{"id":2674,"date":"2017-12-13T11:05:00","date_gmt":"2017-12-13T11:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/2017\/12\/13\/ct-pastors-hidden-gems-of-2017\/"},"modified":"2017-12-13T11:05:00","modified_gmt":"2025-10-08T03:01:24","slug":"ct-pastors-hidden-gems-of-2017","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/content\/ct-pastors-hidden-gems-of-2017\/","title":{"rendered":"CT Pastors\u2019 Hidden Gems of 2017"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Three trends defined the major headlines of 2017: widening fissures along cultural, political, and racial lines; tragedy caused by natural disasters and human hands; and, of course, a preoccupation with the sensational and extraordinary.<\/p>\n\n<p>Perhaps that&rsquo;s why our favorite articles published by CTPastors.com in 2017 highlight themes of unity and partnership, hope and healing, and discovering sacred meaning in ordinary work. You may have missed these articles the first time around, but we encourage you to give them some of your time today. They represent some of the best CTPastors.com has to offer: time-tested wisdom and practical solutions for hardworking servants in ministry. <\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"576\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80166.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2675\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80166.jpg 1240w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80166.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80166.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80166.jpg?resize=1024,576 1024w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80166.jpg?resize=301,169 301w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80166.jpg?resize=602,338 602w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80166.jpg?resize=634,356 634w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80166.jpg?resize=324,182 324w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80166.jpg?resize=648,364 648w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80166.jpg?resize=82,46 82w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80166.jpg?resize=164,92 164w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80166.jpg?resize=412,231 412w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80166.jpg?resize=824,463 824w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80166.jpg?resize=822,462 822w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80166.jpg?resize=160,90 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><span class=\"image-credits\">young afro caribbean man praying on black background (this picture has been taken with a Hasselblad H3D II 31 megapixels camera)<\/span><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/2017\/april-web-exclusives\/pastor-how-do-you-pray-for-your-church.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"\" rel=\"noopener\"> <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/2017\/april-web-exclusives\/pastor-how-do-you-pray-for-your-church.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"subhead\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Pastor, How Do You Pray for Your Church?<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n<p><em>10 ministry leaders respond.<\/em><\/p>\n\n<p>By Mandy Smith, Joshua Ryan Buter, Lee Eclov, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"576\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80165.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2676\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80165.jpg 1240w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80165.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80165.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80165.jpg?resize=1024,576 1024w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80165.jpg?resize=301,169 301w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80165.jpg?resize=602,338 602w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80165.jpg?resize=634,356 634w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80165.jpg?resize=324,182 324w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80165.jpg?resize=648,364 648w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80165.jpg?resize=82,46 82w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80165.jpg?resize=164,92 164w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80165.jpg?resize=412,231 412w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80165.jpg?resize=824,463 824w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80165.jpg?resize=822,462 822w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80165.jpg?resize=160,90 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/2017\/april-web-exclusives\/uniting-violence-plagued-city-in-prayer.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"\" rel=\"noopener\"> <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/2017\/april-web-exclusives\/uniting-violence-plagued-city-in-prayer.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"subhead\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Uniting a Violence-Plagued City in Prayer<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n<p><em>Neither death threats nor tepid response discouraged two pastors from praying over every murder site in their city for years.<\/em><\/p>\n\n<p>By Matt Woodley and Trevor McMaken<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"576\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80174.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2677\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80174.jpg 1240w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80174.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80174.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80174.jpg?resize=1024,576 1024w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80174.jpg?resize=301,169 301w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80174.jpg?resize=602,338 602w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80174.jpg?resize=634,356 634w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80174.jpg?resize=324,182 324w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80174.jpg?resize=648,364 648w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80174.jpg?resize=82,46 82w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80174.jpg?resize=164,92 164w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80174.jpg?resize=412,231 412w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80174.jpg?resize=824,463 824w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80174.jpg?resize=822,462 822w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80174.jpg?resize=160,90 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><span class=\"image-credits\">Arizona, USA &#8211; October 21, 2016: Close up of a pen about to mark the 2016 USA general election early voting ballot form with a vote for Hillary Clinton as president.<\/span><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/2017\/april-web-exclusives\/i-voted-clinton-he-voted-trump-we-still-do-ministry-togethe.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"\" rel=\"noopener\"> <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/2017\/april-web-exclusives\/i-voted-clinton-he-voted-trump-we-still-do-ministry-togethe.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"subhead\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>I Voted Clinton. He Voted Trump. We Still Do Ministry Together.<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n<p><em>How my right-hand man and I reconciled our political differences for the sake of our church<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n<p>By Jill Richardson<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"576\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80169.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2678\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80169.jpg 1240w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80169.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80169.