How can a pastor encourage people to get plugged into missions both here and there? This episode is brought to you by Ministry Grid and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more [...]
Easter Sunday is now over. Pastor, you’re probably a little tired. Church leader, your energy level might be lower than usual for the next twenty-four hours. It’s expected. Most churches pour into Easter Sunday. They should. Easter is one of the major highlights of the church calendar. Jesus’ resurrection is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. The calling of a pastor is one of continuing the resurrection celebration. Easter is the “big day” in many ways, a grand celebration Read more [...]
My Palm Sunday text was Luke 19:28-44. Our victory is possible only through the sacrifice of Christ. King Jesus gives victory to those who worship Him. Victorious worship is sacrificial and contagious. King Jesus weeps for those who war against Him.
How and when do you install a new leader after a transition or a change? This episode breaks down that important step and the considerations that need to be made. This episode is brought to you by Ministry Grid and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more [...]
My body hums on Sunday evenings. Literally, I feel like a low frequency buzz emanates from my extremities. I preach in three back-to-back-to-back services, and on many Sundays I have additional speaking requirements in the afternoon and evening. By the time I come home on Sunday evening, my mind is fried. My soul is fulfilled, but I reach the physical limitations of my body. I wake up on Mondays excited about the next round, but my body is usually sluggish. It’s part of the adrenaline Read more [...]
I’m preaching a series through the first half of the book of Acts called “Launch.” This sermon covers Acts 2:42-47. Devotion is the catalyst for growth and sacrifice. A devoted church gets the attention of the neighborhood. A devoted church is hungry every day.
The three of us are finally back together! We discuss how you can continue your education while pastoring a church. Do pastors really need an M.Div.? Is doctoral work worth it? We share our wounds and our victories in trying to get a degree while pastoring a church. This episode is brought to you by Ministry Grid and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more [...]
Leadership requires initiative. Healthy relationships require initiative. A pastor without initiative will struggle to feed sheep. In John 21, Jesus gives Peter the three-fold command to “Feed my sheep.” The context of this command is the question of love. Pastor, do you love Jesus? Then you will take the initiative to feed his sheep. You’re the leader. You must take the initiative, especially with relationships in the church. Many pastors rigorously protect their study time in Read more [...]
https://www.speakcdn.com/assets/2079/180311_launch_certainty.mp3 I’m preaching a series through the first half of the book of Acts called “Launch.” This sermon covers Acts 2:14-41. When uncertainty shakes you, God’s certainty secures you. The time you have left is uncertain, but the place of eternity is certain. Death will hold you captive when you try to control it. Death loses its power when we believe in the resurrection of Jesus. The certainty of grace gives you Read more [...]
Every church has a pace built into the culture of its people. Some churches move more slowly. Some move more quickly. While most established churches likely need to pick up the pace, a slow pace does not necessarily mean the church is complacent. Complacent churches are self-satisfied and are unwilling to address problems. Unfortunately, far too many churches are complacent. But don’t confuse complacency with a slow pace. Some congregations are willing to move forward; it just takes Read more [...]