Outreach is not easy, but it is simple. The message and the task are clear. “I am sending you as sheep among wolves.” When Jesus wanted to get the attention of the disciples about the dangers of outreach, He went all out. When they preached the good news of Christ, they rarely experienced a warmContinue reading “The Jesus School of Outreach (Part Two) (Spirit-led Outreach Series)”
Category Archives: Leadership
The Jesus School of Effective Outreach (Spirit-led Outreach Series)
How did Jesus train His disciples in outreach? Here’s a hint, it did not include a seminary education or a 16 week DVD series. His technique was simple and powerful. It was so basic than every church leader today can follow. As Jesus began His public ministry, He called people to follow Him. Those whoContinue reading “The Jesus School of Effective Outreach (Spirit-led Outreach Series)”
Book Review: “Me to We” by Alan Nelson
Alan Nelson has discovered one of the greatest hurdles to spiritual growth in the Church today. In his book, Me to We, his goal is simple—expose the hurdle and tear it down. The demolition process is painfully honest, while at the same time refreshingly helpful. Bookstores are linedContinue reading “Book Review: “Me to We” by Alan Nelson”
A Powerful Force
Roscoe the Bull is a monstrous sized bovine. He made his second annual appearance at our “RoundUp Sunday” outreach event a few weeks ago. But even more surprising than this long-horned rib eye carrier was the fact that my three year old son ran with all his might to be second in line to rideContinue reading “A Powerful Force”
Blindfolded Ministry (Four Hurdles Series)
Imagine a Superbowl without a Lombardi trophy or a marathon win without a medal. We are designed by God to be motivated by rewards. These can be external (trophies, medals, degrees, bonuses, etc) or internal, but we look for the results of our effort. Therefore, it is imperative that church leaders help members see theContinue reading “Blindfolded Ministry (Four Hurdles Series)”
Big Scary Volunteer Jobs!
Why are some people afraid to volunteer? What is so scary about serving the Lord? Maybe the problem is created more by the leadership than by the one being asked to serve. The solution is found in smaller proportions. For example, in our backyard, we have a unique species called a worm snake. These areContinue reading “Big Scary Volunteer Jobs!”
Are Pastors Killing the Ministry?
What if the mentality of some (or possibly many) pastors is suffocating ministry? Is it possible that the “superman” role that some pastors embrace is more like krypton to the church than salvation? God does call pastors to lead and equip believers for the work of ministry, but the choice to lord over it andContinue reading “Are Pastors Killing the Ministry?”
Who is “Called?” (Four Hurdles Series)
Decisions, actions, and the words we speak are birthed from our belief system. All possess beliefs about who God is, who we are, and our purpose in this life. Christian discipleship is, at the core, an alignment of our belief system with the thoughts and commands of our Lord and Savior. So, when something goesContinue reading “Who is “Called?” (Four Hurdles Series)”
Four Hurdles For Volunteers (created by Church Leaders)
There is a reason that the average church has 20% or less of the members serving in ministry. Church leaders create too many hurdles. Often this is unintentional, but it warrants our attention. Is it possible that we are making ministry service difficult for most believers? There are four particular hurdles that I want toContinue reading “Four Hurdles For Volunteers (created by Church Leaders)”
What are 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 thatContinue reading “What are Spiritual Gifts?”
Shepherding Well 