This is a question in the vocational health section of our self-care inventory for pastors and ministry leaders. Ministry leadership, especially pastoral ministry is a lonely and isolating life. We all need a support system, especially when we are in leadership. It is hard to for leaders to find safe support. It is difficult for […]
Blog Posts
The Pastor Crisis
We are facing a full-blown pastor crisis. Currently, there is a massive shortage of clergy/pastors and other church staff. The signs are everywhere. Because of the work I do, it is much easier to see the negative than the positive. That said, I generally tend to be a hopeful, optimistic and positive person. I am […]
Do I stay in ministry because I feel called by God or do I feel trapped?
This is one of the most talked about and striking questions in the self-care inventory. As I write this, we are experiencing an unprecedented pastor crisis in the United States. Many pastors have just had enough, regardless of whether or not they fell called or trapped. Ministry is not easy and it is not like […]
Palm Sunday & Good Friday-A reflection on pastoral ministry
Check out this reflection from the website for Preparing for Amazement Ministries.
Fit or Fat
My youth leader in high school always encouraged me to be a FAT Christian: -Faithful -Available -Teachable Sure, its cheesy, but its also accurate. For me, it was also effective. Today, I do not have to think about these things (that is not to say that I have perfected them), they are a part of […]
Messages for the Younger Marcus
Below is a post I wrote for Preparing for Amazement Ministries Messages for the Younger Marcus In line with a blog post written by one of our coaches, Jessica Carlson, I thought it would be good to share the messages I would give to the younger me after more than 25 years in ministry. Find […]
Young Leaders
Recently a young leader asked me what were some of the key things they needed to know about leader health. I was not prepared for it, but here was my list. Sabbath. Seriously. Self-knowledge is critical. Health Trumps. What would be your list?
Ceilings
We have in our lives many ceilings, including in the area of self-care. Self-knowledge determines the height of many of our ceilings. There is a direct correlation between our self-knowledge and our effectiveness. There is a direct correlation between our self-knowledge and our ability to grow. There is a direct correlation between our self-knowledge and […]
Why I Quit
Below is a link to a blog written for Preparing for Amazement Ministries on why I have quit church jobs over the year. Thought it might be worth sharing. Why I Quit Church Jobs
Self-Care isn’t selfish
Self-care isn’t selfish. You probably know this is true, and most would not challenge this notion. While we might not openly disagree with this statement, internally we live in a way that embraces it. Often, the not so direct comments and expectations of others also affirm the falsehood that self-care is selfish. Self-care is something […]