A young couple sat in my office asking me to perform their wedding. As we talked, I realized that this perfectly nice couple was already living together. Each of us handles those situations differently. My concern is that my presence in a public wedding signifies in some way the blessing of God on the union. If a couple is flaunting the will and ways of God and then I confer God's blessings on them, I am at risk of offending God. I shared this conviction with the couple. I would do a private wedding with family and a few friends (based on the "it's better to marry than to burn" verse), but if … [Read more...] about The Fundamental Divergence: The War between Biblical Christianity and Popular Thought
Suggested Resources On Preaching
There is nothing quite like delivering your first sermon. Really there is nothing quite like delivering any sermon. It is a unique event. And with this many young men launching into the ministry (or even those that have been going at it for awhile) often look to books for help in preaching. If that describes you here are a few books that I would recommend. On Preparing a Sermon Christ-Centered Preaching by Bryan Chapell. This is the best book that I have ever read on preparing a sermon. Preaching to a Post-Everything World by Zack Eswine. Eswine is a wonderful addition to Chapell’s … [Read more...] about Suggested Resources On Preaching
True Courage and Conviction: Jay Adkins’ Statement regarding Louisiana College (Postscript added)
NOTE: Jay Adkins has sent in a postscript to his article, in response to some of the comments. It is attached at the bottom of the post. Jay Adkins is the pastor of First Baptist Church of Westwego, LA, and a trustee of Louisiana College. He has firsthand insight into the sad events that have taken place there in recent months, and speaks with both courage and conviction. I contacted him and received permission to republish his letter in full. You can read it at his site, here. Here is Jay Adkins' statement in full: A personal statement regarding recent events at Louisiana … [Read more...] about True Courage and Conviction: Jay Adkins’ Statement regarding Louisiana College (Postscript added)
I Can’t Change, but Jesus Will Change Me
This past Wednesday night (May 1) on The Colbert Report, the mock-conservative pundit hosted a hip-hop group known as Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, performing the song “Same Love” off their album The Heist. The song, based on Macklemore’s family experience with homosexual uncles, stands as a piece of cultural protest aimed in favor of same-sex marriage. The lyrics speak to the predisposition of homosexuality, bash the notions of therapeutic and religious change, and quote the Bible—particularly from 1 Corinthians 13 and Paul’s admonition that love is patient and love is kind. The chorus line … [Read more...] about I Can’t Change, but Jesus Will Change Me
Making Disciples with Sunday School
Today I want to address an issue I have seen in Sunday Schools all over. There seems to be a conflict about how to make disciples and teach and have deep learning, yet be open group and grow your Sunday School and church at the same time. I want to propose my suggestion to you today. If I was building a program, this is how I would set it up. First, and I have said this over and over, Sunday School needs to have a 3 fold function of fellowship/connecting people, teaching them scripture, and sharing the Gospel/ outreach. With this function Sunday School needs to be fluid, open group with … [Read more...] about Making Disciples with Sunday School
Are Christian Statistical Researchers Like Jesus, the Pharisees, or Oliver Stone?
Through a college friend's Facebook page I became aware of the Barna Group's new survey entitled "Are Christians More Like Jesus or More Like the Pharisees." I predict widespread popularity for the article, since it has three things going for it: (a) It comes from the Barna Group, (b) It provides an opportunity for Christians to denigrate other Christians and other churches, and (c) It hurls the ever-popular epithet "Pharisee" while doing so. Really, it's a can't-miss survey. There's nothing new about people's claiming that they're like Jesus while other people are not (see "Historical … [Read more...] about Are Christian Statistical Researchers Like Jesus, the Pharisees, or Oliver Stone?
Missional Advice: Living Where You Live
The only active ministry role I've ever formally filled is one of missionary. Readers should not infer that I'm necessarily any good at it, of course. My vocational ministry limitations simply mean I see many things through a missional filter to the exclusion of all other possible perspectives. While the overwhelmingly vast majority of my work has been in international settings, I think some of the lessons I've learned and techniques I've picked up can apply to the larger Christian community. I tried to categorize my tips and lessons for your benefit, but in the end, they all fit under a … [Read more...] about Missional Advice: Living Where You Live
The Ministry Journey: Some Questions at the Start (by Wade Phillips)
Our guest blogger today is Wade Phillips, who blogs at "A Good Infection". He's a TV news anchor in MS and a husband/father/deacon/SS Teacher combo! After several years of prayer and thought, I have decided to make the leap. If all goes as planned, I will begin seminary classes during the summer session at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Since I currently work full-time in a non-ministry position, I will be taking classes online, at least in the beginning. At some point, I’ll have to come from behind my computer and take classes with the rest of the world. But for now, this is what … [Read more...] about The Ministry Journey: Some Questions at the Start (by Wade Phillips)
Searching for Dirt
I’m on my couch attempting to relax. It’s been a stressful week and I would love to escape into a favorite television show. My muscles begin to relax…my shoulders loosen up a little. “Ahhh, yes…finally a little time to…” An agitated little boy approaches me. He’s whimpering and snot crying. My relaxation will have to wait. Finally, after a couple minutes of wailing, I am informed of the problem. He has lost a piece to a toy. It’s a piece that he has 8-10 others just like. He could still play his game if he didn’t have this little insignificant piece. Unfortunately for my relaxation … [Read more...] about Searching for Dirt
Being a pastor is a pretty sorry job… (by William Thornton)
The SBC Plodder is blessing us again with his unique perspective. Thank you, William. ...if you check the latest job rankings. Clergy are ranked number 110 out of 200 job categories by CareerCast.com which analyzed data from the U.S. Labor Department, Bureau of Labor Statistics, other government agencies, trade associations and private survey firms. Depressed on Monday? You chose this rather meager and unsatisfying career path, but take heart: Your job ranking beats that of attorney (117) perhaps because attorneys slink around courthouses trying to scare up a retainer or two and … [Read more...] about Being a pastor is a pretty sorry job… (by William Thornton)