Good Soldiers in Christ

I have been praying for you and trust you are doing well as you carry out your “marching orders” from God. I use that phrase “marching orders” because I was reading in 2 Timothy where Paul, in his final words before his death, gives this message to a young leader in the church named Timothy. Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. 2 Timothy 2:3-4 … [Read more...]

Your Red Sea

I wanted to share a quick thought that came to my mind as I was reading in Exodus 14. When I read the stories recorded in scripture, it is very common for me to imagine I am a part of the story. I can see myself actually there in that moment experiencing the very situation I am reading about. That is what happens when you have the mind of a 10-year old (smiley face). Exodus chronicles one of the most popular events in the Old Testament of the Israelites miraculously crossing the Red Sea. I was … [Read more...]

The Power of Yet

As I was praying this morning, the Lord took me to Isaiah 49:3-4 and impressed me to share it with you. He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, and you will bring me glory.” I replied, “But my work all seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose at all. Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.” Some of your tasks and daily duties may, at times, feel simple or insignificant with little or no real impact on the big picture. And there … [Read more...]

Roll Over

  I hope and pray you are all doing well today and that you fully understand how significant each of you truly are to children’s ministry. The very idea that God has called and commissioned you to be a part of the ministry that has the greatest influence on a human being’s eternal destiny should create an incredible level of hope and joy. However, the enemy would love nothing more than to cause your heart and mind to drift into despair, discouragement and defeat. This ministry, and your … [Read more...]

Church Leaders Interview

Church Leaders Article on: How To Be a Great Staff Pastor Under a Senior Pastor Pastor Steve was featured on a great interview and article on Pastoring over at Churchleaders.com. It also has a podcast download of the interview. Come check it out!   … [Read more...]

Parenting Seminar #6 – Technology

In our final Parenting Seminar, Scott Burnett from Integrity Computer Concepts brings his passion and expertise in protecting children in a technological world. This session is action-packed with tons of practical, hands-on tools. Scott opens our eyes to the protection pathways and applications to keep our kids safer in their use of technology. Our hope and prayer is that every bit of information brings you and your children a step closer to using technology wisely. … [Read more...]

Calling

Have you experienced feelings of inadequacies lately? Has anyone felt under resourced and over burdened? Have you lacked the mental, physical or spiritual energy to fulfill your responsibilities with excellence? Have you felt fatigued? Have you felt a depletion in your passion for ministry? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then let me congratulate you on being normal and welcome you to spiritual leadership. You know, it is kind of like being a parent. You look forward to … [Read more...]

Parenting Seminar #5 – Grief

Our latest Saddleback Kids Parenting Seminar focused on the challenge of grief facing children. Sadly, more and more children in our ministry are dealing with the loss of extended family, friends, siblings and parents. The need for additional parenting support, especially founded on God’s Word, is critical in this time of loss. Kathleen and Kristina Fucci share from an extremely personal and real perspective about the struggles and the triumphs in moving children through grieving.   … [Read more...]

Parenting Seminar #4 – Creating SAFE Communities

Join us for a practical and powerful Parenting Seminar on creating SAFE communities. Kevin Robertson, Head of Security atSaddleback Church, and Steve Garrison, Deputy Officer, have a passion for building SAFE communities. This team provided practical tips and wisdom on how to create safe homes, communities, schools and churches. This was a truly encouraging time to build homes founded on a rock solid foundation of Christ and security. … [Read more...]

We Live or Die Together

While reading 2 Corinthians 7, a thought came to me that I wanted to share with you. The end of verse 3 says “…we live or die together with you.” To give you some context, the Apostle Paul has already had some very direct and  tough conversations with the believers in Corinth. Some of them were struggling badly and Paul was trying to lead them towards spiritual health and maturity which meant he had to confront some issues, offer guidance and coach these new believers. He loved them too much to … [Read more...]