Baha'i Faith

Why we will no longer be a welcoming church

We’ve decided to quit being a welcoming church. No kidding. We’re giving it up. Like so many congregations, we’ve sunk an amazing amount of time and energy into becoming a welcoming church. We changed worship styles, trained greeters and ushers, wore name tags, brewed coffee, went to workshops on hospitality and put our friendliest people …

Why Homosexuality Is Not Like Other Sins

Homosexuality is not the only sin prohibited in the Bible, but it is different from all the rest, at least right now. And we have really good news for homosexuals.

Is Your Church Ready for Generation Z?

Is the church ready for Generation Z? We sat down with some members of the generation and many don't believe the church is ready for them.

10 Ways to Teach Kids to Sit in Church

Want to take your kids to church with you? Find out how to learn to go to "big church." Worship, learn, and serve together. Kids can love going to church.

Assistant Counselor or Pastoral Counselor New Era Wellness & Therapy Center

A substance abuse counselors job is far more than talking an addict through treatment. Counselors have ethical and moral responsibilities they have to follow...

Is he my pastor or my husband? Spiritual care in the clergy marriage

What unique challenges and gifts in spiritual care come with the clergy marriage?

PASTORAL PERSPECTIVE: Fixing the broken

Stress and anxiety are rising issues among people in our culture that the church is usually fairly silent about.

To Find the Right Counselor, Rethink Your Idea of What a Counselor Is

The conversation around mental health has slowly drifted into the mainstream conversations, but many people still have concerns and questions about what

Finding Great Illustrations

The more experienced a preacher you become, the less time it will take you to do exegesis, outlining, and preparation. You can become very proficient at that. Illustrating the sermon, however, will become harder because of the demand for fresh, culturally relevant illustrations that truly serve and

Finding a Counselor

If you are a cancer patient, caregiver or health care provider, we’ve tailored resources and tools specifically for your needs and wants.

Pastoral Icon or Woolly Menace?

Preparing Decision Counselors for Tough Questions

Lay counselors need to be prepared for this cultural chaos. So do you—not because it’s coming to your church, but because it's already there.

How to Listen Like a Counselor

There is more to being a good listener than simply being quiet as the other person talks. A counselor explains what it takes to help the one talking.

Whose problem is clergy burnout?

Training in healthy ministry for pastors—and congregations

Are you suited for Specialized Pastoral Ministry?

LCMS Specialized Pastoral Ministry invites you to explore opportunities to serve in this important area. Information is available to help you evaluate if God is leading you to serve in SPM.

12 Steps for Clergy Recovery

Clergy have one of those fuzzy, slippery jobs – a job where nothing and everything is in the job description. Also, because being a pastor is essentially relational, there’s an emotional subtext to almost everything we do: from presiding at a funeral, to the look on our face while shaking someone’s hand or giving them communion, to what we put in the newsletter and […]

This Is What An Elementary School Counselor Does

We advocate, we lead, we stir up change, and we collaborate because we have to. For each and every whole student. Because of this, our practice must be individualized; our curriculum must be outside of the box; and our supports must be intentional.

How to Pastor Your Pastoral Staff

It’s easy to get busy managing people, getting things done and moving toward the vision.

Who Is Your Greatest Pastoral Influence?

How Technology Is Revolutionizing Pastoral Training

The printing press is often credited with bringing Scripture out of the control of the clergy and into the hands of everyday Christians. It spread the ideas of Reformers such as Luther and quickened the advance of the gospel and gospel theology. Printed books brought immense value, including easy and inexpensive access to the Bible …