The Wall Street Journal recently reported that high schools are “ditching economics, giving priority to practical education.”

The reason?

“In a world of limited resources, state education departments are giving priority to the practical over the conceptual.”

I think this is a great move on the part of these schools. Students need to know how to manage money before they step into the proverbial “real world.”

This is the approach that I have taken to my teaching and preaching ministry, too. To be more practical than conceptual. To help men and women, teenagers, and boys and girls to leave on a Sunday with truth that will take them through the rest of the week (and hopefully the rest of their lives).

I’m afraid that many pastors forget they are preaching to people with 9-5 jobs, carpools, and overflowing schedules. They need to know how to follow Christ when the bills are due, the kids are sick, and the car just broke down.

When I say practical preaching, I am not discounting doctrine. Even challenging doctrine. What I’m advocating for is a simplicity in preaching that makes sense to the person sitting in the pew on any given Sunday. After all, we are preaching to regular folks, not seminary professors or Greek scholars!*

May I encourage you to do what J. Vernon McGee used to talk about: put the cookies on the lower shelf so they are easy to get to, especially for those who are younger in the faith.

Book Recommendation: Simplicity in Preaching by J. C. Ryle

*Unless you minister in a church near a seminary or Bible college

https://www.wsj.com/us-news/education/personal-finance-education-schools-852d8561?mod=djemCareers

Let’s talk about something that we don’t talk about enough - how we feel in ministry.

Pastors have feelings, too.

I grew up in a time and in a church background where feelings were not really discussed. I resonated with what David McCullough wrote about Truman and World War II:

The idea that Harry Truman made the decision to use the bomb against Japan and then went upstairs and went to sleep is an unfortunate myth for which he is largely accountable. I think he gave that impression because he came from a time and place in America where you were not supposed to talk about your troubles. “How are you?” “I’m fine.” You might be dying of some terrible disease–”I’m fine. And you?” He refused to ever talk about the weight of the decision except to say that he made it and that it was his responsibility.1

I think a lot of us pastors feel like Truman. We think that we’re not supposed to talk about our troubles. “How are you?” “I’m fine.” But we’re not. We’re actually weighed down with loads of unprocessed grief and hurt.

As I’ve reflected on my 28 years of ministry, I've realized I have had to deal with a lot of loss. As a pastor, it’s part of the package. When someone is dying, the family calls you. When it’s time for the funeral, you’re the one at the podium. You’re the one comforting the family. You must remain strong so that they can mourn.

In my current pastorate, I’ve literally buried an entire generation. These are more than church members; they are people that I have grown to love. The loss is real, and the hurt is deep, but my role is to minister. When this continues year after year, for decades, the emotional toll becomes heavy. At some point, all that grief must be dealt with.

In addition to dealing with death all the time, the minister must also deal with the loss of members. Very few pastors will minister for very long before someone they love, trust, and depend on disappears. They stop attending church and no longer return your texts. They “ghost you” as the saying goes today. And then you get word that they are attending another church down the road. You shouldn’t be upset, but you are. In reality, you are hurt. You feel rejection. Maybe betrayal.

While it’s true that we don’t own the sheep, we do grow attached to them. Sometimes it’s not that they “ghosted you,” but it’s simply that God has moved them to another city and job. They leave on good terms, but they still leave. The same holds true with the kids that you invest in who go to college and never return. You’re happy for them and their success, but there is still a feeling of loss.

To compound this further, let’s consider the ministry friends who cycle in and out of our lives. I grew up as an Evangelical Methodist. I eventually became a Baptist. When I did, I had people who turned against me. I remember one in particular who never spoke to me again. To make matters worse, these were people who invested in my life, “loved” me, and encouraged me. But the moment I followed the Lord’s will that led in a different direction, they “ghosted me,” and it hurt.

On top of all this grief and hurt, we must consider the personal disappointments that come in ministry. I doubt a stadium could hold all the pastors who wished their churches had grown significantly larger, but they didn’t. As far as they know, they did everything that they were supposed to, but the crowd remained meager in size.

Eventually, pastors realize that their lot in life will be to tend a small flock. The conference directors will not be calling them to be a headline speaker. There will be no book deals or sitting on the stage in the panel of experts. While we recognize that these desires may not be perfectly “right” or “pure,” they are still unrealized and cause pain and disappointment.

When you add up all of this grief, sorrow, pain, betrayal, and loss, it is a heavy load, indeed.

So, what are we to do?

How do we keep going in ministry when we are loaded down with so much pain?

Well, we do what we would counsel our members to do - we give it to Jesus.

We need to set aside time to process all of these negative emotions.

We need to bring each and every sorrow to the Lord and ask Him to help us and heal us.

1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV) casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Hebrews 4:15–16 (NKJV) 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

I’m not discounting other helps to healing that the Lord has graciously given us, but I do believe that coming to Him is key.

Psalm 34:17–18 (NKJV) 17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. 18 The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.

Psalm 147:3 (NKJV) He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds.

