Are believers in Christ working so much at their jobs that they don’t have time to minister to people? One trend that has influenced volunteer ministry in the church is the career decisions of believers. Marlene Wilson acknowledges that the times have changed. “The fact is that people are volunteering- just not in the waysContinue reading “Do I Owe My Soul to the Company Store? (Ministry Trends Series)”
Category Archives: Leadership
Families: A Help or Hindrance to Ministry Service? (Ministry Trends Series)
Family dynamics have changed the look of volunteer ministry. Churches that refuse to recognize this change will inevitably see a decline not only in ministry participation but also in the spiritual growth of the congregation. Families look different today than when I was a kid (BTW, I am only 37 years old). We did notContinue reading “Families: A Help or Hindrance to Ministry Service? (Ministry Trends Series)”
Are People Still Volunteering? (Ministry Trends Series)
“Times have changed. People are not interested in serving in the church.” This was the statement of a frustrated and overworked pastor. He was right and wrong at the same time. Today is different than fifty years ago. I disagree, however, that people are less interested. Churches that refuse to adapt to changing trends inContinue reading “Are People Still Volunteering? (Ministry Trends Series)”
Is 100% Possible? (Grammatically Correct Church Series)
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 someContinue reading “Is 100% Possible? (Grammatically Correct Church Series)”
Ministry: Whose Job is it Anyway? (The Grammatically-Correct Church)
By definition, ministry leaves an impact on others. Bill Hybels states, “Each volunteer we add means that one more Christ follower is discovering the thrill of serving, and one more spiritual need is being met.” (The Church Leader’s Answer Book, 364) When conducted God’s way, ministry is a real joy. I wonder how many pastorsContinue reading “Ministry: Whose Job is it Anyway? (The Grammatically-Correct Church)”
Haunted by a Fallacy (The Grammatically-Correct Church)
“Church” is not a verb (something done to people), nor is it an adjective (a kind of formal clothes). It is a noun that describes neither a place nor a thing (a building or an organization). Likewise, ministry is neither a profession and ministers are not merely paid professions (and I am being paid toContinue reading “Haunted by a Fallacy (The Grammatically-Correct Church)”
Poll: What is the role of church leaders?
Do you agree or disagree with this statement: “That’s our job as pastors and teachers, not to do works of service for people, but rather to prepare, to train, to empower God’s people for works of service.” – from Me to We by Alan Nelson (48) Note- Anyone can vote in this poll, even ifContinue reading “Poll: What is the role of church leaders?”
Book Review: “Everyone Communicates, Few Connect” by John Maxwell
What makes a book a “must read?” The potential to change lives. To make a difference in others, we must connect. Maxwell states, “…connecting is everything when it comes to communication.” I would take this one step further, connecting is essential in following the command of our Lord to make disciples. Connecting is what theContinue reading “Book Review: “Everyone Communicates, Few Connect” by John Maxwell”
Spirit-o-Phobia (Greater Works Series)
At age fifteen, I had no choice. If I wanted to learn how to drive a vehicle and take the test to get my license, I had to learn to drive a “stick shift.” That extra pedal on the left and thing between the seats caused me more fear than the act of driving orContinue reading “Spirit-o-Phobia (Greater Works Series)”
Two Necessities for Doing “Greater Things” (Greater Works Series)
Some people say that the kind of vehicle you drive says much about your personality. I wonder what someone would make of my 1996 Ford Crown Victoria that is pushing 200,000 miles. For my critics, I have two words to offer- paid for. I am not a mechanic, but it seems to have a greatContinue reading “Two Necessities for Doing “Greater Things” (Greater Works Series)”
Shepherding Well 