March 13, 2026
True Friends
Proverbs 17:17 sums up well the work of true friends: “A friend loves at all times.” The love of true friends is expressed in a variety of ways. This editorial identifies some of them.
Articles for tag: Gossip
Succession: When It Works, When It Doesn’t
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.
March 15, 2021
Mar 21 | Application
If you want to be savvy and streetwise, read the book of Proverbs. It’s a jewelry box filled with nuggets of spiritual gold . . . a toolbox full of blue-collar common sense . . . a handbook . . .
January 3, 2019
How to Deal Effectively with Difficult People
By David Roadcup How we react to difficult people and their behavior is a test of how well we’ve implemented Scripture’s relational principles. The Word tells us how to respond when difficult situations present themselves. Effective leaders follow the teachings of patience, forbearance, self-control, careful thought, and action. When called upon to deal with a difficult person, our patience and forbearance will be strengthened as we do the right thing in dealing with those who need help. Dealing with difficult people is always a stretching experience. As James 1:2-4 instructs us, difficult situations, especially those prompted by difficult people, prompt
February 21, 2018
A Road Map for Healthy Conflict Resolution
Use these 5 tips to create a church culture that handles conflict in a God-honoring way. By David Dummitt Churches are made up of broken, messy people. That statement won’t shock anyone reading this. Problems in churches are inevitable. Conflict can lead to division. Planning ahead for how to navigate through conflict is important to protecting the unity of our churches. Whether you’re planting a church or have been leading one for years, it is never too early (or late) to create a road map for dealing with conflict within your church in a way that honors God. Here
September 28, 2016
Beware of Spiritual Riptides
By Jim Tune Paul (not his real name) had seen pastors attacked. He pledged he would always do what he could to protect his pastor. A few years later, that pastor agreed with a decision to close a program that Paul”s wife led. Paul stepped down from leadership and stewed against the pastor. He began to entertain gossip and went through a spiritually dry period. Years later, he rejoined leadership and was part of the decision to end the pastor”s tenure. He still nurses a grudge today. Paul had good intentions but found himself swept away. He ended up feeling
August 26, 2015
Behind My Back
By Jim Tune I wasn”t intending to eavesdrop. It just sort of happened. I had left the company of two close friends, but realized minutes later I had left a personal item behind. My friends were still talking when I returned, and they were talking about me. I wasn”t trying to eavesdrop, but I couldn”t keep from listening as they discussed a very personal decision I had shared with them earlier. There was nothing mean-spirited in anything they said. I made my presence known almost immediately. I had heard enough to feel a flash of betrayal and embarrassment. When I
How Healthy Is Your Team, Really?
How healthy is your elder, staff, or ministry team? “Healthy organizations engage in honest conversations,” says David Staal, president of Kids Hope USA. “This requires leaders who are willing to encourage discussions about topics that can cause a culture to capsize if ignored too long.” Stall suggests engaging your team in a discussion around the following if-then statements. While each of these may at first seem like ridiculous statements, discuss whether they are at all true on your team, in your group, or in your organization. Tailor each of these to your team or situation. “¢ If someone is an
May 11, 2011
Why Women’s Ministry?
Susan Lawrence explains why women’s ministry should be shaped by intentional discipleship, healthy relationships, and prayerful obedience rather than tradition, trends, or one-size-fits-all programming.
March 31, 2011
Truth Matters
Karen Rees reflects on why truth matters in Christian living, urging believers to test what they hear, speak truth in love, and avoid spreading careless words.
Loving Those Who Annoy You
Jan Johnson reflects on loving difficult people through prayer, confession, silence, and service, showing how God cultivates a heart of goodwill even in ordinary irritation.
May 14, 2008
Some Prayer Requests Can Hurt
Mark A. Taylor warns that prayer requests can become gossip when curiosity, self-righteousness, or public criticism replace humility, privacy, and genuine concern.
March 9, 2008
Policy on Confidentiality (a Proposal)
A proposed church confidentiality policy explains how leaders seek to care for people who are hurting, while clarifying legal and practical limits on confidentiality and the steps leaders may take to offer wise, discreet support.
