Steve Brown Etc.

Steve Brown Etc. is a nationally syndicated talk show featuring discussion, comedy, and interviews designed to explore what it’s like to live out Steve Brown’s teaching on grace and freedom. Visit SteveBrownEtc.com to get past programs, download interviews, read Steve’s blog, hear comedy bits, and a whole lot more!

Visit Steve Brown Etc.!

Pooped Pastors

At any given time, 75% of pastors in America want to quit. 1,500 pastors leave their assignments each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout or contention within their local congregations. 70% of pastors do not have a close friend with whom they can openly share their struggles.*

Chances are that your pastor is pooped. And if you are a pastor...well...you know. It’s a uniquely tough job, and Steve has just launched an equally unique website to help.

Now there’s a safe place of grace and help for the shepherds of God’s flock. Stop by PoopedPastors.com and spread the word!

Visit PoopedPastors.com

* Statistics from Focus on the Family, Fuller Institute of Church Growth and Church Resource Ministries

Summer Magazine: Lost Eden

Haiti. Tsunami. Darfur.

Cancer. Abuse. Heartbreak.

What does one think in the face of tragedy? What does one say? More important, what does one think and say about God?

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Summer Magazine Extra: Our Father

I sat alone in the dark hospital room, waiting for the nurse. It had been a long day filled with intense emotion, but time was about to stop. The door slowly opened and a silhouette filled the bright doorway. I quickly stood up and the nurse smiled. Then she whispered, "Hello, daddy."

My daughter was born less than an hour earlier and my wife was recovering from a C-section down the hall. I took a deep breath and reached out my arms to hold my firstborn child for the first time. She was so small, so light and delicate. I tenderly cradled pure beauty wrapped in soft blankets and welcomed her into the world.

I don't know how long we were left alone in that hospital room. I got lost in the moment, overwhelmed by love as I gazed at my little girl. All at once it struck me; this is what it's like to be a father.

One day, Jesus' disciples asked him to teach them how to pray. Jesus said, "like this: 'Our Father...'"

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Steve's Letter: A State of Mediocrity?

This morning, I read and graded "integration" papers from a course for Doctor of Ministry students at the seminary. The course was titled: Thriving & Surviving Pastoral Ministry.

I just finished reading the paper of one of my pastor students who wrote (referring to me):

The class helped me think about surviving and thriving. I like Steve. I like his attitude about the ministry. He has survived well. And he has thrived, it would seem. He has served churches, written books, had a radio ministry. He is celebrated in some circles as an authority. He seems comfortable in his skin as a pastor. He is the right guy to teach the class on surviving and thriving in this complex field. However, at the end of the day (and at the end of the class) I'm not Steve Brown. I'm a guy who finds himself settling into a sad mediocrity. I actually do sometimes go to bed at night grateful for another day of survival.

My first thought was, What a wise and insightful student! He's going to get an "A" for this class.

Then I had an attack of sanity. My second thought was, He's insane. If he only knew...

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