Mourning is a part of ministry, but not the totality of it. We need to come to Him and allow Him to turn our mourning into joy.

___________________

If you are dealing with serious depression or thinking of harming yourself, please seek help immediately. You can reach the confidential pastoral care line from NAMB & Focus on the Family at 1-844-PASTOR1

1 David McCullough, History Matters (New York, NY: Simon and Schuster, 2025), 88

Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest. Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things. Plant your seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon, for you don’t know if profit will come from one activity or another—or maybe both. Ecclesiastes 11:4-6 NLT

I have the privilege to pastor several farmers. There is even a field in my backyard. Farmers are hard-working individuals who are concerned with the weather. I know when we’re in a drought because it will become a prayer request at church. However, I also know that while farmers need certain types of weather to plant and harvest, they can’t wait for absolutely perfect weather. They plant when they can, and reap when they can. They work early to late, if need be. If they waited for perfect weather, there would be no crop.

This principle holds true in farming, but it also applies to life. If we waited for perfect conditions, no one would get married, have babies, get an education, or get a new job. Our “perfect conditions” never come.

I’m a recovering perfectionist. I can tell you that perfectionists like to wait until the “weather” is perfect before planting. That’s another way of saying that they procrastinate. All must be “right” before they even begin!

You can see how a mindset like that can be debilitating in ministry. When’s the last time things were “perfect” enough at church to launch that new class, build that addition, or even start that sermon series you’ve been thinking about for the past three years?

Yeah, that’s what I thought - NEVER!

My encouragement to you today is this: go ahead and step out in faith and do what the Lord is leading you to do. You don’t have to know all the details, have all the answers, or even understand all the questions that will arise.

Pray, fire up the tractor, and start planting…

I once went into a small town print shop to get prices.

The front of the shop was quite messy with piles of stuff around. When I asked, I had a very difficult time getting solid prices on printing. There was no brochure or printed price guide. All I came away with was their business card.

To make matters worse, they had taken a pen and marked out a phone number on the card! At a print shop!!

Needless to say, I’ve never been back.

This reminds me of the importance of being ready for people to walk through the door. This principle holds true in business, but also in the church.

Are you ready for guests to walk through your church doors?

What do they see, smell, and experience when they enter?

Do you have a way to welcome them, direct them, minister to them, and encourage them to return?

How about follow-up?

Let me encourage you to give some serious thought to this important part of ministry.

Even some simple steps can go a long way in encouraging them to return.

Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour. John 4:6 NKJV

John chapter six contains the beautiful story of Jesus and the Woman at the well. In our rush to get to the heart of this story, we may overlook the insight provided in verse six.

John tells us that Jesus was “wearied from His journey.” The CSB renders it “worn out from His journey.” It’s the same word used to describe the “hardworking farmer” in 1 Timothy 5:17, and Simon and his partners “toiling” while fishing all night and catching nothing in Luke 5:5.

Here in John 4, Jesus is “weary” from his journey. He’s tired. It’s a reminder that He is not only the Son of God, but also the Son of Man. It’s a glimpse of his “humanness.” While sinless, He’s perfectly human, and with that comes weariness and fatigue.

I’m writing this on a Monday. For a lot of pastors, Monday can be difficult. Sunday has come and gone, and it may not have turned out the way they hoped. And even if Sunday was a banner day, there is still the weariness from all the energy that’s been expended. The old joke is “Never quit on a Monday!” That’s still good advice, by the way.

I love this thought about Jesus being “wearied from His journey.” That's the way I’ve felt in recent months. Decades of ministry, coupled with completing a doctoral degree, have left me “weary in my journey.” Plus, I’m not as young as I used to be, so I don’t bounce back as quickly as I once did.

To restore my energy, I’m focusing on four areas in particular:

1. I’m being intentional about getting more sleep

2. I’m being intentional about not overloading my schedule

3. I’m being intentional about focusing on my primary calling and giftings

4. I’m being intentional about admitting my weakness to the Lord and asking for His strength

I guess I could summarize all these by saying I’m coming to grips with my own “humanness.”

I’m clinging to this truth: For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses…. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10 ESV

How about you? Do you need to make some adjustments to your life and schedule to recover from your weariness?

Why not start today?

Book Recommendation: The Unhurried Pastor

Stephen King said, “I write to find out what I think.”

While I doubt I share much else with King, we do share this.

Writing helps me to clarify my thinking. That’s really what this article is.

It all started when I received an email with this title: How To Create Your Dream Life (The Three-Year Version).

In the email, I was encouraged to write a letter to my future self. The example would produce this note:

Dear Rodney, I'm writing to you in September 2028. Here's what happened over the last three years: Then I’m to put my wealth, health, and relationship details… (I’m sure big numbers and grand things). See you on the other end. You got this! - Rodney

This got me thinking about my favorite Bible character, Joseph. Do you believe Joseph wrote a letter to his future self while he was in prison?

