How do preaching and leadership intersect?

Pastoral work is feeding and leading. Of course, people would rather be fed than led. They like to hear things that warm their soul, encourage them, and give them insight.

When you say, "It's time for us to move, not just feed," the flock will mumble. But a pastor, by definition, is a shepherd who is not only feeding, but also is taking people somewhere.

My goal in preaching is to help people capture God's vision and align themselves with it. I never see my teaching as simply educational. It's always prophetic, pointing forward, calling to advance. It's leading them to stretch.

How do you stretch people and nurture their souls at the same time?

I want to lead people with fresh understandings. First, God made you with a purpose and destiny. Second, God's love has embraced you and is going to get you there. As you move toward that goal, God is beside you, supporting you. Third, whatever the apparent struggle or reversal, there is going to be ultimate ...