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?”
Tag Archives: Empower
Is Training Required? (5 Things Series)
If mediocrity is good enough for you, then you can just skip this post. If, however, you want to see followers of Christ serving with joy and effectiveness in ministry, training is not optional. Most churches expect their pastors to have some level of formal training. To scan a listing of pastoral job openings, oneContinue reading “Is Training Required? (5 Things Series)”
Fear of Asking (5 Things Series)
No one leads by accident. The words intentionality, strategy, vision, and mentoring relationships are frequently used in the leadership realm. Likewise, few people “accidentally” fall into the right ministry position in a church. God has called church leaders to guide, encourage, and train His people for ministry. People want to be asked to serve. AContinue reading “Fear of Asking (5 Things Series)”
5 Things “A Church Member” Wants His Leadership to Know
“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 followingContinue reading “5 Things “A Church Member” Wants His Leadership to Know”
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)”
From Tone Deaf to Perfect Pitch
Music is beautiful when there is the perfect balance of a strong melody and a complementing harmony. For two accomplished piano players, whose love for music was stifled by debilitating strokes, this ability to enjoy the eighty-eight keys was severely diminished. Margret was impaired on the left side and Ruth on the right. Yet,Continue reading “From Tone Deaf to Perfect Pitch”
Shepherding Well 