by: Rev. Jerry Chiles What is an event or long-term situation in your life when you wondered if you would survive? You struggled against it and could see no end in sight. You may have wondered where God was. You may have even questioned your call to ministry. In John 6:10ff we find the story …
by Rev. Jerry Chiles But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. …
The Covid-19 Crisis has forced many changes, but have these changes produced transformation? Where has God been at work in the midst of the Crisis? Change happens around us all the time. The dictionary definitions are: “Change (noun) the act or instance of making or becoming different. (verb) make someone or something different; alter or …
by Jerry Chiles Don’t panic. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “A panic attack causes sudden, brief feelings of fear and strong physical reactions in response to ordinary, nonthreatening situations.” When we panic, we do not see any possibility of moving forward. We must begin to breathe and recognize God is present with us in the …
By Rev. Jerry Chiles In March 2020 we lifted our voices to heaven crying, “God help us! Deliver us from this pandemic called Covid-19.” At that point in time, we had no idea what would be the extent of the pandemic. Over and over, we cried out to God to deliver us. When relief did …
By Rev. Jerry Chiles I have survived so far in this COVID-19 pandemic. I think I’m OK, but have some bumps and bruises. I find myself not knowing what comes next. I hear about lawsuits to allow churches to reopen, and I listened to the health experts who are very cautious. What do I do? …
By Rev. Jerry Chiles You might be asking yourself, “Why am I here at this junction of history? Why am I having to go through this crisis? I am exhausted. God why are you doing this to us?” God is not the one who is doing this to us. Is God present in this crisis? Yes! …
Many ministers are considering moving to other careers. What are some of the reasons these moves are contemplated? Is the church becoming a more difficult place to work? Is God calling these ministers to unfamiliar places of ministry in a different context? Is it a misunderstanding of calling? I would like to hear your comments …
Many ministers are caught in the church’s downsizing brought about by fewer members and diminishing finances. What are the warning signs that hint downsizing may be coming? How can we help ministers in mid-career retool for the next step in ministry? I would like to hear your comments about these thought provoking questions. Contact me …
The Kentucky Derby is the first Saturday in May. One of my favorite times of the year is the Derby. It is hard to explain the beauty of running horses. You just need to experience it. While excitement builds, as the race progresses, it is not the same as running with the horses. Can you …
