Minister's Toolbox

Nearly every pastor has compiled enough material over the course of their ministry to write one or several books. During this pandemic, pastors are limited by who they can visit, where they can go and even if they can meet as a church. Why not take this extended "time off" to write a book? It is not as difficult or expensive as you once believed. Let me show you how. Get the Free Download

It doesn't take a brain surgeon to realize that Christ is the one thing we offer you cannot find anywhere else, but that is not what I want to speak with you about today. Your church offers more than you think. Oftentimes, we forget the unique privileges every Christian can access by being properly related to God. What can we learn from C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien that will help the church reach the lost? During the podcast, I asked if you would like to be one of the first people to review my upcoming book, Foundations? If so, email me at ministerstoolbox@gmail.com. I will send you the manuscript, and after you write an honest review on Amazon, I will send you a copy of the book when it is published.   

Paul warned the Ephesian elders about vicious wolves who would not spare the flock of God. Like it or not, part of a pastor's job is to identify and deal with spiritual wolves that threaten the welfare of people in our congregations. How do you spot them? What is an effective way to deal with them. Tune in to an important session.

COVID, elections, rioting, churches closing, masks...where does it all end? Jesus warned his followers that in the last days, the hearts of many would "wax" cold. That doesn't sound good. Many church leaders struggle to keep their passion from slipping into depression and despair as they consider the state of our world right now. How can you avoid becoming someone whose heart for ministry dies a passionless death. Allow me a few moments to share a personal experience that will encourage you.

In this second of a two-part interview, David B. Smith shares with us about his ministry to the "least of these." From his personal experience as an addict for more than a dozen years, David found freedom in Christ.  David and his wife connect with people in need and partners with pastors and churches to share the gospel in practical ways. This is a great opportunity for pastors to train members in real-time needs-based evangelism while working with a para-church ministry.  Taking the church outside the walls of our churches is the only logical way to reach and then equip church members to do the work of ministry. Contact David. 

David B. Smith shares his testimony of a preachers kid who grew up angry at God and left home at 15 years old. After more than a decade of crime, drugs and homelessness, God brought him back to Himself through the kindness of a child. This first part of a two-part series will inspire your faith. More About David's Ministry.

Church leaders often don't realize how the occult has or is influencing members of their churches. Today, a frank discussion about the influence of the occult on peoples' lives along with some ideas about how to counter the deception in our communities. During today's podcast, I referenced the Wells For Zimbabwe project. 

Pastors are some of the loneliest creatures on our planet. Most of us were trained or told that we cannot be friends with people we serve. Is this true? If so, precisely where can we find friends? How is a church affected when their pastor is friendless? Are we hindering the cause of Christ by living isolated lives? During today's podcast, I offered a free download. Keep in mind, that I am now publishing podcasts on YouTube. 

Every year pastors lose money by paying extra taxes they are not required to pay. Why do they do this? Ignorance of the benefits afforded to ministers. Many know about the housing allowance benefits, but don't take advantage of them properly. As a result, they are donating more of their income to the government. Unless you are intending to be a benevolent contributor, you shouldn't miss today's brief discussion on how to pay your fair share and no more! During the podcast, I mentioned a few resources to consider as you investigate what to do in your individual situation.  Guidelines From The IRS Additional Resource    

Today I interview Jan Nel, a long-time friend and missionary from Thailand. He shares how his ministry changed when COVID hit. How can we continue building relationships across the world and fulfill God's mission for our churches despite the current crisis? The harvest is still ready and those who adapt will reap it for the Kingdom. Watch the Interview on YouTube. Link to Jan Nel Participate in a Zoom Meeting. Listen to our recent Men's meeting via Skype with Jan. First interview with Jan, sharing his testimony. Link To Jan Nel on YouTube.

Has the Church lost it's way? Is it possible that we have gradually abandoned our mission to accommodate the whims of government and/or cultural mores? When you consider the absence of key elements in our preaching, we are forced to conclude that the answer is regrettably, yes. Today, I share some things on my heart that gravely concern me. Join me for a frank discussion or risk losing your right eye. If you'd like to watch the podcast as I record it live, check me out on YouTube.  During the podcast, I referenced, Streams of Consciousness. These are some home-made videos I recorded at the beginning for the pandemic recording thoughts from my "alleged" mind. One of these videos was banned from YouTube, so will remain forever hidden! I also referenced the most recent CDC information - even though it seems to always be changing! Here is one pastor's solution to the restrictions of the pandemic.  