Dear Joe, I'm writing to you as you sit in the palace. You’re never going to believe what happened. One day, you’re serving in the dungeon, the next day, you’re driving a Lambo. You’re second only to Pharaoh. See you on the other end. You’ve got this! - Joe

It seems laughable, doesn’t it? And it would be, if it weren’t so sad.

The basic problem with all of this is the word “Your.”

“Your Dream Life.”

As believers, we don’t belong to ourselves. Paul told the Corinthians, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

While I believe we can make plans, dream dreams, have goals, and the like, we must always acknowledge God's control (James 4:13-17). Rather than writing a “wish list” to our future selves, we would be better served by growing in our faith.

I suggest we write a prayer list, instead.

The email I received: https://beyondproductivity.beehiiv.com/p/how-to-create-your-dream-life-the-three-year-vision

I watched a two-part documentary on the great coach Vince Lombardi. If you are an NFL fan, you already know that the highest prize, the Super Bowl Trophy, is named after him. While I was challenged by his dedication to his craft, the care for his players, and his determined commitment, I was also saddened by the toll that it took on him and his family.

He was rarely home, his wife became an alcoholic, his daughter hated the constant travel, and his son said that they didn’t have the greatest relationship. In the world’s eyes, Lombardi was a champion, but on the home front, he fumbled the ball. He died at the age of 57 from colon cancer.

Dear Ministry Leader, as the kids head back to school, the weather cools down, and you move into the Fall season at church, it’s a good time to do a check-up on how you’re doing on the home front.

Get honest before the Lord and ask Him to show you what needs to happen in your life and schedule to be the husband and father He desires for you to be.

Let’s make it our goal to be a true winner at work and at home!

I was shocked when I read the headline: AOL is finally shutting down dial-up.

What? People are still using dial-up internet?

I’m old enough to remember that distinct sound of connecting to the world through the telephone line. In fact, I chuckle at the thought that I used to drive monthly to a business to pay for my internet using a paper check!

According to the 2019 US Census, it was estimated that 265,000 people were still using dial-up!

Oh, there are so many ways we could go with this thought when it comes to ministry and church life, but I’m going to go in this direction – are YOU still using dial-up?

No, I’m not talking about your internet provider. I’m talking about the way you’re doing things in your life and ministry.

When was the last time you evaluated your routines, practices, and task management? Is there a smarter, more efficient way to accomplish what you need to do?

I recently moved to using the “Tasks” app on Google. I've been a die-hard Google Calendar fan for years (I’d pay to use it - but don’t tell them!), but I hadn’t done much with their Tasks Tool. Now that I’ve tried it, I love it! It syncs across all my devices, ties to my Google Calendar, and even reminds me so I don’t forget - and it’s all FREE! I've added a Projects section within it, too.

Let me encourage you to do what AOL did - take a step back and evaluate things.

What needs to change?

What needs to go?

What needs to remain exactly the same?

Remember, it’s 2025, not 1991!

Someone recently sent me this little poem by Gloria Pitzer:

Procrastination is my sin
It brings me naught but sorrow.
I know that I should stop it;
In fact, I will...tomorrow.

While this may bring a smile to our faces, it does address a serious subject.

Merriam-Webster says to procrastinate means “to put off intentionally and habitually.”

Often, procrastination carries a negative connotation. We keep putting off something that needs to happen: a doctor’s or dentist appointment, filing our taxes, or some other not-so-pleasant task. Sadly, some procrastinate themselves to an eternity apart from Christ! They hear the gospel, the Holy Spirit convicts them, but they keep putting it off.

While procrastination can be detrimental to our lives, it can also be helpful. I'm talking about what I like to call Planned Procrastination.

Planned procrastination is a key part of effective time management and productivity. Just because something needs to be done doesn't mean it needs to be done RIGHT NOW. Just doing whatever pops up at the moment is a recipe for failure in your priorities.

Jordan Raynor said it this way: Schedule according to priorities not proximity!

A doctoral program classmate of mine told me yesterday over lunch that he had started the program twice before. Why did he stop? Because his life circumstances changed, and he knew the timing was not right. The third time? Well, it was definitely a charm. He graduates in December.

The key to all of this is identifying what to focus on (Priorities) and what to defer (Planned Procrastination).

To help you decide, revisit your life mission, your season of life, your roles and responsibilities, and your current goals. Prayerfully ask the Lord for wisdom and direction. And don’t procrastinate on that which is most important!

Now, what do you do with those deferred items? Keep them on a list - you can call it whatever you like (Deferred Tasks, To Do Later, Someday Stuff, or Items I'm Procrastinating On). If certain items are time sensitive, put a reminder in your calendar to revisit them.

I hope that you now understand that sometimes procrastination is harmful, and sometimes it’s helpful. The key is to stay on the right side.

As a train enthusiast, the news made me a bit sad: The Royal Train will be decommissioned.

According to the article in Town & Country Magazine, “A royal train has been used by the British monarchy since the reign of Queen Victoria, who was a fan of rail travel. Her successor King Edward VII ordered a new train in the model of the Royal Yacht. In 1977, British Rail built new carriages for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip to mark her Silver Jubilee. The current Royal Train consists of nine carriages: seven royal and two support vehicles.”

