Mission
Discipling Toward Transformation Not Information
Like most pastors, I desperately want to see every person connected with our church being transformed into the likeness of Jesus. Unfortunately, I found that most of our approaches to discipleship led to being informed, but not transformed. Most of what I read, and most of the people that I listened to seemed to believe…
Read MoreThe Greatest of All Hinge Moments
Near the end of our recent All Peoples East Gathering in Charlotte, a man got up and made a presentation about hinge moments. Do you know what a hinge moment is? Using a case study from a church in Birmingham, Alabama this man taught us about hinge moments. Though not an EFCA congregation, the church…
Read MoreBuilding A Leadership Pipeline For The Next Generation
The chair was oversized, soft and the perfect place for a late afternoon nap. With kids running around the living room and dinner preparations clanging in the kitchen, he slipped into blissful slumber. We watched in amazement as he slept through all the commotion. Nothing could wake him. Without warning the incredibly annoying alarm vibrated the entire condo…
Read MoreBEWARE THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
Have you heard this joke? A person bought an elephant for a friend’s room. The friend thanked him to which the person said, “Don’t mention it.” Think about it, you will get it. Hint: What is true of the elephant in the room? Does your church have the proverbial elephant in the room? That uncomfortable issue no one wants to…
Read More7 Reasons To Bring Back The Invitation
I believe an invitation for people to respond to the preacher’s message should be given every time the Word is preached in a corporate gathering. From personal observation and from what I’m reading lately, it seems to me that a growing number of pastors disagree with me. Here’s a recent blog that exemplifies this ongoing conversation. I…
Read More5 Preaching Sins
For those who have a high view of scripture and take seriously the call to preach and teach the Word, we are standing on a sure foundation. However, there are still some of what I call “preacher sins” that are way too common and MUST be avoided: 1. LAZINESS “Those of us who are preachers…
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