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80169.jpg?resize=1024,576 1024w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80169.jpg?resize=301,169 301w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80169.jpg?resize=602,338 602w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80169.jpg?resize=634,356 634w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80169.jpg?resize=324,182 324w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80169.jpg?resize=648,364 648w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80169.jpg?resize=82,46 82w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80169.jpg?resize=164,92 164w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80169.jpg?resize=412,231 412w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80169.jpg?resize=824,463 824w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80169.jpg?resize=822,462 822w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80169.jpg?resize=160,90 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><span class=\"image-credits\">Diverse group of teens studying the Bible.<\/span><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/2017\/bible-engagement\/how-to-woo-people-into-gods-story.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"\" rel=\"noopener\"> <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/2017\/bible-engagement\/how-to-woo-people-into-gods-story.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"subhead\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>How to Woo People into God&rsquo;s Story<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n<p><em>Step down from the stage and guide them in the learning experience.<\/em><\/p>\n\n<p>By Scottie May<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"576\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80168.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2679\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80168.jpg 1240w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80168.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80168.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80168.jpg?resize=1024,576 1024w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80168.jpg?resize=301,169 301w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80168.jpg?resize=602,338 602w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80168.jpg?resize=634,356 634w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80168.jpg?resize=324,182 324w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80168.jpg?resize=648,364 648w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80168.jpg?resize=82,46 82w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80168.jpg?resize=164,92 164w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80168.jpg?resize=412,231 412w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80168.jpg?resize=824,463 824w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80168.jpg?resize=822,462 822w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80168.jpg?resize=160,90 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><span class=\"image-credits\">?stanbul, Turkey &#8211; December 13, 2013: Close up shot of the applications of iPhone 5 screen. The iPhone 5 is a touchscreen smartphone developed by Apple Inc.<\/span><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/2017\/july-web-exclusives\/busy-pastors-guide-to-inbox-shalom.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"\" rel=\"noopener\"> <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/2017\/july-web-exclusives\/busy-pastors-guide-to-inbox-shalom.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"subhead\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>The Busy Pastor&rsquo;s Guide to Inbox Shalom<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n<p><em>A clear email inbox is a ministry aid. Here&rsquo;s how to get (and stay) there.<\/em><\/p>\n\n<p>By Abram Kielsmeier-Jones<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"576\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80172.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2680\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80172.jpg 1240w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80172.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80172.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80172.jpg?resize=1024,576 1024w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80172.jpg?resize=301,169 301w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80172.jpg?resize=602,338 602w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80172.jpg?resize=634,356 634w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80172.jpg?resize=324,182 324w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80172.jpg?resize=648,364 648w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80172.jpg?resize=82,46 82w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80172.jpg?resize=164,92 164w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80172.jpg?resize=412,231 412w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80172.jpg?resize=824,463 824w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80172.jpg?resize=822,462 822w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80172.jpg?resize=160,90 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><span class=\"image-credits\">Late at night in Anchorage, Alaska in January of 2015. The Chugach Mountains are in the background and Cook Inlet in the foreground.<\/span><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/2017\/january-web-exclusives\/ministry-on-alaskan-frontier.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"\" rel=\"noopener\"> <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/2017\/january-web-exclusives\/ministry-on-alaskan-frontier.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"subhead\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Ministry on the Alaskan Frontier<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n<p><em>Curtis Ivanoff talks leadership and reconciliation in America&rsquo;s most diverse census tract.<\/em><\/p>\n\n<p>Interview by Amy Simpson<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"576\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80170.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2681\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80170.jpg 1240w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80170.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80170.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80170.jpg?resize=1024,576 1024w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80170.jpg?resize=301,169 301w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80170.jpg?resize=602,338 602w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80170.jpg?resize=634,356 634w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80170.jpg?resize=324,182 324w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80170.jpg?resize=648,364 648w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80170.jpg?resize=82,46 82w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80170.jpg?resize=164,92 164w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80170.jpg?resize=412,231 412w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80170.jpg?resize=824,463 824w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80170.jpg?resize=822,462 822w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80170.jpg?resize=160,90 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><span class=\"image-credits\">Happy Couple having counsel session with marriage counselor, after many sessions positive reactions on the sight. Couple embracing and smiling.<\/span><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/2017\/september-web-exclusives\/how-churches-can-partner-with-outside-counselors.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"\" rel=\"noopener\"> <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/2017\/september-web-exclusives\/how-churches-can-partner-with-outside-counselors.