Leah Dixon
Ribs, Recovery, Relinquishing, and Responding

Copyright Dr. Penny Nelson Freeman, 2024

This story began because of an accident in the summer of 2016. Thankfully my ribs are healed, but my spine is degenerating faster than I like, and pain is far more of a daily experience. This story chronicles growth as I learn how to manage my health as I age (although those who know me better than I know myself would say I still need to learn to stop moving furniture by myself). I see many my age still able to ‘do,’ and I wouldn’t be honest if I said I don’t envy them.

Ribs, Recovery, Relinquishing, and Responding
Leah Dixon
Stepping Back to Better Move Toward

Copyright Laura Andrews, 2024

I didn’t attend a Christian school growing up, but I’ve heard stories about how chaperones at school dances would approach couples who were dancing too closely to remind them to “leave  room for the Holy Spirit.” We chuckle at this, but I think the suggestion is appropriate in our difficult relationships, especially those where we have been hesitant to allow or create distance. A lack of “room” can make it harder to remember that there is a third “person” present. 

One possible starting place is this question: What do you believe about God’s role and responsibilities in your relationships?

Stepping Back to Better Move Toward
Joe Bruni
The Treads of Redemption for Weak, Sinful ...

Copyright Joe Bruni, 2024

Not too long ago, I was talking to a ministry leader friend who had been through the ringer during the last few years. He was tired and had a sense of decision fatigue after navigating the tumultuous months and years of a pandemic, the culturally polarizing dynamics among his people during an election cycle, and a pastoral response to the concern for justice for racial and cultural minorities. He even felt beat up and betrayed by a group of people in his ministry who made accusations against him and left…

The Treads of Redemption for Weak, Sinful Ministry Leaders
Leah Dixon
When Relationships Hurt

Copyright Laura Andrews, 2023

Ask several people how they feel about their plans to be with loved ones over the holidays and you will likely get a spectrum of reactions ranging from the positive—excitement and gratitude—to the negative, like apprehension, dread, apathy, or discouragement. Many might even express mixed feelings because their affection for those they see doesn’t override the painful interactions generated by their time together.

Over the years I’ve noticed that this relational pain is often the result of two common experiences…

When Relationships Hurt
Leah Dixon
Three Ways to Support Loved Ones Returning From ...

Copyright Esther Frustino, 2023

Is someone you love planning an upcoming return from the mission field? Perhaps you are preparing to welcome a missionary family back to your congregation or an adult child back home from a season abroad. Returning from an extended time overseas can be deeply challenging for both the missionary and the family (or church family) receiving them.   

In my last blog post, I discussed five tips I wished someone had shared with me while I transitioned back into American culture after living in Italy for two years. In this post, I speak primarily to those of you receiving loved ones back – whether family members, friends, or members of your congregations. May these suggestions empower you to best connect with loved ones during the difficulties of re-entry and set you apart as a source of support…

Three Ways to Support Loved Ones Returning From the Mission Field

Idolatry

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The Power of Attention in a Culture of Informational Glut

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The Power of Attention in a Culture of Informational Glut

Joe Bruni, Copyright 2020

The battle for our attention is an issue for everyone, but it is especially important for those in ministry leadership. Virtually everything in our culture--social media, entertainment, sports, advertisements, activities--demands our attention, and when not handled with care, results in distraction and disconnection from ourselves, families, congregations, and friends. Especially for those in ministry leadership, the expectations to be constantly available, have it all together, and wear multiple hats--often including preacher, counselor, organizational leader, building/operations foreman and even janitor--already put them at risk for complete physical, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion. How we handle the multiple demands for and distraction of our attention will, over time, make or break our health, flourishing, and effectiveness in our callings.

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Passion’s Provocation and Purpose

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Passion’s Provocation and Purpose

Joe Bruni, Copyright 2019

We know how easy it is to make something into an idol. Whether money, power, success, status, happiness or a loved one. Our hearts are “idol factories” as John Calvin observed, always seeking to worship something that we have deemed worthy of devotion. At an early age we experience pain or joy and in response we make vows of devotion. “I will never experience that terrible thing again.” Or “I will have a spouse that makes me happy like that when I grown up!” Or “I will have financial security so that I can provide more opportunities for my kids.” Or, and especially for those of us in ministry, “I will never sell out or loose my edge and my passion for this ministry!”

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