In The Gospel-Driven Church, Jared C. Wilson tells the story of a church he served that had been around since the 1780s. He writes that looking back at a notebook with a list of all the pastors, deacons, and board members who served, “was a constant reminder to me that one day my name was going to be a barely legible entry in a dusty book covered in mouse droppings” (p. 190). His bigger point is that our ministry as pastors won’t last. He reminds us that God promised to build his church and that the gates of hell wouldn’t over come it (Matthew 16:18), but that doesn’t mean God will build our … [Read more...] about What’s in a Legacy?
It’s Monday, Pastor. Take a Breath.
Monday. It’s a universally hated day (by most, at least). It represents the end of the weekend and the start of, sigh, a new work week. The bed just seems a little cozier on Monday mornings. The coffee seems to take a little longer to brew. We don’t want to get up, and when we do, our feet drag. Monday. Ugh. For Pastors, Mondays hit a little different. In a way, it’s almost a Tuesday, and that’s better than a Monday, right? However, if you talk to pastors, many say Monday still seems to be a drag. Sunday was draining. It is, after all, the big day of our week. Most everything else we … [Read more...] about It’s Monday, Pastor. Take a Breath.
Finding Your “Why?”
We’re all searching for purpose. Sometimes that purpose is clear and we pursue it with a passion. Other times we struggle to maintain focus or get lost on the way (often, this is what a midlife crisis is). Each of us needs a Why? in our lives. As a dad, I do what I do in order to raise children who can thrive in this world, and hopefully love Jesus. As a husband, my why is loving and serving my wife the best I can to honor her as my sister in Christ. As a pastor, I strive to help people experience the love of God so they might in turn love God and love others. Each of these is my why in my … [Read more...] about Finding Your “Why?”
How to Develop a Discipleship Pathway in Your Church
In my last post, I talked about the idea of a discipleship pathway. I encourage you to read that post. But to summarize here: A discipleship pathway is a strategy a church uses to move a person from being a new believer or new church member to being a fully active and committed church member as a follower of Jesus. Unfortunately, only about 5% of churches have a clearly defined pathway. Fortunately, a pathway is simple to develop (though it takes vision and commitment to implement it) and often can be built with the programs and ministries already in place. In a moment, we’ll discuss the … [Read more...] about How to Develop a Discipleship Pathway in Your Church
Does your church have a discipleship pathway?
Does your church have a discipleship pathway? If you’re wondering, “What is that?” then you might not, and you would have plenty of company. Thom Rainer of Church Answers estimates that only 5% of churches in the United States have a discipleship pathway. According to research by Rainer and Eric Geiger in their book Simple Church, churches that have a clearly defined discipleship pathway tend to be healthier and more vibrant than those without. Given that an estimated 80 to 85% of churches in the United States have plateaued or are in decline, perhaps it is time that we collectively revisit … [Read more...] about Does your church have a discipleship pathway?
Why You Should Consider Hiring a Church Consultant
There’s a preacher joke you might have heard before: Two young fish are swimming along when they pass an older fish. “How’s the water?” the older fish asks as he swims by. A few moments pass and then one young fish says to the other, “What’s water?” The point of this fishy parable is that when we are immersed in an environment, we don’t always see clearly what is happening around us. If you live in the water day after day and know nothing other than water, then what’s water? I have experienced this reality myself, and I’m sure you have too. I grew up in the Midwest. I never lived quite … [Read more...] about Why You Should Consider Hiring a Church Consultant
Let’s Fire Everyone Opposed to Resolution 9
Let's fire everyone at an SBC entity who is opposed to Resolution 9 of 2019. That's not really a serious proposition, but it is the logical conclusion of a recent string of tweets by SBC presidential hopeful Tom Ascol. At the 2021 convention, Tom's brother Bill presented a resolution on abortion (found here), which includes the language: "RESOLVED, that we affirm that the murder of preborn children is a crime against humanity that must be punished equally under the law." Based on this resolution, Tom Ascol called for the immediate firing of Brent Leatherwood from the ERLC. Leatherwood's … [Read more...] about Let’s Fire Everyone Opposed to Resolution 9
Faithful
Faithful—it’s a word that means loyal and reliable, dedicated, steadfast. Faithful is what God is. Faithful is often not how I feel. I think there is a reason Hebrews 6:19 calls Jesus the anchor of the soul. We’re like a ship on the sea. Sometimes the weather is calm, and it seems like smooth sailing. Other times, we’re tossed here and there, wondering if the next wave will capsize us. Yet, there is Jesus, holding us, refusing to let us go. Thank God he is faithful. In 2 Timothy 2:11-13, we find a beautiful passage, a trustworthy saying, as Paul called it. Perhaps it was the theology of … [Read more...] about Faithful
The Gospel, Simply
I was five when I trusted Jesus. Some might say that was too young. Maybe? I don't know. I would hesitate and think long about it if my child was that young. Looking back, I don't doubt it was a true faith, though maturity came much later. I was in college when I learned to own my faith. (I read somewhere recently that some come to faith like a bright flash, a light suddenly turning on. Others, though, are like the sun slowly creeping over the horizon. That was me.) Regardless of what we might think of how old a child might truly understand the Gospel, the fact is the Gospel is simple … [Read more...] about The Gospel, Simply
Not Bound
“The word of God is not bound” (2 Timothy 2:9 CSB). Say that with me: The word of God is not bound. If you’ve never noticed, we Americans like to think about freedom. A lot. It seems one of the deepest cultural fears is the idea that something will happen and we won’t be free. We celebrate freedom every year in a shindig of fireworks and booze (never a good combination, but we’re Baptists here, right? So, fireworks and soda, which is a little safer). And you might remember that brief time after 9/11 where French fries were redubbed by some as freedom fries. We love our freedom! And … [Read more...] about Not Bound