“If you want everyone to like you, don’t be a pastor. Go sell ice cream.” ~Ed Stetzer People want to be liked. This seems especially true for pastors and ministry leaders, and rightfully so. Wanting to be appreciated by those we’ve committed our lives to serve is only natural. Yet we know that some people … Continue reading Wounds & Scars
Being around people gives me energy. I thrive in social settings. Large gatherings leave me feeling alive. Being an extrovert has served me well in ministry over the years, as church leadership requires a certain level of social engagement. For me, there is nothing more satisfying than meaningful collaboration with like-minded people. Although I am … Continue reading Sacred Space
Father, I am inadequate. You know the depths of my need for You today. I humble myself before you, Lord—recognizing that without You, I am nothing. I pray that You sanctify the words of my mouth and the intentions of my heart so that my life can bring glory to Jesus in these uncertain times. … Continue reading Prayer Of Surrender
For the past several years, we’ve worked diligently to cultivate a culture of prayer on the Kentucky District (a network of churches). When we gather for district events—we pray. It’s the most important thing we do. I can’t think of anything that brings more vitality to the life of the local church than God’s people … Continue reading Cultivating A Culture Of Prayer
Father, we humble ourselves before you today in the name of Jesus. We praise you because you’re worthy of all glory and honor. You’re a good Father. You’re a God who makes all things possible. You make miraculous promises that always flow from your goodness and grace. We praise you, Father, because you provide love, … Continue reading Prayer Of Adoration
In the late 90s on our way home from visiting Washington DC in mid-July, Heather, Jake, and I were traveling I-95 southbound headed back to North Carolina. Lunchtime had passed and we were all hungry. Jake was around seven years old and he wanted to eat at McDonald’s. However, for some reason, I was set … Continue reading Hosting the Holy Spirit
Religious practice void of the Holy Spirit is more like a funeral service than a worship service. God is alive. Deadness is not in His nature. Jesus came so that we could have life and have it more abundantly. That’s how the Church is supposed to exist and that’s how we’re supposed to live: absolutely … Continue reading Stale Spirituality
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” ~Jeremiah 29:11 “Gotcha Day” is a term used in the adoption community. It refers to the day when adoptive parents finally get their child. It’s … Continue reading Gotcha Day
The Bible—it’s been a source of lively discussion for centuries. It’s a shame when it moves from being a source of healthy dialogue to a form of division, especially among those who claim to represent what is contained therein. I love the Bible. I trust the Bible. I believe the Bible is reliable. I believe … Continue reading I Believe—Literally
Passionate, mission-minded, revivalistic, evangelical, Spirit-filled followers of Jesus that started in a Glory Barn believing in the life-transforming power of the Holy Spirit… That’s who we are. It’s who we’ve always been. It’s what makes us unique. For some time it seems we’ve been struggling with an identity crisis. Some within our tribe lean toward … Continue reading Nazarene Generations
Brian L Powell 