Month: April 2025

Keeping Worry in Check

On By barrysnotesLeave a comment

A Lenten Devotional
Luke 10:38-42

38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”  Luke 10:38-42

Worry, if not kept in check, can leave us emotionally drained, spiritually anxious, and even physically unwell. Yet, God calls us to trust him rather than be consumed by worry. For our faith to increase, our tendency to worry must decrease.

Lent is a time for self-reflection. How well do you keep worry in check?

In Luke 10, we see Martha, eager to host Jesus in her home, become overwhelmed with the many details of hospitality. While her intentions were good, her worry and distraction robbed her of the opportunity to be fully present with Jesus. In contrast, Mary chose to sit at the Lord’s feet, listening to His words. When Martha voiced her frustration, Jesus gently reminded her, “You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better.”

Worry is not a spiritual virtue; it is a human tendency. We worry about finances, health, relationships, politics, and countless other uncertainties. But what is worry? Worry is an anxious preoccupation with the future, often rooted in fear or doubt. Erma Bombeck famously said, “Worry is like a rocking chair; it gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere.” Worry drains our energy, clouds our judgment, and keeps us from fully trusting God.

Jesus was not dismissing Martha’s responsibilities; He was inviting her to shift her focus. There is a difference between worry and concern. Worry paralyzes us with fear over what might happen. Concern, on the other hand, acknowledges challenges and seeks solutions in faith.

Like Mary, we are called to prioritize the presence of Jesus above our anxieties. When we spend time in His presence—through prayer, Scripture, and worship—our perspective shifts, and our worries lose their grip. As Elizabeth George writes in Breaking the Worry Habit…Forever!, “Worry denies the power of God and produces no good results. Worry adds no value to your life. Eliminate it with God’s help.”

Reflection:
What are the things you tend to worry about the most?How can you replace worry with faith and deepen your trust in God? Have you asked God to help you eliminate your worry habit?

Prayer:
Lord, grant us the peace that surpasses understanding. Teach us to release our worries and rest in your presence. When we are tempted to be anxious, remind us that you are our refuge and strength. Help us, like Mary, to choose what is better—to sit at your feet and trust in your unfailing love. Amen.

Navigating the Maze of Grief

On By barrysnotesLeave a comment

Grief is a maze, both dark and wide,
Winding paths where tears reside.
Shadows linger, doubts appear,
Yet I press on despite the fear.

Through tangled turns and weary days,
A fond remembrance finds its way.
Each memory like a candle glows,
A breeze of love still gently blows.

Though absence aches and seasons change,
The heart still holds what time reclaims.
In laughter, echoes, joys, and pains,
Their presence lingers, love remains.

With gentle steps and quiet grace,
We learn to live, we find our place.
Not rushed, but given time and space,
To heal, to hope, to trust, to face.

And when the road feels long and steep,
May faith sustain, may mercy keep.
For though the night seems void and deep,
Love never fades, nor falls asleep.

(Barry Howard is a retired pastor who serves as a leadership coach and columnist with the Center for Healthy Churches. He and his wife reside on Cove Creek in northeast Alabama.)

Breaking Bad

On By barrysnotes1 Comment

“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:1-2)

Sin is a universal dilemma. As Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Yet, God’s grace is greater than our sin. However, Martin Luther cautioned, “To be convinced in our hearts that we have forgiveness of sins and peace with God by grace alone is the hardest thing.”

Lent is a time of deep self-reflection, a season to acknowledge our shortcomings and seek forgiveness and renewal through Christ. If we are honest, we all have a sin problem. Sin isn’t just about breaking rules—it’s about breaking a relationship, distancing ourselves from the God who loves us. The Apostle John encourages believers to strive for holiness, but he also reassures us that when we fail, we have an advocate—Jesus Christ.

Jesus is both our defense and our atoning sacrifice. He doesn’t just plead our case; He paid the price for our sin with his own life. His righteousness covers our guilt, and his grace gives us a new beginning. But this grace is not an excuse to remain in sin. John reminds us that if we truly know Jesus, we will aim to follow Jesus—guided by his teaching, emulating his example, and loving others as he loved us.

As we deal with the daily allure of sin, Jerry Bridges encourages us to remember, “Our worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God’s grace.”

Lent challenges us to confront our sin honestly, not with despair, but with hope. Jesus has already solved our sin problem on the cross. Our response is to walk in his ways, abide in his love, and reflect his character to the world.

Reflection:
Where do you find the strength to deal with temptation? How regularly do you confess your sins to God? How can you apply God’s grace to your own shortcomings? What are some ways you can share the good news of God’s forgiveness with others?

Prayer:
Gracious Lord, I confess my sins before You. Thank You for sending Jesus as my advocate and for the grace that covers my failures. Help me to walk in Your ways, to obey Your commands, and to live in a way that reflects Your love. Strengthen me to turn from sin and draw closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

10 Ways to Care for the Emotional Health of a Congregation During a Pastor Transition

On By barrysnotesLeave a comment

A pastoral transition is one of the most impactful seasons in the life of a church. Whether a pastor retires, resigns, or is called to another ministry, the transition can stir a wide range of emotions—grief, uncertainty, anxiety, excitement, and even division. How church leadership manages this process plays a crucial role in the emotional and spiritual health of the congregation for years to come.

To lead well during this critical time, it’s essential to proactively support the congregation’s emotional needs. Below are ten proven strategies for nurturing a healthy church environment during a pastoral transition.

