Category Archives: Ministers

Clergy & Laity: He says he’s suffering from burn out. Is he serious? (Elders/Staff Relationship)

Once we have properly selected elders — that is, once we’ve selected those chosen by God — and once we’ve equipped them for a very difficult office, we need to decide how they should relate to the ministerial staff. The … Continue reading

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Clergy & Laity: Why Aren’t Preachers Also Elders?

Matthew wrote in a comment, I’m enjoying this series a lot – thanks. Would you be willing to analyze the historical trajectory/reasons in the Churches of Christ which keep Church of Christ preachers from being elders (as in other congregational … Continue reading

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Clergy & Laity: He says he’s suffering from burn out. Is he serious? (Elder Training)

Developing better elders is the first step toward overcoming this plague of burn out. It’s not enough, but it’s essential. Once we have men in the eldership with the right raw material — the right gifts — we need for … Continue reading

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Clergy & Laity: He says he’s suffering from burn out. Is he serious? (Elders Who Aren’t Jackasses)

Yes, he’s serious. From Monday Morning Insight, by Todd Rhodes, Forty-eight percent of them think their work is hazardous to their family well-being. Another 45.5 percent will experience a burnout or a depression that will make them leave their jobs. … Continue reading

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Clergy & Laity: Why doesn’t the minister have any friends at church?

As I’ve said before, I’ve never been in full-time ministry. But I’ve hung around ministers and ministers’ kids all my life. And I’ve observed that many ministers struggle to make friends. Think about your home congregation. Who are your preacher’s … Continue reading

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Clergy & Laity: Further Thoughts on: And he wants Mondays off?! (Part 2)

[This is a bit rambling, but I’m fighting a virus and that’s how the thoughts flow, you know.] I’d add a fourth incontrovertible principle — 4. We ask the wrong things from our members, and so we ask the wrong … Continue reading

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Clergy & Laity: Further Thoughts on: And he wants Mondays off?! (Part 1)

[Please remember as this series proceeds that I’ve been involved in church leadership for a very long time and get calls and emails from churches all over the place. Please don’t take any of my comments as being pointed at … Continue reading

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Clergy & Laity: And he wants Mondays off?!

If you want to hear some strong opinions from elders, don’t ask about instrumental music or speaking in tongues; ask about the preacher’s weekday day off. It’s becoming customary for ministers to expect a day off during the Monday through … Continue reading

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Clergy & Laity: If he’d ever had a real job, he’d know how unrealistic his preaching is!

This is a tough one. One great advantage of having a fulltime preacher is that they are fulltime. Of course. But this is also a disadvantage because it gives the members the opportunity to rationalize away the preacher’s demands. After … Continue reading

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Clergy & Laity: Thoughts on the Last Post, Part 2 (Accountability)

Should the minister be accountable to the elders for how he uses his time? Accountable for results only? Not accountable at all? Well, let’s start with some principles. Principle 1: People fill gaps in their knowledge in the most pathological … Continue reading

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