Category Archives: Pastoral Ministry

Your Pastor, Melancholy And The Black Dog

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Recently news broke that Andrew Stoecklein, pastor of Inland Hills Church in Chino California took his own life. It is heartbreaking news, and shocking, but I have to say not overwhelmingly surprising. I’ve heard and read some express sentiments along the lines of “how could a pastor do that?” Sadly, some have gone on to posit that no “truly called” man could possibly be depressed much less suicidal. While I don’t know anything about this man or the church he served, over the last several years, both through my own experiences and through relationships with other pastors, I have learned a thing or two about pastoral ministry. … Continue reading

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I Was Arrested!

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On April 25, 2018, I was arrested. I was led away from the church in handcuffs. I was booked and charged with 3 counts of larceny and 2 counts of defacing a monument. I know, really shocking stuff. But what is even more shocking than a pastor being arrested, is what precipitated my arrest. I removed political signs that were posted on church property without permission. And because so many have asked me what happened, I thought I  should take this opportunity to relate the events, and also a few of the lessons I learned.

I want to be clear and open.… Continue reading

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How to Ensure Success in Counseling

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Later this week a Christian man named Andrew will begin counseling with his pastor in a last stitched effort to overcome a sin that he has long struggled with.  Andrew is 32, has been married for 8 years, is the father of 3-year-old twins, is an active member of his church, and is hooked on porn.  He’s been viewing pornography since he was a teenager, and with exception of a month here and a few weeks there, has not yet found victory over his addiction.  His wife has been living under the impression that Andrew’s struggle came to an end, at least as a daily struggle, several years ago. … Continue reading

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The Numbers Game: On Math and Ministry Success

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church-attendance1For many Christians, a church’s success is a matter of simple mathematics.  The more people, the better.  If attendance and giving numbers are going up, God must be pleased.  And if those numbers are going down, well…you get the picture.

I wish I could say that I’ve never played the numbers game myself, but I can’t, because I have and I do.

However, various circumstances in my life and in our church have led me to some deeper reflection over the issue of church numbers in recent years.  This post is my attempt to summarize most of the big things that I have learned and continue to learn (as I need frequent reminding), hanging my thoughts on some of the larger principles I see in Scripture. … Continue reading

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Reprise: Send Your Pastor To Conferences

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This week I am in Los Angeles, attending the Shepherd’s Conference through the generosity of others. This year the church I serve couldn’t afford to send me, but the Lord provided. And I’m glad he did, I really needed it this year. Two years after first writing this, It is just as true and maybe more valuable than ever. The Shepherd’s conference isn’t the only game around, there is the Shepherd’s 360 conference associated with Shepherds Theological Seminary, There is the Banner of Truth Minister’s Conference, For the Church as well as smaller regional conferences like the annual GAMA Equipping Conference.… Continue reading

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