The train travel is coming to a close, primarily due to financial constraints. It simply costs too much to travel by rail. According to T&C, “In the last financial year, the royal accounts cited two journeys taken on the Royal Train by the King. One, in May 2024, cost £33,147 and another, in February 2025, cost £44,822.” Times change and costs rise. The royal yacht was decommissioned in 1997.

If the royals need to change the way they do things, perhaps we should take a look at our own lives as well. While this could apply to a whole range of areas (our churches, homes, and budgets), I'm thinking primarily of our own schedules and commitments. We may still be doing some things that have become too costly and are not a good return on investment.

When was the last time you prayerfully and honestly took a look at your time and commitments?

I'm convinced that most pastors are doing Too Much!

At the age of 92, Billy Graham said that if he could do it all over again, he would change some things. His exact words were:

“‘I would study more. I would pray more, travel less, take less speaking engagements. I took too many of them in too many places around the world,’ he said. ‘If I had it to do over again, I’d spend more time in meditation and prayer and just telling the Lord how much I love Him and adore Him and [am] looking forward the time we’re going to spend together for eternity.’” 1

Pastor, you don't have to serve on every committee, board, or team. You don't have to say “yes” to every invitation. And if you are currently overcommitted, you don't have to stay that way forever!

May I suggest that you make a list of all your current commitments and then prayerfully consider each one?

Be brave enough to make the necessary changes.

If the royal family can do it, so can you.

1 https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/billy-graham-in-tv-interview-reflects-my-time-is-limited/

Microsoft recently published its findings from observing trillions of data points from their Microsoft 365 products and found that people are now working what they’ve termed an "Infinite Workday."

By 6am, people are checking email, and some are still in meetings past 8pm. And when it comes to interruptions, they happen every two minutes during core work hours!!

While this type of workday may be new to some workers, pastors have been struggling with this reality for years. Especially pastors who have little or no staff. This challenge has only grown with the rise of mobile devices and constant connectivity.

Pastors don't clock in at 9 and clock out at 5. Their workday is unpredictable at best. A congregant’s emergency can quickly derail a pastor’s well-planned day of study.

This reality is not going away, and I am not writing to complain or whine about it. However, we must find ways to ensure that we are not working around the clock.

There's so much I could say about this, but you're already overworked, so I'll keep it to just four suggestions to conquer a never-ending workday:

Build plenty of Margin into your Schedule

Emergencies, drop-by visitors, and numerous other unexpected events appear out of nowhere in a pastor's week. Leave room in your schedule for them. Intentionally block out time and label it Margin. Use this time to catch up or get ahead, depending on how the week goes.

Utilize all types of Pastoral Care

I've been in vocational ministry for almost three decades, and I've done my share of pastoral care. I'll never forget the lesson our Pastoral Theology professor shared with us in class one day. While I can't remember his exact words, the lesson was this: The phone is your friend. Use it. Granted, this was back in the 90s, and there were few cell phones, but his point was well taken. Calling members will save you time!

As I understand it, there are four main types of personal pastoral care: sending a card, sending a text, making a phone call, or making a personal visit. Using all four types will save you tons of time! The trick is to know which one to use, when to use it, and with whom you can use it. This comes down to two main requirements: knowing your people and knowing their situation.

This must be done prayerfully, but you can figure out the best means to provide care for your members. In reality, a mixture of these is most effective for long-term care.

Block out time for Deep Work

I'm a big proponent of making a time budget with time blocking. I've written about it here. Block out time for deep work. Deep work, as Cal Newport states in his book by the same title, is valuable, rare, and meaningful. In these times of concentrated work, put your cell phone in a different room, shut down your email program, and put a "Do Not Disturb" sign on your door. Should a true emergency arise, rest assured, they will let you know.

Schedule time for Rest and Days Off

When I say schedule this time, I mean it. Put it on your calendar as an appointment and treat it like any other commitment. Schedule nights off. Schedule days off. Schedule vacations, kids’ ball games, and date nights. Schedule that ball game you want to watch on TV, even! Add it to your calendar and enjoy it.

Practicing these four steps should help you make significant strides in achieving a work-life balance. And don’t forget this fact that D. Scott Hildreth & Steven McKinion share in their new book, Serving Jesus Without Burning Out: “Workaholics Don't Die Winners; They Die Empty.” Wow!

*The article I referenced about Infinite Workdays

*The full report from Microsoft

Years ago, Eugene Peterson said that “The adjective busy set as a modifier to pastor should sound to our ears like adulterous to characterize a wife or embezzling to describe a banker. It is an outrageous scandal, a blasphemous affront.”1

Those are strong words, to say the least! He would go on to argue that it is a pastor’s vanity and laziness that leads to all this busyness. In their book, The Unhurried Pastor, Brian Croft and Ronnie Martin have picked up where Peterson left off, but with a slightly softer tone.

