Technology has dramatically increased our access to information and teaching. It has also afforded many Christian celebrities to influence hundreds of thousands via YouTube and other platforms. Have people in your church endangered their faith by listening to the "prophets" of social media? During this podcast, I want to identify one source leading people toward a destructive belief system at odds with scripture. Don't miss it!

Technology has dramatically increased our access to information and teaching. It has also afforded many Christian celebrities to influence hundreds of thousands via YouTube and other platforms. Have people in your church endangered their faith by listening to the "prophets" of social media? During this podcast, I want to identify one source leading people toward a destructive belief system at odds with scripture. Don't miss it!

EP 232: Is Deception Undermining Your Ministry?

Have you ever been ashamed to ask for a raise at your church? Do you find ministry discouraging because you cannot pay your bills and work part-time to meet expenses? Join me as I interview Jon Sanders and Les Hughes from Entrepastors. They share an utterly refreshing approach to how pastors can engage the culture without compromising their calling. Connect with Entrepastors. See my recent book recommendations.

Have you ever been ashamed to ask for a raise at your church? Do you find ministry discouraging because you cannot pay your bills and work part-time to meet expenses? Join me as I interview Jon Sanders and Les Hughes from Entrepastors. They share an utterly refreshing approach to how pastors can engage the culture without compromising their calling. Connect with <a href="https://www.entrepastors.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Entrepastors</a>. See my recent <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fqu34J7b5ho" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">book recommendations</a>.

EP 231: Should Pastors Take A Job In The Marketplace

Bible Schools, seminaries, and denominational meetings spend enormous amounts of time helping future ministers preach well. The focus is doctrine, presentation, and effectiveness, but something basic is often missing. Ministers spend on average eight hours preparing sermons, but many fail to make an impact. Have we been missing the target by failing to recognize something obvious to our hearers? Join me today for an insightful podcast.

Bible Schools, seminaries, and denominational meetings spend enormous amounts of time helping future ministers preach well. The focus is doctrine, presentation, and effectiveness, but something basic is often missing. Ministers spend on average eight hours preparing sermons, but many fail to make an impact. Have we been missing the target by failing to recognize something obvious to our hearers? Join me today for an insightful podcast.

EP 230: Is Your Preaching Missing The Target?

Most of us have preached or used this phrase in our ministry, but have we ever turned the spotlight toward our vocation? Tragically, most pastors evaluate themselves based solely on performance, using comparison with others as the chief standard. As a result, most pastors live emotionally depleted lives, running from pillar to post to prove their self-worth. Today, we take a step back to ask a few simple questions to ensure the health of our souls.

Most of us have preached or used this phrase in our ministry, but have we ever turned the spotlight toward our vocation? Tragically, most pastors evaluate themselves based solely on performance, using comparison with others as the chief standard. As a result, most pastors live emotionally depleted lives, running from pillar to post to prove their self-worth. Today, we take a step back to ask a few simple questions to ensure the health of our souls.

EP 229: Are You A Human Being Or A Human Doing?

The cross is a message pastors preach in thousands of churches throughout the world each week, but what does the cross mean in real-time? Paul said that he lived a crucified life and, through that experience, preached the gospel. What does it mean to live a crucified life, and how does that impact a pastor's life and ministry?

EP 228: Have You Been To The Cross Lately?

Pastors face problems, challenges, and trials of their faith each day. It is frustrating when many do not get resolved and pile one on top of another. Have you ever reached the breaking point and, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, learned that it is yet another trial heading your way? Welcome to the club! Today, I share a biblical yet straightforward strategy for turning trials into triumphs, and the secret is hidden in plain sight. Join me! Connect with me at @ministerstoolbox@gmail.com. Check out R.T. Kendall's Book.

Pastors face problems, challenges, and trials of their faith each day. It is frustrating when many do not get resolved and pile one on top of another. Have you ever reached the breaking point and, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, learned that it is yet another trial heading your way? Welcome to the club! Today, I share a biblical yet straightforward strategy for turning trials into triumphs, and the secret is hidden in plain sight. Join me! Connect with me at @ministerstoolbox@gmail.com. Check out <a href="https://amzn.to/3jt5Xok" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">R.T. Kendall's Book</a>.

EP 227: Is That A Light At The End Of The Tunnel Or An Oncoming Train?

Whether you realize it or not, you have accumulated pearls throughout your time as a gospel minister. These pearls have value, but are you sharing them with people who don't appreciate them? Jesus' warning is particularly appropriate for those in ministry who give so much of our time, only to be devalued by those who should know better. I speak today about your pearls and how to avoid pigs!  View the video series on the prophetic.   Check out my books on Amazon.

Whether you realize it or not, you have accumulated pearls throughout your time as a gospel minister. These pearls have value, but are you sharing them with people who don't appreciate them? Jesus' warning is particularly appropriate for those in ministry who give so much of our time, only to be devalued by those who should know better. I speak today about your pearls and how to avoid pigs!  View the video series on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCfqlCV-yC-CsK4FwzFblHpzutOf28-ah" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">prophetic</a>.   Check out my books on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B001KCJ03U" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.

