The Credibility Factor
Ken Swatman explores how pastors build credibility through time, authenticity, transparency, and biblical authority while leading congregations through discipline, redemption, and restoration.
Articles for tag: Pastoral Leadership
March 21, 2010
Ask Yourself Some Questions Before You Fire
Ken Swatman offers pastors and church leaders a careful process for evaluating staff concerns before making the difficult decision to terminate a ministry employee.
February 7, 2010
How One Minister Survived a Building Program
Ken Swatman shares three principles that helped Oregon City Christian Church survive and even value the challenge of building and relocating to a new facility.
February 7, 2010
Memoirs of a Young Preacher
Dale Tinsley reflects on a difficult ministry season and how God restored a divided congregation through unity, authentic love, perseverance, and one simple invitation.
What Will Make My Next Decade Different?
Mark A. Taylor reflects on spiritual goal setting, personal growth, and the need to measure maturity beyond church activity and busy programs.
November 15, 2009
Growing Leaders in a Young Church: Interior and Exterior
Steve Cuss reflects on the interior life and exterior structure needed for healthy church leadership, from spiritual disciplines and dethroning idols to developing servant-hearted leaders.
Interview with John Caldwell
John Caldwell reflects on 35 years at Kingsway Christian Church, sharing lessons on long-term ministry, spiritual disciplines, elders, succession planning, and faithful perseverance.
February 15, 2009
Great Leaders Are Broken
Glen Elliott reflects on learning that effective Christian leadership requires more than strength, competence, and drive. True influence grows through brokenness, dependence, vulnerability, and trust.
November 9, 2008
Scholars in the Church A Practical Response
Brian Jones reflects on an early ministry internship and explains why local church leaders need both practical effectiveness and serious theological depth.
October 8, 2008
Church Health and Attendance Numbers How Do They Relate?
Mark A. Taylor considers whether church health should be measured by attendance alone, weighing numerical growth against relational healing, discipleship, and congregational stability.
January 6, 2008
To Err Is Divine: “Pastoring” in Biblical Perspective
Church leadership isn’t secured by titles but proven through shepherding. This piece contrasts “Tyrant” and “CEO” pastor models with New Testament care rooted in Jesus the Shepherd and expressed through accountable, grace-shaped ministry.
December 2, 2007
How Cincinnati Bible Seminary Is Training Second-Career Ministers
Cincinnati Bible Seminary outlines flexible, accredited training options—from one-night-per-week master’s courses to an Indianapolis extension, online classes, certificate programs, and seminars designed for ministers and church leaders.
The Woman at the Workshop
A Sunday school convention conversation prompts a searching question: do ministers truly “seek the Lord” amid relentless demands? Mark A. Taylor reflects on vocational ministry’s pressures—and the quiet danger of being consumed by the work.
January 28, 2007
How Should We Define Leadership?
Three leadership models shape today’s church, but only one is biblical. Randy Gariss contrasts storefront and foreman approaches with shepherding—personal pursuit, prayer, compassion, and responsibility for God’s people.
November 12, 2006
CONFESSION CONSIDERED: Battling Boredom
A longtime Christian feels spiritually stuck despite faithful habits. Rick Lowry explains how confession of sin—paired with trusted accountability—can bring healing, renewed focus, and practical steps for growth through prayer partnerships.
March 8, 2006
The Truth About Elders and Ministers
Disconnected comments can reveal a lot about how elders and ministers relate. Mark A. Taylor contrasts unhealthy patterns with a better path marked by mutual respect, shared accountability, and stronger leadership.
February 15, 2006
What”s So Important?
A youth-group story about taking work too seriously leads to a challenge for church leaders. Barna survey results highlight a gap between what pastors believe about members’ priorities and what members report.
How We Look at a Minister’s Departure
A reflection on why ministerial transitions can feel like calling to ministers but loss to church members—and how taking the long view helps congregations and pastors navigate resignations with healthier perspective.
September 28, 2005
The Problems With Original Preaching
A letter argues that sermon originality can be overrated when ministers carry heavy weekly demands. It urges ethical transparency, shared resources, and reconsidering Sunday evening services to support faithful preaching and healthier expectations.
