Drawing from his first pastorate in Edgefield, South Carolina, Mike Glenn reflects on the vital role churches play in developing pastors. Through stories of mentorship, correction, and patient guidance, he argues that churches are not merely employers of pastors but stewards of them. Healthy congregations help shape young ministers into effective leaders, strengthening both the church and the future of ministry. This article challenges churches to see pastoral development as a kingdom responsibility and a crucial part of addressing today’s growing pastor shortage.

A thought-provoking reflection on identity, purpose, and modern forms of idolatry. Through personal stories and biblical examples, this piece explores how people often seek validation through careers, relationships, or achievements, while arguing that true identity and purpose can only be found in the blessing and calling given by Jesus Christ.

A thought-provoking reflection on leadership, stewardship, and the Parable of the Talents. Challenging common interpretations of the passage, this piece explores how God develops leaders through faithfulness in small responsibilities, reminding believers that trust is earned, growth takes time, and the reward for faithful service is often greater opportunity to serve.

A thoughtful reflection on human limitations, priorities, and the freedom that comes from embracing boundaries. Drawing on personal experiences, faith, and modern culture’s obsession with doing more, this piece encourages readers to focus on the people and responsibilities God has entrusted to them, reminding us that a meaningful life is built not by doing everything, but by choosing what matters most.

A practical and encouraging reflection on spiritual growth, using the image of cleaning a garbage can to illustrate how lives are transformed by Christ. Rather than focusing only on avoiding sin, this piece emphasizes filling life with the presence, truth, and goodness of Jesus until His grace naturally flows out into the world around us.

A thoughtful reflection on preaching, attention spans, and adapting ministry methods in a distracted digital culture. Exploring how modern communication habits have changed the way congregations listen, this piece encourages pastors to keep the gospel message timeless while creatively reshaping how sermons are delivered, reinforced, and engaged throughout the week.

A creative reflection on the “middle” of the gospel, using Oreo cookies as a metaphor for sanctification and spiritual growth. Moving beyond salvation and heaven alone, this piece explores how Jesus transforms everyday life in the present, offering identity, purpose, healing, and hope for people searching for meaning right now.

A grounded reflection on faith, service, and keeping perspective in the midst of political change. Centered on the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 25, this piece reminds readers that while elections come and go, the daily call to love, serve, and care for others remains the true work of the Christian life.

A reflective meditation on gratitude, faith, and recognizing life as a gift. Blending personal stories, Scripture, and everyday moments, this piece explores how thankfulness transforms both joy and hardship, reminding readers that gratitude is not just a feeling but a way of seeing the world through the goodness and faithfulness of God.

A thoughtful reflection on artificial intelligence, preaching, and the irreplaceable role of human experience in sharing truth. Exploring the limits of AI in ministry, this piece argues that sermons are more than well-arranged words, they are born from a preacher’s personal encounter with God, spiritual growth, and lived relationship with Christ.

A powerful Christmas reflection on the incarnation and the depth of humanity’s need for redemption. Using vivid family imagery and biblical storytelling, this piece explores how broken the world had become that God chose not to send another messenger, but to come Himself in the person of Jesus Christ bringing hope, restoration, and the promise of renewal.

A thoughtful reflection on the fifth commandment, forgiveness, and the complicated relationships many people have with their parents. Through personal stories and biblical insight, this piece explores how honoring parents is less about excusing their failures and more about finding healing, freedom, and spiritual maturity through forgiveness and obedience to Christ.

A reflective meditation on the power of words and the simplicity of the Christmas message. Drawing parallels between great songwriting and the gospel, this piece encourages pastors and believers to trust the enduring power of the Christmas story, reminding readers that the three words “Christ is born” are enough to change everything.

A compelling reflection on discipleship, evangelism, and putting faith into action. Challenging shallow approaches to Christianity, this piece argues that baptism is only the beginning of the Christian journey and that true discipleship grows through serving others, engaging brokenness, and actively participating in God’s redemptive work in the world.

A hopeful reflection on prayer, spiritual growth, and the limitless goodness of God. Through personal stories and humor, this piece encourages believers not to settle for a shallow faith, but to trust that God desires to deepen their joy, relationships, and spiritual lives far beyond what they think is possible.

A thought-provoking reflection on church culture, discipleship, and simplifying the Christian life. Challenging overprogrammed ministry models, this piece argues that true spiritual growth centers on three core practices: worship, discipleship, and ministry, calling churches and families to focus less on activity and more on living out the teachings of Christ.