(33) “TO MINISTER OR TO MANIPULATE”
There came a time when I was awakened to the fact that my life of service as a pastor was being subtly motivated by my need for appreciation from those that I served. For example, following the preaching of a sermon I would feel valued and appreciated when the feedback was warm and encouraging. Then I read Larry Crabb’s book The Marriage Builder and I learned that in marriage, as in all of life, I had two options in the way I was motivated to serve. First, I can serve by way of manipulating people to respond in a way that will meet my …

I recently read an article by Thom Rainer entitled ‘The One Common Factor of Effective Church Leaders’.  He began the article by asking a critical question, “Is it possible to find one common factor in the lives and ministries of the most effective church leaders?” He answered, “I think so” and then went on to say that “The most effective church leaders are being continuously and intentionally mentored…   …it is the difference between good leadership and great leadership for most church leaders.”  Having made his point with some conviction, Thom Rainer however had to conclude that “mentoring is missing in over 90% of church leaders’ lives today.”
After …

(17) “MY FATHER IS AT WORK”
An amazing breakthrough came to me after reading Henry Blackaby’s book Experiencing God , that brought to life the words of Jesus after He had offended the religious leaders for healing a man on the sabbath. In reply, Jesus explained His reason for breaking their traditions and living His unpredictable life. “My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too am working…..the Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees His Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.” John 5:17,19 A sense of relief gradually settled in my spirit when …