Our influence is felt most significantly by those closest to us.  This is especially true as it relates to our children.  Henry Ward Beecher said, “The humblest of individual exerts some influence; either for good or evil upon others.”  Regardless of how you influence your children, be certain, they are being influenced.  There are many factors in having a positive effect in their lives, but here are three keys that are certain to have long-lasting, and far-reaching results:

1. Time

Hanz Finzel said, “Only through association is there transformation- we cannot change people if we do not spend time …

The plague of our culture is busyness; and the ministry is no exception.  Meetings, study time, counseling, planning, organizing, appointments, social media, and many other responsibilities often distract us from quality time with our loved ones.  Therefore, we must plan, prioritize, and prepare our calendars cautiously.

Thomas Jefferson said, “The happiest moments of my life have been the ones I have spent at home in the bosom of my family.” I concur; I am the most content when I am with my wife and children.  Therefore, to ensure I invest my time wisely, I have to prioritize my calendar with …

I have read many parable books on leadership throughout my ministry, but this is the first one that features the dynamics of a church staff.  In the fictitious setting of the “Community Covenant Church” author Dave Kraft describes how various personalities affect the overall synergy of the typical church leadership team, and how we have replaced various aspects of genuine leadership with superficial aspirations.

The format of the book is comparable to the writing styles of leadership gurus Ken Blanchard and Patrick Lencioni.   As a matter of fact, Lencioni gives Kraft a nice endorsement in the book.  Kraft does a …

Years ago on older gentleman asked me to pray for him.  He said, “Preacher, pray until you break through.  Pray until you can feel the presence of God.  Pray until you cross over into another world; and when you finally get there, then pray for me.”

The single-greatest thing you can do for any person is call their name before a Living God.  We all know it is our duty to pray for others; but many times we struggle with how to pray. If we are not careful, we can approach God with a long list of names and circumstances …

Books abound in the preacher’s life.  At times I feel they overtake me.  They are on my desk, on my shelves, on my nightstand, on my electronic devices, in my briefcase, in my car, in the floor, at the house, at the church, at the office…everywhere I see them, I read them, and I pour them into my life.  Some of them inspire me, others offend me.  Some solidify my convictions, others rebuke them.  Some are creative, while others are contentious.  I love books; most preachers do.

It was Mark Twain who said, “A man who doesn’t read good books …