One thing about being married to a missionary is that I get opportunities after big moves to reevaluate my gifts, see the new situations that God has graciously laid before me, and take an exciting step into something new. After recently moving to Africa, coaching was...

In gospel-centered mentoring, we aim to help mentees become wholehearted followers of Jesus in four different realms: the spiritual, physical, emotional, and social/vocational. Generally, it seems the most difficult realm to address is the emotional. One reason for...

Guest: Professor Sam Degner, Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Topics: Missio Dei The Image of God (Imago Dei) Missiology The Book of Acts as a Missiological Model Practical Application of Mission Principles Key Takeaways: Missio Dei means "mission of God." The mission of...

Two practical skills that can optimize your life and ministry are organization and communication. Both can be improved with focus and intentional effort. Growth in these areas will reduce stress, improve relationships, and boost productivity. Take a moment to reflect...

Welcome to our three-part series introducing a simple gospel-centered mentoring method that can be used to give inquisitive Christians a powerful taste of the blessings of mentoring. You will find Part 1 here. A little Preparation As mentioned above, Step 2 of the...

Guest: Pastor Larry Schlomer, Administrator of World Missions for the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) Topics: Evolution of mission strategies in recent decades Key differences between ministry in the US and mission work abroad Importance of multiplication...

Welcome to our three-part series introducing a simple gospel-centered mentoring method that can be used to give inquisitive Christians a powerful taste of the blessings of mentoring. You will find Part 1 here. Step 3: Prayer Once you have listened to the mentee’s...

Welcome to our three-part series introducing a simple gospel-centered mentoring method that can be used to give inquisitive Christians a powerful taste of the blessings of mentoring. I believe that the most effective gospel-centered mentoring develops through training...

In The Sun Also Rises, Ernest Hemingway captures a universal truth about decline. One character asks, “How did you go bankrupt?” The other responds, “Two ways. Gradually, then suddenly.” This doesn’t just happen with bank accounts—it also can happen with our...

Three Confessional Lutheran Doctrines and Their Impact on Missions: Centrality of the Means of Grace: Word and sacraments are the tools the Holy Spirit uses to create faith. Importance of Law and Gospel in bringing people to faith. Story of Logan, an atheist who came...

When our children attended Texas public schools in the aughts, we were introduced to the “No Child Left Behind” program. The state government was committed to doing whatever it took to ensure that every child succeeded in school. Some teachers jokingly (and a bit...

Guest: Dr. Glen Thompson, Professor Emeritus at Asia Lutheran Seminary Topics Covered: Key missiological ideas in the first 12 chapters of Acts, including the conversion of Peter and the stories of Stephen and Philip The importance of humanitarian aid in missions...

"Follow your passion." "Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life." "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." These mantras are deeply embedded in modern career and life advice. They promise fulfillment through self-discovery and...

In this 3-part series, I will address the feelings of meh, or spiritual blah, that mentors and mentees encounter on the path toward becoming wholehearted followers of Christ who rest in Him fully and reflect Him faithfully. Through Luke 9:51-62, I will highlight some...

In this 3-part series, I will address the feelings of meh, or spiritual blah, that mentors and mentees encounter on the path toward becoming wholehearted followers of Christ who rest in Him fully and reflect Him faithfully. Through Luke 9:51-62, I will highlight some...

In this episode, Brian Doebler, a pastor in Southern California, discusses the concept of missiology with us, particularly its application in the Old Testament. He explains "missio dei" as the mission of God, emphasizing the Triune God's sending of His Son, the Holy...

In this 3-part series, I will address the feelings of meh, or spiritual blah, that mentors and mentees encounter on the path toward becoming wholehearted followers of Christ who rest in Him fully and reflect Him faithfully. Through Luke 9:51-62, I will highlight some...

Over my 50 years of public ministry, a mentor would have brought significant benefit. I, my family, and my ministry missed out, however, because I didn't have a mentor. I did have ministry brothers who were my go-to advisors, my encouragers, and my accountability...

