How To Prepare For Sunday
My pastor often encourages us to read the sermon passage ahead of time
“I’ve found it beneficial to set aside Sunday as a Sabbath. This keeps my mind free from the unfinished to-do list and creeping deadlines. I also avoid vegging out in front of the television—I can’t ponder eternity when the capacity of my mind has shrunk to the size of a screen.” What did you... Continue Reading
Preaching Christ
It is always helpful to go to the New Testament to seek or glean the method and message found in the biblical record of Apostolic preaching.
Some see the sermon as a fireside chat; others, as a stimulus for psychological health; still others, as a commentary on contemporary politics. But some still view the exposition of sacred Scripture as a necessary ingredient to the office of preaching. The church of the twenty-first century faces many crises. One of the most... Continue Reading
Love Your Church’s Young Adults
The stereotypes of Gen Y are far outweighed by the other characteristics I’ve come across.
I am in my 40s but am blessed to count several young adults in my friendship group and many more in my acquaintance. I have found them to be passionate for the gospel and incredibly hard workers. They are focused and open-minded and keen as jumping beans to learn. At the same time, they have... Continue Reading
Christianity at the Crossroads: The Second Century
How worried should Christians be about the Church in a Post-Christian environment that is dissolutely spending down its Reformation cultural capital and shoving Christianity over the cultural cliff?
As a consequence of fighting back against the increasing number of worldviews, many writers assert that Christianity has been stripped of its title as the West’s heavyweight cultural influence. This worldview smorgasbord has led others to hail the arrival of the “Post-Christian West,” with Christian writers lamenting this transition as a harbinger of doom for... Continue Reading
Unsung Heroes Of The Church
There is something admirable about the work of the ruling elders who labor diligently and faithfully for the well-being of the flock without pay.
While there are many other reasons why we should view the ruling elders as among the greatest unsung heroes of the church, based on what we have considered we can conclude that those who sacrifice their time to serve as ruling (lay) elders in a local church are deserving of our sincere gratitude and praise.... Continue Reading
When A Preacher is Not Feeling It
A pastor needs to step into the pulpit on fire with the Word of God.
The pastor needs to once again humble himself before the cross, see where Christ is proclaimed within the passages, and rejoice in the Word of God. The pastor needs to truly feel the passion of the truth he is about to speak. It needs to be internalized, drive him forward, and spill out over the... Continue Reading
12 Principles for Disagreeing with Other Christians
There are usually people on either side of you on any given issue and you yourself likely have a stronger conscience on some issues and a weaker conscience on others.
If we thought more about our own situation before the judgment throne of God, we would be less likely to pass judgment on fellow Christians. On that day we’ll be busy enough answering for our own life; we don’t need to spend our short life meddling in the lives of others. In these matters where... Continue Reading
The Greatest Cure for Pastoral Burnout Is Christ Himself
“When you find a chilliness upon your souls and your former heat begins to abate, ply yourselves with warm clothes and get those good books that may acquaint you with such truths as may warm and affect your hearts.”
The writings of the Puritans have warmed and affected my heart over the years. Below, you’ll discover some Christ-centered excerpts from what George Whitefield called “good old puritanical writings.” I gladly share these quotes in hopes that weary and discouraged pastors may behold Christ Jesus in his beauty, be strengthened by the grace that is... Continue Reading
Five Reasons Your Volunteers Quit
Help make serving a blessing rather than a burden.
What happens when a volunteer quits? Before you see another volunteer walk out the door, ask the right questions. Here are the top five reasons volunteers are quitting, and what to do about it. Do you have a volunteer problem? Hopefully not. Many churches go through times when they just don’t have enough hands on... Continue Reading
The Fine Line
In a day of widespread individualism, heightened biblical illiteracy, and diminishing respect for gospel ministry, ministers are faced with the daunting task of taking a firm but loving stand in matters of faith and practice.
Ministers must have their own consciences deeply informed by the Word of God. The word conscience means “with knowledge.” It is crucial for gospel ministers to know and be convinced of what the Scriptures teach. God has revealed in Scripture everything He wants the church to believe and practice. Ministers must search the Scriptures carefully... Continue Reading
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