nonstop. Preaching, shepherding and counseling are weighty demands — on top of family responsibilities and day-to-day stressors. Annual vacation time is a pleasant break from ministry responsibilities, but 2-3 weeks a year don’t offer enough opportunities for spiritual renewal and deep rest. A healthy church requires…
My wife and I moved to a new town a few years ago. Before we even settled in, a neighbor invited us to attend her church just down the street from our new home, and we received a friendly personal invitation from the church’s pastor. We have always gone to church (I’m a retired pastor)…
The decrease in people who identify as Christians seems to be leveling off, according to new research. That’s good news for pastors and ministry leaders — especially ahead of Easter, as we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. Although Lent just began, you probably have a solid plan in place for Holy Week worship schedules and…
Many pastors and congregants prefer consistency, but adjustments are sometimes needed to accommodate changing circumstances — including changes in worship times. You’re not alone if hearing that topic makes you cringe. Service schedules and worship styles can be a major source of friction in churches. But collaboration, effective communication and prayer can help pastors navigate…
Could your congregation use some renewal in the new year? Do church members and leaders need a fresh spark of resolve? If you’re looking for ways to re-energize your faith community (and yourself!), this is a great time to do it. January is ideal for reflection and new beginnings. In Revelation 21:5 (NRSV), Jesus proclaims…
Working on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day is common in many professions. But it’s a given for pastors, who lead and oversee worship services for church members and lots of visitors. With so many church tasks to prepare and manage, pastors might feel like their personal and family celebrations receive short shrift. Advent is a…
Thanksgiving is one of America’s most cherished holidays. For most people, the observance means traveling, family time, turkey and stuffing, pumpkin pie, football, and naps. Gratitude usually fits in somewhere, but giving thanks is often relegated to a brief prayer or blessing before the meal — or gratitude that traffic wasn’t worse. Some churches and…
Every autumn, churches and children’s ministry leaders begin conversations about Halloween and Christian alternatives to secular celebrations. While the broader culture eagerly participates in spooky festivities, pastors and Christian parents often wrestle with how to approach the season in ways that align with their faith. Halloween alternatives for churches let people have fun each fall…
Conversations about candidates and political issues can get heated during an election year. But civic engagement can — and should — remain civil. This is especially true when God’s people gather to worship, study and discuss Bible-based living. Church leadership and Christian congregants will likely have differing views. Political disagreements might even arise. So, during…
As summer wraps up, churches and ministries are busy gearing up for a new programming year. The approaching fall season offers fresh opportunities to re-engage and re-energize church members. It’s an ideal time to welcome new people, recruit volunteers, conduct community outreach and strengthen the church body. Your congregation might already kick off fall with…