In my forthcoming book, “Gospel-Centered Mentoring,” (and in this post and video) I address the somewhat sticky topic of God’s will. I write: Many Christian mentors believe their job is to help mentees listen for the Holy Spirit’s unique vision, or destiny, for their...

Daron is my professional coach and a gospel-centered, practical pastor. So, when he puts out an appeal to our church or coaching cohort, I take a second (and third and fourth) look, and I try my best to implement it when possible. His recent “5 Practical Questions to...

My wife, Christine, recently took on three new coaching clients, which has inspired us to update our “Get to Know You Form,” which mentors and coaches can send clients to fill out and return before their first session together. Such a tool helps build rapport so that...

If you ask my kids what my favorite Christmas Bible passage is, they’ll probably say, “Revelation 12; you know, the one about the dragon.” However, I’ve yet to visit any Christmas service where Revelation 12 is read (besides one that I organized in Texas many years...

Is it appropriate for a mentor to take notes during a mentor session, especially when mentees are sharing a lot of information?  It certainly can be.  Photo by Adolfo Félix on Unsplash Here are a few considerations for taking notes:  Note-taking can be distracting to...

Ask Reframing Questions If mentees feel stuck at any time during the discussion, help them get unstuck by looking at the issue from various angles through reframing questions.  Think of reframing questions like this:  why does the Bible have four gospels that...

As you listen to mentees during this phase, you will unearth many issues that seem important to their development.  But how do you follow up on these issues and encourage them to explore what will lead toward developing goals and action steps for growth?  You do this...

See the previous article for part 1 of Listening Well. Now, as you begin to listen well, you might want to know, “What exactly am I listening for as the mentee shares?”  The Mentee’s Own Discernment or Insights Remember that the Holy Spirit has been working in...

In the movie Inside Out, the feelings of a little girl, Riley, are personified as different characters.  For example, there is “Joy,” “Sadness,” “Anger,” and “Disgust.”  The movie mostly takes place in her mind, as we see Joy, Sadness, Anger, and Disgust interacting...

As two devastated disciples plodded toward Emmaus along the dusty road, a stranger approached and walked beside them.  He plied them with questions:  “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”  When they related that they were discussing recent events in...

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:13-14a. Our Creator intricately and intentionally wove together every detail of your mentees’ beings.  They are blessed with...

When mentees are discouraged about lack of progress on a goal or action step, remind them first that these plans are not laws from God.  Mentees have not sinned just because they did not complete their action steps last week.  Be careful of giving the appearance of...

Many people believe the old American proverb:  “practice makes perfect.”  In other words, if you practice a skill long enough (e.g., learning to play the piano), you will eventually perfect that skill.   However, this proverb is partially incorrect.  Here is the...

My back is sore.   My knee aches.   And I’m tired.   I stare at my row machine, barbell, and bench.   I don’t want to lift.   Maybe I should go clean the toilets? Or how about getting a head start on my taxes? Anything but another backbreaking WOD (Workout of the...

You’ll find Part 1 of this brief essay here. The follow-up question might be, “Well, what does Paul mean by “with regard to yourself”? It only makes sense that he would be thinking back to his list of qualities for the overseer which he already gave in Chapter 3 of...

When instructing Timothy about how to conduct himself as a young pastor, Paul wrote, “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:16 (NIV)). The definition of the word “watch,”...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

I’m looking for feedback on sections of my new book draft “Meh to Meaningful.” What can you identify with? What is unclear? What do you want more of? What recommendations or ideas do you have? Help me craft a powerful tool for people who feel “meh” and want to...

