Have you ever thought about how many ways becoming a pastor is like getting married? Here are a few: 1) They both typically happen in a church 2) You are never really prepared for either 3) You will always look back on both thinking, “If only I knew then…” 4) They both involve a powerful …
Author Archives: Scott Attebery
Kingdom Clearance
Have you ever considered the fact that the most insignificant of species can gain access into some of the most significant locations? When was the last time you heard of an ant requesting security clearance for White House access? Yet, I’m sure a few of those pesky bugs make it in the oval office every …
Six Degrees of New Year’s Resolutions
This year, for my new year’s resolutions, I want to try an experiment with the “six degrees of separation” theory. You know what I’m talking about, right? The theory proposes that everyone in the world is connected by no more than six relationships. For instance, Elvis Presley may be your cousin’s-neighbor’s-friend’s-former girlfriend’s-roomate’s-uncle. (or something like …
Use Good Judgement
A recent quote in my local newspaper caught my attention. A spokesman for a secular organization critiqued a Christian for speaking his convictions. That’s not the part that caught my eye. What stood out to me was the additional comments made by the organization’s spokesman, in which she said (paraphrase), “the convictions this man has …
Knowledge has Consequences
We’ve all watched children laughing and playing. It usually provokes thoughts such as, “They don’t have a care in the world,” or “I wish I had their innocence,” or “Wouldn’t it be great to be a child again.” Ironically (if you can remember that far back) most of the children are thinking, “I can’t wait …
Your Church’s Turf May Be Bigger Than You Think
“Turf wars” can be brutal –especially within ministry. As a young minister in the Eighteenth Century, John Wesley was chided by the Anglican Church for preaching across parish lines (invading another pastor’s turf). When approached, Wesley famously explained, “The world is my parish.” In other words, Wesley did not draw boundaries for his ministry. He …
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The Future of Change
Change is hard –everyone knows that. So, will things ever cease to change? Perhaps we tend to think change will cease when this life is over and we arrive in our Heavenly home. Is this true? Changes in Heaven Today Let’s start with what is happening in Heaven right now. Jesus told his apostles that …
No lo, No go
Growing up in a pastor’s family, I was accustomed to being one of the last to leave the church building on Sundays. Many times, I would wander around the halls of the facility to pass the time. I can remember one time, in particular, when I opened the door to the large sanctuary and took …
Pastors Need Pastors!
In need of prayer? Call your pastor. Facing the loss of a loved one? Call your pastor. Been betrayed? Call your pastor. Carrying the weight of an entire congregation’s burdens is a difficult task –and only the pastor knows the full gravity of the position. So at the end of a long day of pastoring …
No Black Balloons Today
Today would have been Jill’s 40th birthday. Years ago, if you would have asked me what I would be doing on December 20, 2013, I would have said something like, “blowing up black balloons,” or “making last-minute preparations for a surprise party.” I’d like to think that I would have thrown her the best “over …