Dan Reiland
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5 Major Ways You Can Grow Spiritually From Your Pastor’s Sermon
After the service, what do you hear about the sermon? What do you read on social media? —”It wasn’t deep enough.” —”I loved the message; God spoke to me!” —”Pastor Bob’s sermon from First Church was better; he connects better.” —”That teaching was challenging and convicted me; thank you!” —”It was boring, and I didn’t…
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The Main Reason People Don’t Become Church Members
Church membership should not consist of rules to keep people out, but ramps to help people grow. Membership in a local church may seem outdated or unnecessary, but if led well, it adds great strength to your church. Candidly, nearly all churches have some form of “membership.” Some formal, calling it church membership. Others informal,…
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These Small Stumbles Can Lead to a Huge Moral Fall
It’s not just celebrities who fall from leadership. There are too many who quietly step down from leadership because, in some way, they have disqualified themselves. They just don’t make the headlines. My hope is always for restoration, but the greater need is to help leaders prevent a fall in the first place. As the…
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12 Definite Traits of a Humble Leader
Humble leadership can be difficult to define. It’s subjective, and then there’s that pesky old saying that goes something like, “if you think you’re humble, you’re not.” Well, that might be true, but it’s not very helpful if humility is something we should embrace. I’m mean, then how do you know? Scripture is clear that…
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A 7-Point Plan to Make 2018 Your Best Year Yet
There is something universally exciting about a new year. Hopes and dreams, a clean slate, taking new territory and big plans are greatly anticipated. New Year’s resolutions and wishful thinking rarely help you achieve what you desire. Realizing the 2018 you dream about requires preparation, discipline and focus. You will encounter setbacks, speed bumps and…
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Mastering the Art of Being Mentored—4 Steps to Successful Growth
My friend and mentor, John Maxwell, has written and spoken about being mentored by the great coach John Wooden, among others. Hearing this, a pastor asked me these questions: “How does one go about getting the greatest NCAA coach as a mentor? Did he (Maxwell) just ask for regular meetings, and what does mentorship look…
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How Well Does Your Church Understand the Role of the Pastor?
Whenever I hear someone say … “I’m helping my pastor get his ministry accomplished” … I cringe a little. I know that comes from a good heart, but there is a better and biblical principle still to be discovered. Ephesians 4:11-13 seems clear enough, but a striking number of churches don’t fully understand, embrace and…
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5 Crafty Tactics the Enemy Uses Against the Church
“For our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places“ (Eph. 6:12). We know this is true and all too real, but are there practical ways to help us to take a stand? Yes. ”…
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God Does Not Expect Payment for His Love
My heart is troubled when I hear and perceive the notion of guilt, duty, pressure and even payment in regards to prayer. Prayer is not a tax required by a governing God who expects payment for His love. Yet many view prayer more as a task on their to-do list in a busy life, rather…
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Does Your Pastor Have These 7 Character Traits? Do You?
A good place to start is a set of working definitions for good leaders and great leaders. Let me offer one assumption, that both good leaders and great leaders are Godly individuals with integrity of character. With that said: Good leaders lead what is seen and known, while maintaining healthy relationships, stay inside the budget,…
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Developing Faith to Release the Miracles In Your Life
Every summer my family and I read a book together. We’ve been doing this through the kids’ teen years, and now even in their college years. Last summer we read Mark Batterson’s book The Circle Maker. What a great book on prayer! Our summer book discussions are a simple but meaningful experience for us. We eat…