I’m looking for feedback on sections of my new book draft “Meh to Meaningful.” What can you identify with? What is unclear? What do you want more of? What recommendations or ideas do you have? Help me craft a powerful tool for people who feel “meh” and want to...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

Because Koalas are reclusive, it’s a rare treat to glimpse one in the wild.  They also sleep up to 20 hours per day, usually tucked high up in the crook of a tree branch.  So, it’s quite difficult to spot them even when they are around. When we first arrived in...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

Someone once made the distinction that counseling looks backward, and coaching/mentoring looks forward.  He was not speaking pejoratively of counseling and positively of coaching/mentoring; he was just distinguishing between the trajectories of the two.  In...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

Sainted professor John Jeske liked to tell the story of a little boy who feared the dark.  Every night, he woke up in a panic and cried out for his parents.  Mom would rush in to soothe him and assure him that he was safe because God was there with him.  Finally, one...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

Goodbyes We left Chiang Mai on June 10, bound for the UK wedding of our daughter Maddie to Ashley Garfitt.  Chiang Mai was a wonderful home for us: a friendly and affordable city that welcomed our ministry teams, along with friends that became like family through the...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

One important way to set a gospel-predominant tone for the mentor session is to share a devotional thought with the mentee.  There are a few ways to do this depending on the amount of time you have to prepare beforehand as well as your level of comfort with the...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

Before the pandemic, I went in for a medical check-up.  It had been years.  You know—needles, peeing in a cup, prodding, jabbing—I had better things to do.  But it was time.  When you start your yearly check-ups at year 49, they upsell you on the Platinum Package—at...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

Introduction Same-name meetups are a thing now, thanks to Facebook and Instagram.  Take the Josh Fight, for example, a charity fundraiser where dozens of “Josh”es brawl with pool noodles for the right to be called “Josh”.  Recently, 256 people named “Milica Jovanovic”...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

Dear Supporters of Gospel-Centered Mentoring! This is the last chance to take my new Udemy course, “Become a Gospel-Centered Mentor,” for FREE! I am looking for students who are willing to test out the course for me, so I can fix any glitches, edit any misprints, and...

In our post-Covid, high tech world, mentor sessions do not always (often cannot) take place face-to-face. I recently wrote an article entitled “Maximizing Online Mentor Sessions” to address this modern reality. One of my coworkers, Dr. Guy Marquardt, who has pondered...

Dear Supporters of Gospel-Centered Mentoring! You are invited to take my new Udemy course, “Become a Gospel-Centered Mentor,” now available for FREE! I am looking for students who are willing to test out the course for me, so I can fix any glitches, edit any...

Have you ever wondered what the term Gospel-centered mentoring actually means?  Today we are talking with Pastor Daron Lindemann, one of the founders of CrossTrain Ministries, a coaching network for pastors.  Daron does a fantastic job explaining how Gospel-Centered...

The following guest article is written by my good friend and coworker, Pastor Zhao, who currently serves in East Asia. I continue to really appreciate his ability to understand the difference between Western and Eastern cultures and what we can learn from each other....

I have just started a new Author Page on Facebook. I invite you to follow me there for updates on my forthcoming books, “Gospel-Centered Mentoring” and “The People’s Bible Devotions,” as well as information for my newest book about following Christ meaningfully. Click...

What does it look like to serve God faithfully in your 60’s? In your 70’s or 80’s?  Sometimes as Christians we can develop a retirement mindset when it comes to our spiritual lives.  But today you’ll get to meet a retired couple that is sprinting to the finish line,...

Hello, everyone! I am thrilled and honored to let you know that my church, Crosslife in Pflugerville, TX, will begin a new sermon series this weekend, inspired by my recent book “God Loves Nobodies: Good News for Somebody Like Me”. View the teaser below: I invite you...

Mark 16:9 tells us that Mary was the first person to witness the resurrected Jesus. There were a lot of people he could have appeared to first, a lot of people you would have expected him to appear to before Mary Magdalene—the 11 disciples, for example, the men he...

Some of you might be old enough to remember the opening montage of the classic television show, ABC’s Wide World of Sports. And if you remember that, you undoubtedly remember hearing the phrase “the agony of defeat.” You can probably still see it in your mind’s eye:...