News and Mentoring Minutes

A Sample of Thoughts from My Newest Book

1 July, 2018 blessings, Faith, God's grace, Peace, Spiritual Growth, Walking with God, Worship

Coming in August or September – my newest book: “Fresh and Flourishing, a Contemplative Journey Through Psalm Ninety-Two.” I thought you might enjoy a sneak preview into one of my thoughts I recorded in the book:
“I can vividly remember what it felt like, years ago, to give up my church and no longer occupy the position of its pastor. I had so much loved being a pastor. When I had to move on, I felt empty. My entire being had been focused on helping others through the gifts God had placed in me in my role as a pastor. Suddenly, though the gifts were still there, the opportunities were not. I felt used up and unable to see what purpose there was for me, beyond being a pastor. Nevertheless, I understood that this new season of life would have fruitfulness in it I could never have had if I stayed in the season God wanted to close. Yet, there remained a hole in my heart for the calling I had so diligently fulfilled. Perhaps I will never fully get past the feelings I so greatly enjoyed as a pastor meeting His people’s needs. I had always seen myself as this important thread in a coat of many colors. Now, it was like I was pulled from the coat, floating like a loose thread falling to the floor. What was I to do?

It took me far too long, but years later, I began to see that coat of many colors from a very different perspective. No, I wasn’t one of those shiny colorful threads for everyone to see. I was really just a small thread in the lining of God’s coat of many colors. It was my high privilege to be so! My task was to be a functioning part of that lining that consists of innumerable servants of God. This had become my opportunity to fit and function without allowing my pride to tell God where I belonged in that coat. I began to see the value of what my experience and age could bring to younger pastors, using my gifts in ways I could never do in the past. Now, my ministry and life are very different, but certainly no less fruitful. I now clearly understand why, in all things, “it’s good to give thanks to the Lord.”

Look for the book later, but let what you just read speak to you today. – Dr. B

New Three Session Marriage Seminar

11 June, 2018 Uncategorized,

Nancy and I have published a new three-session seminar on marriage. It’s called, “Fighting for Marriage.” We originally conducted it in February 2018 at Truth Center in Roslyn N.Y. (Pastors Keith and Barbara Pettus). It’s useful for seminars, group or individual study. The download is free:

http://www.mentoringministry.com/resources-and-materials/life-experience-issues/fighting-for-marriage-a-seminar-or-workbook/