attention and approvalA Methodist couple involved in sacrificial ministry write that they sometimes feel "on the shelf," and that their efforts frequently go unappreciated. Perhaps these words of encouragement to them will connect with some other hearts which share this couple's godly desires and human frustrations.
wilderness experienceA preacher writes that his ministry is under attack, his church is in turmoil and his church leaders are torn between Christ and legalistic religion. He feels deserted, exhausted and as if he is in a wilderness. Can I offer any encouragement?
when we suffer unjustlyA couple long involved in Christian ministry have been mistreated by other believers who misconstrue their motives. . . . They feel abused, abandoned and betrayed. Does Scripture offer any encouragement, or light to put this in perspective?
long-range planningAn acquaintance was recently asked to lead a committee . . . producing a five-year plan for his Lutheran church. He searched the New Testament but found nothing about long-range planning. My own investigation yielded the same results. . . . "As he was going along," the Gospel writers will say, "a certain woman came to Jesus" -- and the next thing we know something happens about which we still read and talk 2,000 years later.
reducing a pastor's stressA Methodist pastor writes that he was just diagnosed with ulcers due to stresses created by misguided Christians. He asks if I believe it possible to engage in ministry and remain physically and spiritually whole.
renovate or innovate?A gracEmail subscriber writes: "I am a pastor attending seminary, currently serving in a United Methodist Church that desperately wants me to stay with them to help revitalize the system. I am honestly worried whether denominations have run their course.... In this day and age should we be trying to renovate or innovate as far as the church is concerned?"
twin tyrantsA gracEmail reader who works hard to do good and to help others feels sad and frustrated because his work often goes unnoticed, while others who seemingly do less work and do it less well receive public attention and praise. He asks how to find freedom from his disappointment and dismay.