EP 226: Are You Casting Your Pearls Before Swine?

Unforgiveness is challenging - especially when people hurt or slander our reputations. Pastors are no different when it comes to releasing those who have hurt them. Today, I share a universal problem that nearly every pastor faces in day-to-day ministry with respect to forgiveness. I hope you can join us! During the podcast, I share a free resource for any leader who wants to explore the biblical gift of prophecy. Many seem to misunderstand how this gift is designed to benefit the church, and some misuse it all together. 

Unforgiveness is challenging - especially when people hurt or slander our reputations. Pastors are no different when it comes to releasing those who have hurt them. Today, I share a universal problem that nearly every pastor faces in day-to-day ministry with respect to forgiveness. I hope you can join us! During the podcast, I share a free resource for any leader who wants to explore the biblical gift of prophecy. Many seem to misunderstand how this gift is designed to benefit the church, and some misuse it all together.

EP 225: Why Pastors Are Some Of The Most Unforgiving People On The Planet

Some might rightly ask, Has worship lost its meaning In Today's Church? Churches worldwide compete to display the "best" worship sound, lights, band, or voices. Is that worship from God's perspective? Some churches declare they have "contemporary" worship. What is that, and is the statement true. The sad reality is that our worship, in many cases, is just another form or ritual we endure before listening to a sermon. Is that what God meant in John 4:24 when Jesus said the Father is seeking worshippers? Probably not. What does New Testament worship look like, and has the church fallen away from what God defines as the worship He enjoys? Join me today for an inciteful examination not of our style but of our methods in worshipping the One, True, God. During today's podcast, I mentioned, Bob Sorge. You can access his books on Amazon.

Some might rightly ask, Has worship lost its meaning In Today's Church? Churches worldwide compete to display the "best" worship sound, lights, band, or voices. Is that worship from God's perspective? Some churches declare they have "contemporary" worship. What is that, and is the statement true. The sad reality is that our worship, in many cases, is just another form or ritual we endure before listening to a sermon. Is that what God meant in John 4:24 when Jesus said the Father is seeking worshippers? Probably not. What does New Testament worship look like, and has the church fallen away from what God defines as the worship He enjoys? Join me today for an inciteful examination not of our style but of our methods in worshipping the One, True, God. During today's podcast, I mentioned, Bob Sorge. You can access his books on <a href="https://amzn.to/34KPwQB" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.

EP 224: Has Worship Lost Its Meaning In Today's Church?

If you're driving your car and notice the steering wheel pulling in one direction or another, it should alert you to a problem with your wheels. In all probability, your tires are out of alignment, and if you don't get this fixed, they will wear out faster and more unevenly over time. The same principle applies to many things in life and particularly ministry. Due to the recent pandemic and seemingly endless crises in the news, many leaders have unknowingly fallen out of alignment with God's vision, direction, or purpose in their vocation. Today, I speak about getting back to some basics of what ministry is truly all about. During the podcast, I mentioned my latest book, Foundations that you can view on Amazon. 

If you're driving your car and notice the steering wheel pulling in one direction or another, it should alert you to a problem with your wheels. In all probability, your tires are out of alignment, and if you don't get this fixed, they will wear out faster and more unevenly over time. The same principle applies to many things in life and particularly ministry. Due to the recent pandemic and seemingly endless crises in the news, many leaders have unknowingly fallen out of alignment with God's vision, direction, or purpose in their vocation. Today, I speak about getting back to some basics of what ministry is truly all about. During the podcast, I mentioned my latest book, Foundations that you can view on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Foundations-Steps-Toward-Dynamic-Christian/dp/B093B6J925/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=&amp;sr=" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.

EP 223:  Does Your Life Or Ministry Need Realignment?

Minister's Toolbox is your online resource to get the encouragement you need so that you remain strong in your calling to serve Christ. Discover practical solutions to the everyday challenges leaders face. Many pastors leave the ministry each year due to family problems, financial difficulties, loneliness, or moral failure. Discover how to overcome these challenges and regain your passion for finishing well in ministry. Each 15-minute podcast provides real help from Casey Sabella, a pastor who has proven these principles through more than four decades of ministry.

I have listened to quite a few of Casey’s podcasts and have really enjoyed them. He is honest about his struggles and gives great tools of wisdom when it comes to reaching a lost and lonely generation. I highly recommend giving your ear for a few minutes.  Sometimes as church members/ leaders we forget how  to love the unlovely and this podcast helps with that.

Butt naked

This is great! The words are encouraging and Casey guides you to your true calling.

What's your call?

