Darryl Dash's Blog, page 53
February 22, 2022
From Strength to Strength
Your professional decline is coming sooner than you think, writes Arthur Brooks in his new book From Strength to Strength. It may have already happened. In almost every high-skill profession, decline sets in between one’s late thirties and early fifties. The problem is a decline in our fluid intelligence: the ability to reason, think flexibly, and solve new problems.
We often try to fight or deny this decline, but it’s inevitable, and it will flatten us if we’re not prepared. Those who ha...
February 19, 2022
Saturday Links
Curated links for your weekend reading:
Some Thoughts on Those Canadian Truckers
If you are concerned for Canada, please do pray for peace and justice within the nation.
Why is “Re-Converting” Easier than Repenting?
I wish my church experience had seen more repentance and fewer re-conversions.
...There is then no reason to object to what the Bible says about judgment. All any cynic should need is the assurance that God is the fairest person there is.
February 15, 2022
You Can’t Hack Your Way to a Faithful Ministry
Every pastor I know wants to be effective. We want depth: we want to have souls that have been shaped by God and have something to offer. We want impact: we want people to encounter God and his grace through our ministry.
An industry has grown to help us. Books, blogs, podcasts, and conferences offer us tips and hacks for ministry.
But here’s what every pastor needs to know: you can’t hack your way to a faithful ministry. You can’t learn pastoral ministry from blogs (including this one) or...
February 12, 2022
Saturday Links
Podcast: I enjoyed talking to Brian Sanders about his book The 6 Seasons of Calling on Gospel for Life podcast.
Curated links for your weekend reading:
Why Christians Should Care About Apostasy Laws
We should consistently champion religious freedom for all people, not just Christians.
If There Wasn’t a Sermon About It, Does Your Pastor Even Care?
Christians may share the same convictions and yet differ on the tactics to best achieve their aims.
February 8, 2022
Character Matters
What do you want in a pastor?
I suspect most churches want someone who’s impressively gifted. They look for someone who’s a good preacher, good leader, and who’s good with people. They also want a godly person, but this can be assumed.
Primarily, though, we need pastors who are godly.
I’ve seen books that work through the character qualifications of elders. They highly emphasize that most of the qualifications are character qualifications, emphasizing the importance of godly character t...
February 5, 2022
Saturday Links
Curated links for your weekend reading:
If God approves of my life, I don’t much care what anyone else has to say.
We all have limits, and we cannot ignore them. They’re not a sign of our sin, but of our humanity — a gift from a loving Father.
How Nooks and Spaces Can Help You Read More … and Better
How do you read so much?
What suggestions do you have for increasing reading speed and comprehension?
How do you decide what book...
February 1, 2022
Hero on a Mission
For some, Donald Miller is the man behind StoryBrand and Business Made Simple, a guide who helps business owners learn how to grow their businesses. For others, he’s the author of Christian books like Blue Like Jazz. No wonder Carey Nieuwhof imagines people asking, “Wait a minute, Business Made Simple Don, Blue Like Jazz Don, are they actually the same people?”
It’s taken a while, but I’m getting used to Business Made Simple Don. So, evidently, is Donald Miller himself. “I’ll take this ve...
January 29, 2022
Saturday Links
Curated links for your weekend reading:
Fewer Pastors and Churches Take Steps to Help Pastors Stay in Ministry
Certain measures can help pastors maintain a long, fruitful ministry. Unfortunately, fewer pastors and congregations are making those steps a priority.
How to Survive the First 5 Years of Church Planting
I want to offer 10 keys for surviving, by God’s grace, the first five years of church planting.
3 Uncommon Habits Pastors Need to Build Friendships
Developing healthy ...
January 25, 2022
The Sweet Spot
I recently watched Bruce Springsteen’s appearance on David Letterman’s show in 1993. “Wow, that was a long time ago!” my wife commented when I showed her. Contrast how Springsteen looks and performs now. Which is better? “I think I like the older Springsteen better,” Char continued.
As a young man, I thought about hitting that sweet spot: the ideal time of life when one enjoys both the benefits of youth and the benefits of wisdom. I guessed it might be in one’s thirties, although I couldn...
January 22, 2022
Saturday Links
Curated links for your weekend reading:
Leaders are heaping blame either upon themselves, others, or God. This precarious pile of guilt isn’t healing but crushing for the soul.
How to Turn Your Pastor’s Grief Into Joy
If your pastor is a faithful man who labors to love Jesus, love the Word, and love people, then make it your ambition to complete his joy.
Who in the World Am I Preaching To?
Answering the ‘who in the world am I preaching to?’ question is of cen...
