We are living in a world where there’s a great deal of stress and disagreement. Churches struggle to decide whether to meet in person, require masks, have singing, and figure out how to navigate the technology of hybrid worship. There is a lot of disagreement about these questions, and when there’s disagreement, pastors are going to hear about it from those who disagree with those decisions. Criticism, disappointment, anger, and division are rampant. What is in short supply is encouragement.
E. Stanley Ott, who goes by Stan, and Lee Zehmer are advocates for the power of encouragement. Stan is president of Leading Moments, whose mission is to develop vital leaders for the church and the world. He is also the author of several popular books, including “Pray Daily: Igniting Our Passion for God,” “Twelve Dynamic Shifts for Transforming Your Church,” and “Transforming Your Church Through Ministry Groups.” Lee serves as Transitional Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in High Point, NC. Together they host a podcast called Building One Another.
We got together recently for a delightful conversation about pastoral and congregational vitality, and the power of encouragement in a fault-finding world.