Pastoral leadership – Pastor Tom's Community

August 4, 2026

Between the Piles

Pastor Mary Jones sat at her desk, contemplating the strategic-planning process she was about to present to her working team. On one side were the demographics: a community snapshot, perceived and documented needs, feedback from neighbors, and a growing awareness of the church’s mission. On the other side was the church-health report. An outside consultant…

Finally Brethren

When I was concluding my first pastorate, my mother asked me, “What are you going to preach on your last Sunday?” Then she added, “Every preacher I ever heard stepping down from one pulpit and moving on to another preached, ‘Finally, brethren.’” So I looked it up. Paul said it more than once. “Finally, brethren…”…

The Power of Compassion in Ministry

“Jesus wept.” (Gospel of John 11:35) Two words. No explanation. No correction. No immediate miracle. At the tomb of Lazarus, Jesus pauses long enough to enter the grief of those He loves. Before resurrection is commanded, sorrow is honored. This moment reveals something essential about ministry: compassion is not a delay of God’s work—it is…