Free Resources
In a world of increasing complexity, content overload,
relative truth and false narratives, these resources are different.
Biblically Faithful. Theologically Clear.
Logically Sound. Street-level Language
Developed over almost 40 years of pastoral leadership, these resources are copyright free to download and modify.
> Return here often - New Resources Added Regularly <
TABLE of CONTENTS
> Biblical Living in 21st Century America <
Useful for Everyone
> Biblical Guidelines To Common Questions <
Most useful for Pastoral & Church Leaders
> Published Articles with Real World Application <
Most useful for Pastoral Leaders
> Time-Tested Church Policies and Procedures <
Most useful for Executive Pastors & Church Business Administrators
After reviewing these resources,
please take a moment to give me your input
so future updates can deal with the
most relevant issues of the day.
Biblical Living
In 21st Century America
The
"Legacy Family" Pathway
Every family wants to leave a legacy-something that outlives us and blesses those who follow.
The "Legacy Family" Pathway will show you how turn that desire into a clear, practical plan.
The "Legacy Family" Pathway is a simple, step-by-step, grace-filled process for shaping future generations—whether you’re newly married, raising young children, navigating the teen years, or stepping into grandparenting.
Your story may feel beautiful, broken, or a mix of both. But, because God is faithful, you can start where you are today. He can redeem past mistakes, meet you in today’s dynamics, and help you build a future marked by blessing and strength.
Through this pathway, you’ll learn how to create and build a model that will generate a clear rhythm for blessing your children and grandchildren, capturing your story, and passing on your faith with intention.
Tap the “LEARN MORE ” button to see the four seasons of the pathway and access a complete set of free, simple tools and samples that you can begin using immediately.
"Simple Life Skills"
Biblical How To(s)
For Real Life
In The 21st Century.
The goal of Simple Life Skills is to enable believers to practically access the wisdom of Christ's people with skills that can be integrated into their lives and passed on from one person to another.
How do I...
> Set Godly Goals?
> Pay Attention To God?
> Make Godly Decisions?
> Set Effective Boundaries?
> Make and Keep my Priorities?
> See Myself the Way God Does?
> Overcome my Fears & Anxiety? >Forgive Someone Who Hurt Me?
Conquer the "No Follow Through" Cycle
A Common
21st Century
Behavior-Feelings Error
Many people today think that armed with a great idea on how to improve some area of their lives, they will feel like doing it at the right time. Unfortunately, that may be the single biggest reason it will never happen.
America's
21st Century
Unrecognized Existential Threat
America is facing a largely unrecognized existential threat, imperiling our democracy and way of life.
Take a deep dive beyond mere political divides into the core issues facing our country. Gain new perspective from my research which unveils the real causes and power behind a world that seems to have lost its moral bearings and our uniquely American democracy that is struggling to re-establish its traditional values and virtues.
The election of President Trump and the horrific murder of Charlie Kirk has created enormous momentum and support for a return to traditional conservative values; unfortunately it will be short-lived. Political solutions cannot resolve spiritual issues. Some of the most disturbing "achievements" of the progressive left may disappear from the headlines for a season, but do not be deceived, they will re-emerg with even greater urgency and destructive power.
Coming soon...
A podcast discussing
this unrecognized crisis
The Journey Home
We are not citizens of this world trying to make our way to Heaven; we are citizens of heaven trying to make our way through this world.
That radical Christian insight can be lifechanging!
We are not to live so as to earn God’s love, inherit Heaven and purchase our salvation. All those are given as gifts; gifts bought by Jesus on the cross and handed over to us.
We are to live as God’s redeemed, as heirs of Heaven, and citizens of another land: The Kingdom of God...We live as those who are on a journey home; a home we know will have the lights on and the door open and our Father waiting for us when we arrive.
That means in all adversity our worship of God is joyous, our life is hopeful, our future is secure.
There is nothing we can lose on Earth that can rob us of the treasures God has given us and will give us.
Jan Karon an American novelist renowned for her Mitford series, credits this quote to: “The Landisfarne, via The Anglican Digest”
This piece has been cited and shared across various platforms, including blogs and church newsletters without a specific author's name.
Biblical Guidelines To
Common Questions
The following are only guidelines...simple guidelines. As with all scripture, it is subject to interpretation, especially in its application. Not everyone will agree each of the following is the Godly response in every situtation. But, guided by Paul's words in 1 Corin. 2:16, "We have the mind of Christ", so through prayer and the guidance of the H.S. we can have confidence He will bring sufficient clarity to act responsibly to the complex issues of our day.