In their work with many depressed and burned-out pastors, Croft and Martin discovered a common link: these pastors could not see their limitations and embrace them. In other words, they failed to remember that they are human beings before they are pastors.

Pride may be the driving force behind this frantic busyness. To admit to human limitations, a pastor must humble himself. Martin admitted, “Embracing my humanity feels boring, average, mundane, uninspiring, and full of opportunities to not live up to the potential that I might imagine for myself as a 21st-century pastor” (20-21).

The Unhurried Pastor is divided into three main parts: preparation, power, and pursuit. Ronnie Martin authors the first two, and Brian Croft undertakes the third. Their overall goal is “a redefining of how the work of a pastor is done so that it will lead to joy and longevity for the pastor” (13).

In part one, Martin encourages readers to acknowledge their humanity with all its limitations, embracing a spirit of humility and hope. In part two, he reveals that true power arises from aspects often overlooked by many pastors: self-awareness, contemplation, and prayer.

In part three, Croft addresses five areas that pastors neglect to their detriment: self-care, rest, silence, emotions, and friendship. In the concluding chapter, the authors inspire readers to seek motivation from three outcomes of living an unhurried life: joy, effectiveness, and longevity. Their main takeaway is to do less to achieve more.

The Unhurried Pastor serves as an excellent reminder to be careful not to neglect the important areas of one’s life. However, if the reader comes looking for practical advice on how to become unhurried with all that must be done, they may be disappointed. Martin does lay out a “Daily Spiritual Health Plan” in the appendix, but the rest of life’s duties are largely untouched.

In all fairness, instruction on how to get it all done unhurriedly falls outside the book’s purpose and goal. To learn more about time management, check out Tim Challies’ Do More Better or Anna Kornick’s Time Management Essentials.

I recommend that you slow down long enough to read The Unhurried Pastor. It will help you to consider why you’re so busy all the time, and give you the clarity to do more by doing less.

You can pick up a copy at The Good Book Company, Amazon, Christianbook, or 10 of Those.

Great Quotes from The Unhurried Pastor:

“Fear makes it ‘easier’ to show up as a pastor instead of a person.” (22)

“Limitations make me feel that I’m losing the potential to be all that I dream I can be. Yet Scripture tells me that this appetite for being all that I can dream I can be is what Satan used as a lure in Eden to deceive my forefather.” (28)

“Waiting is putting a pause on our stirring, without pausing our belief that God will not fail to deliver his goodness to us!” (51)

“God doesn’t need your efforts to accomplish anything in this world, because he was able to speak it into existence.” (73)

“A pastor’s job is to pray…you are paid to pray.” (89)

“Inability to rest is one of the greatest hindrances to the modern pastor.” (123)

“Busyness and noise are common defense mechanisms that we use to avoid pain in our lives.” (130)

1 Peterson, Eugene H.. The Contemplative Pastor: Returning to the Art of Spiritual Direction (Function). Kindle Edition.

A book club in Austin, Texas, has been reading the same book for 12 years! At one page per meeting, they are not even close to finishing and moving on to other books.1

I wonder if some congregations feel the same way about their pastor's sermon series. The pastor preaches from the same book of the Bible, and there seems to be no end in sight.

I know opinions will vary on this topic, and there is no one correct answer. My purpose is not to cause consensus but to generate serious thought.

How long is too long when it comes to a sermon series?

Of course, a series on Philemon should be shorter than one on the Gospel of John. But how long should that John series be?

I confess, I gave up reading Martyn Lloyd-Jones when preparing sermons. Not because what he says isn't good—it's just too much material to wade through in a normal week of pastoring and preaching.

Right now I'm preaching through Colossians. This Sunday I will bring the eleventh message. If I stick to the plan, I will cover the book in fifteen sermons.

Some would say, "That's way too long!" You should keep it between four to six weeks.2

Others might say, "Only fifteen weeks?!"3

Bernard of Clairvaux preached on the Song of Solomon for 18 years! He would've preached longer had he not died.4 Call me carnal, but to listen to 18 years of preaching on Song of Solomon would make me want to die, too!

My advice on this is to take as long as one needs to adequately cover the book, but keep the series moving. You are not writing an exegetical commentary or research paper; you are writing sermons.

In really long books (and thus series), I suggest breaks along the way. During these breaks (a Sunday or two), preach from a totally different book or genre. This provides a breather for you and the congregation.

Another suggestion is to divide a longer book into sections that could serve as individual series. I did this years ago when I preached through Revelation. I divided the book into two different series, which I preached in two different years.

I have approached the book of Genesis in the same way. I did a separate series on Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph. Those three series covered a huge chunk of the book in an interesting way. In the future, I will need to do a series on Isaac and one on Genesis 1-11, and I will have preached pretty much the entire book.

Expository preaching through books does not always have to be chronological week after week. With some creativity, a preacher can preach the whole book in a way that generates and keeps interest without wearing out the preacher or his people.

What do you think?

