Over these last few years, I have been coaching quite a few pastors across Australia and a few overseas. It’s a privilege to come along side these church leaders from different denominations and contexts and offer them encouragement and advice in a wide range of aspects of personal ministry and church life.… Read the rest
It’s the Christmas season! People are carefully selecting gifts for their loved ones, the air is filled with the sound of Christmas carols, bright Christmas lights sparkle each night, and many are looking forward to some time off with their family and friends.… Read the rest
The signs of Easter are all around us – cooler weather, school holidays, an upcoming long weekend, hot cross buns and extra church services to cater to people's faith which comes in all shapes and sizes. For many people, it is also a time to reflect on some important events that took place over 2,000 years ago – the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.… Read the rest
Well, Christmas 2016 is done and dusted. Now it’s time to prepare to enter a new year. During transitional seasons such as this, it’s always good to stop and do three things: Reflect, Review and Re-calibrate.
Firstly, reflect on the year that is about to finish.… Read the rest
Merry Christmas!
Last weekend, I participated in my final Christmas Carols production at the church where I have served for over 30 years. It was a fun time together – singing carols, listening to our amazing singers, musicians and creative teams inspire us, watching the bright-eyed children, and sharing about Jesus as THE gift we all need at Christmas. … Read the rest
It's hard to believe we are just 10 sleeps away from Christmas!
I really enjoy the Christmas season. It's a time to enjoy family and friends, way too much delicious food, some time off and a reminder of God's greatest gift to our world – Jesus Christ.… Read the rest
As Jesus was dying on the cross, he was not completely alone. There were a small group of people who loved him dearly, right there until his last breath (John 19:25-27). They demonstrated great courage just to even be there. One of them was Mary – Jesus’ mother.… Read the rest
It’s Mother’s Day: a century-old tradition of taking time to thank and honour our amazing mums. Mums are special people we owe so much to – in addition to our very existence! Most mums are faithful, loyal, hard-working, loving and caring people.… Read the rest
Can you believe it – it’s Easter Sunday! I know – it seems like we just finished celebrating Christmas. I heard one little boy once say, “Jesus was just born, are you telling me he’s died already?”
In many ways Easter is the second half of God’s Christmas gift.… Read the rest
Today is Good Friday, a day where people all around the world remember and reflect on the death of Jesus Christ that took place over 2,000 years ago.
Jesus’ death wasn’t an accident nor was he a martyr. His death was an atoning death by which he started to put the world back together again.… Read the rest
This weekend, I made the following announcement to my church family – CityLife Church. Obviously, it was a surprise to many, while not to others. There is a degree of sadness with any change like this but I am also encouraged by the amount of support I have received.… Read the rest
God is a God of new things. He has made us new creations, given us new hearts, a new spirit, a new covenant. We live in a new day; we have a new name; we have a new commandment; we’ve been given new garments; His mercies are new every morning; we drink of the new wine; we’re headed for a new Jerusalem and eventually a new heavens and earth.… Read the rest
In a few days time, we'll be into a New Year – 2016. The year 2015 will be history – water under the bridge. At transition times like this between years, it's beneficial to pause, take some time aside and think about your life.… Read the rest
Can you believe it's almost Christmas!
Usually around this time of the year, you'll hear some questions or comments from some well-meaning Christians such as:
