The modern pastor has to be many things to many people on many different levels at many different times.  He is a preacher, a counselor, an administrator, an evangelist, a visionary, a superintendent, a shepherd, a coach, a husband, a father, a confidant, a teacher, an organizer, a speaker, a worship leader, and a follower of Jesus Christ.  Too often, we (congregants and pastors alike) forget that he is first and foremost something else: human…flawed, fleshly, feeble human.

Is the pastor to lead with repute and character?  Absolutely. 

Is he to set forth an example of holiness and godliness in …

“We dishonor God if we proclaim a Savior who satisfies and then go around discontent” –J.I. Packer

“Contentment is pursuing God’s daily agenda even it if means walking directly into the storm” –Richard Swenson

“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has” –Epictetus

“The virtue of contentment is the acquiescence of the mind in the lot God has given” –William Ames

“Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God’s wise and fatherly disposal

“The worth of any journey,” said A.W. Tozer, “can always be measured by the difficulties along the way. The more difficult the journey, the more satisfying the destination.”  This sentiment rings true down in my heart.  My head even nods in agreement when I read such quotes.  However, the “journey” is more than a sentence written in a book, it is a reality recorded in the crucible of moments.  Hard-pressed, gut-wrenching, faith-tempting, storm-tossing moments.

The easiest thing to do is wax eloquent about adversity when you are not going through its waters.  But when you are hurled back and forth …

One small brick between two people rarely causes issues, but when a multitude of those bricks are gathered there is potential to build a great wall.  In many relationships that is what happens–we use our differences to build walls.  Brick by brick we become isolated and separated from one another.  Each brick may be different in its makeup- (you may have bricks of jealousy, anger, bitterness, insecurity, etc.), but the outcome is the same.  Before you know it years have passed, and one day you are staring at a cold, flat wall wondering what happened.

God does not want us …

Whether it is called a small group, life group, adult class, or Sunday school, it can, overtime, get stale, predictable and boring.   Few things are as monotonous and tiresome as a lifeless, cold religious setting without spirit, zeal or excitement.  As teachers and preachers, we are to safeguard our classrooms from such dreary settings.  Here are a few things you can do to recharge the group you lead.

1. Evaluate Your Content.

People need to know what God has said.  They may be drawn to your personality, leadership skills, and charisma, but those qualities are short-lived if there is …