Nothing can be produced by a Christian that is eternal value, unless the Holy Spirit orchestrates the production. We can try to make things happen, even attempt to “save” people. Yet, our plans will fail if the Holy Spirit is not at work. The Lord reminded the prophet Zechariah of this truth. The Lord spokeContinue reading “The Power of Outreach (Spirit-led Outreach Series)”
Format Archives
What is Outreach? (Spirit-led Outreach Series)
Outreach does not come natural for most people in our society. There are some people who are “social butterflies” and will talk with anyone, anywhere, about anything. Most individuals have a more introverted personality or have been culturally trained to keep to themselves. So when church leaders mention the opportunity to “share the Gospel,” thereContinue reading “What is Outreach? (Spirit-led Outreach Series)”
Make Plans, Not Resolutions
I feel like a failure around the second week of January each year. On New Year’s Eve, I sit down with a notepad and decide what changes need to be made. Thirty minutes later, I am overwhelmed with the amount of things that come to mind. I spend theContinue reading “Make Plans, Not Resolutions”
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)”
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?”
Are you a “10?” (Greater Works Series)
We do not have the strength to walk with Christ by ourselves. We need someone to support and guide us. Jackie Robinson was the first black man to play major league baseball, but this pioneering came at a price. Jackie was criticized heavily for every single mistake. Once when he was playing on the team’sContinue reading “Are you a “10?” (Greater Works Series)”
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)”
Shepherding Well 