What does the sport of wrestling have to do with church? Pastor Jim Putman would give the answer of “everything” in his book, Church is a Team Sport, because people understand sports better than they do church. Putman was a three time All-American collegiate wrestler who came to Christ after college. For ten years, he […]
April 5, 2013
Short URL church, equipping, gospel, Jesus, Putman, shepherd, team, Team Sport Book Reviews, Equipping, Leadership, Ministry, Training
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Today’s Reading: Matthew 5:23-26 (HCSB) So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Reach a settlement quickly with […]
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If non-Christians are not knocking down your door to get into the church, maybe your focus is wrong. I am not suggesting a seeker-friendly service or gimmicks to get people in. According to Rick Risaw and Eric Swanson, getting people into church means we must first get out of church. In their book, The Externally […]
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There she goes. The Lone “Reacher.” Riding off into the sunset after a long, but eventful day of sharing the Gospel. She is a seasoned evangelist who can take down almost any argument against God. There are few who are like her. Maybe that is a good thing. While some people enjoy the solitude of […]
The potential to radically impact the world for Christ that is partially due to a missing link. Many believers have not made the connection between the gifts of the Spirit they possess and the call of Christ to share the Gospel. The fact is that most Christians do not share the Gospel. In addition, less […]
January 1, 2012
Short URL church, gospel, outreach, reaching, sharing Evangelism, Ministry, Outreach, Spiritual Gifts
What is a “spiritual gift?” Some churches talk about these, others never mention them, and some talk about them all the time. Few issues have garnered more controversy in the Church than gifts of the Spirit. But what are they? Bruce Bugbee offers a definition of “what” for spiritual gifts as “Specially endowed abilities that […]
August 13, 2011
Short URL church, Empower, Holy Spirit, Leadership, spiritual gifts Holy Spirit, Leadership, Ministry, Spiritual Gifts, theology
What if the Church is leaving a great resource largely untapped? What if the key to church growth and reaching the world for Christ is right in front of our nose? The potential to radically impact the world for Christ is unrealized because applicable principles regarding spiritual gifts are not being taught. Sullivan County, New […]
August 12, 2011
Short URL believers, church, gifts, Holy Spirit, placement, potential, Serving, spiritual gifts Equipping, Holy Spirit, Leadership, Ministry, Spiritual Gifts
“Help me find the ministry that God has for me in this church. I want to serve so that I can help others, but I need to know what to do, how to do it, and how I am doing. Sincerely, A Church Member.” This is the cry of a church member who is following […]
July 26, 2011
Short URL church, Empower, life-change, recruitment, training, Volunteers 5 Things Series, Leadership, Ministry, Recruiting, Volunteers
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Some fellow pastors think I am crazy. I honestly expect that every church should have 100% of the believers in the congregations involved in active ministry. Is this unrealistic to expect that every person in my church who has trusted Christ for salvation would use their gifts and time to serve others? But I find that some […]