In this episode, Micah and I discuss the benefits of continuing education while pastoring an established church. This episode is brought to you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and LifeWay Pastors. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more [...]
In my 12 years of serving on staff at churches, and in my 18 years of ministry, I’ve noticed a trend that disturbs me. At first, I didn’t do much to solve the problem. I should have done more. Now I voice concern, and I hope I’m a helpful voice. Women on church staff tend to make less than men for similar roles. Depending on how researchers do the math, the current pay gap for women on church staff is between twenty-four cents and seven cents, meaning women make anywhere between Read more [...]
Here we are: Episode 52! We’ve been at it a year now. We appreciate all of our listeners, even you curmudgeons. In this episode, Josh, Micah, and I discuss the more prevalent forms of church polity. We talk elders, committees, and staff leadership. This episode is brought to you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and LifeWay Pastors. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more [...]
I puked in a live mic once. The sound guy was asleep, so he didn’t notice I had turned green. I simply said, “And that concludes my sermon,” walked off stage, passed out, and exorcized a spaghetti dinner. Nobody walked the aisle that Sunday. You get sick. In many cases, you still have to preach, though I recommend a fill-in if you have the stomach bug. And sometimes life sucks, but “I’m in a crappy mood” is not a good excuse for pulpit hooky. Even when I’m feeling my Read more [...]
I’m preaching verse-by-verse through the book of Galatians. This sermon covers Galatians 3:1-9. Spirituality detached from the Holy Spirit is neither from God nor His Truth. Knowing God: The Holy Spirit initiatives and completes your salvation. Knowing Truth: The Holy Spirit shows you how Scripture is alive.
Our staff reads a couple of books together each year. The pace is slow, and we cover a chapter a week. Right now, we’re going through Whitney’s Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. Our Life Groups pastor leads the discussion and asks questions. Not everyone likes to read, and you don’t want staff meetings to turn into a book club. However, the discipline of reading together is worthwhile. Before diving into a book, consider these guidelines. Pick out a book that will Read more [...]
We’ve reached a milestone: Episode 50! Josh, Micah, and I discuss how we craft our sermons every week. This episode is brought to you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and LifeWay Pastors. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more [...]
I’m weird. I like meetings. They are an opportunity to interact with people. Being an extrovert, I enjoy the collaboration of teamwork. Not all meetings are created equal. Church staff meetings can wander into theological briars and get stuck. Discussions about facility requests can circle on a roundabout like Clark Griswold in London. Some church staff probably think the “lead” in lead pastor needs to change to “tangent” (I’m guilty!). There are several approaches to Read more [...]
I’m preaching verse-by-verse through the book of Galatians. This sermon covers Galatians 2:1-10. When you lose the Truth of the gospel, you lose the freedom of the gospel. Freedom is not about what you do, but rather about what Jesus did. Whatever is false leads to slavery.
In episode 49, Josh, Micah, and I discuss budget planning and how to think through a budget strategy for churches of all sizes. This episode is brought to you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and LifeWay Pastors. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more [...]