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Lakeview is apparently trying to fit an entire year of ministry milestones into a couple of weeks. Last Sunday they sent out Cross & Crown Church, and this Sunday they broke ground on a brand-new children’s building. Tim is riding a pretty incredible wave of momentum, although at this point the wave may be mostly caffeine and exhaustion. Meanwhile, Andrew has somehow become the official prayer guy for the City of Safety Harbor. If there’s a microphone, a city official, and something happening downtown, apparently somebody has Andrew’s number. Tim is also discovering one of the realities of preaching verse by verse through Exodus: eventually you have to preach the parts nobody puts on a coffee mug. We’re talking about what to do when the next passage is important, inspired, and, if we’re being fair, a little boring. And a few weeks after Safety Harbor paid off its mortgage, Andrew finally gets to tell the story of the actual mortgage burning, complete with flash paper and his brief career as an amateur magician. Because apparently simply saying, “We paid off the building” wasn’t dramatic enough. It’s groundbreaking, church planting, civic prayers, difficult texts, and lighting things on fire in church. Just another couple of weeks in ministry.

Tim was there for a big milestone yesterday as Cross & Crown Church held its very first Sunday service. After watching the church move from an idea, to a launch team, to being commissioned and sent out from Lakeview, they are officially gathering as a church. At Safety Harbor, Andrew made a slight adjustment to the sermon calendar. After spending eight weeks covering the major covenants of Scripture, the church is now slowing things WAY down and spending ten weeks in a single chapter. Apparently pacing is relative. Tim also got stood up for a lunch meeting this week, and Andrew is trying very hard to be sympathetic. Unfortunately, Tim has flaked on Andrew enough times that this mostly feels like justice. That leads into some ministry shop talk about preaching. How do you adapt a sermon when you love the idea, but the original style is not yours and the context is a bit different? And how do senior pastors intentionally make room in the preaching calendar for other voices without feeling like they have to preach every Sunday themselves? It's church planting milestones, radically different sermon pacing, missed lunches, and learning that sometimes good ministry means adjusting the plan and giving someone else the microphone.

Football season is officially here, and apparently both of our churches decided to celebrate with big Sundays. Safety Harbor held its annual fantasy football draft after church, and this year's turnout was the biggest yet. What started as a fun little church league has turned into multiple leagues, a packed fellowship hall, plenty of football food, and way too many people convinced they can draft a championship roster. Over at Lakeview, they had a big Sunday of their own with a record-breaking new members class. Tim also managed to have what we're calling a 20,000-word Sunday, between preaching, teaching, meetings, and everything else pastors somehow agree to put on the same day. At some point, your vocal cords should qualify for overtime pay. And we're officially entering full-blown sports dad season. Practices, games, coaching, driving kids everywhere, and trying to figure out how all of that fits alongside an already full ministry calendar. It's fantasy football, new members, marathon Sundays, and the annual realization that the fall calendar has absolutely no respect for your free time.

We’re piggybacking on last week’s “Mergers and Acquisitions” conversation because apparently the story isn’t done with us yet. The church that recently bought another local church for several million dollars showed up in a YouTube ad when Andrew was just trying to pull up Safety Harbor’s livestream. Nothing says “welcome to church” quite like another church buying an ad before your church. That leads us into some of the things pastors notice from the platform. People falling asleep, people checking their phones, people getting up at exactly the wrong moment, and all the other things you can’t not see while you’re trying to preach. How distracting is it, and how much should a preacher actually care? At Lakeview, Tim shared the pulpit with Frank for a significant Sunday as the church officially commissioned and sent out Cross & Crown Church. After months of talking about the church plant, launch teams, storage units, coffee shop parties, and everything else that goes into starting a church, it’s finally time to send them out. Meanwhile, Safety Harbor held its annual Back to School Pool Party, and once again it proved to be one of those wonderfully easy ministry wins. People showed up, families had fun, nobody needed an elaborate program, and Andrew was reminded that sometimes the best church events are the ones you don’t overthink. It’s YouTube ads, sleeping congregants, sending out a church plant, and squeezing in one last pool party before everyone officially admits that summer is over.

