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

Ministry

, , , ,

The Joy and Heartache of Being a Pastor’s Wife

, , , ,
The Joy and Heartache of Being a Pastor’s Wife

Cheryl Flannery, Copyright 2020

I have been blessed to serve in the local church for 30 years, not as a ministry leader but as the spouse of a ministry leader. I love the life and ministry the Lord has graciously led us into and still have a deep longing to make an eternal impact for the glory of God. However, there are unique challenges to full-time ministry: many pastors’ wives experience a sense of loneliness and isolation for a variety of reasons. For someone in leadership, it is often rare to find a group where it is safe to share their heart openly and honestly.

, , ,

The Power of Attention in a Culture of Informational Glut

, , ,
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.

, ,

Sacrifice & Stewardship in Times of Uncertainty and Change

, ,
Sacrifice & Stewardship in Times of Uncertainty and Change

Joe Bruni, Copyright 2020

All of us are experiencing loss in one way or another. Many of us are experiencing first-hand the loss and grief that COVID brings. For those of you who are ministry leaders, this time of uncertainty has likely brought even more stress as you pour yourselves out to the needs of the individuals you shepherd. Jesus experienced something similar.

,

COVID Care for Ministry Leaders

,
COVID Care for Ministry Leaders

Updated: 4/17/2020, By Dave Wiedis

As all of us make the difficult adjustment to “social distancing” requirements and begin to feel the weight of this tremendous, sudden change, we would like to serve as a point of connection for ministry leaders. We have started this online forum to share resources that we have found and provide a place for you to comment with additional resources, questions, ideas, and video links.

, ,

Dave Wiedis on Lebanon, International Trips, and the Ripple Effect of Ministry

, ,
Dave Wiedis on Lebanon, International Trips, and the Ripple Effect of Ministry

Interview by Leah Dixon, Copyright 2019

It’s hard to underestimate the impact of traveling around the world to spend time with people. From my perspective, I feel rather insignificant and ask myself, “Who am I?” From their perspective it’s “Oh my gosh. You have spent money to be here, you have taken your time to be with us, and you care about us.” Ministering to 30 people sounds so insignificant, but on the other level it’s not. Some of them will go on for the next 50 or 60 years to share the gospel, minister to people and make a tremendous impact in the lives of tens of thousands of people! It is such a privilege to serve them.

, , ,

Phil Carnuccio on Sabbatical...And Why You Need One

, , ,
Phil Carnuccio on Sabbatical...And Why You Need One

Interview by Leah Dixon, Copyright 2019

The ministry of a pastor in many ways is 24/7. You’re always on: Preaching inspiring sermons, leading with a compelling vision, managing effective strategic planning, building a healthy staff team, raising money, performing funerals, making hospital visits, counseling, confronting critical issues, absorbing criticism and engaging in ongoing learning. The demand is relentless.

And in our culture we idolize hard work. Many people in ministry are burning out or flaming out [moral failure]. It’s an epidemic. Over time people [in ministry] keep doing what is right, but they don’t have passion anymore. They are working out of fear. They feel stuck and wonder, What else am I going to do? I never want to just go through the motions. I want to have passion!

,

Five Principles for Creating a Healthy Team Culture

,
Five Principles for Creating a Healthy Team Culture

Bill Smith, Copyright 2019

An assistant pastor described the ministry culture he used to work in by telling me, “My former senior pastor isolated the staff from each other and kept each of us dependent on him.”

Have you ever worked in an environment like that? How about one where the team leader was prickly and unapproachable? Or one where people used what they knew of you to control you. Or one where a staff divided into warring factions?

There are lots of ways to describe unhealthy team cultures—toxic, crushing, dysfunctional, draining, demoralizing—cultures that drive people away from you and pit them against each other. But how do you build the opposite?

,

Teaching Dignity in a Culture of Social Oppression

,
Teaching Dignity in a Culture of Social Oppression

Dave Wiedis, Copyright 2019

In January my wife Miho and I had the opportunity to travel to India for the second time to teach at Life Theological Seminary in Bhubaneswar, the capital of the state of Odisha. Known for its tribal traditions and Hindu temples, Odisha can be a dangerous place for missionaries. It is where missionary Dr. Graham Staines and his sons were murdered by Hindu Bajrang Dal fundamentalists in 1999.

Twenty years later, Odisha remains both a fertile ground for evangelism and a hostile environment toward Christians. According to state law: “No person shall convert or attempt to convert, either directly or otherwise, any person from one religious faith to another by the use of force or by inducement or by any fraudulent means nor shall any person abet any such conversion” (The Orissa Freedom of Religion Act, 1967).

, ,

Finding the Rest of Ministry Leadership

, ,
Finding the Rest of Ministry Leadership

Joe Bruni, Copyright 2019

In the Gospel of Mark, we hear the incredible story of Jesus feeding the five thousand. Leading up to this event, Jesus and His disciples were in the midst of intensive training and ministry. What did Jesus promise the disciples after a very busy season of healing and teaching? Get away and rest. Did they get it? No and yes.

In Mark 6:31, the author gives a key detail to illustrate the disciples’ need for rest: they had no leisure even to eat (ESV). This already-weary group stepped away with Jesus for rest only to be greeted by another large crowd. And what was their concern with this crowd? Send them away for food. We can’t host them.

, ,

Passion’s Provocation and Purpose

, ,
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!”

, , ,

Why Can’t I Hear the Angels Sing? The Twelve Labors of Christmas

, , ,
Why Can’t I Hear the Angels Sing? The Twelve Labors of Christmas

Dr. Penny Freeman, Originally published December 2016 Sharithomas.org

  1. List everything you think people in your life want that will bring them ultimate joy.

  2. Try to find these items cheaper (anywhere) by checking all the search engines and local merchants within a five-mile radius.

  3. Stop and drag out all the decorating stuff. Trim the tree to surprise your spouse. Put all the boxes away to keep house tidy.

  4. Maintain a good attitude.

    …

West Chester Office
Westtown Business Center
1564 McDaniel Drive
West Chester, PA 19380
484-254-6559

 

Willow Grove Office
607 Easton Road, B1
Willow Grove, PA 19090
267-354-0691