1 https://www.texasstandard.org/stories/finnegans-wake-reading-group-austin-tx-atx-texas-james-joyce-book-club/

2 https://influencemagazine.com/practice/how-to-plan-a-sermon-series

3 https://www.reformation21.org/blog/the-enduring-value-of-a-long-sermon-series

4 Stephen Nelson Rummage, Planning Your Preaching (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregal Publications, 2002), 91.

According to Merrian-Webster, "The longest word entered in most standard English dictionaries is Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis with 45 letters. Our definition is 'a lung disease caused by inhalation of very fine silicate or quartz dust.'" 1

Some people love BIG words! I won't question their motives, but they'll gladly throw out a few words you've never heard.

While preachers might know some big words (infralapsarianism, sublapsarianism, and supralapsarianism, to name a few), we don't do anyone any favors by showing off our large vocabulary in the pulpit.

I believe when it comes to communicating God's Word in teaching or preaching, simple is best. Use words that the people will understand.

JC Ryle in his book Simplicity in Preaching offers this advice:

Try to use in all your sermons, as far as you can—simple words. …Whatever you do, beware of what the poor shrewdly call "dictionary" words, that is, of words which are abstract, or scientific, or pedantic, or complicated, or vague, or very long. They may seem very fine, and sound very grand, but they are rarely of any use. The most powerful and forcible words, as a rule, are very short. 2

Warren & David Wiersbe offer this counsel in their little book The Elements of Preaching (I cannot recommend this book enough!)

Sometimes the message requires the use of theological terms, so take time to explain and illustrate them. But avoid “dropping in” words and phrases that your people do not understand. You will only encourage them to stop listening. “It must have been a great sermon,” said one parishioner; “I didn’t understand a word of it!” Impressed—but not helped. The time was wasted.

Avoid the temptation to show off your learning. Great teachers and preachers speak so as to be understood. This especially applies to references to Hebrew and Greek. Don’t give grammar lectures or drown the congregation in “cognates.” One minister based a funeral message on the meaning of the Greek word parakaleo, and used the word repeatedly. The mourners were not impressed—or comforted. 3

I still remember years ago when J. Vernon McGee talked about how he tried to always put the cookies on the bottom shelf where the children can get them. 4 That’s a good place to put them, by the way.

When preaching, it's good to remember this advice:

Preach to express, not to impress. Preach to be understood. It has well been said that the man who shoots above his target does not prove that he has better ammunition, but only that he cannot shoot. 5

1 https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/longest-words-ever

2 J.C. Ryle. Simplicity In Preaching. Kindle Edition.

3 Warren W. Wiersbe and David Wiersbe, The Elements of Preaching: The Art of Biblical Preaching Clearly and Simply Presented (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1986), 88–89.

4 I found out he got this from Harry Ironside. See https://hagiographynow.blogspot.com/2013/08/dr-j-vernon-mcgees-recipe-for-success.html

5 Warren & David Wiersbe, The Elements of Preaching, 88.

I had just preached my heart out and hadn't even stepped off the platform. I did not exit to the lobby like I usually would because our Associate Pastor had gone there with a representative from the Gideons, who was collecting an offering for their Bible distribution.

No one responded to the invitation, but three people immediately approached me:

First, a little boy came to tell me that there were no paper towels in the boys’ bathroom. I inquired about which one and thanked him for letting me know.

Second, a mom approached and asked me where she could find a broom. I did my best to tell her where she might find one, and off she went.

Third, a mother and her two boys walked up on the platform. She informed me that all three of them wanted to be baptized! I rejoiced with them and quickly gave them some further instructions.

I walk off the platform and take a few steps, and I am met by a fourth person, this time a lady. She is concerned about a person in our community whom I have been "working on" and who we are praying will receive Christ. She gives me an update and encourages me to follow up.

This is the way ministry is - the mundane with the marvelous!

Brooms, paper towels, baptisms, and trying to win the lost—all of this happened within a few minutes.

I'm thankful that all four individuals felt comfortable enough to consult me about their concerns.

Ministry is a mixed bag. Sometimes it’s, “We want to get baptized,” and sometimes it’s, “We need more trash bags.”

We are shepherds caring for the flock of God. Their needs are our concern.

So grab a broom or a Bible; both can be used to honor Him.

It seems that computers are taking over!

Honestly, I miss how simple many things used to be. It appears that I am not alone. In a recent Wall Street Journal article, car owners are not thrilled with all the technology that rides around with us now. According to the article, “Some vehicles come with infrared night vision, seasonal ambient lighting and interior ‘fam cams’ showing rear passengers.” Between 2015 and 2024 positive feelings of drivers concerning their car’s controls fell from 79% to 56%. One poor fellow couldn’t even open his door handles in 15-degree weather because it was too cold for the sensors!

It feels like technology is beginning to own us rather than the other way around. Technology is a wonderful servant but a horrible master. Frankly, it’s frustrating when we have no other choices.

I’m not writing to complain or whine; I’m simply making some observations.

Technology is not always better. Sometimes, simple is best.

While I know some readers may disagree with me, here are some decisions we've made at our church that I believe are helpful.