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"subhead\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>How Churches Can Partner with Outside Counselors<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n<p><em>It&rsquo;s about supplementing, not replacing, pastoral care.<\/em><\/p>\n\n<p>By Rebecca Meyer and Gerald Hiestand<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"576\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80167.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2682\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80167.jpg 1240w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80167.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80167.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80167.jpg?resize=1024,576 1024w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80167.jpg?resize=301,169 301w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80167.jpg?resize=602,338 602w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80167.jpg?resize=634,356 634w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80167.jpg?resize=324,182 324w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80167.jpg?resize=648,364 648w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80167.jpg?resize=82,46 82w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80167.jpg?resize=164,92 164w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80167.jpg?resize=412,231 412w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80167.jpg?resize=824,463 824w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80167.jpg?resize=822,462 822w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80167.jpg?resize=160,90 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/2017\/june-web-exclusives\/planting-disciple-making-churches-in-city.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"\" rel=\"noopener\"> <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/2017\/june-web-exclusives\/planting-disciple-making-churches-in-city.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"subhead\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Planting Disciple-Making Churches in the City<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n<p><em>What does it take to grow healthy congregations in this hostile environment?<\/em><\/p>\n\n<p>Interview by Maina Mwaura<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"576\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80171.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80171.jpg 1240w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80171.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80171.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80171.jpg?resize=1024,576 1024w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80171.jpg?resize=301,169 301w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80171.jpg?resize=602,338 602w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80171.jpg?resize=634,356 634w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80171.jpg?resize=324,182 324w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80171.jpg?resize=648,364 648w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80171.jpg?resize=82,46 82w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80171.jpg?resize=164,92 164w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80171.jpg?resize=412,231 412w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80171.jpg?resize=824,463 824w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80171.jpg?resize=822,462 822w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80171.jpg?resize=160,90 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><span class=\"image-credits\">Shot of a team of businesspeople having a meeting in an office<\/span><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/2017\/march-web-exclusives\/4-ways-to-invite-god-into-your-planning-meetings.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"\" rel=\"noopener\"> <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/2017\/march-web-exclusives\/4-ways-to-invite-god-into-your-planning-meetings.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"subhead\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>4 Ways to Invite God into Your Planning Meetings<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n<p><em>Put the ministry back in your administration.<\/em><\/p>\n\n<p>By Mandy Smith<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"576\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80173.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2684\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80173.jpg 1240w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80173.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80173.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80173.jpg?resize=1024,576 1024w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80173.jpg?resize=301,169 301w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80173.jpg?resize=602,338 602w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80173.jpg?resize=634,356 634w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80173.jpg?resize=324,182 324w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80173.jpg?resize=648,364 648w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80173.jpg?resize=82,46 82w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80173.jpg?resize=164,92 164w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80173.jpg?resize=412,231 412w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80173.jpg?resize=824,463 824w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80173.jpg?resize=822,462 822w, https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/10\/80173.jpg?resize=160,90 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/2017\/june-web-exclusives\/3-ways-to-make-your-church-healthier-place-to-work.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"\" rel=\"noopener\"> <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-article-subhead1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/2017\/june-web-exclusives\/3-ways-to-make-your-church-healthier-place-to-work.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"subhead\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>3 Ways to Make Your Church a Healthier Place to Work<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n<p><em>Is your staff experiencing a spiritual crisis right under your nose?<\/em><\/p>\n\n<p>By Scott Whaley <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Three trends defined the major headlines of 2017: widening fissures along cultural, political, and racial lines; tragedy caused by natural disasters and human hands; and, of course, a preoccupation with the sensational and extraordinary. Perhaps that&rsquo;s why our favorite articles published by CTPastors.com in 2017 highlight themes of unity and partnership, hope and healing, and <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/content\/ct-pastors-hidden-gems-of-2017\/\">Read more&#8230;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":2686,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"tax_ctp_authors":[],"tax_ctp_books":[],"tax_ctp_categories":[154],"tax_ctp_field_guide_subcategory":[],"tax_ctp_field_guides":[],"tax_ctp_format":[131],"tax_ctp_multimedia":[],"tax_ctp_point_editor":[],"tax_publications":[140],"tax_ctp_tags":[3381,3485,3488,3609,3610,3613,3617,3726,3793,3856,4127,4351,4355,4604,4606,4660,4662,4679,5238],"tax_ctp_topics":[],"class_list":["post-2674","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tax_publications-ct-pastors","tax_ctp_tags-administration","tax_ctp_tags-bible","tax_ctp_tags-bible-study","tax_ctp_tags-church-growth","tax_ctp_tags-church-health","tax_ctp_tags-church-leadership","tax_ctp_tags-church-planting","tax_ctp_tags-culture","tax_ctp_tags-discipleship","tax_ctp_tags-emotions","tax_ctp_tags-healing","tax_ctp_tags-leadership","tax_ctp_tags-leadership-training","tax_ctp_tags-pastor","tax_ctp_tags-pastors-role","tax_ctp_tags-politics","tax_ctp_tags-pop-culture","tax_ctp_tags-prayer","tax_ctp_tags-violence"],"acf":{"scripture_references":null},"yoast_head":"<!-- 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