Mike Leake

What is the path to becoming a senior pastor? Should I start in an associate position and work my way “up”? Or should I begin work elsewhere, serve the local church, and wait until I’m called into a senior pastorate? The answer is that there really isn’t an answer.

Think of a man named Sam, who has benefited from seven years of Bible preaching. When he first came to church, he was a mess. Now he is an entirely different person. You have seen complete transformation in his life. This kind of life change is every preacher’s goal. Sam tells others about Jesus, votes his values, and labors in the community to push back darkness. And he does these mighty works in the name of Jesus.

NEOSHO, Mo. (BP) – It’s the late '70s and you’re an up-and-coming television host with a new morning show. You’ve booked an icon in Judy Collins. She comes on the stage, takes a deep breath, sings into the microphone ... nothing. What do you do?

Columnist Mike Leake compares the love he shows his young son when he receives odd-looking refrigerator art to the love God shows His children.