During my second full week of pastoring, one of the ladies of our church made a disturbing comment. Looking back, I believe her comment probably describes the attitude of many other churches and their members. Our church was getting ready to construct a new building when I was hired. I’m sure the lady meant well, …
Tag Archives: ministry
Don’t Discount Students
Today begins the 27th annual SOAR student conference. I attended the first SOAR conference as a seventh grader who was more interested in girls than God’s Word. During one of the sessions, the conference’s founder, Bobby Tucker, shared the story of a girl who had begun a Bible club at her school. For some reason, …
We Love Gay People
Several years ago, I published this article in a denominational paper. Needless to say, it received mixed reviews -some positive, some negative. Nonetheless, I think the issue is just as important as it was then -and certainly more relevant. I look forward to hearing your feedback. Let’s put this in perspective. Fact: Homosexuality is …
Consider a Coach for Your Church
For two years my son played tee-ball. This year, he graduated to pitching machine league. The transition was not easy. To help Bryce make the adjustment, I took him to the batting cages where he could practice with a pitching machine. I bought some tokens to place in the machine, and Bryce stepped into the …
Why Evaluating Your Church is Biblical
As a pastor, I hated the idea of evaluation. It sounded too much like a way to open myself up to needless criticism. After all, who really wants to invite an outsider to tell them what they are doing wrong, add more “to do’s” to their list, or make them feel guilty for what they …
5 Character Traits of Growing Churches (Excerpt)
Here is an excerpt from my new free e-booklet, Five Character Traits of Growing Churches: “He sure is growing up.” That’s a common phrase around my household. I swell up with a sense of pride as neighbors, friends and family notice my son’s growth. Bryce is six now and it is hard to keep up with …
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Multiple Hats: 5 Advantages of Bi-Vocational Pastors
Jeff wears multiple hats. He pastors a church and works full-time in the medical field. After a long night shift, Jeff and I met at a local coffee shop. Although I knew he must have been exhausted, the topic of local church ministry brought about an energy and passion to his voice. In the midst of …
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God Equips When We Obey
I remember one of the first days I was pastor of Wyatt Baptist Church in El Dorado, Arkansas I called on a man to pray, and silence followed -much silence. Finally, I heard the man say, “I pass.” I was a little stunned to say the least. I didn’t know you could “pass” on public …
Power of a Praying Pastor
In Mark 9:14-29, Christ’s disciples encounter a boy who has been plagued with demons. As a result, the boy was blind and mute. He frequently was thrown to the ground in violent fits. He would foam and the mouth and grind down his teeth. The demons would even cause him to fall into water and …
How to Kill a Ministry Idea
Few things are as difficult for churches as laying a ministry to rest. Just take a look at the weekly calendar for most churches. Nobody wants to admit defeat. Sometimes a ministry has been fruitful for decades and has simply run its course. What an opportunity to rejoice (at a ministry funeral). Other ministries may …