This is a blog for pastors and ministry leaders. It’s meant to be an open-hearted conversation about things pastors think and feel—hopefully a place to read and say, “Someone else experiences that, too.”

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (1 Timothy 2:1-2) What a great Scripture to put into practice, especially following the swearing [...]

Hey: Sometimes my best movie-watching experience is an old favorite vs. something new—and I think the same can be true about blog posts. Back in July before the Vertical Church Tour, I posted something I hoped would be helpful to pastors facing criticism, from the trenches

One of the key ministry values here at Harvest is recognizing the difference between equipping and serving. Serving is great, but serving is not the primary calling of a full-time pastor.

Wow. Yesterday, after 2.5 days of pouring into and worshiping with over 2000 pastors and leaders from around the world, we closed out Harvest University 2012. Today, I’m thanking God for the outpouring of His Spirit

We’re excited to share that Walk in the Word was honored as the 2012 recipient the NRB Billy Graham Award for Excellence in Communication. This award was presented during the National Radio Broadcast’s annual convention in Nashville to a Christian organization that effectively and creatively uses multiple electronic media technologies in fulfillment of its mission, [...]

It seems like almost a decade ago that D.A. Carson came to our church offices in Rolling Meadows, IL, and shared his vision for

Authentic isn’t just something you feel; authentic is something you do. People who have authentic faith do certain things—they develop the disciplines of a sincere faith.   Start with this question as it relates to your prayer life: Is my prayer real?   Is it genuine, is it sincere?

Nothing is more essential to success in the Christian life than perseverance. It’s the ingredient you have to have. Faith gets you started; perseverance keeps you going.   Jesus said, “He who endures to the end will be saved” (Mark 13:13). That ought to cause us some concern. He who endures to the end will [...]

I wish I could tell you that most pastors are preaching the Word. I can’t—some are not. Here are five things we may choose to do instead of preaching the Word.

Some current thinking on issues that have been getting a lot of air time recently.   RE: Celebrity Pastors Every pastor manages a certain amount of increased profile and a tendency on the part of people to elevate them beyond

Amazing how quickly a problem in the church can draw conversation and criticism from church members. I thought that headline would attract some readers, but isn’t that kinda sad? How about taking time to read about a pastor who is thrilled with and blessed by the Elders

I have the tremendous blessing of being surrounded by a highly-motivated and highly-competitive staff, numbering some 400+. What I have observed is that if we are not intentional about selfless relationships that bless and encourage, we can find ourselves ‘writing checks’ we can’t cover and overdraft with the very people we care about most.

Vertical Church: Why did you call your blog “Vertical Church”? James: I have searched for some time for a word to aptly summarize our convictions about what the church should be. Vertical is a term that reminds us that the church is a place where what happens is mainly for God. Everything that happens at [...]