Church is not that complicated

There are many ideas about how to do ministry (I receive new ideas on postcards and flyers virtually everyday in my mailbox and inbox). There have always been many diverse and divergent ideas about the priorities of ministry. The temptation is often to take a pragmatic approach to “make the church grow.” Now having dancing […]

Something for every person

You have been a Christian for years. Ministry seemed intimidating at first, but you’ve been involved in your church for a number of years, you’ve volunteered in some civic organizations, and you have a fairly clear perspective on your spiritual giftedness and effectiveness. Ministry is much more natural now. Yet, while the patterns of life […]

The clueless church

Paul Levy, over at the Reformation 21 blog, has noticed the various “niche” churches and has decided, after searching Scripture, to start his own church and ministry: I am about to start a new ministry of which I will be President called ‘Clueless church’ or ‘4:27’. The strap line is ”he does not know how”. […]

Grab bag

From around the internet: A brief Q&A with Billy Graham revealed some reflections on aging (both how older and younger should think about it) and his life of ministry. I statement that I found particularly interesting: I also would have steered clear of politics. I’m grateful for the opportunities God gave me to minister to […]

John Piper’s report on his leave of absence

At the end of April, John Piper took an 8-month leave of absence from ministry — no preaching, writing, blogging, meetings, or any other responsibilities, apart from a few select opportunities that were agreed upon with his wife and elders. That leave ended at the end of December, and he is now returning to his […]

Book Review: The Call to Joy and Pain

Title: The Call to Joy and Pain: Embracing Suffering in Your Ministry Author: Ajith Fernando Publisher: Crossway, 2007; 192 pp. $14.99 ($7.99 as an ebook) Recommendation (4-star scale): For many generations, the Western church — and especially the American church — has sent missionaries with the message of the gospel to other countries. The […]

A father’s role

When I was in seminary, I had a professor who regularly would abbreviate or even forgo the Greek lesson for the day and offer some form of pastoral advice. One day, the advice went this way: “When you get in a church, spend your time with men. Be a man’s man and work to build […]

Grab bag

Recently found on the internet: “Do You See the Glory of God in the Sun? Spurgeon’s Battle Against Depression” (see also Randy Alcorn’s series on depression). Justin Taylor has some good thoughts about distinguishing between Christianity and Mormonism. At “Humble Beginnings” (audio) Tim Challies tells the story of pastor Jeff Anderson and a medium-sized church […]

Football player retires to prepare for ministry

Yesterday I read an article from the Dallas Morning News about recently retired Dallas Cowboy football player Duke Preston. He left the gridiron to prepare for the pulpit, becoming a student at Dallas Theological Seminary. Some might wonder why he turned down such a large amount of money to play football (about $1 million for […]

Reflections on Twenty Years of Ministry: Faithful Co-Laborers

This is the sixth of a series of reflections of gratitude on 20 years of ministry at GBC. We are part of a lineage that reaches back to Christ and reaches ahead into eternity. But we also are part of each other’s stories. We share life together. So in our church body there are two […]

Reflections on Twenty Years of Ministry: Family

This is the second of a series of reflections of gratitude on 20 years of ministry at GBC. As I think about ministry at GBC, I am thankful for family. Specifically, I am thankful for my family. Paul tells the Corinthians that it is better to remain single because the interests of a married man […]

God uses nobodies to accomplish much

Chuck Swindoll in The Grace Awakening, affirms the reality that God uses “nobodies” to accomplish His eternal purposes: Grace means God uses nobodies. Grace also means He makes nobodies into somebodies. The problem is this: Our shame screams so loudly and our guilt is so huge, we convince ourselves we’re not useful and we think […]

Sunday Leftovers (8/15/10)

While I came to GBC with no intention of leaving, I never thought 20 years would come so quickly and I would still be here! What happy and satisfying years these have been for me, Raye Jeanne, and our daughters, Elizabeth and Emily. The Lord has been gracious to mature us in our marriage and […]

Grab Bag

Learn to “Read better with [puritan Richard] Baxter” Pastor Tim Keller tells us how to “How to Love One Another: Affirm, Share, and Serve” The Trellis and the Vine — one of my new favorite books on how to minister and serve in the church body — is now in paperback, and on sale for […]

Grab bag

Al Mohler leaves the radio, but will begin a new podcast in September. Lessons learned… Is technism the solution to our problems? John Dyer says “no.” I agree. John Bloom is concerned about ministry and money. Not the use of the money, but the desire for it. He suggests that the grace of Christ we […]