Through a sudden and surprising departure from church leadership, I found myself adrift and wondering about what the Lord had next. During this season of transition and reflection, I realized that the Church is failing to thrive because weary pastors are working with confused leaders trying to help plateaued congregations experience more.

Through 35 years of leading congregations and pastoring pastors, I have always believed that the Lord has more for us than we can imagine, that He invites us to be on mission with Him (not just for Him), and that the presence and power of the Holy Spirit are more than theological affirmations.

I have also experienced how leading God's people is exhausting and, quite often, thankless. Living with the incessant demands of Sunday, living with the drone of dissatisfaction and criticism, and living with unfulfilled dreams drains us.

So, I want to encourage you and help you rediscover joy and lead your congregation with confidence.

I've been following Jesus since I was 13 (five decades, and counting). I'm married to Shari who is wonderfully patient and a remarkable pastor. We have three married daughters and 10 grandchildren (one of whom is with Jesus). We love tending the souls of pastors and their families.