Recently one of the necessary parts of the missions process is the 'mission board' or 'missions agency'. There are big ones, small ones, mission boards that are very connected, and missions clearinghouses that basically offer no accountability at all, just a financial framework for the missions giving.

What is the Biblical model ? Can we adapt a more Biblical model in the day and age that we live? I think the answer is yes…and I am excited to talk to a pastor that seems to be gearing his ministry to follow that model of missions.

How should we react when we are confronted with ideas and beliefs that we disagree with? Become angry? Belligerent? Abusive? …or do we withdraw? Should I dismiss any position that I don’t agree with?

Or…is it profitable to sit down with those you disagree with (believers) and have a real discussion, correctly termed a debate? Not an argument, but a civilized back and forth that considers the accuracy of positions and points out fallacy or mis-interpretation. Is debate within the body of Christ profitable or dangerous…that is our topic for discussion today.

Building strong relationships with the parents of the kids in your church…it doesn’t come naturally. It takes work and dedication to gain influence with church families, and it is influence that you will want in your youth ministry!

In today’s episode we will be talking with Attorney David Gibbs III about an issue that affects many pastors and clergy across the nation…the minister’s housing allowance. How will recent ruling affect pastors? Is this something to be concerned about? That is our topic on this episode of Let’s Talk Church.

There is a balance in ministry that we often don’t talk about…its balancing the pros and cons of criticism. This isn’t unique to the pastorate, however I think that the way pastors sometimes respond is unique to the pastoral position. Just from my observation, I think that sometimes pastors feel as if they stand above criticism. Other times, criticism can be crippling and severely limit a pastor’s ability to minister to his congregation. What is the balance?

When God calls you to a ministry, it is easy to become excited about making changes and giving the ministry a clear direction. However, in that circumstance, you are always the new guy. You are new to the church, new to the area…sometimes there are dynamics at play within the church that it takes time to understand. If you go in to quickly, making sweeping changes (that might be good changes), you might cause more damage that good!

What software do you use for you sermon study? I personally use Accordance and Logos, though I have also used SwordSearcher and eSword as well in the past. Are you getting the most out of your digital study platform? In this episode we talk about digital study tools for pastors and church leaders.

I know we don't like to talk about this topic but it needs to be discussed. Anxiety and discouragement can really take hold of a pastor and could easily lead to depression. In this episode, I talk with Pastor Greg Wilmore and he shares his testimony of medically induced depression and how God has brought him through those hard times.

Ministry can be a very delicate balancing act that works wonderfully when balanced well but can have catastrophic results in both the home and ministry when unbalanced. In this episode, Pastor Thomas Overmiller, Pastor Dennis Wilkening and Pastor DJ Harry discuss the balance that is needed in a pastors busy life.

Pastoring a country church comes with its own set of unique circumstances that take adjustment and patience. Through our experience pastoring rural churches, Neal and I talk about the wonderful blessings and deep relationships that can come through pastoring in a rural community.