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
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Teaching Dignity in a Culture of Social Oppression

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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).

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Finding the Rest of Ministry Leadership

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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.

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

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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.

    …

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Closing The Pastoral Gap

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Closing The Pastoral Gap

Jon Sovocool, Copyright 2018

Ministry leaders are particularly vulnerable to feeling compelled to present a sparkling “public ministry persona.” It’s not easy to admit that the things we promote (desiring God, pursuing godliness, loving others, etc.) are sometimes the very things with which we struggle. If Papa John ate and enjoyed another brand of pizza would he own up to it? Do we expect financial advisors to disclose previous investment mistakes? Probably not.

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Navigating Difficult Transitions in Ministry

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Navigating Difficult Transitions in Ministry

Jim Rhodes with Dave Wiedis, Copyright 2018
Learn more about Jim Rhodes: Come & See

Every ministry leader -- whether young or mature -- must lead well, and this often includes navigating through the complexities of multiple transitions as God brings changes, challenges, growth, and even retirement. There are four critical areas a leader must address in order to transition well: Identity, fears, leadership style, and preparation. These challenges have the potential to sabotage you and your ministry unless you intentionally and proactively address them.

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The Solo Shepherd

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The Solo Shepherd

Guest blogger, Pastor Louis Prontnicki, Copyright 2018
Maple Glen Bible Fellowship Church

In the lean and hard years of ministry I often prayed, “Lord, would you move me somewhere else? Would you put me in a church where I don’t have to do everything, and where I can have more influence? (for your glory, of course!)” The Lord answered those prayers with a “No.” In His wise and gracious providence, he kept me as the solo shepherd of a small congregation.

The Lord is teaching me through being a solo shepherd that I am not the savior of the church. By looking to Jesus Christ as my joy and reward, I can more easily be, as the hymn writer puts it, “Content to fill a little space, if Thou be glorified.”

Caring for the Shepherdesses: What Women Leaders Need

Caring for the Shepherdesses: What Women Leaders Need

Dr. Penny N. Freeman, LPC, Copyright 2018
First published by Harvest USA

Women are working hard in many thriving churches and parachurch ministries as leaders, pastors’ wives, and other support staff, and we should care about their hearts and souls.

As a female leader, I have been equipped for ministry by the multiple mentors and caregivers who have poured into my life over forty years. Here are some simple ways people have discipled and shepherded me, enabling me to both function more productively and flourish in ministry.

The Practice of R.E.S.T.

The Practice of R.E.S.T.

Bob Fair, LPC and Dave Wiedis, Copyright 2017

Many of us face challenges during the Christmas season -- whether grief, stress, remembering loved ones, dealing with painful family dynamics, and more. As we think about spending holidays with family and friends -- or entering any situation for that matter -- it helps to assess our level of "emotional capacity," defined as the maximum amount of emotional energy that we can offer.

All of us have emotional capacity, and that capacity varies given our personalities, unique situations, and relationships we are currently in. Capacity also involves our emotional health, briefly defined as our degree of self awareness and ability to feel what we are feeling.

R.E.S.T. is a tool you can use to help manage your emotional capacity. It is a healthy way to invite God into your life, to honor Him, and to realistically assess your own capacity. See yourself through the "grace-filled" eyes of Christ.

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The Contractions of Winter

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The Contractions of Winter

Dr. Penny Freeman, Originally published December 2016

Holidays set the bar high for crashing afterwards. We long for a feast that invites us to feel both full and at home. To enter a house feeling the welcome of belonging. To hope for laughter, warmth, joy and delicious food (that is what commercials are selling during the televised breaks during the parade after all). 

To hold these feelings is to enjoy the glory we were created for in Paradise. But no matter how good your family is, there is no family or food that can live up to the expectations our souls seem to crave.

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The Accidental Legalist

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The Accidental Legalist

Dave Wiedis, Copyright 2010, 2017

Have you ever come across as rigid, legalistic, or even weird, when your intent was the exact opposite?  Have you ever impetuously said things that are misunderstood by your family and friends, or in a public setting and watched your credibility undermined?  

When my children were about ten and twelve I walked in on them as they were watching a seemingly innocuous show on the Disney Channel.  Believing that I was a wise, discerning father, my spiritual antenna went up. I scanned the dialogue intently for any hint of immorality, or for some comment that I believed would plant a dark seed into the innocent, undiscerning hearts of my children. Hearing a very subtle comment condoning premarital sex, I made my pronouncement:  “This show is insidious.  I don’t want you watching such filth.”

Some in the Christian world would admire my ability to discern the secular worldview in the subtle comment.  Some would applaud my diligence in guarding the hearts of my children.  Today, with years of experience and the benefits of hindsight, I would say I acted foolishly....

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