Apparently church growth now includes mergers and acquisitions. A large church in our area just spent several million dollars to acquire another church property and turn it into its newest campus. We’re talking about what happened, what it means for the local church landscape, and why the whole thing feels just a little weird. Meanwhile, Safety Harbor suddenly has a LOT of empty space now that the preschool has moved out. And, as you might expect, everyone has an idea for what to do with it. Offices? Classrooms? Community space? New ministries? Pickleball courts? Okay, hopefully not pickleball courts. Andrew is learning that empty rooms don't stay hypothetical for very long when church people know they exist. Over at Lakeview, it was Move Up Sunday as kids and students moved into their new classes and ministries, officially signaling that summer is basically over. Both churches are now in full-on back-to-school mode. Calendars are filling, ministries are restarting, families are finding their routines again, and pastors everywhere are pretending they’re ready for fall. It’s mergers, acquisitions, empty buildings, moving kids, and figuring out what to do with the space God gives you, whether you paid several million dollars for it or just unexpectedly got the keys back.

This week, both churches found themselves in Exodus... just from different angles. Tim was back in the pulpit at Lakeview, preaching in the church's Exodus series for the first time in a while. Meanwhile, Andrew also found himself in Exodus as part of Safety Harbor's Kingdom Come series, proving that sometimes the lectionary and sermon calendars accidentally become best friends. It was Baptism Sunday at Lakeview, one of the best kinds of Sundays, as the church celebrated new life in Christ and watched people publicly declare their faith. Over at Safety Harbor, a new chapter is beginning as the preschool prepares to move out. That leaves a lot of empty space and a lot of questions. How should the church use it? More classrooms? Ministry space? Offices? A pastor-sized coffee shop? We talk through the opportunities and challenges that come with suddenly having room to dream. We also spend some time discussing the practical side of communion. How often should churches celebrate it? What details matter? What traditions are worth preserving, and where is there room for flexibility? And with summer quickly winding down, we're looking ahead to another school year and another busy ministry season. Fall is almost here, and pastors everywhere know what that means. The calendar is about to fill up fast. It's another week of preaching, planning, baptizing, and trying to make the most of the spaces and seasons God has entrusted to us.

After about a month away from the microphones, we're finally back! Between vacations, travel, and ministry, we've managed to cover a good portion of the country and more than a few time zones. Tim spent part of his summer fly fishing in the mountains of Montana, while Andrew headed to Arkansas for a little redneck therapy involving four-wheelers, family, and enough sweet tea to qualify as hydration. Back at church, ministry didn't take the summer off. Yesterday was Lakeview's annual Vision Sunday, looking ahead to where God is leading the church in the coming year. At Safety Harbor, a few unexpected announcements reminded everyone that ministry has a way of keeping pastors on their toes. Both churches have also welcomed new staff members over the past few weeks, bringing fresh faces, fresh energy, and the usual learning curve that comes with new ministry teams. We're catching up on everything we've missed, sharing stories from the road, and settling back into the rhythm of ministry... at least until one of us leaves town again.

Summer ministry is in full swing, and apparently so is summer travel. Andrew got back from celebrating his parents' 50th anniversary on a cruise, where he managed to lose his wedding ring, just in time to officiate a funeral, preach on Sunday, and help examine and ordain Tim later that evening. No easing back into the schedule around here. Congratulations are in order for Tim, who was officially ordained by Lakeview Church last night. It was a meaningful service, a fitting celebration of God's call on his life, and a reminder that faithful ministry is always worth recognizing. Lakeview also welcomed its new associate pastor, marking another exciting milestone for the church. Meanwhile, Andrew's week got even more eventful when he was rear ended on the way to an escape room... with four youth group students in the car. Everyone is okay, but it definitely made for a more memorable youth outing than anyone had planned. This time of year always feels like a blur. Tim recently enjoyed a family vacation in Orlando and is already looking forward to a fly fishing trip out west in a few weeks. Andrew is unpacking from one trip only to repack for two weeks in Arkansas. We'll catch up on all of it, celebrate a huge milestone in Tim's ministry, and officially take our annual summer pause. We'll be back at the end of July... because we never miss a week. ...Unless we do.

