In episode 43, Josh interviews Steve Bezner, a pastor in Houston. They discuss the recent devastation left by Hurricane Harvey and how an established church can prepare and respond to natural disasters. This episode is brought to you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Trained Up, and LifeWay Pastors. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more [...]
Most had written us off. Like a bad asset on a balance sheet, our value was reduced to nil. Few showed up to monthly meetings. I don’t blame them. We’re a small local association—just twenty-four churches. We’ve struggled to revive our partnership. The comment floated more than a few times: “Is it worth it?” I’ve had the same thoughts. In our denomination, an association is a group of local churches tied to a specific geographic area. Think of it as a network of churches Read more [...]
I’m preaching a series called “Summer in the Psalms.” In Psalm 139, we learn about God’s presence. God’s presence holds you together. God’s presence should threaten and convict you. God’s presence should comfort and delight you.
In episode 42, we talk about the importance and impact of the pulpit ministry. There are a number of things to think through as we consider the role and power of the person who preaches regularly in an established church. This episode is brought to you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Trained Up, and LifeWay Pastors. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more [...]
Hand-written notes are rare. Electronic communication has all but erased the whimsy of cursive writing. The average adult writes something by hand about every 41 days, much less a hand-written note snail-mailed to a friend. The average home receives a personal letter in the mail every seven weeks. In our wired world, hand-written notes seem to be a waste of time and money. Who would have thought 50 years ago that a postage stamp would cost much more than wireless texting through the Read more [...]
I’m preaching a series called “Summer in the Psalms.” In Psalm 81, we learn about obedience. Even the best of the world will send you into the wilderness. True satisfaction is found in obedience to God. When you obey, you meet God in the wilderness. When you obey, God brings good out of the most unexpected and unpromising situations. The wilderness will make you more sour or more sweet.
In this episode, we talk about forming a vision and leading your church to grasp the vision God has for it. After listening, jump on social media and let us know what your church's vision statement is. This episode is brought to you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Trained Up, and LifeWay Pastors. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more [...]
As you lead an established church to greater health, you will have to demonstrate a great deal of balance. Being an established church pastor is an exercise in paradox. Look at a few of the tensions you must keep in balance. Spiritual and Pragmatic. You must give priority to prayer. You must be open to new methodologies that will help your church become healthier. You will need to be a consumer of the latest practical writings on church health, but you must also be aware that only a Read more [...]
I’m preaching a series called “Summer in the Psalms.” In Psalm 15, we learn about integrity. Believers who approach God with integrity will be able to stand before Him. Integrity is a daily pattern of honesty. Integrity does not take advantage of gray areas. Integrity can be painful. Integrity requires sacrifice.
In this episode, we interview Pastor Russ Barksdale about the major and minor systems needed in a healthy growing church. We also touch on how to get started and what to do when you want to quit. This episode is brought to you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Trained Up, and LifeWay Pastors. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more [...]