Is it better for a person not to serve if the motive involves a selfish interest? If someone had a personal motive for serving, should a church leader say “no” to the request? When I consider the teachings of the Bible, there is no instance where a person accomplished anything of value by himself orContinue reading “Connection Failure: From Community to “Me-ism” (Ministry Trends Series)”
Tag Archives: Leadership
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)”
The Cross Changed “the Ministry” (The Grammatically Correct Church Series)
Prior to the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus, “the ministry” was delegated to a small percentage of people. These included Levites, Priests, Prophets, and a few other leaders in Israel. The cross of Christ, however, changed that. The ministry responsibility was expanded exponentially- to every believer in Christ. Believers are a volunteer army thatContinue reading “The Cross Changed “the Ministry” (The Grammatically Correct Church Series)”
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)”
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)”
The Greatest Thing You Could Ever Do (Greater Works Series)
Last November, I celebrated by 37th birthday and it was nothing monumental. But out of curiosity, I researched some of the great accomplishments people have achieved before their 37th birthday. Michelangelo finished painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Robert Jarvik invented a pneumatically powered heart. Frederic William Herschel invented the contact lens. Francis ScottContinue reading “The Greatest Thing You Could Ever Do (Greater Works Series)”
How Volunteer Ministry Can Go Terribly Wrong
Objects that are misplaced can create a frustrating situation. I should know. My Mom was not kidding when she said, “You’d loose your head if it were not attached.” However, in the church, people that are misplaced constitute a tragedy. Every believer has the greatest power force in the world and has been gifted forContinue reading “How Volunteer Ministry Can Go Terribly Wrong”
What is the Value of a Volunteer?
What is the value of a brother or sister, mom or dad? What is the value of a faithful friend? Our society has a habit of placing value on that which is self-serving (cars, phones, houses, etc.) and downplaying relationships. Last night I was challenged with a thought, “How much value does our church leadershipContinue reading “What is the Value of a Volunteer?”
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 