I don’t know about you but there’s only one place I’ve ever heard someone use the word “stewardship” and that’s in church. It’s not an exclusively Christian word, but if Oxford ever published a Lexicon of Christianese, “stewardship” would most certainly have an entry. Sadly, if this theoretical dictionary did exist, the definition for Christian stewardship would probably just say, “See tithe.” I...
All philosophies of productivity, at bedrock, contain a theology. Therefore, there is a genuine need for a distinctly Christian productivity in the church.
Do you ever get that nagging feeling when you’re trying to take a break? “I should really be working.” I’m willing to bet that if you’re reading a productivity blog, you’re someone who feels guilty when they relax. I want to show you one method for how to relax without feeling guilty that’s worked for me. Working in college and campus ministry, I have had...
I’m going to argue that there is a real Christian benefit to spending time alone in nature. To some that may seem obvious, to others it may conjure up images of mystics in caves, granola munching hippies, or just the discomfort of sweat and bug bites. But there is something about even just a brisk walk in the woods by yourself that does wonders for the soul.
I’m changing the name of The Pastor’s Week and relaunching the blog as Redeeming Productivity. Allow me to take a moment to explain this decision and what it means for the future of the blog...
We have all been there. You have a great rhythm going—you’re hitting the gym regularly, you’re productive and prayerful in your sermon prep, and your family life is going well too. “Finally,” you think, “things are under control.” And that’s when it happens. You get sick. You’re wiped out, work is piling up, and your routine is spiraling down the...
If you’re doing everything yourself, what are your people doing? If you have been involved in any type of ministry for any period of time, you know that it is extremely rewarding work. But it can also be very tiring. The stress of criticism, the long hours, the grief over friends wandering from Christ, and especially that feeling of carrying so much alone can really get to us. Yet we...
If you’re anything like me, you never get jealous at the success of other ministry leaders. You are always content with the realm of ministry God has allotted you and have no desire to attain the reach and influence of the megalomaniac megachurch pastor down the street.
Who are we kidding?
That was the thought that passed through my head as I sat at the dinner table last night, trying to get my life organized. I’m in the middle of launching this blog, remodeling a website for my day job, juggling several freelance gigs, and reading tons of productivity books to try and keep it all together—Did I mention that I’m also a full time seminary student? So, in my...