• We do not display all the Bible verses I reference in a message, and we do not usually display the main text I preach, just the reference. Why? This encourages those listening to get into their Bibles. I don't care whether they're using an electronic or paper version; I just want them to interact with the Scripture personally.

• We still sing from hymnals for part of our corporate worship. Yes, we sing "off the screen" for our contemporary songs, but when it comes to the hymns, we just display the hymnal page number. While I can't prove it, I think this helps people focus more as they sing. It is also a blessing to see parents helping their children find the correct page number and then showing them how to follow along. Also, the hymnal allows people who sing parts to flourish!

• We give people paper bulletins. In the bulletin, we also print our call to worship, order of worship, and prayer guide. I know that digital bulletins save paper and money, but anytime people go online, there is a temptation to get distracted with social media. I am guilty of doing so when I attend conferences.

• We have live music and live preaching. I know that this is not much of an issue with us having only our one service on one campus, but I do not think the video preaching model is good. I'm convinced that a living, breathing preacher standing before the people is way more effective.

• We still pass the offering plates. Those in the know at our church tell me that most of our people are giving online now. So why pass the plates? First, you will receive money that you would not have received online. Second, how can a child give their quarter online? Third, passing a plate reminds worshippers that giving is a part of worship, even if they've set it up automatically online. Fourth, some will never give online, so why make it harder for them to give? Fifth, passing the plates gives more people (ushers) an opportunity to serve.

• We don't use smoke machines. I've stirred the pot enough - I'll leave this one alone.

Now, please don’t misunderstand! This is not a rant against “technology in church.”

Anyone who knows me well knows I’m a proponent of harnessing technology. Without technology, you wouldn’t be reading this! We use technology throughout our ministry.

I’m merely saying that sometimes we’ve cluttered our lives (and churches) with unnecessary technology that distracts rather than enhances our worship.

Let’s use tech when it really helps; otherwise, let’s leave well enough alone.

Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus. Matthew 1:24-25

I’m convinced that some pastors are frustrated because their lives have not turned out the way they thought they would. They envisioned preaching to thousands, when, in reality, they preach to maybe a hundred—some even less.

The years roll by and it becomes apparent that their “big break” is not going to come. The Big church with Big crowds and Big staff never calls, and they pastor on in obscurity. They never admit that it bothers them, but sometimes it does.

In their best moments, they labor on in contentment with the knowledge that God is in control; in their worst moments, they wonder, “Why didn’t I get a chance?”

Joseph wasn’t a pastor; he was a carpenter betrothed to Mary. I’m sure he looked forward to spending his life with such a wonderful girl. But then the unimaginable happened - Mary was unfaithful. Or so it seemed. How else could you explain her pregnancy?

It wasn’t until his dream with the angel that Joseph fully understood that Mary was not only faithful but also highly favored! At that moment, Joseph accepted God’s will for his life and Mary as his wife.

That decision forever changed the trajectory of their lives. One can only imagine all that they dealt with as tongues wagged and heads shook in disapproval. But Joseph honored God and helped to raise Jesus. What an assignment!

While his life didn’t go according to plan, it went according to God’s plan.

That is what we must hold onto when we face the bitterness of disappointment, the heartache of rejection, and the confusion that sometimes comes in life. Just as God worked out His plan in Joseph’s life, He’s doing the same in yours and mine.

When it comes to pastoral productivity, the most productive thing you can do is to simply surrender to God’s will for your life.

When you know what He wants you to do, do it. And do it in faith and joy.

And when that’s a struggle, tell Him. He will help you.

I serve in a rural area. Driving long distances for medical care is not unusual for those I pastor. Technology has undoubtedly changed the dynamic of this, but one cancer clinic in Tennessee has taken this to a whole new level. According to a Wall Street Journal article, patients can now see a holographic doctor. "The setup works like this: Doctors are beamed from a small production studio in the Germantown clinic and appear in life-size boxes in designated exam rooms at the satellite clinics. The boxes are fronted with a flat, clear 4K LCD screen, and a specialized lighting setup inside gives the flat image an appearance of three-dimensionality."

What the article said next captured my attention: "Patients, however, aren’t being projected as holograms to the doctors. In the clinics, they communicate via camera—an intentional choice, Richey said, to give the patient, rather than the doctor, the more realistic experience. ‘I can see the patient well enough to recognize a rash or a lump or a problem. I can’t feel everything. But oftentimes, that’s all we need,’ Richey said."

The doctor can see, but cannot feel.

In a day of multi-campuses, video projection, and holographic pastors,* I want to sound the alarm - You Cannot Pastor By Hologram!

Yes, I know we use phones, text, chat, email, videoconferencing, and the like to connect with our people. I use some of these tools, too. But they are occasionally used and do not entirely replace the one-on-one connection that happens when we are both (physically) in the same room at the same time, where you have a real pastor ministering to real members.