Current Documents
>I know I'm Supposed to Obey My Government...But How Can I When I Believe Their Policies And Actions Are Wrong?
>Premarital Sex: What's The Big Deal? It's Just Sex!
>How Do I know I have done everything necessary to get into Heaven?
>Is The Devil (Satan) Really Influential in The World?
>I'm Confused, What Does The Holy Spirit Do?
>What is The Unforgivable Sin? I'm Worried, Did I Unknowingly Commit It?
Future Documents
>Marriage & Divorce
>Death & Dying
>Our Future In Heaven
Dissension in The Church
>Election & Predestination
>Adultery
>Biblical Significance of the Number 7
I Know I'm Supposed To Obey My Government...
But How Can I When I Believe Their
Policies and Actions Are Wrong?
Published Articles With
Real World Application
A Contrarian's Journey Through Staff Evaluations
I never would have called myself a contrarian until recently. Now I can look back and see the seeds of it being planted in my college years during the turbulent ‘60s. The school of architecture I attended underwent a radical shift, rejecting the design approaches of the past and, with a new sense of ethical responsibility, began a quest for more humane workplaces and homes.
Attending that school also threw me head first into the Vietnam War protest movement—what we were doing as a country just wasn’t working and needed to change...
After reviewing these resources, please take a moment to give me your feedback so future updates deal with the most relevant issues of the day.
A new 360 staff review system that reflects the staff culture, health, and performance principles raised in my article.
Clear Priorities
Drive Good Decisions
As XPs, our lives are a massive, interconnected web of relationships and responsibilities. We are faced with decisions nearly every waking hour of every day. From little things like "Which staff pastor should I take to lunch today?" "If I turn right as this traffic light, will I get...
If Nothing Changes...
Nothing Changes
Change is hard...no, I mean real change is really hard! Oh sure, we all dream, imagine or wish that something in our lives will be different or better tomorrow; but taking the steps necessary to make that happen...that's really hard! How many times have I used the statement that "insanity" is defined as doing the same thing over and over but expecting...
Living In The Hallway
Is A Nightmare!
Recently, I came across an uncommon word in my reading that I had never seen or heard before: “liminal.” After looking it up, I discovered it is a great definition of a common condition we all experience, but usually can’t find the right word to describe.
Bishop Mark J. Chironna says, “Liminal space" is a concept in theology and psychology. It is the intermediate, in-between, transitional state where you cannot go back to where you were because a threshold has been crossed, and you have yet to arrive where you are going because it is not yet available to you.” Essentially, it is the hallway between the past and the future. I can tell you quite candidly:
It’s a nightmare in the hallway.
Roles, Responsibilities and Decision Making
At some point in the life of many churches the roles and leadership responsibilities of the "staff" and "board come into question and need a thoughtful review. This seems especially true in multi-staff non-denominational settings. In the early days of such churches, the vision alone is.....
The One Thing
You Need To Know
Quick...what's the single key difference between checkers and chess? Both have two players, alternating moves, the same board and both need advnced strategic thinking...now if you are already sying, "Hey, I know, it's obvious" then, according to Marcus Buckingham...
From Vision To Execution
Wherever you go today, everyone is talking about vision. Vision is the current buzzword. It's the discussion in boardrooms in executive offices and in managment-consulting firms. It's the leading topic of discussion in synods and in board of elders meetings...
Changing Our Church Name
Richland Bible Church is located in the small West Michigan town of Richland, about 9 miles northeast of Kalamazoo. The church was organized in March of 1983, when 75 people came together to form a new congregation...
Current Documents
>Annual 360 Staff Culture, Health and Performance Evaluation System
> Comprehensive Interview & Hiring Procedures for Pastoral Staff Leaders
>Roles, Responsibilities & Decision Making for a Staff-Led Elder Oversight Church Polity
>Employee Handbook
Future Documents
> Leadership Development That Works In The Real World of Daily Ministry
> Elder/Oversight Team Development
> Strategic Change Management
> How To Create A Memorable Mission Statement
> Sample Sabbatical Policy
Annual 360 Staff Culture, Health and Performance Evaluation System
This 360 staff review system reflects the staff culture, health, and performance principles raised in my article.
