When most leaders think about succession planning, they think about organizational charts, governance structures, transition timelines, and identifying future leaders. While those issues matter, Scripture points us to a fuller reality: healthy succession begins long before leadership transition conversations occur. It begins in the soul of the leader.

Paul clearly had finishing well in mind as he wrote to his successor, Timothy, from a horrific Roman prison beneath the city of Rome. He writes, “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:6-8)

What would happen to your ministry if you were suddenly unable to lead?

The chronological journey of Deeper Prayer reaches its moving conclusion in Paul's final letter to Timothy.

Paul never wrote from an ivory tower.

Many of his prayers were penned during seasons of hardship, imprisonment, opposition, and uncertainty.

Paul's prayer in Colossians is one every Christian should memorize.

Paul's second prayer in Ephesians reaches even deeper.

Paul's letter to the Ephesians contains two of the most profound prayers in all of Scripture.

As Paul's ministry expanded, so did the depth of his prayers.

Writing to the believers in Philippi, Paul prayed one of the most practical prayers in the New Testament—that their love would "abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight."

Every great journey has a beginning. So does Paul's prayer life.

Many Christians are surprised to learn that Paul's prayers developed over time as he shepherded the growing church.

Pastor, what could happen if your entire congregation spent 28 days learning to pray like an apostle?

Most Christians believe prayer is important. Many want a deeper prayer life but struggle with a simple question: What should I pray?

The Apostle Paul gives us a powerful answer.

Throughout his letters, Paul prays that believers would know God better, experience the Spirit's power, comprehend Christ's love, grow in wisdom, bear spiritual fruit, persevere through trials, and live worthy of their calling.

These are not merely prayers to study. They are prayers to pray.

That is the heart of Deeper Prayer: A 28-Day Journey Through the Prayers of the Apostle Paul.

Jesus did not tell us to "go make leaders," but he did tell us to "go make disciples" (Matthew 28:19-20). If your church does not have a strong spiritual formation plan, it will have a weak leadership development plan. Not every disciple will be a leader, but every leader must be a growing disciple, reproducing the life of Christ in others.

The mission of church planting is central to the growth and vitality of any denomination, association, or network of churches. Investing in the harvest by establishing new faith communities is essential for the health of any organized fellowship of churches, as it is their way of obeying the Great Commission together.

Pastors and ministry leaders often assume coaching is about having the right answers. In Scripture, though, wisdom begins with listening (Proverbs 18:13). In a noisy, hurried age, listening deeply is more than a soft skill—it’s a spiritual discipline, a leadership posture, and the engine of genuine transformation.

I was asked recently, “How do you find a good coach?” After giving it some thought, here are a few helpful ideas as you consider hiring a coach to help you reach the next level in your career, ministry, or leadership.

Selecting a personal coach is one of the most pivotal decisions a person can make when pursuing growth, whether in leadership, career, health, or personal development. A great coach doesn’t just offer advice; they create an environment that draws out your best thinking, action, and resilience. But with so many coaches available, how do you make a wise and confident choice?

Every meaningful coaching relationship rises or falls on one foundational principle: trust. Without trust, conversations remain superficial, feedback becomes guarded, and transformation slows to a crawl. But when trust is established, leaders become more honest, teachable, reflective, and courageous.

Leadership books often inspire us for a few days before finding a permanent home on the bookshelf. But the most valuable leadership books become working manuals—resources we return to repeatedly because they shape how we think, lead, and develop others.

Christian coaching involves listening deeply, asking powerful questions, and helping leaders discern God’s next steps for their lives and ministries.

In the realm of Christian leadership coaching, few skills are as vital—and often overlooked—as gaining commitment. Without commitment, even the most insightful conversations and Spirit-led strategies remain theoretical. Commitment transforms ideas into action, and action into growth.

If deep listening is the posture of Christian coaching, then asking “powerful” questions is its engine. Jesus Himself knew the power of asking good questions. He asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51), “Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15), and “Do you want to get well?” (John 5:6). Those questions didn’t merely extract information; they surfaced desire, identity, and willingness. These are the heart-level realities that open the door to transformation.

Spiritual authority has not and will never be conferred by title, tenure, or talent. In Scripture, it is God’s delegated power entrusted to men and women whose lives have been shaped by obedience. The Bible is unequivocal: “There is no authority except from God” (Romans 13:1). Authority originates in the throne room of heaven (Psalm 103:19) and is stewarded on earth by servants who have learned to submit to God before they presume to lead others (Mark 10:42–45; John 13:14–15).

George Bullard offers us an exceptional tool to be read, studied, and implemented in churches today. In Soaring with Faith, you will discover biblical depth, practical wisdom, and decades of experience gained from walking alongside congregations across the entire church health continuum.