About this episode

This episode discusses how pastors can effectively lead their congregations during national holidays.

Contact us . We’d love to serve you Give financially to support the work of helping pastors thrive Write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Explore taking a renewal retreat at The Shepherds House (01:40) Framing the Church Calendar Discussion (02:38) Regulative vs. Normative Principle of Worship (06:08) Cultural Context & Story of July 4th (07:40) Processing the July 4th Conflict (09:56) Seeking a Middle Way on National Holidays (11:01) Honoring but Not Centering National Holidays (13:54) Practical Alternatives to Holiday-Centered Services (15:15) Examples of Ignoring Christmas/Easter (18:52) Jim’s Practice: Christmas, Easter, & Thanksgiving (21:50) Why Thanksgiving Feels Most “Biblical” (23:09) Traditions Without Judgment (24:44) Mother’s Day as a “Sacred Cow” (26:24) Pastoral Pressures & Pain Around Mother’s Day (28:07) Managing Expectations & Training a Congregation (29:21) Principle: Pastoral Care Over Personal Preference (30:23) Broader Reflections on Traditions (32:18) St. Patrick’s Day, Other Minor Days

Topics covered

• pastoral leadership
• national holidays
• church practices

Keywords

• leadership
• holidays
• church

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• Ep. 318: Different Approaches to Discipleship · March 17, 2026 · 34 min
• Ep. 317: Doctrinal differences with a pastor and church · March 3, 2026 · 35 min
• Ep. 316: When elders disagree with each other · February 24, 2026 · 30 min

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