Minister's Toolbox

What is your vision for the coming year, personally and corporately? People (and funding) follows a clear vision. If your congregation is unclear about where they are going, is it any wonder they lack enthusiasm for the journey? A few practical tips on today's podcast. During today's show, I referenced two other podcasts that deal with some of the practical aspects of mission and vision. You can listen here or here. You also heard me mention my new book, Minister's Toolbox. This would make a great Christmas gift to yourself or a fellow church leader! If you purchase the Kindle version, read a chapter or two and then give me a review, send me a screen shot of the review and a photo of your purchase receipt and I will send you an audiobook version for free (value: $17). Just email me at casey@ministerstoolbox.com. In addition, I referenced our ongoing well project in Zimbabwe. Here are three videos that tell the story of how the well project developed over three years. 

What is your vision for the coming year, personally and corporately? People (and funding) follows a clear vision. If your congregation is unclear about where they are going, is it any wonder they lack enthusiasm for the journey? A few practical tips on today's podcast. During today's show, I referenced two other podcasts that deal with some of the practical aspects of mission and vision. You can listen <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-21-what-is-vision-and-how-do-you-get-one/id1027498111?i=1000358489868" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> or <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-134-is-the-mission-you-decided-to-accept-impossible/id1027498111?i=1000447135966" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. You also heard me mention my new book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ministers-Toolbox-Powerful-Insights-Ministry/dp/1791947670/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=&amp;sr=" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Minister's Toolbox</a>. This would make a great Christmas gift to yourself or a fellow church leader! If you purchase the Kindle version, read a chapter or two and then give me a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ministers-Toolbox-Powerful-Insights-Ministry/dp/1791947670/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=&amp;sr=" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">review</a>, send me a screen shot of the review and a photo of your purchase receipt and I will send you an audiobook version for free (value: $17). Just email me at casey@ministerstoolbox.com. In addition, I referenced our ongoing well project in Zimbabwe. Here are <a href="http://www.ministerstoolbox.com/wells-for-zimbabwe/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">three videos</a> that tell the story of how the well project developed over three years.

EP 144: Do You Have A 2020 Vision?

Whole churches can be ruined or even destroyed when leaders fail to deal properly with toxic people. On today's show I give practical guidance about how to keep your church healthy and growing by addressing people who gossip behind your back. Today we talk about this very serious subject. After covering some basics, I realized there was much more to say, so created a special free download with additional scriptures and notes. Make sure to grab your copy! I included much more information in the download. During the podcast, I mentioned a Facebook group called, Pastor To Pastor. Kathleen Lin created it a few years ago to be a forum where pastors across the nation and the world could experience a certain degree of community by sharing thoughts and ideas. 1500 pastors are part of this great network! Here is the link to get involved. During the podcast, I also shared about how you can get a gift for your favorite pastor - even yourself! Click here. Listen on:   iTunes  Google Play Spotify iHeart Radio Stitcher YouTube 

Whole churches can be ruined or even destroyed when leaders fail to deal properly with toxic people. On today's show I give practical guidance about how to keep your church healthy and growing by addressing people who gossip behind your back. Today we talk about this very serious subject. After covering some basics, I realized there was much more to say, so created a special <a href="https://minister-s-toolbox.ck.page/0818dd3af5" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">free download</a> with additional scriptures and notes. Make sure to grab your copy! I included much more information in the download. During the podcast, I mentioned a Facebook group called, Pastor To Pastor. Kathleen Lin created it a few years ago to be a forum where pastors across the nation and the world could experience a certain degree of community by sharing thoughts and ideas. 1500 pastors are part of this great network! Here is the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/PastorToThePastors/members/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">link</a> to get involved. During the podcast, I also shared about how you can get a gift for your favorite pastor - even yourself! Click <a href="amazon.com/author/casey" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. Listen on: <ul> <li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ministers-toolbox/id1027498111?ls=1&amp;mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> iTunes</a></li> <li><a href="https://play.google.com/music/m/Ic2qjqsdj6t5nrwxih6issqrn7y?t=Ministers_Toolbox" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Google Play</a></li> <li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/18olmQnJzVRm0k4MpYAIMy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-ministers-toolbox-27629028/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iHeart Radio</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/ministers-toolbox" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk28yqMy0hlBwtzDg_Z3SEg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube</a></li> </ul>

EP 141: What To Do With Toxic Church Members

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, Sarah Carabetta of Acts4 ministry hosted an interview I did to share about missions and the Wells for Zimbabwe Project. This is the truncated version. Enjoy! Some may remember Sarah from podcast #10.  Connect.  Learn more about Wells For Zimbabwe. Give to build the next well system.

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, Sarah Carabetta of Acts4 ministry hosted an interview I did to share about missions and the Wells for Zimbabwe Project. This is the truncated version. Enjoy! Some may remember Sarah from <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-10-how-parachurch-ministries-can-help-your-church/id1027498111?i=1000352788191" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">podcast #10</a>.  <a href="http://www.acts4.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Connect</a>.  Learn more about <a href="http://www.ministerstoolbox.com/wells-for-zimbabwe/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Wells For Zimbabwe</a>. <a href="https://www.mymotionchurch.com/wells/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Give</a> to build the next well system.

