Author Archives: Michael D Johnson

Dear pastor, Do you ever feel like absolutely no one completely understands your call or the work you are attempting to do? Well-meaning people try to connect and understand but until you personally carry the weight of the spiritual condition of a person’s soul, or the state of a church or the eternal implications ofContinueContinue reading “Does anyone understand what I am feeling and going through?”

Dear Pastor, What kind of disciples are you making? Do they look more and more like Jesus everyday? Or more and more like you? Or are they staying the same? Of course, every single person gets to choose and so you are not responsible for their choices, but for those who do choose to followContinueContinue reading “Bringing people to Jesus”

Dear pastor, Can I share just a few practical ideas to make ministry more joyful and fulfilling? Try to get together with another pastor each week for a meal or coffee. Pick their brain, listen to their stories, rejoice with their victories, weep with their struggles, pray together Spend 1 hour per week calling people,ContinueContinue reading “A few ideas”

Dear Pastor, I am reminded that so much of our ministry consists of loving people, listening to people, encouraging people and demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit of love, joy, kindness and gentleness. But I need to be reminded myself that I am more than just the professional “nice guy.” Niceness is not the missionContinueContinue reading “More than a professional “nice person””