"I know the blessings and the very real challenges that come with having a church sanctuary that is full. I also understand the arguments for building something bigger. Hear me well…I realize there are times when building a bigger sanctuary is the best and wisest thing to do. But that is not necessarily the case for every church." Read the full post here: preachleadlove.com/single-po…

The best teams in ministry, business, sports, etc…. are always made up of great team players. The older I get, the more I realize that just because someone is very gifted and talented as an individual, this doesn’t mean they will automatically work well on a team. So, what should we look for? Let me offer five characteristics of a great team player: 1. Effective Communicator – A great team player listens well before speaking and communicates ideas with clarity and humility. They help keep everyone informed and moving in the same direction without creating unnecessary confusion, ego, or drama. 2. Reliable & Accountable – They do what they say they will do and can be counted on to follow through. When mistakes happen, they own them, learn from them, and work to make things right rather than blaming others. 3. Adaptable & Flexible – Strong team players understand that plans and priorities will sometimes change. Instead of complaining or resisting, they adjust quickly, stay positive, and focus on finding the best solution for the team. 4. Supportive & Encouraging – They genuinely celebrate the success of others and look for opportunities to help. They consistently and intentionally speak encouragement and hope, to others on the team. 5. Joyfully Collaborative – A collaborative person cares more about the success of the team than receiving personal recognition. They share ideas, give credit freely, and work to bring out the best in other team members. They are quick to submit their ideas to the team, not taking it personally if the team decides to go in a different direction.

Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. - 2 Timothy 2:23

I love member’s meetings at Calvary Englewood. Seeking to make Jesus non-ignorable in our community, together. Grateful. #congregationalism

We are “eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body” (Rom. 8:23). At the resurrection, God will gather the scattered molecules of our decayed bodies and fashion them into new, imperishable bodies. We will be glorious in soul and body. We will be free from sin and temptation, free from pain and affliction. We will leave sorrow for happiness, turmoil for peace, shame for glory, labor for rest, and the cross for the crown. “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Rev. 21:4). - Stephen Yuille

Let me recommend a fantastic devotional the Lord has been using daily in my life over the past few months. Stephen Yuille has given believers a great gift in these pages.

“What makes pride so dangerous is that it’s rarely obvious to the one infected by it. Most of us would never say with Nebuchadnezzar, “Look what I have built by my power and for my glory.” But we can still live that way. We can measure our worth by attendance, applause, influence, reputation, or the success of our plans. We can preach grace while depending on ourselves. We can talk about the glory of God while quietly longing for some of that glory to shine on us. Daniel 4 is God’s merciful warning to every leader who has begun to believe his own importance.” - From “Eating Grass” (pub. Fall ‘26)

One of the great privileges and responsibilities a pastor has is regularly praying for their people by name. Today is a great day, if you haven’t in awhile, to do just that…to pray through your congregation by name. If you have a larger congregation, break it up over the course of the next week. What a gift and stewardship we have in overseeing the souls God has entrusted to our care!

A random idea… I love seeing all the pictures of churches putting on VBS this summer. Praise God for every church opening its doors, loving kids, serving families, and sharing the good news of Jesus. What a gift. Here’s something to consider: What would it look like for your church to help a small, declining church put on a VBS too? They may not have many kids. They may not have many volunteers. They may not have the energy or resources to pull off what they once did. But maybe your church could bring a simplified version of what you are already doing and help them reach 10–20 kids in their own community. What a beautiful summer missions opportunity for your children’s ministry. Bring a few volunteers. Encourage their people. Love their neighborhood. Pray with them. Serve alongside them. Sometimes one of the greatest gifts we can give a struggling church is simply to come alongside them and say, “You’re not alone. We’d love to help.”

A church can draw a crowd without submitting to Scripture. A church can stay busy without submitting to Scripture. A church can raise money without submitting to Scripture. But a church can’t be truly renewed without submitting to Scripture, because Jesus rules, empowers, sanctifies, and transforms His church by His Word.

Such a joy to encourage this room of faithful small church pastors at the SBC small church luncheon. God has a plan for EVERY church and EVERY pastor! #sbc26

One of the great privileges and responsibilities of every pastor is to be an encourager of God’s people. How our people need to be built up with words of love, truth, hope, and comfort!

To lift Him up, to preach His name, and to invite souls to love Him and to follow Him is the highest, heavenliest privilege of human life. - W. A. Criswell

Wise words for every pastor from Murray Lean… “Pastors who seem to be constantly embroiled in fractious relationships have some serious questions to consider. But good pastors learn the art of handling difficult people, perhaps over many years. It takes time and patience and a willingness to persevere with people who are not easy to love. Yet, like the proverbial ‘pebble in the shoe’, God often uses these people in our churches to slow us down and teach us valuable lessons that can enrich our ministry.  We discover that: — People come in many different packages, and they all matter to God. — Shepherding God’s sheep is often ‘messy’, and that’s pretty normal! — Learning to ‘read’ and handle people graciously is essential to sustaining fruitful long-term ministry. — Our sinful biases and attitudes towards others often lurk just below the surface. — We can be ‘difficult’ people ourselves when we become stubborn, grumpy, blunt and judgemental toward others. — God often uses difficult people to help in our spiritual growth as we learn to ‘bear with each other’ in love e.g. patience, kindness, gentleness, tolerance. — We should not be too quick to give up or write people off—thankfully God doesn’t!”

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 100:1-5

What are some of the keys to becoming a multiplying church that plants and replants new congregations? The reality is this: A multiplying church is not built by accident. It’s born when God’s people are gripped again by the mission of God. Here are 4 catalysts for becoming a multiplying church: 1. A fresh burden for the lost. We will never multiply if we are only concerned about staying comfortable or keeping our people comfortable. Multiplication begins when our hearts break for people who are far from Jesus. 2. A holy dissatisfaction with maintenance. Multiplying churches long to see lives changed, leaders raised up, churches strengthened, and the gospel pushed forward…and they are willing to take risks, walk by faith, and do whatever it takes to make this happen. 3. A willingness to raise up and send out leaders. Multiplying churches don’t hoard leaders. They develop them. They encourage them. They send them…with joy. Even when it costs…and it always does. 4. A deep dependence on prayer. Strategies matter…but only God can bring real gospel fruit. Multiplication happens when churches get on their knees and ask God to do what only He can do. Friends, let’s not settle for maintaining what we have. Let’s ask God to make us a multiplying people…for the good of our communities, the strengthening of churches, and the glory of Christ.

Reminded once again today of why I believe a true plurality of pastors/elders leading and shepherding a church together is so important…7 quick reasons… 1. It reflects the New Testament pattern. Churches were led by qualified elders, not one lone leader carrying everything alone. 2. It protects the church. Shared leadership brings wisdom and accountability. 3. It protects the pastors. No man is meant to carry the spiritual weight of a church by himself. 4. It brings different gifts to the table. Again, one elder can’t do it all…a team is better. 5. It helps prevent pride and control. Plurality reminds us that Jesus is the Chief Shepherd, not any one pastor. 6. It strengthens decision-making. Prayerful, godly leaders seeking the Lord together will usually make wiser decisions than one pastor alone. 7. It helps to assure better, more intentional pastoral care for the congregation…nursery to the nursing home.

Almost home. Thank you, Lord. #colorado