EP 146: Radio Interview 

Change is at the heart of what we do as church leaders, but you remember I said this is a bit ironic. The irony is, that by and large, church leaders are typically people who don’t change at all! What if you were an alien from another planet who visited your church. What would you see and experience? Would the report you give to your superiors reflect New Testament Christianity? Principles must remain unchanged, but methods ARE changeable to intersect with the culture we want to reach. We can easily get stuck on doing things because they have always been done that way. During the podcast, I look at some things to examine in your ministry that may need an update. Getting stuck in traditions you prefer rather than traditions scripture teaches is the fastest way to get old as a minister and old as a church.  Winston Churchill said, “To improve is to change. To be perfect is to change often.” On today's show, I spoke about my book, When A Good Church Goes Bad. You can learn more about it here. If you prefer Kindle, go here. Go to our free downloads page here. 

Change is at the heart of what we do as church leaders, but you remember I said this is a bit ironic. The irony is, that by and large, church leaders are typically people who don’t change at all! What if you were an alien from another planet who visited your church. What would you see and experience? Would the report you give to your superiors reflect New Testament Christianity? Principles must remain unchanged, but methods ARE changeable to intersect with the culture we want to reach. We can easily get stuck on doing things because they have always been done that way. During the podcast, I look at some things to examine in your ministry that may need an update. Getting stuck in traditions you prefer rather than traditions scripture teaches is the fastest way to get old as a minister and old as a church.  Winston Churchill said, “To improve is to change. To be perfect is to change often.” On today's show, I spoke about my book, When A Good Church Goes Bad. You can learn more about it <a href="https://www.createspace.com/6314859" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. If you prefer Kindle, go <a href="http://amzn.to/2b3Jii9" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. Go to our free downloads page <a href="http://www.ministerstoolbox.com/downloads" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

EP 52: Is It Time To Change Your Way Of Doing Church?

Can church leaders "fake it till they make it?" For a while, but our ministries can never truly have impact unless they are authentic. We are called to deliver fresh bread to our audiences, not stale sermons. How do we do that week in and week out? I will be doing a survey to our email list. Please sign up to get a free eBook on how to be more effective with social media.

Can church leaders "fake it till they make it?" For a while, but our ministries can never truly have impact unless they are authentic. We are called to deliver fresh bread to our audiences, not stale sermons. How do we do that week in and week out? I will be doing a survey to our email list. Please sign up to get a <a href="https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pages/95121?v=6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">free eBook</a> on how to be more effective with social media.

EP 40: What Happens When You Don't Show Up For Work? 

How does your sanctuary stack up with your plans to reach new people? While we oftentimes cannot do a great deal about the outside of a church building, what does the inside tell visitors about your mission and purpose? During the podcast, I offered a free survey that you can download and pass out to parishioners or leaders to get their feedback. I encourage you strongly to get the download and use it to discover whether changes are needed in your worship space. Did you get my new book yet! Makes a great Christmas gift for your favorite pastor - even you!! Click here for audiobook version.

How does your sanctuary stack up with your plans to reach new people? While we oftentimes cannot do a great deal about the outside of a church building, what does the inside tell visitors about your mission and purpose? During the podcast, I offered a <a href="https://minister-s-toolbox.ck.page/29893e9db0" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">free survey</a> that you can download and pass out to parishioners or leaders to get their feedback. I encourage you strongly to get the download and use it to discover whether changes are needed in your worship space. Did you get my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ministers-Toolbox-Powerful-Insights-Ministry/dp/1791947670/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=&amp;sr=" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">new book</a> yet! Makes a great Christmas gift for your favorite pastor - even you!! Click <a href="https://www.audible.com/pd/Ministers-Toolbox-Audiobook/B07TTPRKWP?source_code=GPAGBSH0508140001&amp;ipRedirectOverride=true&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiA-4nuBRCnARIsAHwyuPqdXc2OdpyWBK0MVbReGtWoHE4EaOHBRnQbfQEeHQIJ3z9QsvJlrxEaAgdzEALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> for audiobook version.

EP 142: His Banner Over Me Is Black?

As mega and multi-site churches increase, is the end near for churches with under a hundred members? Some missiologists think that small churches will disappear from the landscape in a few short years. Are they right? An important discussion on today's podcast. During the podcast, I mentioned Francis Chan latest venture. I also reference the largest church in the world.  I also spoke about Minister's Toolbox, my newest book. Get one for yourself or a minister you respect.

As mega and multi-site churches increase, is the end near for churches with under a hundred members? Some missiologists think that small churches will disappear from the landscape in a few short years. Are they right? An important discussion on today's podcast. During the podcast, I mentioned Francis Chan latest <a href="https://www.premierchristianity.com/Past-Issues/2019/February-2019/Francis-Chan-Why-I-quit-my-megachurch-and-started-again" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">venture</a>. I also reference the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdZjr69pdPI" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">largest church</a> in the world.  I also spoke about <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ministers-Toolbox-Powerful-Insights-Ministry/dp/1791947670" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Minister's Toolbox</a>, my newest book. Get one for yourself or a minister you respect.

