Sermon illustrations can be helpful, but many preachers feel inadequate in the area of selecting and delivering them. Sam, Micah, and Josh share a few of the best resources for finding sermon illustrations, as well as some "do nots" on the topic. This episode is brought to you by Ministry Grid and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more [...]
Should churches count and add the online viewers of services like Facebook live to their worship numbers? We discuss this modern trend and the temptations behind it. This episode is brought to you by Ministry Grid and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more [...]
Memorable moments happen in real time and at ground level. When you talk to long-time church members about a deep love for their pastor, they speak of presence—the times when the pastor was there. Why do you love your pastor? Nobody answers the question, “Stage presence” or “social media following” or “writing ability” or “leadership acumen.” Most often, church members answer with a personal anecdote of when the pastor was simply there, present in real time and at ground Read more [...]
How can you help people while at the same time being strategic? What are best practices with benevolence ministry in the church? This episode is brought to you by Ministry Grid and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Subscribe: iTunes ● Google Play Follow us on Twitter: @estchurch, @jowiki, @micahfries, and @samrainer. Read more [...]
Not all my readers are Baptists. For those of you who do not hold to my convictions, I’m not trying to stir the theological pot. For those of you who practice immersion, however, I want to provide some practical tips. I believe the few minutes just before a baptism should be intentional and strategic. First, I’m assuming a careful process leading up to the baptism. It should be taught. The person being baptized should talk with a trusted church leader or pastor. This person should Read more [...]
If you’re a ministry leader, you likely get the request often. It’s an understandable—and often legitimate—request. Most church leaders field a lot of requests from ministries wanting to be mission partners. I can’t blame them. If you believe in your ministry, then you should want as many mission partners as possible. Churches are often the first place people seek help, and I understand the desire to raise a lot of support. The Internet age makes it much easier for independent Read more [...]
Sundays require stamina. We have four worship services—one in Spanish and three in English. I preach the three English-speaking services: 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. I have to train my body and mind to keep the energy up throughout the morning. Often, I have at least one, if not two other speaking responsibilities following the three morning services. It may seem strange, but I have to be strategic with the time between each of the services. People approach me in rapid-fire Read more [...]
I’m preaching a series through the first half of the book of Acts called “Launch.” This sermon covers Acts 4:1-37. Being a good person is not the same as being a bold believer. Bold believers stand where they are saved. Bold believers seize the opportunity to share God’s love with others.
I’m joining my podcast co-hosts, Fries and King, in Dallas for a one-day event. If you are an established church pastor, then this event is for you! Come hang out with others who are as passionate as we are about the established church. Click here to learn more about the first Est.Church Conference. Leading the established church requires a different kind of approach. Have you tried to initiate change but keep getting stuck? Learn from others here! We want your whole team at Read more [...]
My Easter text was 1 Corinthians 1:18-21. The god of human opinion will divide us, but the foolishness of God will unite us.