The aim of change for any declining local church is revival, growth, and maturity in Christlike love for God and His people. As a pastor, nothing gives me greater joy than to see God’s people being renewed in their desire to know God intimately, to praise Him passionately, and to love His people without hypocrisy.…
The necessity of healthy church structure has been a challenge from the time that the church began. It is not a new dilemma. Acts 2 describes how the first church developed a basic structure for worship, Bible study, and fellowship. As the church grew and additional challenges surfaced, the leaders added structure to take care…
One of the frequent questions asked of me regarding church revitalization is, “What are the requirements for being effective in church revitalization?” Mark Clifton, in his book Reclaiming Glory: Revitalizing Dying Churches, has done an excellent job in outlining the characteristics necessary for a church revitalizer. I do not want to just repeat his thoughts,…
And as we identify critical issues we must apply biblical wisdom to address them. But, before we begin with the corporate we should begin with ourselves – with our own hearts.
If you give yourself to other believers in the church, you will inevitably be using your gifts.
If you’ve got areas in your life that you are intentionally keeping in the dark, you’ve not only got to confess your sin, but you’ve got to attach yourself to people who can help keep you accountable.
Seminarians study and write papers. But when it comes to being ready for ministry, one qualification usually remains the most elusive: experience.
Don’t think that because you are a pastor you’re beyond using the common means that porn strugglers typically use.
Whether you are revitalizing a church in critical condition, planting a new church, or shepherding a flock in stable condition, you will experience the weight of the cross.
When people look at us, do they see a people gloriously uneasy in this world because we’re longing for another?
Spurgeon called the 3 R’s “three doctrines that must be preached above all else,” and they draw from three different chapters of Scripture that “deal with the things in the fullest manner:” Genesis 3:14-15 (Ruin), Romans 3:21-26 (Redemption), John 3:1-8 (Regeneration). Why do I think it makes a good preaching or evangelism method? Because each of…
What if you miss something bigger than missing out on a sermon or singing when you don’t gather with your church body?
Church revitalization leaders should be consummate students of risk-taking.
Growing In Gratitude Gratitude is more complex than a smile on one’s face or a polite, “thank you.” In Growing in Gratitude, Mary Mohler provides a rich theology revealing the deeper roots of gratitude. Many Christians experience a lull in their joy for the things of God years after conversion, and Mohler encourages them to…
When Your Twenties Are Darker Than You Expected by Paul Maxwell (Amazon Kindle 2018, $2.99) Review by Sarah Haywood Twentysomethings experience a decade that is often dark and difficult to navigate, where the expectations of childhood disappear and responsibility arises. The “darkness” of the this stage is real, and in learning to engage it, according…
