“We don’t want sawdust in the pulpit.”
Around a year ago I likened seminary to a Dewalt drill. I’m definitely not a big tough tool kind of guy, but this past week one of my professors, @kyledunham, said something that provided some clarity in my constant search for balance between the complexity of seminary studies and practicality in the pulpit… he said,...
What I Learned at the Wilson County Fair
Last night was my family’s first experience at the Wilson County Fair and that’s exactly what it was – an experience. Between petting zoos, hypnotists, chainsaw carvings, and deep-fried EVERYTHING, what more could anyone want in life?? We honestly had such a great time! But God reminded me of something while we were there that...
Your First 90 Days in the Ministry
I recently read a few articles and books on starting a new ministry or beginning ministry for the first time. I would say that there are some common-thread principles to set out doing for anyone just jumping into ministry or for those launching a ministry. So, if that’s you, let these simple concepts be a...
How To Rise Above Discouragement
Whenever you feel discouraged or down, it can just put you in a funk. If you feel jealous of someone else or your feelings get hurt because of something that someone said or didn’t say, it can really affect your entire week. So, what should you do when you find yourself in situations like this?...
How To Set Right Priorities
One of the biggest things people need to think about, especially young adults and college students, is learning how to prioritize. Dads knowing how to make family time count, being able to create a consistent quiet time with the Lord, knowing how to tackle projects on the job, studying rather than cramming – if you...
Mainstream: The End or a Means to an End?
During my high school years from 1997-2001, all the cool kids had ‘em. If you were a teenager at the turn of the century, you know what I’m talking about–W.W.J.D. bracelets! I had a couple different ones that matched my outfits. Along with those, I had a full array of Jesus bracelets… FROG, PUSH, and a...
Is it Methods, or Scriptural Faithfulness?
I watched part of a free online event yesterday for preachers called “Preach Better Sermons.” Of the 45 minutes or so I watched, it was all about practicality–which is a good thing. However, I sensed some tension inside of me as I watched. Tension between the emphasis of Andy Stanley and Perry Noble with...
My Craziest 10 Days in the Ministry
This picture, colored by Aaron on my iPad, is how I felt at the end of what I am officially calling “my craziest 10 days in the ministry.” When I say “crazy” I don’t mean scattered, unorganized and frustrating. In fact, it was none of these things. But with all the extra stuff I had...
Discouragement, Resentment, and Jealousy.
Have you ever thought about how every single person you serve in each and every situation you live out actually represents the Lord? Think about that. Every person you speak to today REPRESENTS Christ. How well you serve them, how you treat them, what you say behind their backs or thoughts you think in your...
There Should Be No Greater Challenge.
I’ve been reading through the Gospels with a few of our students and staff and have noticed an incredible truth about Jesus. There’s TONS of times throughout His life on earth that He laid down a specific truth or command for those He was speaking to and Scripture would follow this teaching with something like,...
Starting Seminary
I’m going to do it. I’ve been tossing around and praying about the idea since I graduated in 2005 – now I am officially a seminary student. If I stay on track, I’ll finish a Master of Biblical Studies in 2 years and an M.Div in an additional 4 years and if I have an...
VIDEO-tips for worship choruses
We’re all familiar with that scratchy guitar sound that begins to grate your nerves after the 3rd chorus. Here’s a video post to assist in giving variety to your playing. Examples of other simple choruses with the 1-2-strum-strum pattern All in All Shout to the Lord As the Deer My Chains Are Gone Examples...
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