It is nearly undisputed that Jonathan Edwards was North America’s greatest theologian. And, yet after serving his local church for 20 years, he was dismissed as their pastor. Chris Armstrong reflects on the 1750 dismissal of Jonathan Edwards. Minister. Thinker.…
Motivation for caring for your pastor
One of the ways the Bible motivates you as a believer to support your pastor is by teaching that it is in your own best interest to do so. Look out for your pastor and you are looking out for…
The Most Difficult Aspect of Pastoral Ministry?
Many going into ministry assume that the greatest source of pain in the pastorate will be inflicted by those who do not profess faith in Christ. D.A. Carson and John D. Woodbridge wisely counsel those considering the pastorate: Read through…
At the very least, this outline is must reading for leaders
John Piper’s article, The Marks of a Spiritual Leader, is one of the best things I have read in a long time on spiritual leadership. It reminds me in tone of J. Oswald Sanders book, Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence…
Why your pastor shouldn’t have to look like Brad Pitt
Tim Challies: . . . Christians today have access (via the Internet, of course) to vast libraries of the best sermons by the best preachers—the Pitts and Depps of the preaching world. Of course in place of square chins and…
Labor Day is a time to think about two alternatives for dealing with a lion
There are two alternatives for dealing with a lion. Sluggards make excuses: “The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road! There is a lion in the streets!”(Proverbs 26:13).” Leaders kill it. “And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was…
If You’ve Been Hurt Badly at Church, Read What C. John Miller Wrote to a Pastor Who Was Dismissed from His Church
We are all getting older. Life is slipping by quickly and soon we shall stand before Him who will ask us to give account according to our works done in the body. When that happens, it will be important for…
Singletary on Being a Winner: Think Team
I’m not saying I agree with Mike Singletary’s entire approach. The pants thing at half time is probably not something a pastor should do at a deacon’s meeting. However, I am refreshed by a coach who gets what winning is…
Steve Jobs at Stanford
So much to think about here. HT: Baylyblog
Expect Conflict
Somehow American Christians (I can’t speak for the rest of the world) believe that if they do everything right at church, there won’t be conflict. I guess this is true, if everyone did everything right.
But, in a fallen world, the reality is the opposite. When a local church really begins to follow Christ, then they can expect conflict. It is certain. In fact, a lack of conflict, may be a warning sign!
Still, when there is conflict some say, “Something is wrong – – we must not be headed in the right direction. . .”