Everyone needs to hear the words “I love you.” I tell my wife and my children all the time. The phrase is more than trite acknowledgement. It’s consistent assurance I will stick to my covenantal commitment in the relationship. Churches are no different. They need to hear “I love you” from their pastors regularly. Here are ten things I love about my church. These items are not the only things I love, just what strikes me as I write this week. Encouragement. I receive a Read more [...]
What you do with your wealth reveals what you believe about God. An arrogant person tries to use wealth to control the future or others. A wise person works to find God’s will. Arrogance about wealth leads to anxiety about losing it. Trusting God with your wealth leads to sacrificial giving.
Leading an established church is not the trendiest of ministry endeavors. If the cornerstone on your church reads “est. 1961,” then I’ll venture a guess that you have more khakis and blazers on Sunday morning than vintage t-shirts and Wayfarers. Most established churches aren’t trendy, but they are a lot of fun. Obviously, the primary calling of the church is gospel work, not having fun. And leading some established churches can be tough. I’ve been forced to resign without Read more [...]
Pride says, “I am mine.” Humility says, “I am His.” Prideful people fear losing the source of their pride. Humble people fear nothing other than God. Pride leaves you with a small heart for others. Humility enables you to show the greatness of God’s grace.
Three notable articles I read this week: H. B. Charles – A prayer for the new school year. Lots of students head back to school this time of year. Take a moment and pray this prayer for the schools in your community. Chuck Lawless – 9 values of a church staff retreat. Does your staff need a retreat? Chuck shares some reasons why you might consider it. Ed Stetzer – Are young evangelicals more liberal than their parents? “It is easy to simply play ‘blame the millennial’ Read more [...]
I have a tendency towards restlessness. Part of the cause is my childhood. My family moved several times. As an adult, I’ve moved several times. At 36, I’ve yet to live in the same place longer than four years. I’m thankful for this background. I pastor in Southwest Florida, where everyone is from everywhere. I can relate well to a place that is anything but homogenous. The ever-changing cultural dynamic of Florida makes me feel at home. I’m at ease in the restlessness of Florida. If Read more [...]
What is on your tongue is often in your heart. Healing words are truthful and loving. Wounding words are untruthful and unloving. God’s wisdom gives us healing words.
Three notable articles I read this week: Eric Geiger – 4 groups to whom a leader should listen. Geiger nails this one with solid content and solid grammar (i.e. “to whom” in the title as an objective pronoun). Art Rainer – 3 signs that giving online to your church may not be right for you. Monetary transactions have moved from gold to coin to paper to digital, so online giving is a necessity for churches. But Art gives good practical advice for those who may need to avoid giving Read more [...]
My church has four services on Sunday: 8am traditional, 9:30am contemporary, 10:30am en Español, and 11:00am blended. I preach the three services in English, and our Hispanic pastor preaches the service in Spanish. With four services on a Sunday morning, why do people choose one service over another? I’ll give you six reasons from the perspective of my church. However, I believe these reasons apply to many churches offering multiple services. Language preference. This reason is Read more [...]
How we live proves who we are. You can have faith in the facts about Jesus but not be committed to Him. A dead faith is revealed by an empty confession, a false compassion, and life without fruit. A living faith proves to others you believe what you say about Jesus.
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