Involving Children in Service
The following excerpt from The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson really resounded with me this morning: I believe Jesus will hold each of us responsible for the stewardship of the good news he has given us. If we are to succeed in our calling of raising children with hearts for God, then we must...
Mayan Predictions and the Christian Reaction
“If I knew that tomorrow was the end of the world, I would still plant an apple tree today.” –Unknown Tomorrow, 12/21/2012, is supposed to mark the end of the world. Assuming the Mayans were wrong and nothing happens, this will be my fifth time to survive the end of the world (that I know...
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 Reach and Mentor Young Adults
I’ve been talking recently with a friend who is trying desperately to reach young adults with the gospel, especially college students, but feels like its difficult to “speak their language.” So, we’ve been discussing questions like, “How do you begin a mentor-relationship with young adults? How do they think and what do they care about?”...
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...
Big Dreams, Small Steps
The Lord is teaching me so much these days that it’s really difficult to take it all in, but one thing that I’m learning is how to go about starting ministries. As I write this, I would actually love to hear some church planters’ views on launching churches and ministries and how God has given...
Healthy Change
Change is a good thing. Actually I’m trying to talk myself into that as I even type it. But I know it’s true – if we don’t change, flex, shift (not doctrinally of course), it means we’re not willing to grow and learn. It means we think we’ve got it all figured out, and have...
Maintaining Margin
Margin is a reserve from which you may meet the needs of others. It applies to time, energy, money, etc. If you maintain margin in an area, you have a constant reserve available to help other people. Maintaining margin also helps you to have what you personally need in times of crisis. For example, if...
10 Lessons I’ve Learned After 6 Years of Full-Time Ministry
I’ve been in full-time ministry for almost 6½ years as a youth pastor at Kirby Church, and in this time, I’ve learned so much about myself, the Church, and others! As I’ve thought about it and reflected on all that God has shown me, these are 10 lessons I’m learning so far. Truly, they’ve each...
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...
Tips on Keeping Family Time a Priority.
I didn’t want to be a pastor. When I was in high school, I didn’t want to be a pastor for two reasons: (1) I thought that pastors move around every two years and I didn’t want to go through that with people that I love, and (2) Most of the PK’s that...
Having Effective Sermon Planning Meetings.
Most people hate meetings. Most preachers are frustrated with how last-minute their sermon prep is or how ineffective it seems to be. Let this video spur you on to allow God to open up new avenues with you in both areas.
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