pastors Archives

Remembering My Friend H.B. London – and the Other Heroes in Our Pulpits

Regular readers of my blog will remember me mentioning my dear friend, the late Reverend H.B. London.

H.B. was Focus on the Family’s “Pastor to Pastors” for over 20 years, a devoted shepherd who understood the challenges of ministry because he served several churches for more than two decades.

Today is the one-year anniversary of H.B.’s promotion to Glory, and so I thought it would be appropriate to use this occasion to remember a good man – and encourage all of you to thank your pastor for the incalculable contribution they are making in your life and the lives of others.

Topics: Current Events Tags: pastors October 16, 2019 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Hope and Renewal for Our Pastors

What do you think a typical week is like for your pastor? A few hours of study and a sermon on Sunday? The occasional hospital- or home-visit?

I recently talked with two couples – Marshall and Merrie Eizenga, and Sam and Pauline Doerksen – who say many pastors routinely experience stress akin to first responders.

The Eizengas served as pastors for 35 years in Ontario and co-direct the Kerith Creek Retreat Center in Alberta, Canada. The Doerksens were pastors for 22 years and co-direct the Kerith Retreat Center in Manitoba, Canada.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, faith, pastors October 1, 2018 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Tears in Texas

Not again.

That was my first thought Sunday when I learned about the tragic shooting at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas.

As you know by now, 26 people were killed when a gunman burst into the 11 A.M service of the small congregation and opened fire.

The youngest victim was a pre-born child. The oldest was 77. The church pastor’s 14-year-old daughter was also murdered.

Additionally, 20 congregants were wounded.

Reports today suggest the gunman was deeply disturbed and motivated by a dispute with his ex-wife’s family.

Topics: Current Events Tags: events, faith, news, pastors November 7, 2017 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Tim Keller’s Reward is in Heaven. It’s Princeton that Loses the Prize.

Over the course of the last seven years, I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Tim Keller many times. The senior pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, Tim is one of our most popular broadcast guests.

He’s also become a good friend.

A quiet, cerebral, steely man of sound doctrine and strong conviction, Dr. Keller has been referred to as the C.S. Lewis of our time, and with good reason. A gifted teacher and preacher, whether in print or speaking from the pulpit, he knows how to engage both the head and the heart.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, news, pastors March 24, 2017 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Loving Others Without Sacrificing Conviction

“Christians hate gay people.”

That succinct message defined most of Caleb Kaltenbach’s childhood. He learned it from his lesbian mother … and from religious people whose behavior seemed to confirm her declaration.

While in elementary school, he marched with his mother in a gay pride parade. Along the route some protestors held up signs conveying hateful messages against homosexuals. They also sprayed water and urine on the marchers as they passed by.

When Caleb asked why people would do something like that, his mom said, “They’re Christians.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, faith, homosexuality, pastors April 8, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

What Is God Asking You to Do?

Are the people around you struggling in some area of life? Maybe the real question is: Are you attentive enough that you would notice?

Let’s face it, we tend to have pretty shallow relationships with most of the people we cross paths with every day. We ask co-workers how they’re doing when we pass in the hall, but we expect a generic “fine, thank you,” rather than a genuine answer.

It could be that someone near us is having a rough go of it, but we’d never notice because we’re too wrapped up in our own daily routines.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: broadcast, faith, pastors November 2, 2015 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

One of the Toughest Jobs in America

Let’s imagine you’re looking for a job online and come across a posting that describes the position as follows:

WANTED: Gregarious, dynamic and charismatic leader; excellent teaching and speaking skills required; must be empathetic and a good listener; proficient in conflict resolution, capable of juggling numerous priorities and managing unrealistic expectations. Must be available seven days per week, 24 hours per day. Compensation is not commensurate with experience.

Are you ready to apply?

I can probably guess what you’re thinking – “I’m not crazy, Jim!

Topics: Focus Events Tags: church, events, pastors September 29, 2015 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Court Rules: Now Do These Four Things

For Christians, the emotional response to the Supreme Court’s decision on marriage has run the gamut, and understandably so. It would be impossible to overstate the significance of Friday’s announcement.

In my statement to the media, I urged believers to continue engaging the culture with loving kindness and to be a light in these dark times. I joined many other Christian leaders in signing the “Here We Stand” evangelical declaration that, among other things, cautions against responding in panic to this ruling.

Topics: Current Events Tags: marriage, news, pastors, religious liberty July 1, 2015 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Do You Ever Waste Time with Your Spouse?

Do you ever waste time with your spouse?

That may seem like an odd question. But your answer will get to the heart of what your relationship with your spouse is all about.

You see, some couples don’t do too well with “wasting” time with one another. Simply being together with no particular agenda and nothing to focus their attention on except their spouse is uncomfortable.

In other words, they have a hard time with intimacy.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, marriage, pastors, promos June 11, 2015 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Audiences Love #TheDropBox and Raise Thousands for Pastor Lee’s Ministry

“The Drop Box” started its three-day limited run last night showing to capacity crowds and exceeding all expectations. We are humbled by this response and overwhelmed by God’s graciousness.

All in all, the film debuted in 727 theaters across all 50 states. More than 100,000 tickets have already been sold. The response was so great many people were shut out of the film last night, so I encourage you to reserve your spot for tonight and tomorrow before more showings sell out!

Topics: Focus Events Tags: adoption, entertainment, news, pastors, pro-life March 4, 2015 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura