What role if any do networks, associations, and denominations play in the life of the local established church? Do they have any benefit for the lead pastors? Micah, Josh, and I discuss the positives and negatives of these groups. This episode is brought you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and LifeWay Pastors. With Southeastern learn how you can GO to reach your community, your nation, and your world. Where are you going? Southeastern will help you get Read more [...]
I’m in Phoenix this week sweating it out at the annual meeting for Southern Baptists. In essence, the gathering is a giant, two-day church business meeting with thousands of people. Robert’s Rules of Order keeps the chaos at bay. Every year I’m here, ballot in hand. I love my tribe. Many of my readers may not be familiar with the Southern Baptist Convention. That’s understandable—there are plenty of other networks, associations, and denominations that do kingdom work. For this Read more [...]
This sermon series is based on Old Testament characters. The point of the series is to explain how God draws us near. This sermon covers the character of Sarah. A personal encounter with an all-powerful God changes you. God does not bless you without changing you. God brings us close with impossible wonder.
You are as responsible for how you leave a church as you are for how you lead it. In this episode Micah, Josh, and I discuss the complexities involved in the decision to leave a church. We cover topics like when you should announce, what you should do in the interim, and what your first priority at the new post should be. This episode is brought you by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and LifeWay Pastors. With Southeastern learn how you can GO to reach your Read more [...]
My brother’s new book was just released. You should check it out! Below is a short description of the book. Many people in our churches are experiencing significant financial stress. This stress is impacting careers, ministries, marriages, families, and generosity. They are afraid of their current financial situation, and they are afraid of what their future financial picture will look like. This is not God’s desire for us. God does not want money to burden and enslave us. God Read more [...]
How much should pastors know about the giving patterns of church members? Is there ever a time when the specific amounts should be known by the pastors or elders? Micah, Josh, and I talk through this topic and explore ideas on how a pastor can encourage accountability when it comes to the stewardship of the church. This episode brought to you by the Christian Standard Bible. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, Read more [...]
When a World War II veteran wants to open up, I listen. There are too few of them left. The ones still with us don’t often speak of their experiences. And as a Millennial, I’m far removed from their generation and know little about the world that shaped them. So, I listen to learn. I listen to their memories. A memorial is established to remind people of something. The Bible has several such memorials. In the Old Testament, the Passover was established as a memorial of God’s deliverance. Read more [...]
http://www.westbradenton.org/assets/2079/170521_dntg_elijah_listens.mp3 This sermon series is based on Old Testament characters. The point of the series is to explain how God draws us near. This sermon covers the character of Elijah. In the commotion of sin, grace is found in the quietness of God’s voice. Your sin is loud and distracting. Your sin creates an elevated sense of self-importance. We often want to find God in the dramatic when all we need is His whisper. A Read more [...]
Trevin Wax from LifeWay guest hosts the show and discusses the philosophy behind the new Christian Standard Bible. They also discuss the implications of a church having an official Bible translation and why it can be helpful. This episode brought to you by the Christian Standard Bible. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more [...]
This week I defend my dissertation. Finally. Assuming all goes well, I’ll earn a Ph.D. in leadership. I look forward to playing with my children and sleeping once again. I’m grateful to Dallas Baptist University and Dr. Adam Wright, my committee chair—incredible influences shaping me into a better leader. If you’re considering a school, then DBU should be on your list. My topic and dissertation title is “Legacy Church Leadership in the Southern Baptist Convention.” At some Read more [...]
Five Ways to Heal the Negativity of the Election Season in Your Church
How Many Extra Hours Are Pastors Working During COVID-19?
Pastor, You’re Tired. Maybe It’s Right Where You Need to Be
EST.church Podcast: When Pastors and Deacons Do Ministry Together
What Happened When We Changed the Order of Our Worship Services
Leading a Whiteboard Session with Your Staff or Church Leaders