One of the top reasons ministers leave their vocation is financial problems. Issues such as salary and housing are discussed in Episode 11. Today, I want to speak with you about your financial future. At one time, I worked bi-vocationally in the financial planning field. Allow my experiences to help you plan for a better future. Learn more about why pastors need to be paid properly and resources for salary issues here. During today's podcast, our major focus is on how to plan for the future.  During the podcast, I mentioned Nick Murray who shares ten tips for investing. 

On Today's Podcast, I interview Steve Hinton, author of the book, Confessions, Finding Hope Through One Pastor's Doubt. Steve shares his journey as a pioneer church planter and how betrayal nearly shipwrecked his dream to plant a new congregation. I know you will be encouraged! Today is also my first attempt to produce interview podcasts live as they occur. You can watch Steve and me on YouTube. Steve's book, Confessions is available on Amazon and also as an audiobook. You can learn more about Steve @www.kingdomology.com and SteveHintonAuthor on Facebook or Twitter.

America has been in upheaval since the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer May 25, 2020. Since then, Black Lives Matter has come to the forefront of the news and political discourse. What is the church's role in addressing and diffusing racism? Today's podcast will probably not be what you expect as I discuss some of the aspects of our common language that exacerbates the problem. During the show, I referenced an article by the Conservative Clergy Of Color (CCC). You can read it here.   

Women outnumber men in church attendance nearly two to one. Why is that? Is there a secret ingredient that motivates men to consider the gospel? How can church leaders not only attract men to join but develop them into tomorrow's leaders? Today's interview with Kevin Harris, President of Radical Mentoring will help you with ideas and resources sure to help change the course of your ministry! Kevin is the President of Radical Mentoring, a small group mentoring process that helps pastors engage men and build a core group of leaders. He is passionate about assisting church leaders that desire to incorporate small group mentoring into their disciple-making strategy.  Learn more about Radical Mentoring and the free resources for churches @radicalmentoring.com

Has God ever drawn near to you at a time when it seemed like He was far away? God uses the sufferings we go through to share himself with us when we listen. This second part of an interview with Ed Tuttle is rich in content. Two powerful testimonies that will inspire and amaze you. Don't miss it! During the interview, I mentioned two books: 1) How To Be Ordinary & 2) Leading With A Limp We also discussed, Eric Metaxas, who has become a major influence throughout the world for Christ.  Would you like to contact Ed? Eklektos is his graphic design business. If you or your ministry needs design work, you may contact him by clicking the link. 

When we hear the word ordinary ascribed to a church or person, it usually comes across as a put down of some sort. God looks at ordinary differently. On today's podcast, I interview Ed Tuttle who shares with us an out-of-print book called, How To Be Ordinary. This book played a massive role in helping him become all God intended him to be. Don't miss this incredible podcast! During the podcast, we spoke about the book, How To Be Ordinary by Arthur Burt. Click the link to receive your free .pdf copy.  Ed is a talented graphic artist. Connect with him at eklektos.com  

Thousands of ministers quit the ministry every single year; some for legitimate reasons and others due to various pressures. Is God leading you to quit the ministry and do something else with your time? An important question and discussion that may change your life. During the podcast, I asked you to please leave us an honest review on iTunes. Leave a review on iTunes here. For PC or Android users, subscribe to Google Play. Thank you! Check out my recent books. 

Censorship is not something I thought I would ever talk about in public or from the pulpit. Times change. Today, I underline the seriousness of our time and what we must do to prepare our churches for an uncertain future. View the video that got censored from all the media platforms. During today's program, I reference Stream of Consciousness, which started me thinking about censorship.  If you would like to enjoy a few hymns along with me, just click here.

I'm quite sure you have never considered this question before, but by the end of this episode, it will make perfect sense. In this midst of the current pandemic and social upheaval, how should pastors lead their churches without succumbing to the fear and trauma around us? During today's podcast, I referenced my grandfather, James McGovern. Here are some clippings from his brief career in the New York Yankees.  Here is more information on COVID 19: CDC, Statistics Visit my new YouTube Channel.