To say that our joy is as vulnerable to conflict in the church, as a balloon is to a straight pin goes too far. I suppose our joy doesn’t “pop” every time there is a conflict. But, is it fair…
Oxygen for the Pulpit
At a time when there are so many signs that the evangelical church in North America is losing altitude, I’m thankful for a church that allows their pastor to make sure he puts on his oxygen mask. It’s the right…
How is Your Joy Index?
How would you rate your joy? Is your joy index high or low? Jesus is the foundation of all joy. But, the New Testament also teaches that joy is closely connected to church based relationships. Paul often related his joy…
Do We Think and Preach Enough About the Ascension?
How many sermons have you heard in your life that focused on the ascension of Christ? Yet, we must know why it is so important for every day life in the church. Michael Horton (People and Place, the chapter, “Real…
Come Die
(I only recently realized that Tullian Tchividjian’s blog wasn’t showing up on my feed reader – be sure you update your subscription if you aren’t getting his blog now that he has been installed at Coral Ridge). Here is what…
Paul Tripp Talks About What Hinders Community in the American Church
From Desiring God’s blog: What is the greatest hindrance to cultivating community in the American church? The first thing that comes to mind is frenetic western-culture busyness. I read a book on stress a few years back, and the author…
What We Encourage Our Graduates to Remember
Graduation is here again. As a pastor, that means that I will once again be sharing a letter with graduating seniors. Every year I make it a point to graduating seniors to never forget that: Jesus Christ is the only…
Challenging Low Views of the Church
Dapper Darryl Dash’s post is worth reading today if for no other reason than to see a tight collection of quotes about the Church. The one from Augustine makes me nervous. But, its worth thinking about. I often talk to…
John Piper Visits A Mainline Protestant Church
Read about Piper’s visit to a mainline church. Notice especially what the children sang. Click here.
Pastoral Ministry, Death by Paper Cuts, and Chocolate Covered “Somethings”
Rob Bell* offers vivid, if not earthy, imagery of what pastors often experience. Bell recounted the story of a letter he received from a supporter. The note, in which the writer recounted how he defended Bell when another person accused…