Tag: Church

You’re Not the Chief Shepherd: A Reminder for Pastors and Church Leaders

This is notes from some teaching and discussion I shared today with our staff team and yesterday with our Grow Group leaders. I started by saying I have been in ministry long enough to go through times when talking about being a Pastor and leading pastoral ways was regarded as somewhat passé. I fell for the leader as CEO strategist and yes the church can learn from business (and vice versa) but biblically, leadership in the church is to become under-shepherds of His flock. It’s never ownership – it is stewardship. We don’t lead people for ourselves; we care for people for Him. And the moment we forget that distinction, everything starts to unravel. God is the Chief Shepherd – We Are Under-Shepherds Scripture is unambiguous: there is one true Shepherd, and everyone else leads under His authority. Jesus identified Himself this way in John 10:11 – “I am the good shepherd.” And He made it clear that shepherding involves laying down your life for others, not building your own kingdom. 1 Peter 5:2–4 reinforces this: “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care… […]

“It Came – To Pass: How Leaders Can Help Heal Hearts Without Rushing the Process”

‘AND IT CAME TO PASS’ – Used nearly 400 times. In Hebrew and Greek, it’s a narrative marker.

Something happens. (IT!) Then time passes. Then God moves the story on.
It never says:
It came to stay.
or
It came to define you forever.
IT came, whatever it is – (or now was, because, it passed).
Every suffering in Scripture comes with an expiry date – even if the length of that season is unclear at the time.

How to Grow as a Christian

Christian growth is not automatically produced by information, imitation, or religious effort. Drawing on 30 years of church leadership, this guide explores how to grow as a Christian through the rhythm of Knowing, Growing, and Going – shaping faith that is rooted, resilient, and lived out in everyday life.

Good Fruit Grows in Tough Soil – A New Year Reflection on John 15

As the year opens, John 15 reminds us that vines grow through seasons, not constant progress. Pruning can feel brutal, tough soil can feel like the wrong place, and winter can feel empty – but the Father is the vinedresser. Hard ground doesn’t mean you’re misplaced -it may be preparing you for fruit still to come.

RoboRev? Which Pastors Will Be Replaced by AI – And Which Won’t

Some say AI will destroy the future of work.
Paul says ministry was never a job to begin with – it was a grace to steward.
AI can do admin.
It can’t administer God’s grace.
That distinction will matter – more than ever.

A Simple Christingle Talk for Families – Light, Life and Love (John 1:1–5)

A simple Christingle talk for families, rooted in John 1:1–5, exploring light, life and love at Christmas. Free to use in churches and schools.

Mary’s Plan vs God’s Plan A: Why Your Next YES Unlocks Your Purpose

Mary knew what it was like when life goes nothing like YOUR plan.
Mary’s Plan A?
A quiet life.
A good marriage.
Honour in her community.

Mary had her plan. Until the day an angel appeared:
“You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you shall call Him Jesus.”
Luke 1:31 God’s Plan A!

How Good Leaders Develop Great Ones

Delegation and empowering others is a vital aspect of effective leadership that can prevent burnout and promote a thriving ministry.
Leadership development is a journey that requires intention, planning, and a willingness to invest in others.

Free Sermon Idea – The Word At Christmas

As I studied John 1 again, I noticed a pattern — a progression, that mirrors how someone comes to know God, grow in His love, and go out to make a difference. And I’m not saying this is like The Bible Code to start some conspiracy, but…
It matches perfectly with Ivy’s Discipleship Pathway!

DISCOVER → DELIVER → DEVOTE → DEVELOP → DEPLOY

Let’s walk through the passage and see how this unfolds.

The One Page Leadership Development Plan You Need To Make – Now

Plans are better than goals
Pretty much everyone sets goals. We’re fast headed toward New Year’s Resolutions time which are just goals you make with a Christmas paunch or hangover.
But a goal without a plan is just a daydream.
So let me ask you a simple question:
What’s your plan to develop as a leader this coming year?