It’s a week of transitions as both Lakeview and Safety Harbor are saying goodbye to staff members. We talk about the often-overlooked art of offboarding well, celebrating people for their service, blessing them on their way out, and remembering that healthy ministry includes healthy endings. Tim had one of those marathon ministry Sundays that remind you why pastors sleep on Mondays. Three services in the morning, a new members class in the evening, and just enough caffeine to make it all happen. Somehow, he survived. Meanwhile, Andrew took what felt like half of Safety Harbor Community Church to a ballgame. It turned out to be one of those rare church events that required almost no convincing, no complicated logistics, and left everyone asking when the next one would be. The conversation also turns to baptism. When should a baptism happen publicly in front of the congregation? Are there situations where a private baptism is appropriate? What are the pastoral considerations that go into making that decision? It’s a conversation about transitions, long Sundays, easy ministry wins, and helping people take their next step of faith.

After a few weeks off, we’re finally back behind the microphones and there’s plenty to catch up on. Tim can officially talk about Lakeview hiring a new associate pastor, including what the search process was like and the surprisingly difficult reality of calling candidates to tell them they finished second. Pastoral ministry apparently now includes HR, recruiting, and emotionally complicated phone calls. Andrew spent last weekend in Dallas for his second graduation from Dallas Theological Seminary and, unlike the first time, he actually showed up for this one. Growth. Maturity. Airfare. Meanwhile, Tim’s ordination is only a month away, and he’s beginning to question why Andrew is asking such deeply personal theological and ministry questions. Somewhere between “describe your prayer life” and “what books are you reading,” the process started feeling less like ordination prep and more like a pastoral FBI interview. Last night, both guys participated in their friend Adam Powers’ D.Min graduation celebration, which somehow turned into the launch of an entirely new competition: figuring out who is actually the funniest pastor in the friend group. Results remain disputed. It’s a catch-up episode full of hiring updates, seminary milestones, ordination prep, and middle-aged men trying very hard to out-joke each other.

Andrew hit a major setback in his fitness journey this week… his Xbox died. Which means treadmill time now involves actual exercise instead of casually walking through a video game storyline. Prayers are appreciated during this difficult season. Tim followed his new sermon pregame schedule this Sunday and felt like a new man, which apparently means hydration, pacing, and not sprinting emotionally into the pulpit like it owes you money. At Lakeview, a new staff member was officially onboarded this morning. Meanwhile, Safety Harbor kicked off a brand-new sermon series and will spend the next two months walking through Esther. Plot twists, providence, and Persian politics. What more could you want? Tim also wrapped up his fourth wedding in four weeks, which raises the question, should pastors just keep a suit permanently pressed and ready? That leads into a bigger conversation about weddings, honorariums, and whether built-in fees might be the better route for navigating expectations.

