2014 was the hardest and darkest year in my life. Christmas 2013, I was diagnosed with burn-out. I had to stop work completely. This was incredibly difficult. I was so used to being busy, to having my head filled with stuff, to be carrying on. I have always done so much in my own strength, relying on my own insight. But this proved unsustainable.

Let’s spread more kindness this year, without expecting anything in return. This week let’s commit ourselves to a simple act of kindness each day at our workplace.

Communication is worth the investment and is very powerful. We can recall when our communication mattered, such as ordering a meal and enjoying it when it is placed on our table, when a family member humbly asked for forgiveness, or when a colleague offered much needed help. This is one of the great questions about human communication: Why do we believe that our communication can make a positive difference?

Humans make dumb mistakes. With more than 33 years in ministry, Charles has committed his share of dumb mistakes, as have we all, without ill will or an evil heart. Even so, these mistakes are … well, just dumb.

All Christians are able to lead and influence others with the gifts God has given them to distribute His grace to others. But leadership should be stewarded with character, consistency, preparation, wisdom, clarity, and conviction.

Taking care of ourselves is an intentional act of good stewardship. We are the only gift we have to offer other people. Self-care gives others permission to do the same without feeling guilty. The Bible describes our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. We need to look after that temple.

Two-by-two provides protection. It provides another set of eyes to watch and ears to listen, to be on the alert for the enemy. It allows also for one to rest while the other is on watch. This keeps both in the battle. Two-by-two provides a system of accountability. By laboring together one can help the other stay on the narrow road.

Whether it is a moral lapse, sexual abuse, habitual failings, or simply inadequate leadership skills and closed attitudes, they all need dealing with.

Pastors’ children find themselves in a complicated position within the church community. Members’ expectations about their behavior, harmful gossip, and the taxing schedule of their pastoring parent may cause anxiety and breed cynicism in so-called “PKs” (Pastor’s Kids). Thom provides us with five reminders about how to combat this.

What makes a better teacher: the ability to ask the right questions or having all the answers? Is it better to be the “Bible Answer Person” or the one who encourages the learner to think? Remarkably, Jesus only answered three of the 307 questions He asked. Why was that?

Wisdom sends the enemy fleeing. It is God’s gift-in-waiting. All we need to do is ask for it, seek after it and expect God to provide it. What will you do today to accept this gift?

We all know that the most effective leadership development takes place in a true mentoring relationship, where life impacts life on a frequent basis. However, I have found that stories of real people can be powerful instruments in God’s hands.

How you handle hard times will set the tone for how your team handles those same hard times. If you’re running around like a headless chicken, or acting like a sulky toddler who missed out on their favorite ice cream, people will consider the way you are leading – and then they will quickly follow suit.

“I personally love worshiping with believers from other cultures, especially in their home countries. I can’t help but look around the room and think, this is it! This is a little glimpse of what it’s going to be like in Heaven. Those are some of the most treasured worship memories of my life. Yet I can’t help but wonder why isn’t that my usual experience back here in North America?”

How is your conscience? Is it clear or conflicted? Is it Holy Spirit guided or weak … even seared?

It is so easy to clean up the exterior and disciple people in a way that comes naturally to us, but the true Gospel, the one Christ hung on the cross for, is one that demands an inner wrenching of the soul and a deep commitment to His people. Sarah shares a moving experience when she learned much from a disciple she was seeking to transform.

God offers rest, not just for our physical bodies but for our hearts as well. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” God is calling for our souls to rest.

Harvesting fruit is only possible when the branches abide in the vine; leaders can only bear good fruit when they abide in Jesus (John 15:4). George outlines the characteristics that a small church needs to have in order to flourish after planting. When leaders heed certain New Testament guidelines, churches multiply rapidly, inexpensively and with little or no ongoing help from Western missionaries.

The life we are offered as a disciple of Jesus Christ is the life of the steward. As stewards, we are set free by three transformational truths: God owns everything, God will always provide for all our needs, and the greatest blessings come to those who give.

Demands for our time seem to clamor endlessly. When was the last time you had a peaceful moment when you were not thinking about that next thing to do? Usually the decision to commit to too many things is because we can’t seem to say “no.” How do you say “no” in these busy times? Is “no” being selfish, or is “yes” being selfish when you do not have the time to do well the thing to which you said “yes?”