top of page
Dr. Layne McDonald
Connect & Online Pastor


Raising Digital Disciples: Building Christ-Centered Media Habits at Home
My daughter asked me last week if Jesus would have had TikTok. After I stopped laughing, I realized she'd stumbled onto something profound, how do we raise kids who love God in a world where screens compete for their hearts every single day? As a creative mentor working with Christian families, I've watched parents struggle with this exact tension. You want your children rooted in faith, but you also know they're growing up in a digital world that isn't going anywhere. The go
Layne McDonald
Oct 255 min read


7 Mistakes You're Making with Christian Leadership (and How Biblical Principles Can Fix Them)
Let's be real: Christian leadership is tough. You're not just managing people and programs; you're shepherding souls, making decisions that affect eternal destinies, and trying to follow Jesus while leading others to do the same. But here's the thing: even the most well-intentioned leaders can fall into traps that undermine their effectiveness and damage their witness. I've seen it happen countless times, and if we're honest, we've all been there. The good news? God's Word gi
Layne McDonald
Oct 255 min read


Healing in Christ: A Simple Framework for Christian Healing That Actually Works
Let's be honest – there's a lot of confusion out there about Christian healing. Some folks make it sound like a magic formula, while others treat it like it's completely mystical and beyond our understanding. But what if I told you there's actually a simple, biblical framework that consistently brings real healing to people's lives? After years of ministry and witnessing countless breakthroughs, I've discovered that effective Christian healing isn't complicated. It's built on
Layne McDonald
Oct 255 min read


Dr. Mac Christian Movie Reviews: Toy Story 2 (1999)
“Friendship tested, identity questioned, and… yes, still more insults for kids to copy.” Toy Story 2 movie review graphic. 🧸 Quick Snapshot (Spoiler-Free) In this sequel, Woody gets kidnapped by a greedy toy collector and discovers he’s a valuable collectible from an old TV show. He must choose between living in a museum or returning to Andy, while Buzz and the gang mount a daring rescue. The themes of purpose, loyalty, and family shine — but let’s unpack what parents need t
Layne McDonald
Oct 203 min read


A Christian Perspective on The Lion King 1994: Unpacking Innuendo and Content Concerns for Parents
The Lion King, released in 1994, stands as one of Disney's classic animated films that have resonated with audiences worldwide. Its breathtaking visuals, unforgettable soundtrack, and universal themes draw viewers in from the very first scene. However, for Christian parents, this beloved story presents certain challenges. The journey of Simba, from cub to king, contains powerful messages about redemption and responsibility, but some elements may raise concerns for those who s
Layne McDonald
Oct 183 min read


Empowering Faith-Driven Creatives Through Mentorship
Every creative journey is unique, especially when faith is the compass guiding your path. If you’ve ever felt the stirring to create with purpose, to inspire through your gifts, or to serve a higher calling, you’re not alone. Faith-driven creative mentorship can be the key to unlocking your potential and multiplying your impact. Let’s explore how this powerful connection can transform your creative life and ministry. Why Faith-Driven Creative Mentorship Matters Have you ever
Layne McDonald
Oct 184 min read


Drop the Anchors: Rise to the Top — Finding Your Passion and Beating Imposter Syndrome
There comes a moment when the mirror stops lying. You look yourself in the eye and realize the only person questioning your ability is you. The world doesn’t doubt you as much as your own hesitation does. That quiet whisper — “Who am I to do this?” — is not truth; it’s a thief. It steals time, confidence, and destiny. Imposter syndrome is the internal burglar of greatness, and the only way to silence it is to get moving. Because confidence is never built by waiting — it’s bu
Layne McDonald
Oct 163 min read


Authentic Voice Studies (AVS): The Hidden Pulse of Every Organization
Authentic Voice Studies (AVS): The Hidden Pulse of Every Organization - title graphic for the post. Why True Internal Risk Management Begins With Listening to the Human Heart Opening Hook: If your leadership reports say everything’s fine but your people have stopped talking, that silence isn’t safety — it’s risk. Every company has dashboards, metrics, and systems. But what most organizations don’t have is a mirror. Metrics measure performance; mirrors reveal truth. That’s wh
Layne McDonald
Oct 154 min read
Dr. Mac Christian Movie Reviews: Toy Story (1995)
“The original Pixar classic that taught us toys have feelings — and kids repeat what toys say.” 🤠 Quick Snapshot (Spoiler-Free) Woody...
Layne McDonald
Oct 132 min read


Empowering the Church to Shape Culture Instead of Compete with It
“You can’t curse the darkness and expect the world to see your light.” This statement captures the vital role of the church in today’s...
Layne McDonald
Oct 114 min read


Transforming Volunteer Engagement from Labor to Legacy
Volunteers breathe life into organizations, yet many leaders still see them simply as labor. This perspective not only undercuts the...
Layne McDonald
Oct 113 min read


7 Essential Strategies to Provide Clarity and Prevent Church Staff Burnout
“Your staff doesn’t need another meeting—they need meaning.” This statement truly captures a vital truth for us in ministry. Many church...
Layne McDonald
Oct 114 min read


Reimagining Success Beyond Numbers in Church Leadership
“The day we started counting heads instead of hearts, we stopped counting what Heaven counts.” In church leadership, the use of metrics...
Layne McDonald
Oct 113 min read


Bridging the Generational Divide in the Church for a Vibrant Future
“If your youth don’t talk to your elders, you don’t have a church—you have a time capsule.” This statement highlights a real challenge...
Layne McDonald
Oct 113 min read


Shifting the Focus from Performance to Presence in Worship
“ If the fog machine has more glory than the altar, we’ve lost the plot. ” This statement resonates even more today, as many churches...
Layne McDonald
Oct 113 min read


Reviving the Joy of Pastoral Life: Breaking the Loneliness Barrier
Establishing a network of fellow pastors or trusted friends is invaluable. Regular gatherings, whether in person or online, foster relationships where struggles can be shared, advice can flow, and experiences can be compared. Many pastors find that simply discussing their challenges lifts some burden.
Layne McDonald
Oct 114 min read


Building People Over Programs: A Transformational Approach to Church Growth
“Jesus didn’t build a schedule; He built a circle.” This statement captures the essence of effective ministry. In a world where church...
Layne McDonald
Oct 113 min read


Top 10 Reasons Churches Need Strong Marketing Strategies for Authentic Engagement and Community Growth
A vibrant church community gathering In a world where technology drives connection, churches must adapt to foster genuine relationships...
Layne McDonald
Oct 115 min read


Why Movie Reviews Matter for Families: Protecting Faith and Innocence with Humor
With digital today, movies and shows are just a click away, parents face a common challenge: how to choose films that reflect their...
Layne McDonald
Oct 113 min read


Why The Goonies is a Hidden Gem for Families Despite Its 80s Bad Language
Ah, the 1980s! A decade known for its neon colors, big hair, and a slew of iconic movies. Among these gems is "The Goonies," a film that...
Layne McDonald
Oct 104 min read
bottom of page