EP 140: Are Small Churches Obsolete? Some Experts Think So.

How much of what we do or practice as a church is sending the opposite message of what we are trying to convey? Is our church saying, "All Are Welcome" outwardly, but in reality, saying, all are welcome if you become like us as soon as possible? About 80% of people come to your church through personal invitation. Included in that statistic is checking you out on the web before they come.   During the podcast we attempt to look at your church through the eyes of guests. Other than telling people to come again, have you thought through why people should? Is your church actively thinking about how to attract your guests to return again and again and again? “You never have to advertise a fire. Everyone comes running when there's a fire. Likewise, if your church is on fire, you will not have to advertise it. The community will already know it.” During the podcast, I offered two chapters of my (now published) book, When A Good Church Goes Bad. You can read THREE chapters for free here.

How much of what we do or practice as a church is sending the opposite message of what we are trying to convey? Is our church saying, "All Are Welcome" outwardly, but in reality, saying, all are welcome if you become like us as soon as possible? About 80% of people come to your church through personal invitation. Included in that statistic is checking you out on the web before they come. During the podcast we attempt to look at your church through the eyes of guests. Other than telling people to come again, have you thought through why people should? Is your church actively thinking about how to attract your guests to return again and again and again? “You never have to advertise a fire. Everyone comes running when there's a fire. Likewise, if your church is on fire, you will not have to advertise it. The community will already know it.” During the podcast, I offered two chapters of my (now published) book, When A Good Church Goes Bad. You can read THREE chapters for free <a href="https://www.bublish.com/author/view/7012" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

EP 46: Is Everyone Truly Welcome At Your Church? Probably Not!

Christians tend to move around.  They come to your church from another church across town because they are searching for something they haven’t found elsewhere. When people come from other churches, we can be faced with several ethical dilemmas. For example, what about people who come to us as victims of spiritual abuse? What if it is a pastor we know? During the podcast, we delve into solving these ethical questions and offer real solutions. I can attest from personal experience that coming away from a spiritually abusive environment is not easy. Here is the reason: To become genuinely free of spiritual abuse, you must address what attracted you to it in the first place. I republished a book about this experience I had more than 30 years ago and it is now available on Kindle, as a paperback and also on Audiobooks. It is entitled Spiritual Abuse: How To Break Free From Toxic Churches Without Losing Your Faith. The book shares my journey as both a congregant and a leader over 15 years of my Christian life. If you would like to read 3 chapters of the book, click this link and click synopsis. In addition, I mentioned a few other resources. The first is a book entitled, The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse and Healing Spiritual Abuse.

Christians tend to move around.  They come to your church from another church across town because they are searching for something they haven’t found elsewhere. When people come from other churches, we can be faced with several ethical dilemmas. For example, what about people who come to us as victims of spiritual abuse? What if it is a pastor we know? During the podcast, we delve into solving these ethical questions and offer real solutions. I can attest from personal experience that coming away from a spiritually abusive environment is not easy. Here is the reason: To become genuinely free of spiritual abuse, you must address what attracted you to it in the first place. I republished a book about this experience I had more than 30 years ago and it is now available on Kindle, as a paperback and also on Audiobooks. It is entitled <a href="http://amazon.com/author/casey" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spiritual Abuse: How To Break Free From Toxic Churches Without Losing Your Faith</a>. The book shares my journey as both a congregant and a leader over 15 years of my Christian life. If you would like to read 3 chapters of the book, click this <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Spiritual-Abuse-Identify-Churches-Without/dp/1791613012/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1550774034&amp;sr=1-2-fkmrnull" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">link</a> and click synopsis. In addition, I mentioned a few other resources. The first is a book entitled, <a href="http://amzn.to/2ckChti" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse</a> and <a href="http://amzn.to/2ckCXix" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Healing Spiritual Abuse</a>.

EP 45: How Can We Help Victims Of Spiritual Abuse?

In this second part of a two-part series, we address heresy INSIDE your church. How do you address people who intend to siphon people away from your church to build their own? We offer a free download today, How To Address Heresy In Your Church. I also mentioned MileIQ which is a great free tool to help you track the miles your drive to take advantage of legitimate tax breaks from the IRS. More information about MileIQ here.

In this second part of a two-part series, we address heresy INSIDE your church. How do you address people who intend to siphon people away from your church to build their own? We offer a free download today, <a href="https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pages/97439?v=6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How To Address Heresy In Your Church</a>. I also mentioned MileIQ which is a great free tool to help you track the miles your drive to take advantage of legitimate tax breaks from the IRS. More information about MileIQ <a href="https://www.mileiq.com/invite/QETNI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

EP 42: How To Address Heresy Inside Your Church

Do you encounter fellow believers who don't fit your preferences or opinions? Do you still offer them the right hand of fellowship or distance yourself? Due to our denominational affiliations, theological background or political views, we can easily disassociate ourselves from other Christian leaders. In one instance, they asked Jesus for permission to burn people up like human French fries because they did not like their attitudes! During the podcast, I share some personal stories highlighting how God changed my view of friendship. During today's podcast, I invited you to read my testimonial in the first chapter of my book. You can read it free here by pressing, Synopsis.