1. Acknowledge the emotions in the room. Change—even expected change—can feel unsettling. Some church members may feel abandoned, while others may look forward to a new chapter. Create safe spaces for open, honest conversations where members can express their feelings. Validating these emotions helps prevent division and encourages unity.

2. Communicate clearly and consistently. During a pastoral change, transparent communication is vital. Keep the congregation informed about the transition timeline, the pastoral search process, and interim leadership. Regular updates help reduce anxiety and foster trust among members.

3. Honor the departing pastor. If the transition is amicable, take time to celebrate the pastor’s service. Host a farewell service, share personal stories of appreciation, and pray over their next journey. A thoughtful send-off brings closure and lays the groundwork for a smoother transition.

4. Provide strong pastoral care. Pastoral transitions can leave some members feeling spiritually adrift. Church leaders—such as deacons, elders, ministry staff, and interim pastors—should be intentional about providing emotional and spiritual support through encouragement, prayer, and counseling.

5. Reinforce the church’s mission and vision. A church’s identity is rooted in Christ, not a single pastor. Remind the congregation that the church’s mission remains unchanged. Keeping ministries aligned with the church’s vision helps maintain focus and stability during change.

6. Maintain a consistent schedule. Avoid making major changes to worship services or programs during the transition. Familiar rhythms provide stability and comfort. Once a new pastor is in place, there will be time for evaluating and adapting structures and schedules as needed.

7. Promote healing and unity. If the transition follows a difficult season—such as internal conflict or leadership failure—intentional healing is essential. Offer opportunities for reconciliation, reflection, and spiritual renewal. A church that takes time to heal will be more receptive to new leadership.

8. Cultivate a spirit of hope and expectation. Encourage members to view this transition not as a crisis, but as a divine opportunity. A hopeful attitude among leadership will positively influence the congregation. As Romans 8:28 reminds us, “God works in all things to bring about good.”

9. Create opportunities for fellowship and relationship-building. Plan social events, meals, and team-building activities to strengthen relationships during the interim. Laughter, shared meals, and meaningful connection help maintain community and morale.

10. Pray the prayer of “holy indifference.” During the pastoral search, invite the congregation to pray as Jesus did in Matthew 26:39: “Not my will, but your will be done.” A church that earnestly seeks God’s guidance will be spiritually prepared to embrace its next chapter with confidence and joy.

Moving Forward with Faith

A pastor’s departure marks the end of one chapter but also the beginning of another. How a church navigates this transition will shape its emotional and spiritual health for years to come. By prioritizing clear communication, pastoral care, unity, and prayer, a congregation can move forward with faith, trusting that God will guide them as they write the next chapter in their church’s story.

(Barry Howard is a retired pastor and leadership coach with the Center for Healthy Churches, helping congregations and leaders navigate transitions with clarity and care.)

My Strength and My Shield

On By barrysnotesLeave a comment

A Lenten Devotional

“Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” 
-Psalm 28:6-7 (NIV)

What do you do when you feel susceptible and weak?

As we journey through Lent, a season of reflection and repentance, we encounter moments when we feel overwhelmed by vulnerability and insecurity. We are reminded of our need for God’s mercy and strength to sustain us. In Psalm 28, David cries out to God for help, and in verses 6-7, his cry turns to praise as he declares, “The Lord is my strength and my shield.”

Philip Yancey notes, “A God wise enough to create me and the world I live in is wise enough to watch out for me.”

During Lent, we are encouraged to confront our human frailty and dependence on God. It is a time to recognize the sin and brokenness in our lives and to seek God’s mercy. Like David, we can cry out to the Lord, trusting that God hears us. When we feel weak, overwhelmed, or vulnerable, we can take heart in knowing that God is not only the source of our strength but also our shield—protecting us in ways we cannot always see.

This season, may we embrace the truth of Psalm 28:7, allowing it to shape our prayers, our thoughts, and our actions. Let us trust in God’s strength and protection, knowing that even in our struggles, we are secure in His hands. And let our gratitude overflow in praise, as we prepare our hearts for the hope and renewal that Easter brings.

Recently while channel surfing, I came across an old episode of the popular sci-fi TV show, Star Trek. In the brief moment as I was watching, as the Starship Enterprise was about to be attacked by the Romulans, I heard Captain Kirk command, “Mr. Sulu, shield’s up!” This was a trademark command for the lieutenant commander to raise the shields, thus cloaking the ship with an invisible protective hull to defend against the attack from the enemy.

In moments when we deal with extraordinary challenges, when we experience elevated anxiety, when we confront adversarial forces, or when we are physically tired or emotionally spent, we should say to ourselves, “Shield’s up!” as we remind ourselves of the Lord’s strength and protection in all circumstances.

Reflection:
How can you trust in God’s strength and shield during this season of Lent? What causes you to feel vulnerable? In what areas of your life are you seeking to grow in grace and mercy? Rest in the truth that God hears you and will help you.

Prayer:
Lord, in this season of Lent, help me to trust you more deeply. When I feel weak, remind me that you provide sufficient energy for the challenges of life. When I feel vulnerable, remind me that you are my shield in all seasons. Amen.

(Barry Howard is a retired pastor who served as a leadership coach and columnist with the Center for Healthy Churches.)

(This was first published as part of Living Lent, a devotional book published by Morningstar Child and Family Services.)