Pastors parenting preacher's kids

by Stephen Johnson

Today, family relationships require so much more than the previous generation. The the lure of temptation is huge, and the evil one continues like a roaring lion looking for whom he can devour. Our children need us more than ever, especially “PKs” (Preacher’s Kids).

Parenting with a Biblical world view

by Stephen Johnson

As a pastor’s kid (PK), hitting my teenage years meant learning to live a dual life. I did, however, go on to follow Jesus Christ as Lord, become a pastor and eventually raise four PKs. I determined early on that I would not repeat history with my kids.

When the pastor has a prodigal

by Laird Crump

I heard someone jokingly say that there’s a great likelihood that the child of a teacher will become a dropout, the child of a police officer will become a delinquent, and the child of a pastor will become an atheist. But is that really true?

Hello . . . Anybody home?

by Louis McBurney

The most important steps toward good listening are becoming aware of the barriers and learning to create the most friendly environment possible.

Good leaders retreat

by Drew Leaver

Good leaders don't always advance; sometimes they retreat. Great leaders retreat really well. Escaping the pressure of leadership for a time of evaluation and recalibration is critical. Good leaders know this. In my context, the pastors I most respect who have done some of the most profound work for the kingdom are the ones who have learned the art of retreating well.

Pursuit of sexual integrity as a church leader

by Sam and Pauline Doerksen

How do we approach the pursuit of sexual integrity when we feel like we are risking everything by doing so? Unpacking this issue can feel like opening Pandora's box. The uncertainties of what the consequences may be can feel daunting, yet the inner cry for release from the gripping hold and bondage constantly war against each other.

Dealing with a wounded soul

by Wendy Kittlitz

Do you ever struggle with truly feeling loved? Loved by God? Loved by your spouse? Loved by those you love? In your head, maybe you know that people love you or God loves you, but it might not always translate into your heart or soul.

Why pastors need friends too

by Steve Witmer
We are more connected through our electronics than any generation in history. And yet, we have never been lonelier. Pastors and their spouses are not exempt from the inner ache - and even heartbreak - that emanates from shallow relationships.

The pastor’s need to rest and retreat by Jerry Ritskes
When you get asked how you are, do you find yourself proudly (but with some frustration) answering that you are “busy”? There is a world to win, programs to organize, people to train and a church to maintain.

How to properly process loss

by Merrie Eizenga
Loss is so much broader than just physical death. It's one of the topics we discuss with the pastors and church leaders who visit us at Kerith Retreats, and it is one of the topics that elicits the most response.

Facts on depression

We receive a lot of calls from pastors who struggle with depression. Here are some symptoms of depression and what to do if you suspect depression has invaded your life.

Four keys to tackling sexual sin

Do the only thing that will lead to significant, lasting transformation for your church: change your church's culture from the inside out. Intentionally make sexual integrity part of the fabric of your church.

Anatomy of temptation

I had been tempted before, but had been pulled back from the brink by circumstances. This time, I became attracted to a mature young woman in the church, eager to grow.

It's all about grace by Anonymous

Looking at porn increasingly became the place where I could feel good about myself, however briefly and deceptively. As the cycle started to escalate, I recognized that my sense of disconnection was increasing.

Tackling pornography in church

There was a time when we mostly heard from women who had discovered their husbands were using pornography. But increasingly now we are hearing from parents who are finding their children not only exposed but in many cases already addicted as teenagers! In order to help you tackle this issue in your church, we have a resource we believe could greatly benefit families.

Knowing when it's time to leave

by Cam Taylor

"Is it time for me to leave my church?" Many pastors find themselves asking this queston. Here are some factors to consider when deciding to stay or leave.

Lessons that help sustain ministry

by Jerry and Renee Ritskes

We often work with ministry people who, over time, have lost the excitement of ministry. Often, unresolved hurts or exhaustion drove them to the point of losing hope that the Lord is actually interested in their lives. We’ve experienced some of those hurtful things, too. Here are some of the lessons we have learned from almost 30 years of marriage and ministry.

The gift of a fresh start

by Sam and Pauline Doerksen

A healthy way to move into a new fresh start requires us to look ahead and recognize the need for change before it's a necessity - and this is best done proactively. But how can we start fresh before a crisis requires it?