Spiritual ruts are common to every believer. Having been a pastor for more than 60 years, I’ve discovered it’s easy to fall into spiritual slumps—times when even as pastors we don’t feel close to God. David experienced this in his walk with God. He wrote about it in multiple places in the Psalms, including Psalm
The world has changed mightily in the 42 years since I started Saddleback. When we held our first service in the spring of 1980, cell phones didn’t exist. We didn’t have the Internet. No one had a personal video camera. Only a handful of people had personal computers. I remember we bought three computers for
I’ve had a lot of people throughout the years come into my office and tell me that my plans for Saddleback are impossible. You’ve probably had it happen, too. You start a new building campaign with a huge goal. Or you commit to a new mission project that looks overwhelming. Whatever it is, people will
I have learned much in different areas of faith and ministry from my 60 years of friendship with Jesus. It has been an amazing journey, and I hope you’ll join me as I describe some of what I’ve learned along the way. I made two of the most important decisions of my life before I
“We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” Numbers 13:30 (NIV) If you look at the future with fear instead of faith, then you will underestimate the abilities God has given you. Seeing life with eyes of fear causes you to bury your talents. When Moses sent
“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Matthew
It’s no secret that people look to make changes in their lives at the beginning of the year. It’s a time when people get back into fitness, get their finances under control, and get serious about their spiritual lives. But too often these changes don’t stick. As a church leader, you’ve likely seen it many
