Preaching: Why, How, and Some Don’ts
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a pastor? Probably, it’s preaching. In every church I’ve served there were people who just called me “Preacher.” In this day of videos and podcasts, there’s still amazing power in face-to-face, in-person communication, especially when it’s anointed by the Holy Spirit of God.
Worship Services and Celebrations
Honor the LORD for the glory of his name. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. - Psalm 29:2 When most people think of church, they think of the weekly worship service. It’s where visitors visit, and it may be the only spiritual activity of the week,...
Vision and Mission and Meetings, Oh My! Authority and Decision-Making in the Local Church
All true churches recognize God as the ultimate authority. They don’t all agree on the best way to hear and do what God is saying. Who has authority to state God’s direction? Who decides what to do about it? Who actually does the work, and how? Our understanding of how God speaks to his people, and how we work to carry out his will, largely determines how we organize our churches.
Don’t Apply Old Testament Principles to Church Age Prophecies
We can be misled when we apply Old Testament principals to church-age prophecy.
Coronavirus: What Should We Do?
A young Pakistani Christian working in a foreign country asked me, “Kindly I need your direction as in concern of the situation now. As a Christian, what should I do?” Here’s my response: Dear [name], All I can tell you is what I’m doing and why. First, I’m not...
The Top 30 Rules for Pastors
I compiled this list some years ago, to remind myself of what is important in how to be a pastor and lead a church. The order is more or less random. 1. Worship until the joy comes 2. Surround yourself with prayer...
Is This the Beginning of Revival?
Last night I was blessed to be at a unique gathering. It’s early, but it’s exciting. It has all the signs of the beginning of revival.
How to Leave a Church
I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. 1 Corinthians 3:6 Perhaps you serve in a tradition like mine, where a bishop moves pastors from church to church, matching needs with gifts. In other traditions, local...
The Pastor’s Family
Do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 God does not require pastors to be married, though most are. If you don’t have a family of your own, I...
The Pastor’s Personal Life
So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 Much to the surprise of some church folks, pastors are people, too. We have personal lives that are not necessarily all bound up in the church. You have personal time,...
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