Author Archives: Michael D Johnson

The call to pastoral ministry is a difficult call. We are to shepherd people, oversee the administration of the church, equip the people for works of service, preach the gospel, care for the sick, hurting and absent, and the list goes on. Perhaps one of the more difficult roles shepherds must tend to (and itContinueContinue reading “Be a shepherd who lays down your life for the sheep”

I love people. I love seeing them experience a breakthrough. I love seeing them live victoriously. I love laughing with them and rejoicing with them in the blessings and milestones of life. But I also hurt for the pain they endure. And the pain they put themselves through. And the pain they cause other peopleContinueContinue reading “The joy and pain of pastoring”

Sometimes I think to myself: “well, I may not have succeeded in what I hoped to, but I will just hold on until I can retire and it will be what it will be” This resignation is not usually a good thing when it comes to ministers dealing with their disappointments and disillusionment in ministry.ContinueContinue reading “The paradox of disappointment in ministry”

Dear pastor, Will anything ever get better at your church? Will you ever see more attendees, more volunteers and sufficient income? Is the church always going to face declining numbers, passion and interest? I know, these questions seem blunt and perhaps a bit pessimistic, but reality is that many pastors have considered these questions (maybeContinueContinue reading “Is my church stuck? Am I?”