Do you encounter fellow believers who don't fit your preferences or opinions? Do you still offer them the right hand of fellowship or distance yourself? Due to our denominational affiliations, theological background or political views, we can easily disassociate ourselves from other Christian leaders. In one instance, they asked Jesus for permission to burn people up like human French fries because they did not like their attitudes! During the podcast, I share some personal stories highlighting how God changed my view of friendship. During today's podcast, I invited you to read my testimonial in the first chapter of my book. You can read it free <a href="https://www.bublish.com/author/view/7012" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> by pressing, Synopsis.

EP 72: What Flavor of Shibboleth Do You Prefer?

How does a hate-filled young man, mixed up in Kung-fu Karate and eastern mysticism find a path to Christ? Today, I share my journey that eventually led to full time church ministry. During the podcast, I mention a free offer. You can get a free audio of the first 3 chapter of my (now published) book, When A Good Church Goes Bad. Listen here or get the entire book free at audible.com

How does a hate-filled young man, mixed up in Kung-fu Karate and eastern mysticism find a path to Christ? Today, I share my journey that eventually led to full time church ministry. During the podcast, I mention a free offer. You can get a free audio of the first 3 chapter of my (now published) book, When A Good Church Goes Bad. Listen <a href="https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pages/97442?v=6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> or get the entire book free at <a href="http://www.audibletrack.com/click.track?CID=102175&amp;AFID=360844&amp;ADID=1213622&amp;SID=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">audible.com</a>

EP 43: How A Catholic Kid Became A Protestant Minister 

Heresy inside and outside our churches is a serious responsibility all leaders must face at one time or another. How do we address it biblically? I spoke of a national ministry that serves as an example of heretical teaching. I also mention a website you can use to verify whether rumors are true before you pass them along on social media. It is called, Snopes.com. I also invited you to submit a question for future podcasts on a new feature on our website at www.ministerstoolbox.com.

Heresy inside and outside our churches is a serious responsibility all leaders must face at one time or another. How do we address it biblically? I spoke of a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Popoff" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">national ministry</a> that serves as an example of heretical teaching. I also mention a website you can use to verify whether rumors are true before you pass them along on social media. It is called, <a href="http://www.snopes.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Snopes.com</a>. I also invited you to submit a question for future podcasts on a new feature on our website at <a href="http://www.ministerstoolbox.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.ministerstoolbox.com</a>.

EP 41: How Should Leaders Deal With Heresy Outside The Church?

People come to us with minds jam-packed with misinformation, wrong ideas, beliefs and opinions. How do we influence them to change their thinking towards following the ways of Christ? During today's show, I talked about Sticky Church. You can investigate this book here.  This is a video of the television show I mentioned during the broadcast. 

People come to us with minds jam-packed with misinformation, wrong ideas, beliefs and opinions. How do we influence them to change their thinking towards following the ways of Christ? During today's show, I talked about Sticky Church. You can investigate this book <a href="http://amzn.to/2lj7Q6Q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.  <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACSKbKbH2CI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This</a> is a video of the television show I mentioned during the broadcast.

EP 73: All The (Fake) News That's Fit To Print

Numerical growth is one gauge people use to determine the effectiveness of any ministry. It is a legitimate gauge, providing we are talking about actually reaching lost people. Throughout the United States and other parts of the world, growth tends to be cosmetic. Only about 5% is due to new converts. Without realizing it pastors can unwittingly become the ringmasters of a circus. Our time is spent trying to keep the crowd happy by the next trapeze or clown act, not realizing that much of the effort is fruitless. Pastors burn out and waste a lot of church resources trying to keep the excitement level up, but is that what Jesus honestly asked us to do with our ministries? Last time I checked, there was something there about making disciples, but I could be wrong. There are dangers in striving to make our church the biggest, the best and the greatest. During the podcast, I share about how to keep things real. We mentioned MileIQ on the show today. Here is the link if you would like to try the free app.  You can now read the first three chapters of my book When A Good Church Goes Bad for free here. 

Numerical growth is one gauge people use to determine the effectiveness of any ministry. It is a legitimate gauge, providing we are talking about actually reaching lost people. Throughout the United States and other parts of the world, growth tends to be cosmetic. Only about 5% is due to new converts. Without realizing it pastors can unwittingly become the ringmasters of a circus. Our time is spent trying to keep the crowd happy by the next trapeze or clown act, not realizing that much of the effort is fruitless. Pastors burn out and waste a lot of church resources trying to keep the excitement level up, but is that what Jesus honestly asked us to do with our ministries? Last time I checked, there was something there about making disciples, but I could be wrong. There are dangers in striving to make our church the biggest, the best and the greatest. During the podcast, I share about how to keep things real. We mentioned MileIQ on the show today. Here is the <a href="https://www.mileiq.com/invite/QETNI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">link</a> if you would like to try the free app.  You can now read the first three chapters of my book When A Good Church Goes Bad for free <a href="https://www.bublish.com/author/view/7012" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

EP 48: Are You Stuck Chasing The Next Shiny New Thing?

