Sermon preparation is like preparation of a scrumptious and nutritious meal. I open the Word of God, wrestle with the text through study and prayer, prepare it to be served up, and present it in a way that is inviting and engaging. However, I know there are many who come to the table as part... Continue Reading

“We have missed our extended family – grandparents, aunt & uncles and cousins. We have experienced attempted break-ins to our house at night. Our car has been vandalized. Malaria has visited our family multiple times. While the joys abound, the challenges are manifold. Yet it has often been the unexpected challenges of the mission field... Continue Reading

The solution to our spiritual disease is not spiritual formation.  The change we really need is a new heart and the “health” of Jesus Christ. Perfect attendance to spiritual practices does not overcome our sinful nature — that requires the grace of God and the blood of Jesus Christ.   “Spiritual formation” is a hot... Continue Reading

While that turnaround is typically evident in attendance numbers, it is much more than that.  I recently categorized those reasons some churches experience revitalization. I then compared them to churches that have not been revitalized. I found seven differences between the two sets of churches. These are the seven traits unique to the revitalized churches…   I have a... Continue Reading

While living in community, let your theology be shaped and molded as you’re seeing it worked out in a local church. As a point of emphasis, I suggest this be a local church. One. Don’t be the church-hopping person who is a little everywhere, but not completely somewhere. Put value in not just growing your... Continue Reading

“I remain firmly convinced, based upon Scripture and my experience, that pastors should not be in competition with one another. They should support, root for, rejoice in, and serve to ensure the other’s growth. One major implication of being gospel-centered is that we actually want to see the gospel advance. In order to do this... Continue Reading

Northland International University, an evangelical Christian school located in Dunbar, Wisconsin, will become the first campus outside of Louisville for Boyce College, Southern’s undergraduate school. The action is effective Aug. 1, 2015. “The fact that there will be a Boyce College and Southern Seminary campus located in Wisconsin on a campus of this stature is... Continue Reading

As a 51-year-old I’ve had it with the Christian Glitterati obsessed with “success” using ministry as a means to get rich, wear Rolexes and play like they’re Ryan Seacrest. Our world is going to hell and the last thing we need is a preening pastor with a histrionic personality disorder.   Last Thursday evening I... Continue Reading

God explicitly commands his people to care for the fatherless and the sojourner. That is exactly what these children are. They need safe homes, they need the blessing of the hearing the gospel and living in homes order by God’s Word. They need to be covered in prayer. The caseworkers, parents, and everyone involved need... Continue Reading

The college announced a yearlong policy review process in a joint statement issued with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). According to the statement, the agency requested the review “to ensure that the college’s policies and processes are non-discriminatory and that it ensures its ability to foster an atmosphere that respects and... Continue Reading