Five years ago, I thought I knew what I was saying yes to (see My Ministry Journey: Another BIG Step). After decades serving in congregational ministry, higher education, healthcare, and an earlier faith-based nonprofit role, becoming CEO of White Rock Center of Hope seemed like the natural next step in my vocational journey. What I could not have anticipated was how deeply this work would resonate with my sense of calling. At Hope, I have been able to bring together the best of my Read More …
Leadership
Courageous Leadership: Called to the Fire (#2324)
The message over the radio was brief, "Greg, come to the Donation Door." There was no explanation and no sense of urgency. I replied that I was on my way and started walking in that direction, expecting to greet a donor, answer a staff question, or receive some routine update. When I arrived, I immediately understood why the message lacked details. The dumpster was on fire. It wasn't a small fire that looked like it might burn itself out. The flames were growing more intense, sending thick Read More …
Speaking the Truth: Things are Not Fine (#2320)
Ministry in 2026 bears little resemblance to ministry in previous generations. Every day brings new challenges alongside new opportunities for connection, service, and faithful witness. The pace of change is relentless leaving many congregations and church leaders feeling pressures unlike anything they have previously experienced. Recently, Justin Cox, an ordained minister with standing in the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and American Baptist Churches USA, reflected on this reality in his Read More …
Leading Well Starts Here (#2219)
Yesterday, I attended the 2025 Texas Health Community Hope Summit, which was held at the Hurst Conference Center. The one-day experience included a gathering session, a keynote session, and three breakout sessions along with time for networking and visiting the many relevant exhibitors. Keeping Yourself Healthy The first breakout session I attended was a panel discussion titled Keeping Yourself Healthy While Serving Others: The Emotional Toll of Ministry. Expertly facilitated by Rev. Read More …
Ponder This: 10 Recent Remarks (#2028)
Now that Twitter is not what it once was, I've found myself struggling a bit to find my way on that platform. Earlier today I looked back through my recent tweets, and selected 10 insightful quotes worth pondering. This listing includes three books published in 2023, three books published in 2022, three articles, and a sermon. Don’t use black/white language to mean bad/good. Just don’t do it (even though it’s biblical). The racist interpretation is too immediate, too easy to infer. –Steve Read More …
My Ministry Journey: Another BIG Step (#1933)
I'm excited to share the news that I've accepted a new ministry position. On June 21, 2021, I'll become the next Executive Director of the White Rock Center of Hope. This big next step is possible because of so many other steps of varying sizes I've already taken. The following account is an attempt to provide a high level overview of my preparation for this step. My approach is primarily chronological utilizing a series of phases or acts. While give thanks for the hundreds of Read More …
Top 10 Posts of All Time (#1769)
I started So What Faith back in 2009, and added Google analytics to the site in 2013. Based on data gathered from 2013 to present the top all time posts are Pastoral Prayer - Love (2014) Prayers of the People - Youth Sunday (2009) 12 Marks of Convergence Christianity (2012) My Visit to Next Level Church (2012) Valentine's Expectations (2013) Leaders Clear Obstacles (2015) Pulpit Plagiarism (2014) Review of Not a Fan (2011) Theology on Tap (2011) The Immigrants Creed Read More …
Leadership Development (#1759)
Leadership Network recently surveyed their readers about areas in which pastors wished they were better equipped. The question invited respondents to choose three areas of ministry. The top answer overall was leadership development. Since congregations of varying sizes have different challenges, the report also showed the top several responses within each church size with average worship attendance of 0-499, 500-999, 1000-1999, 2000-2999, 3000-4999, and 5000-9999. Read More …
Top 5 Posts of 2017 (at Mid-Year) (#1691)
Somehow the first half of 2017 is now behind us. As we enter the second half of the year, I thought it would be interesting to see what posts my readers viewed most often. Among posts published in 2017, the top five (by view count) are Christian Alternative Facts Our Search for a Church is Over! The Immigrants Creed Review: Days of Awe and Wonder Search for a Church: Attending New Member Classes Interestingly, many older posts continue to be viewed quite frequently. So far in Read More …
Humble Leadership (#1680)
Humility is hard to talk about, and harder still to embody. Most people don't quit a job; most people quit their boss. Humble leaders are needed as much and perhaps more now than ever. Humility & Effectiveness In a recent Harvard Business Review article Margarita Mayo, Professor of Leadership and Organizational Behavior at IE Business School in Madrid, noted that humble leaders are more effective leaders. She writes Humble leaders improve the performance of a company in the Read More …