Grace to Lead - with Dr. Ed Johnson, III

04/15/2026

I almost didn’t share this silent struggle that many small church pastors and leaders experience. But I’m committed to speaking the quiet parts out loud to encourage pastors and leaders in life and ministry.

04/04/2026

To pastors/elders/overseers/bishops:

Pastoral ministry is what we do, not who we are. When we begin to think and act like it is who we are, that is an indication we are subtly and unhealthily allowing pastoral ministry to become a part of our personal identity.

Here are a few ways we can tell when we are sliding into this ministry-identity complex:

1. When people ask us, “What is your name?” and we respond with, “Pastor __________” (and put inflection on the title). Our title is not our name.

2. When we insist people call us “Pastor/Elder/Overseer/Bishop.”

3. When we become irritated when people do not recognize us by our titles.

4. When we become bothered by people calling us by our first name.

5. When we get “Pastor/Bishop/Elder/Overseer” embroidered on our personal belongings (not something that was gifted to us, but something we bought for ourselves and paid for the work to be done on it).

6. When we no longer are a pastor/elder/bishop/overseer of a local church but continue to actively use and apply the title to ourselves.

03/31/2026

All preaching is not equal. As I look across the landscape of preaching today, particularly in America, there are at least three types of preaching:

1. Preaching that treats Scripture as a launching pad

This is preaching that starts out with Scripture or loosely refers to it but primarily utilizes it as a means to talk about whatever is on the mind and heart of the preacher.

2. Preaching that treats Scripture as a running lane

This is preaching that is tethered to the Scripture. The text dictates what the sermon is about. And there are rules (principles of biblical interpretation) to abide by in order to run a good race (i.e., preach a biblically faithful sermon).

3. Preaching that treats Scripture as a sprawling field

This is preaching that sees Scripture as an open range, allowing preachers to roam anywhere they please with little regard for boundaries, structure, or rules. Scripture is used, but often in ways that are not contextually faithful, or it is misapplied.

I would contend that #2 is the most faithful way to preach.

03/25/2026

Contrary to some popular teaching and belief, John 10:1-6, 11-18 is not teaching us that we need to learn how to hear or discern the voice of God. This teaching on this text has unfortunately caused much confusion and consternation among Christians who have not been able to distinguish the "internal voice or prompting of God" from their own thoughts or desires. Some have thought that maybe there was something wrong with them or their walk with God that they have not been able to clearly hear the voice of God.

Per John 10:6, Jesus was using a figure of speech - a metaphor about a shepherd and his sheep - to say that the ones who belong to him (his sheep) are those who believe in him (his person and redemptive work) and follow him (adhere to his teaching/message). Jesus was not teaching us about how to hear his voice or the voice of God.

03/06/2026

It is possible to be spiritually gifted and yet spiritually immature. Don’t believe that? Just look at the church at Corinth.

02/25/2026

Prayer and preaching/teaching are core responsibilities of being an elder/pastor. But if all you want to do is preach, then pastoring is probably something you should consider NOT doing.

02/16/2026

Christian Pastors, Leaders, Influencers:

I know many of us are passionate about the church. I know we care about the church. I know sometimes we get asked questions about the state of the church at large. But may I suggest we work at something?

Let's work to not make sweeping generalizations of the church as if we know or can speak on all churches or even the majority of churches.

I understand using hyperbole to make a point.

I understand using a category when referring to a particular subset of churches. For example, "The American church," "The evangelical church," "The white/black church," "The progressive church," "The Baptist/Charismatic/Pentecostal/Lutheran/Presbyterian/Methodist/Non-Denominational church," etc.

I understand recognizing and speaking to patterns, trends, or trajectories.

But I think there is a better way to speak on the church: "In my experience, with the churches I know of, I have found..."

All I am advocating for is us striving to be a little more nuanced in our statements regarding the church, especially when we are offering critiques or assessments.

01/27/2026

Remember skipping exams in school because of good grades? Well, here's the reality check - when it comes to Christ's judgment seat, there's NO skipping allowed! Every single one of us will stand before Him. Are you living like you know this truth?

01/12/2026