The Challenge of Pastoral Burnout

September 4, 2023 By Jim Erwin

The Challenge of Pastoral Burnout A recent blog post has been circulating, entitled “Departure: Why I Left the Church.” The author Alexander Lang accurately addresses many of the challenges of being a pastor. Many of his insights resonated with me, and they illustrate the challenge of pastoral burnout. Quitting the Ministry For example, Lang cites a survey from Barna, which shows why 42% of pastors have considered quitting the ministry: The reasons for this are myriad, but the top five... Read more

Ideas for More Engaging Sermons

June 28, 2023 By Jim Erwin

Ideas for More Engaging Sermons Introduction Sermon preparation can be one of the hardest challenges that pastors may face. Many people today want to be entertained, and engagement is the key to keep their attention. Making sermons more engaging with your audience can be very challenging. Here are some ideas for more engaging sermons. TEN IDEAS FOR MORE ENGAGING SERMONS Efforts by the pastor Be passionate: Your passion for the sermon material will be contagious and help to maintain your... Read more

How to Develop a Strategic Prayer Life

May 21, 2023 By Jim Erwin

Augustine said, “God is more anxious to bestow his blessings on us than we are to receive them.” Though Jabez is an obscure biblical character, his unforgettable prayer teaches us that God is listening. Jabez believed God would hear and heed prayer. God also wants us to ask for great things. We approach the throne of grace with boldness. HOW TO DEVELOP A STRATEGIC PRAYER LIFE 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 presents a man, Jabez, who had developed a strategic prayer life.... Read more

Could ChatGPT Start a New Religion?

May 3, 2023 By Jim Erwin

Could ChatGPT Start a New Religion? Could ChatGPT Start a New Religion? is an interesting question that has been posed by Yuval Noah Harari. He is quoted as saying: ‘For thousands of years, prophets and poets and politicians have used language and storytelling in order to manipulate and to control people and to reshape society. ‘Now AI is likely to be able to do it. And once it can… it doesn’t need to send killer robots to shoot us. It... Read more

Benefits of Reading the Bible In a Year

March 21, 2023 By Jim Erwin

Benefits of Reading the Bible In a Year For people who are not Christians, the Bible may appear scary and outdated. However, I want to encourage you to consider reading the Bible in a year and reaping the many benefits that come with it. Here are five advantages to reading the Bible every year: Gain valuable historical and cultural knowledge The Bible is a historical document. As such, it sheds light on the cultures, habits, and beliefs of the people... Read more

Using ChatGPT in Sermon Preparation

February 11, 2023 By Jim Erwin

Using ChatGPT in Sermon Preparation As a pastor, crafting a sermon that captivates and inspires is a critical aspect of your ministry. ChatGPT is a cutting-edge language model developed by OpenAI. It offers a unique chance to harness the power of AI and machine learning to streamline your sermon preparation. Here are concrete examples of how ChatGPT can support pastors in their journey towards delivering an impactful sermon. Biblical Study and Exploration One of the fundamental elements of sermon preparation... Read more

Five Challenges Postmodernism Presents for the Church

February 3, 2023 By Jim Erwin

Five Challenges Postmodernism Presents for the Church Postmodernism is a philosophical and cultural movement that emerged in the mid- to late-20th century. The movement challenged and continues to challenge many of the foundational assumptions of modernism. At the same time, the movement has introduced a new way of thinking about truth, reality, and knowledge. The church, as an institution that is deeply rooted in the modern era, has faced a number of challenges in adapting to this new way of... Read more

Resilient by Rick Hanson

January 27, 2023 By Jim Erwin

Resilient by Rick Hanson Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness by Rick Hanson is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their emotional well-being and build resilience in the face of life’s challenges. Hansen has packed this book with practical tools and techniques for building emotional strength and resilience. Hanson, a neuropsychologist and New York Times best-selling author, shares his expertise on how to develop emotional resilience and find inner peace and happiness. Helpfully,... Read more

Postmodernism and Christian Thought

December 17, 2022 By Jim Erwin

Postmodernism and Christian Thought Postmodernism is a philosophical movement that emerged in the mid-20th century and has had a significant influence on a variety of fields, including literature, art, and politics. It is characterized by a skepticism towards grand narratives and metanarratives, a rejection of objective truth, and a focus on the individual subjectivity and personal experience. Impact of Postmodernism on Christian Thought Postmodernism has also had an impact on Christian thought, as it has challenged traditional Christian beliefs and... Read more

How to ENDURE Through the Holidays

October 30, 2022 By Jim Erwin

How to ENDURE Through the Holidays How to ENDURE Through the Holidays from James 1:16-21 is part two in the series of sermons on “How to Care for Myself During the Holidays.” I see this section as a progression. In James 1, we see that the Christian life is about personal growth. First, we grow through trials. Then we grow through overcoming temptation. Then there are stages of growth relate to the Word of God, the Bible.[1] The section begins... Read more