If I asked pastors what their most important ministry is, many would say family. A great answer, but wrong. Your most important ministry is to the Lord.  Now before you roll your eyes and think, “O brother, that is obvious,” listen to the podcast and allow me to explain myself. This is crucial to your present and future ministry.  David ministered to the Lord. That single dynamic caused scripture to identify him as a man after God’s own heart. Time and time again, we see him in battle, pulling away from the army and inquiring of God. During the podcast, I mentioned that you could order my new book, When A Good Church Goes Bad on Kindle. Click here to order.

If I asked pastors what their most important ministry is, many would say family. A great answer, but wrong. Your most important ministry is to the Lord.  Now before you roll your eyes and think, “O brother, that is obvious,” listen to the podcast and allow me to explain myself. This is crucial to your present and future ministry.  David ministered to the Lord. That single dynamic caused scripture to identify him as a man after God’s own heart. Time and time again, we see him in battle, pulling away from the army and inquiring of God. During the podcast, I mentioned that you could order my new book, When A Good Church Goes Bad on Kindle. Click <a href="http://amzn.to/2a0GgWz" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> to order.

EP 50: The Most Important Ministry You Have Is Not What You Think

Have you noticed that reports of the miraculous are much more plentiful in third world countries than in the U.S. or Europe?  For our part, we pretty much dismiss most of it as ignorance, superstition and unimportant. A philosophy governs society and permeates our educational system. It affects how we view ourselves and the world. To a large extent this philosophy deeply hinders gospel efforts by both churches and leaders. The worse thing is, the vast majority of us are not even aware of this. It occurred several hundred years ago and now thoroughly dominates the lives of millions of people. The Enlightenment proposed that science and logic give people more knowledge and understanding scripture. I discuss how this philosophy has hindered the effectiveness of our members during the podcast. I mentioned that you can listen to the first chapter of my book, When A Good Church Goes Bad, but now that it is published, you can read the first three chapters here.

Have you noticed that reports of the miraculous are much more plentiful in third world countries than in the U.S. or Europe?  For our part, we pretty much dismiss most of it as ignorance, superstition and unimportant. A philosophy governs society and permeates our educational system. It affects how we view ourselves and the world. To a large extent this philosophy deeply hinders gospel efforts by both churches and leaders. The worse thing is, the vast majority of us are not even aware of this. It occurred several hundred years ago and now thoroughly dominates the lives of millions of people. The Enlightenment proposed that science and logic give people more knowledge and understanding scripture. I discuss how this philosophy has hindered the effectiveness of our members during the podcast. I mentioned that you can listen to the first chapter of my book, When A Good Church Goes Bad, but now that it is published, you can read the first three chapters <a href="https://www.bublish.com/author/view/7012" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

EP 49: Are You Enlightened Or Effective?

You have more material than most professional authors. You spend multiple hours per week writing sermons to bless your congregations. Each sermon is potentially a chapter for one or more books. You can write, design and publish a book in a matter of days with the simple tools of today’s technology. During today's podcast I share the simple steps you can take to publish it at little or no cost. Thousands of new authors give up after receiving a boatload of rejection letters. With Amazon, those days are gone. You can write your book in Microsoft Word and download it to Amazon. In moments, you will have a formatted book ready to publish. In addition to a paperback and Kindle, you can also create an audiobook for free as well.  Since we are talking today about writing books, I would be remiss to not mention my first book entitled, When A Good Church Goes Bad. It contains both my testimony and help for anyone who has been hurt by their church experience. It is a great book for people in your church who have taken to the back row and refuse to get involved because of a negative church exp On today's show, we spoke about many free resources you can use to publish your own book. Create Space is the first I mentioned, a division of Amazon. For book covers, you should bookmark Canva to do free design work. To hire someone to do it for you, there is Fiverr and also 99 Designs. For audiobooks, there is ACX. If you need to purchase a microphone, I recommend the ATR 2100 which can be plugged into your computer. You can read the first three chapters of my new book here.

You have more material than most professional authors. You spend multiple hours per week writing sermons to bless your congregations. Each sermon is potentially a chapter for one or more books. You can write, design and publish a book in a matter of days with the simple tools of today’s technology. During today's podcast I share the simple steps you can take to publish it at little or no cost. Thousands of new authors give up after receiving a boatload of rejection letters. With Amazon, those days are gone. You can write your book in Microsoft Word and download it to Amazon. In moments, you will have a formatted book ready to publish. In addition to a paperback and Kindle, you can also create an audiobook for free as well.  Since we are talking today about writing books, I would be remiss to not mention my first book entitled, <a href="http://amzn.to/2cx15K5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">When A Good Church Goes Bad</a>. It contains both my testimony and help for anyone who has been hurt by their church experience. It is a great book for people in your church who have taken to the back row and refuse to get involved because of a negative church exp On today's show, we spoke about many free resources you can use to publish your own book. <a href="http://www.createspace.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Create Space</a> is the first I mentioned, a division of Amazon. For book covers, you should bookmark <a href="http://www.canva.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Canva</a> to do free design work. To hire someone to do it for you, there is <a href="http://www.fivrr.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Fiverr</a> and also <a href="http://www.99designs.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">99 Designs</a>. For audiobooks, there is <a href="http://www.acx.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">ACX</a>. If you need to purchase a microphone, I recommend the <a href="http://amzn.to/2bhq4ob" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">ATR 2100</a> which can be plugged into your computer. You can read the first three chapters of my new book <a href="https://t.co/81Q6Q9yRPe" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

