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.
As we turn to Nehemiah 4:9-23, we find Nehemiah’s work crew discouraged for the first time since the project of rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem began. But what caused the discouragement? How did Nehemiah handle it? The answers to these questions apply directly to the discouragement many leaders face today.
Nehemiah 4:1–9 shows that Israel’s leader didn’t back down, and the wall kept going up. How did he do it? Nehemiah pressed into prayer. Listen to these prayers with Pastor Chuck Swindoll, and remember that, when God is in a project, it can’t fail!
Nehemiah handled criticism and opposition—the most difficult parts of leadership—with abundant grace. Help cultivate this skill essential leadership skill through Pastor Chuck Swindoll’s exposition of Nehemiah 2:11–20.
While carrying his great burden for the people and conditions in Jerusalem, Nehemiah began the tough job of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem…by getting on his knees in prayer. He asked God for compassion and understanding to come to the heart of King Artaxerxes.
Discover the power of prayer with Pastor Chuck Swindoll as he tells how communion with God makes you wait, clears your vision, quiets your heart, and activates your faith.
Begin your journey into the book of Nehemiah with Pastor Chuck Swindoll as he looks to this leader’s example. Explore the qualities that made Nehemiah a man of character and apply his example to your own life!
There is a big difference between prophets and politicians. Politicians act in a way to please their constituents. Prophets act in a way to please God. In the Bible prophets often stood alone. They spoke God’s truth and risked losing their lives for it.
Pastor Chuck Swindoll reminds believers of the centrality of biblical truth and the necessity to handle it responsibly.
Study 2 Peter 2:12–19 with Pastor Chuck Swindoll and learn how you can walk closely with God and keep the garden of your heart pure.
Learn with Pastor Chuck Swindoll as he exposits 2 Peter 2:1–3 to show how false shepherds operate, how to identify one, and how to respond when you encounter them.
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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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