12 Myths of Pastoral Leadership
The problem with myths is their sly way of embedding themselves into your assumptions. They just become part of your thinking without your realizing it. Some of the myths below are commonly-held pastoral beliefs that we pastors have held without comparing them to...
The Futile Search for the Perfect Church
We live in a day of analysts. And everyone, it seems, wants to analyze the church. Some analyze to be critical, some to posture themselves as “better than the imperfect church” in order to gain members for their “near-perfect church.” It seems most pastors view...
The Best Marriage Book I’ve Read This Year
When Terrie and I got married thirty-three years ago, one of the commitments we made was to keep growing as husband and wife. Every year, I read at least one book on marriage (usually more), and Terrie does the same. Often we read the same book and then discuss it...
Young Leaders Who Question Their Heritage (an infographic)
As younger leaders engage in the ministry, they bring a set of fresh questions and concerns. Questions are healthy and good—they prove a leader is thinking. Sometimes, however, I’ve watched older preachers blow off the questions of young men, responding with a spirit...
10 Ways to Extend God’s Grace to Hurting People
Over the past thirty years of ministry, the Lord has shown me—time and again—the sufficiency of His grace in difficulty. And He’s taught me, especially during recent seasons, how to extend His grace to hurting people. So often, when those we lead and love are hurting,...
First Things Second?
I’m writing a book titled Out of Commission. This is the first book I’ve written that deals comprehensively with the philosophy of soulwinning, why our local churches are neglecting it in this day, and how we can get back to making Christ’s command our priority. If...
My Favorite Blog of All Time
I’m thrilled to announce that my wife, Terrie, has launched a personal blog! For over thirty years, Terrie has invested in ladies through personal, local church ministry. Her blog—the overflow of these years of ministry—is sure to be a blessing, help, and...
Cultivating Joy, Growth, and a Passion for Excellence in Your Staff
We often use the expression, “Teamwork makes the dream work.” And it does. Teamwork in ministry is essential—especially between the pastor and his staff. Most pastors and churches that are a little larger have the privilege of having staff who help in the ministry and...
7 Disciplines of Highly Renewed Life Stewards
The first week of January holds a great success rate for new goals. The last week of January? Not so much. Setting goals and wisely stewarding our time and priorities is vital. But we all too easily lose our first-of-the-year focus and revert to old patterns. To stay...
The Resilient Life
Overcome the Crises and Anxieties of Life through Christ
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Pastor Paul Chappell
Dr. Paul Chappell is the senior pastor of the Lancaster Baptist Church and president of West Coast Baptist College in Lancaster, California. His biblical vision has led the church to become one of the most dynamic independent Baptist churches in the nation. He has been married to his wife, Terrie, for over forty years and is the father of four married children all serving in Christian ministry.
Four practical ways to follow the Holy Spirit's leading in your life: