Have you ever shared something personal with a friend only to have them say something hurtful in return? Maybe they offered advice when you needed affirmation. Maybe they didn’t really listen and identify with your story. Fining safe people who will accept you without judgement but still challenge you to grow can be a challenging…

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Ministry like any other occupation has its ups and downs. Being a pastor is unique. Your heart and soul are given over to caring for others. At the Kingdom Partnership, we are well aware of the challenges that ministry presents. That’s why we created with the Lord’s direction, Shepherd’s Care. The mission of Shepherd’s Care…

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“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 I’ve had an active life. As a result, I carry a few scars on my body. I’ve had two knee replacements. The replacements left a six-inch scar on each knee. And then I’ve had others bodily scars which are tell-tale marks of my active…

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If you decide to start taking care of yourself, the next question is, “What exactly, is self-care?” Pastors are the epitome of taking care of others. Dare I say pastors for the most part aren’t great about taking care of themselves. Self-care in its simplest form, the term self-care means, of course, caring for yourself.…

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One of the objectives and mission of the Kingdom Partnership (www.thekingdompartnership.us) is to encourage, support, and walk alongside pastors wherever they have a ministry. Way out in the country to a large city. As I travel to rural and small churches, talk with various pastors, it’s easy to see the many challenges of staying in…

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“Is your church ready for the unexpected?” “Through dozens of my conversations with churches the answer is a resounding “no.” —Richard Creek; Founder & Director of The Kingdom Partnership. Unfortunately, many churches are ‘reactive’ to challenging situations rather than being ‘proactive’. Wouldn’t you want your congregation to quote the Boy Scouts, “be prepared.” Today the…

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At the Kingdom Partnership and our Shepherd’s Care Program we’re aware of the many mental health challenges pastors face. Now the trick we’ve discovered at the Kingdom Partnership is having pastors respond for help for their particular issue. Burnout is not a Badge of Honor. Cramming feelings to be hidden from others is never a…

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A Mental Health Program for Pastors His name was Dr. Bruce Howar. On August 25, 1953, Dr. Howar and I would meet for the very first time at the Hamilton County hospital. Matter of fact, the good doctor would be the first human being I would meet (although that moment escapes me now days). Dr.…

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We all want God to use our churches to reach people for Christ. I don’t believe there is anything more important to do with our lives than helping people begin a relationship with Jesus. But I also know many people in our churches are fearful of telling other people about Christ. Jesus made it clear…

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Brokenness – no one makes it through life avoiding it. I’ve had broken friendships, broken dreams, a broken heart…more than once. I’ve felt fevers break after wracking my body with shivers, sensed my will break after long interval struggles, heard tension-infused silences break with soft and gentle or loud and angry voices. You see? There’s…

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