Take some time, and focus on God. Quiet the noise all around you and remind yourself Whose you are. God is with you. He longs to spend time with you. He wants you to just "be". Be in His presence. Be in His care. Be in the moment. Be aware of His work around you.  

Feeling overwhelmed? You are not alone. Cut yourself some slack. You are a frontline worker. Pastors are on the frontlines every week, dealing with other people’s issues as well as those in your immediate family. And the unrealistic expectations that others place on you add to the overwhelm.

Ignoring physical health symptoms causes them to get worse. I’ve learned to see them as dashboard warning signs, like the check engine light on my car, anxiety symptoms can actually be helpful. Guest author Joel Pulako gives insights and steps to addressing mental health challenges.

October has traditionally been designated as Pastors' Appreciation Month. Appreciation and honour of pastors is not limited to one month, but October is a time to make space for thanking those who lead and shepherd congregations.

Is there a place I can find trustworthy support for the call of God in my life? We increase the opportunity for success by surrounding ourselves with those who raise us up.

What can you do to reach our community with just two people and a few bucks? Here are 20 outreaches that you can do with one other person. If done consistently over time, you'll see the fruit.

Why does it seem that I am unable to break through to a place of worship? What is preventing us from actively worshipping when we are assembled with other believers? Here are some thoughts from Al Downey’s logbook.

Ah, summertime. Time to shake off winter’s effects, wind down, find a comfortable spot, relax, and read or listen. Five books that are worth your holiday time this summer. What books do you recommend that I will enjoy this summer?

Why are you trying to grow your ministry by yourself? From the early days in Jesus’ example to the early church, you’ll read ministry stories in collaboration and partnership. Ministers joined forces and faith to see great things accomplished. Where one lacked, the other contributed and so on. Jesus himself chose to do ministry in teams; these disciples would have had input into Jesus’ life and ministry.

How can I make the best use of the short summer months? Here are a few 'time and experience' tested tips from Papa Al to help you capitalize on this glorious season.

How can I overcome my loneliness? Loneliness is a non-ending pandemic. Leaders are not immune.

What kind of support can a pastor expect in the ABNWT? Moving from the province of British Columbia as an ordained minister of the PAOC to Alberta & Northwest Territories District is one of the most important decisions Joachim has ever made, whose benefits have been enormous on many levels.

Is your church stuck? Do you find yourself in the tension of organizational structure and relational equity? Once you decide to focus on these seven things, you can begin to work and develop them as you go forward. The blend of organization and organism embedded in each of these areas will keep you growing in numbers while also growing in depth of relationship and commitment to Christ.

Do you manage your time well? Time management is a key component in effective leadership for pastors. Unfortunately, this is an area that many pastors struggle with. The nature of ministry is relational and entrepreneurial; these are often tensions that pull at one another. Is it possible to get things done and develop relationships with people? Here’s a look at how you can excel in managing your time.

How do you handle conflict? Conflict is not easy, and many pastors would rather not engage in it. However, learn to exercise your leadership muscles in these ways and watch the unity grow in and amongst those you lead.

What support is offered for pastors in the ABNWT? Outbound leadership is hard work and done best together with similarly impassioned and equipped practitioners. Leaders will benefit from a cohort of hill climbers to help them face pitfalls and problems.

Fifty-three times in the New Testament, the Greek word 'Elpo' or one of its derivatives is used, which translates as 'Hope.' What is our Hope based on? Here are five thoughts, an octane boost to your spiritual fuel to help you spread 'Elpo.'

What do ABNWT cohorts offer me? Our passion in the ABNWT is to develop a legion of leaders whose sole focus is to obey the Great Commission, lead prevailing, relentlessly outbound ministries, and raise up the next generation of adaptive leaders. Being in a cohort is an opportunity for leaders to skill up and receive support and coaching on some of the biggest internal and external challenges.