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...
Why We Should Share Struggles With Other Christians
Why should we be willing to share our temptations and struggles with fellow members of the body of Christ? Russell Moore gives a great answer in his book Tempted and Tried. The self-humbling spirit of Christ that comes to us in our initial act of repentance, signified in our baptism in Christ, manifests itself throughout...
What’s the Biggest Detriment to Corporate Worship Today?
Recently, I was asked this question by a group of college students and young adults and I found it an intriguing question. My first thought was, “The biggest detriment in corporate worship services today has to be judgmental attitudes.” Pharisaical ways of judging people, watching others intently with the heart to discredit their sincerity or...
Reflections on the D6 NEXT Conference
Reflections from the D6 NEXT Conference 8. Matt Markins and the Randall House team know how to put on a conference. The level of professionalism was outstanding. 7. David Platt reminds me of an OT prophet – not that I’ve personally met any OT prophets. When RH launched into the Faith at Home movement, I...
The Holy Spirit: Is That Like Magic Whiskey?
What do you desire your walk with Christ to look like? If you’re a pastor, what type of corporate journey do you think God wants to see in your local church? One thing I desire is to have a personal and communal faith that follows the guiding of the Holy Spirit with Christ-like sensitivity. To help my...
Trouble at UNC
Homosexual sex, the issue that refuses to go away; an issue where competing views of Scripture, legal rights, communal responsibility and individual freedom collide head-on. The current controversy surrounding a UNC Christian a capella group’s decision to ask a member who publicly embraced homosexuality to leave the group has created major waves in the Chapel Hill area. ...
FIRST YEAR CHANGE – MORE EMPHASIS ON MISSIONS
During your first year of pastoral ministry you have limited congregational credit. Nothing is inherently wrong with that. The best way to build more credit is to consistently bring solid messages from scripture. I’m not the greatest preacher in the world (like you needed to be told that), but my congregation does know that I’m...
Should A Pastor Make Big Changes The First Year At A Church – YES!
If you asked me before accepting the call to my first pastorate, should a pastor make big changes his first year at a church? My reply would have been a resounding, NO. Since then I’ve flipped flopped on that question. My current answer is different. Yes, a pastor should introduce big changes his first year (if...
50 Beautiful Churches
I would appreciate your prayers as I travel to the National gathering of Free Will Baptist tomorrow. Time probably will not permit blogging next week, but I’ll try to put up a few links worth a look. Below is a great one with 50 of the world’s most beautiful churches. http://www.boredpanda.com/50-most-extraordinary-churches-of-the-world/
Spreading the Word
For those of you who love, serve, and participate in your local church, how does your church go about spreading the word to your community about God’s work in your congregation? I am interested in knowing for two reasons: (1) the local church I help pastor is working on a set of intentional steps to...
Is It Really Just Semantics?
Lately I have been really convicted about my speech. But not in the way you might think. Allow me to explain… When I speak in Spanish, I work really hard to try to find the right words that communicate my thoughts as accurately as possible. When I speak in English, though, I use the words...
FOUR REFLECTIONS FROM THE FIRST YEAR PASTORING
Last week brought the last business meeting from my first year as a lead pastor. God’s been good to our congregation, and it was exciting to outline goals for the coming year. Now I am no master yoda, but here are four simple reflections I have for young pastors. When people trust you will bring a clear...
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