May the Lord renew our affections for his church. May he give us the same joy he has in them.
October 11, 2026
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Welcome to our weekly roundup of articles, podcasts, videos, and links curated by pastors, for pastors—to equip and encourage you in your ministry. You don’t have to shepherd alone. Let’s go.
WORD OF THE WEEK

Pastor, Do You Enjoy God’s People?

Written by Caleb Davis, lead pastor of True Life Church in Arvada, Colorado

Pastor,

What if you master the skills of pastoral care but still miss the heart of what God wants you to share with those you shepherd? A friend once asked me, “Do you enjoy the people in your church?” The question caught me off guard, and I wasn’t sure how to answer. I said that I loved them, wanted their good, and was committed to them. But with the difficulties of ministry, I couldn’t honestly say I enjoyed them.

I’d never considered the question. I wasn’t even sure I was supposed to enjoy them. I was like the classic image of a hardworking father, laboring long hours to provide but rarely showing affection or saying “I love you.” This man’s kids know he loves them, but they don’t feel it. They see his actions, but they don’t feel his affection. Pastors can easily slip into this same mode: faithful work but distant hearts.

God led me to search the Scriptures, and he opened my eyes to how often joy and affection mark faithful ministry. Consider these passages:

“God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 1:8)

“I rejoice over you.” (Rom. 16:19)

“I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete.” (2 John 1:12)

They showed me that I needed to make a change. After my friend’s question, I’ve made it a practice to ask God each Sunday to fill my heart with his affection for his people, to put into my heart the delight he has for his church.

Pastoral care demands many skills. Few roles require as much diversity of focus (planning, preaching, counseling, recruiting, hospitality, etc.). Because of this, it’s natural to put all our learning and energy into action while neglecting affection. But we don’t only want to do God’s work and teach God’s Word; we want to represent God’s love for his people.

So, let me ask you that question: Pastor, do you enjoy God’s people?

What if each Sunday, each meeting, each visit, you began with a sincere prayer: “Lord, renew my affection for your people. Give me the same joy you have in them.”

Pastor, God is full of joy and affection for you. Rest in that truth, then eagerly reflect his joy to the church he’s entrusted to you.

 —Caleb

Resource Roundup

What Churches Need to Know About Smart Glasses

Key features of this new technology are enhancing lives for the blind but can be exploited by others with harmful intent. TGC’s Austin Gravley gives tips for how to wisely regulate the use of smart glasses while showing compassion for the visually impaired.
George Robertson: Pastor, You’re a Whole Person. It’s Okay to Need Help.

In this video from TGC’s Pastor to Pastor series, George Robertson shares about his struggle with spiritual depression and how the Psalms provided help and encouragement in the darkness.
Hope of Heaven and the Church’s Mission

Matt McCullough shares how John Bunyan’s vision of Christian friendship fits perfectly with how the author of Hebrews frames our mission in each other’s lives

Around the Web

Here are links to other great resources worth your time:

  • Victor Raj Medari explores how dopamine—the brain’s reward chemical—drives our desires and habits, and how Christian spiritual disciplines can redirect our longings toward God rather than counterfeit joys.

  • Brett Landry uses Aristotle’s framework of logos, pathos, and ethos to examine whether pastors should use AI in sermon preparation. He argues that while AI can assist with content organization, it can’t provide the Spirit-empowered passion and moral credibility essential for faithful preaching.

  • John Koning wrestles with whether “maverick” pastors—those who are unorthodox, independently minded, or eccentric—have a place in ministry, distinguishing between problematic character traits and acceptable personality quirks.

Find more resources for pastors at tgc.org/pastors.
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