How can we handle mean words and hostile criticism from the people we are called to lead and do so with grace? Here are 7 thoughts that may help you navigate this difficult and unwelcome rough patch in the leadership trail.

"Can I be real for a minute?" Matthew Swinamer shares his experiences with mental health. "The Holy Spirit used therapy to help me realize that I had negative beliefs that were contributing to unhealthy thoughts, emotions and behaviours. I had to get to the root of why I was so depressed, overwhelmed and hopeless."

Why is prayer essential for the life and health of a local church? If prayer is de-emphasized, the heartbeat of the church slows to a critical level and eventually stops altogether. If a local church is to remain a vital, life-giving entity, it must have a healthy heart.

Take some time, and focus on God. Quiet the noise all around you and remind yourself Whose you are. God is with you. He longs to spend time with you. He wants you to just "be". Be in His presence. Be in His care. Be in the moment. Be aware of His work around you.  

I am exhausted. Why and what do I do? Al Downey, our Pastoral Care Coordinator, shares some causes and cures for exhaustion in ministry.

Have you ever felt ineffective, insipid, or a weakling trying to fill a strong person’s role? How do we face and overcome these emotions that threaten the effectiveness of our leadership when they spin out of control? Here are a few suggestions.

What should I do when I have been badly hurt? My mentor heard my diatribe in silence. Then the wise old sage gave me some advice I have carried with me ever since that day.

Can I make ministry a lifetime vocation? Al Downey, our Pastoral Care Director, gives some tips for staying in the race until the end.

A young Bible College graduate recently asked me, "Pastor Al, what has kept you in a place of vocational ministry for well over four decades?" His question was direct and simple, the answer not so much. Here it is with my attempted response.

What questions should I be asking myself as I enter the New Year? As 2024 begins, it would be wise to examine our lives using these four key foundations and then make whatever adjustments are necessary going forward.

Why do I need to have consistently regulated sleep for my long-term health? Our frenzied lifestyles push us to run on sugar, caffeine and hi-octane stress during the day. Lack of sleep devastates our overall well-being and health.

How do we find rest in the rat race? Unless we deliberately balance this heightened activity with consistent rest, we can easily over-extend and be left in a deficit position emotionally.

October has traditionally been designated as Pastors' Appreciation Month. Appreciation and honour of pastors is not limited to one month, but October is a time to make space for thanking those who lead and shepherd congregations.

Why should I be concerned about personal accountability? The imperative of accountability in leadership.

Is there a place I can find trustworthy support for the call of God in my life? We increase the opportunity for success by surrounding ourselves with those who raise us up.

What can you do to reach our community with just two people and a few bucks? Here are 20 outreaches that you can do with one other person. If done consistently over time, you'll see the fruit.

Ah, summertime. Time to shake off winter’s effects, wind down, find a comfortable spot, relax, and read or listen. Five books that are worth your holiday time this summer. What books do you recommend that I will enjoy this summer?

Why are you trying to grow your ministry by yourself? From the early days in Jesus’ example to the early church, you’ll read ministry stories in collaboration and partnership. Ministers joined forces and faith to see great things accomplished. Where one lacked, the other contributed and so on. Jesus himself chose to do ministry in teams; these disciples would have had input into Jesus’ life and ministry.