Tim was back in the saddle preaching all three services for the first time in almost a month… and felt every minute of it. Exhaustion set in, but Chat came through with some practical tips to help keep the energy up from first service to last. Turns out preaching stamina might be a spiritual gift, but it also helps to pace yourself. Andrew officially wrapped up a 32-week journey through the Gospel of John, and surprisingly, people were sad to see it end. Which raises the question, are shorter 3–6 week sermon series starting to lose their place? Or is there still something powerful about staying in a book long enough for it to really shape people? Andrew has dropped some weight, Tim is in great shape, and we both have received some… let’s call them “interesting” comments while preaching. It leads to a bigger question, would anyone say these things to a female communicator? And whether we like it or not, do people take preachers more seriously when they look healthy? It’s one of those episodes that starts with sermon fatigue and ends with some surprisingly honest reflections on perception, presence, and the strange things people feel comfortable saying to their pastor. Check out Chat's suggestion for Tim's routine to keep his energy up on Sundays... SATURDAY: Set the stage Afternoon (cut the chaos early) Wrap sermon edits by mid-afternoon if possible Stop “tinkering mode” and shift into ownership mode Light movement helps, nothing intense. Walk, stretch, loosen up Dinner (fuel for tomorrow, not just tonight) Lean protein + carbs + some salt Example: chicken, rice, potatoes, veggies Hydrate well. Add electrolytes Avoid heavy, greasy meals that mess with sleep Evening (protect your mind) Read through your sermon out loud once Visualize transitions between services Then shut it down No late-night scrolling. No last-minute rewrites. Sleep (non-negotiable) Target 7 to 8 hours Cool, dark room If you wake up wired thinking about the sermon, write it down and go back to sleep ⸻ SUNDAY MORNING: Prime the engine Wake up (90–120 minutes before first service) Hydrate immediately Light movement: stretch, walk, wake your body up Quick prayer: not long, just centered and focused Pre-service fuel (45–60 minutes before) Keep it simple and consistent: Banana or oatmeal Protein shake or eggs Coffee, but not a massive dose Add electrolytes You want steady energy, not a spike and crash ⸻ BEFORE SERVICE 1: Lock in Review your opening and key transitions Don’t over-rehearse the whole sermon Stay calm, not hyped A few slow breaths right before you walk up ⸻ BETWEEN SERVICES: This is where you win or lose the day Most guys burn out here. Immediately after Service 1 (first 10–15 minutes) Greet people, but don’t linger too long Delegate conversations if needed Protect your energy Then reset (10 minutes minimum) Find a quiet space: Sit down Slow breathing: in for 4, out for 6 Let your nervous system come down You are not “on” right now Refuel (before Service 2) Fast carbs + a little protein: Banana + protein shake Rice cakes + peanut butter Water + electrolytes Small caffeine bump, not a full reload ⸻ BEFORE SERVICE 2: Re-engage Review your opener again Mentally treat it like a brand new crowd Don’t carry over mistakes or moments from Service 1 ⸻ BETWEEN SERVICES AGAIN: Stay disciplined This is where fatigue really hits. Repeat the same pattern: Short relational window Intentional reset Quick fuel Small caffeine if needed Do not: Stand and talk the whole time Skip food Try to “push through” fatigue ⸻ SERVICE 3: Finish strong By now, your edge comes from: Routine Energy conservation Mental discipline Focus on: Clarity over intensity Connection over performance Trusting the preparation ⸻ AFTER SUNDAY: Recovery matters too Eat a real meal within an hour Hydrate Light movement later in the day helps Don’t jump straight into heavy decision-making

Last night we went on a triple date with another ministry family. Nothing says “healthy pastors” like coordinated schedules and someone actually making the reservation. Tim didn’t preach this Sunday (thanks, Frank), but still showed up for all three services and handled baptisms after the third. So technically a lighter load, but also not really. Andrew took a unique turn in his John series, backtracking to cover a portion of John 19 that the sermon calendar skipped over during Easter. After 32 weeks in the Gospel of John, he’s officially heading into the final message next week. It’s been a journey, and yes, we all aged a little along the way. Tim is entering the ordination process in the next few months, with Andrew, Frank, and Adam Powers serving as examiners. So naturally, we’re already preparing our hardest questions and trying not to enjoy that too much. It’s a week of ministry rhythms, meaningful milestones, and the occasional reminder that even when you don’t preach, you’re still very much working.

Lakeview had a huge Sunday, their biggest non-holiday attendance ever, which is the kind of problem every pastor is happy to have. They are also heading into Holy Week meeting under a giant tent so more people can be together, because apparently regular church logistics were just not challenging enough. At Safety Harbor, we welcomed new members, including one person who had only been to church one time before deciding to jump in. Which is either a beautiful picture of God at work or the fastest membership speedrun in modern church history. Tim is taking Good Friday off for the first time ever, and we take a moment to appreciate both the wisdom and the weirdness of that. Andrew, meanwhile, is doing his best not to be bullied for sharing his church’s space, because nothing brings out strong opinions quite like church buildings and who gets to use them. It’s a Holy Week episode full of big crowds, new faces, tent church, and the usual ministry reminder that when God is moving, things can get a little messy in the best possible way.

It’s spring break in Central Florida, which usually means smaller crowds at church. That was the prediction anyway. Turns out the prediction was very wrong. Andrew had a missions presentation from a ministry he really respects and supports. The only problem was the presenters themselves might be the most boring missionaries ever assembled. Faithful? Yes. Compelling communicators? Debatable. Tim skipped church this week to fully embrace his role as a sports dad, which we’re counting as contextual ministry. Meanwhile at Lakeview, the search for a new associate pastor is underway, which means Tim has officially added HR director to his growing list of pastoral responsibilities. Interviews, conversations, and the careful process of figuring out who God might be bringing next. And even though we won’t say the word in the title, the calendar is starting to fill up with all the planning and preparation that comes with the biggest stretch of the church year. Ministry never really slows down, it just changes gears.