Pastoring is more than preaching! I'm afraid this has gotten lost somewhere. You cannot disappear all but one hour on Sunday and truly shepherd the people God has entrusted to you. While I would love to "beam" myself to Charlotte for that hospital visit, I'm going to have to drive an hour both ways, instead. I can't hold their hand and pray if I'm in a 4K LCD box!

We're called to be shepherds not holograms.

That takes time, a lot of time.

And it takes presence.

*https://www.fox13news.com/news/bradenton-pastor-uses-holographic-technology-to-lead-church-at-9-locations-simultaneously

With three boys at home, I spend a lot of time at the Grocery Store!

Recently, I went into our local Food Lion and discovered that not only was it being remodeled, it was being rearranged. They were busily relocating the products. I pretty much knew where everything was that I wanted to buy, but no longer. They now had a young lady with a paper print out of the new locations. If I couldn’t find them, she would consult her list and point me in the right direction.

I was NOT a fan of the change. I wandered about, muttering to myself, "Why can't they just leave well enough alone.” I even commiserated with some of the employees who felt the same way. It was then that I realized that I am like a lot of church members. Their leaders change something at church, and they are not happy.

I think very few people like change. In my doctoral work, I read an assigned textbook that was quite hefty. Care to guess the topic? Yes, change. The authors stated that their book "is aimed at anyone who wants to begin to understand why change happens, how change happens and what needs to be done to make change a more welcoming concept."1

I wish they could cover that in 10 pages, but it took 532! It's not an easy topic.

I have some suggestions for pastors on implementing change. I write from someone who has navigated these waters successfully (sometimes). Some change will never occur this side of heaven!

These suggestions are offered for significant change items. These are the changes that impact people. The type of changes they will notice.

Take your time before making changes.

There are a handful of items that must be dealt with immediately. Examples include heretical teaching, moral or ethical issues, and criminal activity. These can't wait!

For most other things - walk slowly! It might drive you nuts, but don't rush into changing things. You must establish yourself and be trusted before changing “the way we've always done it!"

Examine the need for change carefully and prayerfully.

Weigh out the need for change honestly. Is it worth the price you're about to pay? Sometimes, the answer is a resounding "yes!" Other times, it's just not worth it.

Get input from others before making a change.

The Bible says, Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14

Lean on and learn from other godly people who can give you wisdom on making significant changes. You’ll also want to get buy-in from your other leaders.

Explain why you're making a change.

While every change can't be explained, major changes should, and this should happen before the change takes place. As ministry leaders, we sometimes forget that we have been thinking about these changes for weeks, months, or even years, yet we expect the congregation to get on board in 5 minutes! Give them time to mull it over, and they may be much more receptive.

Welcome feedback about the change.

Invite feedback. Sometimes, people just want to express their thoughts and feelings, and sometimes, they may have a better idea for the change. Really listen to them.

Be willing to tweak the change.

Recognize that not every change works the way you thought it would. Be open to adjusting the change, and if necessary, even abandoning it.

Be ready for negativity about the change.

Some wit said, "Where you have 2 Baptists, you have 3 opinions!" Accept the fact that no matter what you do, not everyone is going to like the change. That doesn't mean that you abandon it, but it does mean that you understand that you may not be their favorite pastor anymore.

On that day at the grocery store, I blamed "the powers that be" at Food Lion. What were they thinking?!

Bear the responsibility for the change.

As the leader, you bear responsibility. Over the years, I've found that people blame me even for things I didn’t do! I'm convinced that some people who "freeze in worship" blame me because it's cold in the church! This comes with the position.

If the change is bad, take the responsibility. If the change results in greatness, share the praise with other team members.

I hope these suggestions make you a master change agent in your ministry.

Now, what aisle are the double stuffed Oreos on?

1 Esther Cameron and Mike Green, Making Sense of Change Management: A Complete Guide to the Models, Tools and Techniques of Organizational Change, Fifth edition (New York, NY: Kogan Page, 2020), 1.

What Did You Do Last Week?

That was the subject line of an email that went out to federal employees.

According to a Wall Street Journal article, "Federal workers were given until 11:59 p.m. Monday to respond with a list of '5 bullets of what you accomplished last week.' The email asked employees not to send any classified information."1

How would you answer that question? Could you come up with 5 bullet points of significant work you accomplished last week?

One of the dangers of pastoral life is drifting. While this is true theologically and missionally, it's also true in our weekly work. We can drift along, working unfocused and haphazardly. One way to counter this is to identify your Weekly Big 3.

The Weekly Big 3 are the three most important items you need to accomplish this week to make progress on your projects and goals. Of course, you'll do more than these three items during the week, but these are the most important!

Write them down once you've identified them and keep them in sight.

You should also identify your Daily Big 3, which are the three most important tasks that must be completed each day.

Now, here's the key: Make sure that you include items from the Weekly Big 3 in some of your Daily Big 3s.

While you probably can't spend the whole week accomplishing the Weekly Big 3, please ensure you're including blocks of time toward them. Doing so will help you achieve far more than you would by just drifting along.

1 https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/musk-says-federal-workers-must-detail-what-they-got-doneor-risk-losing-job-5eaba57a