EP 53: How To Write Your Book Without Spending A Dime

Most pastors do a lot of things in ministry. By the end of the week or year, we look back and wonder if all the preaching, counseling, budgeting, seminars and meetings were actually productive. Ephesians 4:11-16 states that there are five specific leadership callings in the church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. We talk about what this means in present-day terms during the podcast. At the end of the day, the number one question we all must answer when we stand before Christ and give an account of our labors is: did we train the people God gave us to do the work of ministry? If you want to see Christianity in action, sneak into a restaurant sometime and observe how Christians act. In general, Christians often are the most disagreeable and demanding patrons! Something is broken in how we train people for ministry. I wrote a  study guide designed for individuals or small groups. The guide will help people in your congregation discover and then function in their gifts under your supervision. On today's show, I mentioned the soon to be released book, When A Good Church Goes Bad. Now that it is published in three separate formats (book, Kindle, and Audio book), I invite you to read the first three chapters for free here. 

Most pastors do a lot of things in ministry. By the end of the week or year, we look back and wonder if all the preaching, counseling, budgeting, seminars and meetings were actually productive. Ephesians 4:11-16 states that there are five specific leadership callings in the church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. We talk about what this means in present-day terms during the podcast. At the end of the day, the number one question we all must answer when we stand before Christ and give an account of our labors is: did we train the people God gave us to do the work of ministry? If you want to see Christianity in action, sneak into a restaurant sometime and observe how Christians act. In general, Christians often are the most disagreeable and demanding patrons! Something is broken in how we train people for ministry. I wrote a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/How-Discover-Your-Ministry-Discipleship-ebook/dp/B01MU7S3L5/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1516292384&amp;sr=8-4&amp;keywords=casey+sabella" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> study guide</a> designed for individuals or small groups. The guide will help people in your congregation discover and then function in their gifts under your supervision. On today's show, I mentioned the soon to be released book, When A Good Church Goes Bad. Now that it is published in three separate formats (book, Kindle, and Audio book), I invite you to read the first three chapters for free <a href="https://www.bublish.com/author/view/7012" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

EP 47: Are You Engaged In Genuine Ministry Or Professional Nonsense?

PAPER

I am always amazed, particularly at national restaurant chains and how they operate. Millions are spent to get a franchise, build a building and open for business. Before you walk in the door, literally millions have been invested by seemingly astute businessmen. What amazes me in many of these establishments is first: the employees. In many fast food places, you can see dirty floors. You can see into the kitchen and notice sweating workers with shirts unbuttoned handling food.  All that money and you will never return because someone did not think it was important to clean the floor or train the staff to present themselves properly. During the podcast, I contrast restaurants with local churches.  What happens when your guest uses the bathroom and finds a dirty floor and the most inexpensive toilet paper? We spend sometimes hours crafting the best sermon, but if your guests or members either cannot hear you or the sound is distorted, what happens next? I also share how you can order my new book When A Good Church Goes Bad by clicking here.

I am always amazed, particularly at national restaurant chains and how they operate. Millions are spent to get a franchise, build a building and open for business. Before you walk in the door, literally millions have been invested by seemingly astute businessmen. What amazes me in many of these establishments is first: the employees. In many fast food places, you can see dirty floors. You can see into the kitchen and notice sweating workers with shirts unbuttoned handling food.  All that money and you will never return because someone did not think it was important to clean the floor or train the staff to present themselves properly. During the podcast, I contrast restaurants with local churches.  What happens when your guest uses the bathroom and finds a dirty floor and the most inexpensive toilet paper? We spend sometimes hours crafting the best sermon, but if your guests or members either cannot hear you or the sound is distorted, what happens next? I also share how you can order my new book When A Good Church Goes Bad by clicking <a href="http://amzn.to/2aFQsrl" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

EP 51: Never Buy Inexpensive Toilet Paper

The best podcast episodes on parenting. Interviewing experts and talking through common issues surrounding parenting. This topic is filled with important lessons and insights for anyone listening. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

OwlTail

Best Parenting Podcasts

The best podcast episodes of the most interesting stories and things. From skyping someone while they're in space, to tracking down and meeting a telephone scammer in person, to the story of a Galapagos. These episodes will keep you and all your friends entertained and captivated for hours. Learn something new in every episode! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!