It’s one of the most pervasive Christian lies: “I’ll pray for you.” Sure, some of us remember, but many of us do not. I’m certain most of us have good intentions. Then we forget. Perhaps the word “lie” is too strong for any one instance. But if we consistently tell people we’ll pray and never do, then we’re lying. I’m guilty of this lie, likely more than I realize. In the moment, my intentions are good. I want to assure the person. I want them to know I care. Then Read more [...]
I began a new series last week called “Angels, Demons, Heaven, and Hell.” The series started with the topic of angels. The existence of angels points us to the reality of God’s will. Angels reveal the reality of God’s love. Angels reveal the reality of God’s protection. Angels reveal the reality of God’s holiness.
Three notable articles I read this week: Joshua Straub – 7 ways to prioritize your family in 2017. “Family was his priority. That’s why, in 2017, I thought it would be good to spell out 7 ways we can ‘embrace the moment’ as a reality, not a cliché.” Jeremy Roberts – 6 adjustments pastors should make to their schedules in 2017. “It is time to have a fresh start, reassess what you do, why you do it, where you’re going, etc. As you enter a new year, I encourage you to Read more [...]
Sam and Josh interview Thom Rainer, president of LifeWay Christian Resources, and they discuss what a healthy church will look like in 10 years. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more [...]
“A family from your church wants to join our church.” The other pastor was genuine in his request, and it’s not a conversation I have often. First, we don’t have many people transferring into our church from other churches. Second, we don’t have many people transferring out either. In this instance, the reasons were noble for leaving our church and going to another church. I’m glad we had a conversation about it. Transfer growth occurs when a church member moves his or Read more [...]
This month, I will sit down with each staff person at West Bradenton and work through a list of goals for 2017. The meetings will be mundane and unemotional, but completely necessary. Without these goals, the pathway through the year lacks clarity, like a group of people navigating a trip with unstated directions in their heads and no agreed upon route to a particular destination. That’s how horror movies begin. Annual goals should be more tactical and less visionary. Tactics are the Read more [...]
We’re spending time with family this week, so I’m making this post simple.
Luke 19:10 sums up the whole point of Christmas: “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.” – Jesus Christ
Let’s share this message with the world.
Micah interviews pastor Ron Edmondson, and they discuss leadership issues in the established church. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more [...]
The church does not speak enough about mental illness. It’s a significant issue that remains largely silent in most churches. The church can do more. The church should do more. In fact, research reveals that 65% of family members in a household of someone with acute mental illness believe the church should talk more openly about the subject so the topic will not be taboo. Yet two-thirds of pastors rarely or never highlight mental illness in their sermons or large-group gatherings. The Read more [...]
Matthew 2:1-12: When you confess Jesus is King, you must submit to His sovereignty. It’s easy to miss God’s obvious glory if you’re focused on yourself. Jesus is not a king made in our image. We are made in His image.
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