Author: marcusjcarlson

I am always looking to share resources for pastors, churches and any leader who considers themselves a follower of Jesus. One of the ways I share those resources is through the blog for the ministry I lead, Preparing for Amazement Ministries. Here you can find information on habits of healthy churches, habits of healthy leaders, […]

Join me for an amazing journey in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul in Greece and Turkey. Experience the New Testament come to life along with amazing architecture, history and natural beauty. Optional extension: Greek Isles cruise to include Ephesus and Santorini! Greece & Turkey: June 15-24, 2022 Greek Isles Extension: June 24-27, 2022 Trip […]

Seventeen years ago today, on Ash Wednesday, a movie about the death of Jesus came out, The Passion of the Christ. At the time I was serving a church in Lafayette, IN. The best church I have ever served and one of the best staff teams I have ever worked with. We went, as a […]

Traditional: Modern:

I often get asked  why it is that I love orange so much. When I am asked, I generally offer one of a couple responses, but decided that it would be fun to write a blog about why I enjoy the color orange so much. I have always liked the color orange. It is vibrant, […]

Change is difficult. Change is a necessarily reality, especially as we seek to help our organizations fulfill thier purpose. Leading change is both a blessing and a challenge. In this seminar we will explore the nature of leading change and leading through change. We will look at various aspects, challenges and joys that come with […]

We are offering one of our most popular seminars in an online format for the first time, Generational Understanding! Generational Understanding Seminars There is a great divide between generations in many ways. We will explore the nature of generational differences, examine each of the generations in the world today and consider how to best understand […]

My name is Marcus Carlson and I am a pastor. For more than two decades I have served in a variety of church and other ministry settings in intern, interim, part and full time capacities. At the end of 2019, I left full-time church ministry work. I felt God calling me to use my gifts […]

April 15, 2020. I type these words in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, a season that is in many ways unprecedented. It is a time of great uncertainty, fear, change, grief and so much more. It is in many ways unfamiliar territory as communities, schools, businesses and entire countries are shutting down. People are […]

As I have been thinking and reflecting, particularly during long walks listening to podcasts, music as well as embracing silence, I thought it might be valuable to share some of my reflections on five particular feelings: pain, suffering, lament, fear and grief. For each I want to share a working, but perhaps limited definition. I […]