Pastors and politicians have more in common than either will admit in polite company, but there is one thing both readily agree on—to serve in government or pastor a church requires a thick skin. The difference, however, is the pastor must also have a soft heart for the Word of God and for the needs of the congregation. And because pastors work with the spiritual needs of people, they are bound to come under criticism. Toughening up without becoming callous is a tricky balance to find and maintain.
Pastoral work is not for the faint of heart. Insight for Living understands this and is grateful to those who answer the high calling of the pastorate. By providing pastoral resources, we're committed to encouraging pastors in their pursuit of developing a tough hide and a soft heart.
For as long as I have been in the ministry I have asked the Lord for a balance between a tender heart and a tough hide. It isn't an easy balance. In fact, the latter is more difficult to cultivate than the former.
We must tell the truth...in love. Confronting is not the same as criticizing. Be careful of using the truth like a battering ram to force the pastor to change. You don’t want the confrontation to turn into a power struggle.
In this message, Pastor Chuck Swindoll teaches how the power of our God is wonderfully revealed in the human body—beginning with the very moment of our conception.
The happiest people on earth ought to be those of us in God’s service. Even though our work is terribly serious, we ought to have more fun and have a better time doing it than anybody in any other career or calling.
Join Pastor Chuck Swindoll as he walks us through Jesus’ last public sermon that issues His strongest warning against putting on a religious show. Learn how to guard against hypocrisy!
In this sermon on Matthew 23:1-12, Pastor Chuck Swindoll teaches us about the deadly effects of hypocrisy and self-glory, so that we might walk humbly with the Lord, our God, and guard against religious fakes.
In his sermon on Matthew 16:1–12, Pastor Chuck Swindoll helps you avoid dullness and deception in your journey so you can be spiritually whole.
Every leader or would-be leader must ask and answer the question, “What am I going to do with my life?” Regardless of how one answers this question, at some point one will have to say “no” in order to pursue their life calling.
Thanksgiving is a holiday with deep, biblical roots. It’s a day for those who belong to Christ Jesus to look up, around, and within as we use three magnificent words that can completely change our perspective: “Thank You, Lord!”
Growing Christians pursue knowledge of the Lord and His Word. Learning includes an awareness of the doctrines as well as the practical side of putting such knowledge into action.
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Insight for Living is committed to excellence in communicating the truths of Scripture and the Person of Jesus Christ in an accurate, clear, and practical manner so that people will come to an understanding of God’s plan for their lives, as well as their significant role as authentic Christians in a needy, hostile, and desperate world.
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