darrellstetler2.com

Books I Read in 2015

“Leaders are readers. When you stop reading, you stop leading.” I’ve heard that from many leaders over the years, and I agree. My goal for the first couple years of my time pastoring in OKC was to read 40 books per year. Reading is a key measure of your personal growth. But it’s not the […]

darrellstetler2@gmail.com 9 years agoDecember 28, 2015

Who Is This Baby?

In a few days, you’ll gather with family, enjoy old traditions, play special music, and celebrate the birth of a peasant baby born 2,000 years ago in an obscure village in a backwater province in a foriegn country. Why? What is so special about this day? It all hinges on who you think Jesus was. […]

darrellstetler2@gmail.com 9 years agoDecember 19, 2015

Emotional Health Family Health Leadership Pastoral Burnout Personal Productivity

How to Thrive In A Tough Season

After 21 years of pastoring a small church in an urban area, I know something: Tough seasons happen. I can’t do anything about some of the frustrations in your life. I can’t do anything about that guy whose trash blows in your yard. Or the guy on the interstate who cuts you off with no […]

darrellstetler2@gmail.com 10 years agoJanuary 16, 2025

how to be less overwhelmed in 15 minutes

Emotional Health Health Holidays & Special Days Leadership Personal Productivity Systems

How to Be Less Overwhelmed in 20 Minutes

The Christmas season is wonderful — and incredibly busy. The programs, the gifts, the family time, the sermons, the special events, the dinners, the last-minute details… it can all add up to a huge stress load. What if you could take 15 minutes and lower your stress level — feel less overwhelmed, more in control, and […]

darrellstetler2@gmail.com 10 years ago

Guest Follow-up Leadership outreach Systems

Free Training Video for Fantastic Church Greeters

A guy came to our church a few years ago, after having visited several other churches in a search for a place to attend. He told about entering one church with his family, a few minutes late. People turned around and stared through the glass doors, but not one person welcomed them. Not one person […]

darrellstetler2@gmail.com 10 years agoNovember 16, 2018

Guest Follow-up Holidays & Special Days Systems

Do You Have These 4 Things Ready for Christmas Outreach?

Some time ago, I told the story of how I completely blew our first Trunk-or-Treat outreach event. It was a smashing success… except I didn’t collect anyone’s information! Here’s how to make sure you cover your bases & so people don’t slip through the cracks in your upcoming Christmas service:

darrellstetler2@gmail.com 10 years agoNovember 16, 2018

Leadership outreach

My Spectacular Failure in Food Pantries

Lexi was an enthusiastic new attender of our church. She was about 35. She, her husband & several kids all lined up and nearly filled a pew — back when a full pew was a rarity in our church. She invited others. She seemed hungry for the Word of God. She even seemed eager to put the […]

darrellstetler2@gmail.com 10 years agoDecember 1, 2015

Emotional Health Leadership Pastoral Burnout Personal Productivity Uncategorized

Why Your Pastor is Tempted to Quit

“Pastor.” The word may have lost some of its respect over the years, with high-profile scandals, Hollywood hit jobs, and TV cariacatures. But the title still conjures up good things in many American minds. A 2011 study by Rasmussen says 70% of Americans view pastors favorably. But pastors, honestly, through all of their healing, restoring & […]

darrellstetler2@gmail.com 10 years agoNovember 27, 2015

Emotional Health Health Holidays & Special Days Personal Productivity Uncategorized

Can Thanksgiving Make You Happier & Healthier?

Tomorrow across America, families will gather, turkey will be eaten, football will be watched, holiday shopping will start… and in places, gratitude will be expressed. Zig Ziglar famously said, “Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions.” Sounds nice… but is it really true? Researchers are discovering that Zig really wasn’t that far off! Here are 4 benefits of being […]

darrellstetler2@gmail.com 10 years agoNovember 24, 2015

Emotional Health Family Health Holidays & Special Days

A Pastor’s Thanksgiving List

It’s that time of year, where our hearts turn toward things we are thankful for. Thanksgving is far too important a habit to only do once per year. Zig Ziglar was right: “Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have […]