March 13, 2026
Rob O’Lynn helps readers “set the table” for John 15:9-17 by attending to context, structure, and translation choices. In the Passion Narrative, Jesus defines friendship through abiding, sacrificial love, and mission.
March 13, 2026
John Hampton and David Vaughan share lessons from more than four decades of friendship shaped by ministry, shared history, and golf. Their “buddy-building blocks” highlight intentionality, grace, loyalty, and finishing well together.
March 13, 2026
Michelle Maris explains how children’s friendships grow in stages—from playmates to deeper trust and belonging. She offers practical ways parents can nurture healthy connection, encourage face-to-face community, and support faith-rooted friendships in the church.
March 13, 2026
Mike Edmisten shares how years of ministry left him isolated from other pastors—and how introversion, busyness, and insecurity fed the problem. His warning becomes an invitation to pursue life-giving ministry friendships and shared burdens.
March 13, 2026
Terrence Turman argues friendship is a neglected spiritual discipline for many pastors and ministry leaders. Citing research on loneliness, he offers practical nudges for living as a Christian first, building community, and keeping friendships alive.
March 13, 2026
Juan Casa del Valle contrasts open-door immigrant community life with modern isolation. He shares three marks of strong, God-honoring friendships across cultures: being present, being honest, and being consistent—modeled perfectly by Jesus.
March 13, 2026
Ministry can feel like a narrow trail with limited visibility. Dave Jones shares how friendships with elders, staff, and fellow preachers helped him endure lonely seasons and lead with humility, unity, and courage.
March 13, 2026
David Faust explores loneliness across Scripture and in modern life, reminding readers that loneliness isn’t the same as being alone. He offers four practical ways the church can respond with connection, presence, and healing community.
March 13, 2026
In a time when people can’t talk about hard things anymore, how can Christians be different?
March 13, 2026
Bill Mesaeh explores the pain of betrayal and the anger that follows, affirming that anger has a place while calling for responsibility over blame. He clarifies what forgiveness is—and isn’t—and urges readers not to give up on friendship.
March 13, 2026
John Teal reflects on walled cities, the Berlin Wall, and the walls dividing relationships today. He shares how friendship, conversation, and “a cup of coffee” became a first step toward Common Grounds Unity and a renewed plea for Christian unity.
January 1, 2026
With careful planning, clear communication, financial foresight, and sensitivity to personalities, churches can not only survive transitions, they can thrive through them.
January 1, 2026
If you’ve spent your career walking with Jesus, your last days should be your best days, not your worst. Jesus’ last moments before his death were spent pouring himself completely out for us.
January 1, 2026
If succession is not done effectively, it may result in the loss of momentum, people, resources, and more. Fully engaged elders help put the “success” in succession.
January 1, 2026
Perhaps the greatest single benefit of succession success is that when it works, succession success honors God and results in positive momentum in the church as well as in the larger community.
January 1, 2026
We need to start thinking and planning for succession earlier rather than later, knowing that the stakes are high, the process takes time, and that we are following a biblical mandate.
January 1, 2026
Retirement doesn’t mean ministry is over. It just means it looks different. The way we influence and serve may change, but God still uses us.
January 1, 2026
When done with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, succession and an intentional interim create the smoothest path to pastoral transition.
January 1, 2026
A healthy children’s ministry should thrive even when its primary leader isn’t in the room. That’s why succession planning is essential.
January 1, 2026
If you serve as an elder or staff member, it’s not just a theoretical question, it’s a vital one. Succession planning is one of the most important, but often most neglected, responsibilities of church leadership.
March 27, 2026
Rick Cherok
March 27, 2026
David Empson
March 27, 2026
David Faust