A Plea for Hymn Books

Screens have replaced hymn books in very many of our churches. But in gaining flexibility and storage space, what have we lost?

‘I loved that hymn we sang last week,’ said a friend. ‘I wish I could remember what it was.’ The words had reminded him of something he had found helpful in a sermon, but the words had appeared on a screen – and then disappeared. His only hope was to ring the organist and ask what the hymns were, but few of us are likely to do that. How much better would it have been if he could have kept the service paper, or looked the words up in his hymn book at home!

It has become fashionable to dispense with hymn books, but they have a number of advantages over screens. Here are three.... Read More

On the Net: "Why It’s Time to Give Up On Your Desire for Consensus" and More

Why It’s Time to Give Up On Your Desire for Consensus

Consensus kills courage. Most great new ideas worth anything are divisive out of the gate. Read More

3 Tips from Jesus Recruiting Methods

Recruiting the right people is paramount to the success of any organization and Jesus obviously was the best. Read More

Alignment and 3 Types of Staff Members

Every leader or team member also has a set of values that guide decision-making and behavior. When there is alignment, the church and the staff member are in harmony as their values overlap with one another. Read More

Five Fundamentals for an Evangelical Future 

The sky isn’t falling for evangelicals. Read More

Vast majority of Americans identify as Christian, say faith is very important to them

A significant majority of Americans identify themselves as Christians and consider faith to be very important in their lives, though only a minority are "practising Christians" according to research conducted by the Barna group. Read More

The Danger of Building a Church on Spectacle

I’ve witnessed some spectacular church productions. I’ll never forget the Easter play I watched when I was a child. Jesus just ascended right into the church rafters. I remember wondering how he would get down, but Acts 1 is clear: “This Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen Him going . . .” Sure enough, he rappelled right back down after the performance. The real second coming won’t be nearly as anti-climactic.

When a big event is done well, a church can draw a lot of people, which means more have the opportunity to hear the gospel. Using spectacle for gospel opportunities is good. If a church has enough gifted people to pull off such a show, go for it. Spectacle is simply a striking performance with a large visual impact. God can use these efforts just like anything else.

The danger lies not in building a church with spectacle but rather in building a church on spectacle. I’m not just parsing prepositions; there is a difference. A church built on spectacle makes the show the foundation. The big and loud can get attention, but when spectacle becomes the main means for growth, the main ministry strategy, or the main way in which church resources and energy are spent, it becomes dangerous. Here’s why. Read More

What Role Do Good Works Play in Salvation?

Human good works play a tremendously important role. There can be no salvation whatsoever without good works, and your good works are crucial to your salvation. Now, how can a Protestant make a statement like that? Read More

5 Mistakes Young Leaders Can Make When Leading Those of Older Generations

Many young leaders are leading those of older generations.

Some have learned how to do this well, while others are struggling.

What are some mistakes young leaders can make when leading those of older generations? Here are five mistakes, and what can they do about it.... Read More

What To Do (and What Not To Do) When Your Pastor Resigns

I heard from another pastor last week whose exit from his church went sideways. He and his wife believed the Lord had called them to step down from their current position and serve in another location, and after several years of pretty successful ministry, he believed he was resigning on good terms. He knew his news would be a surprise to his congregation, but he was not prepared for the depth of hurt feelings and anger his departure would stir up. And what should have been a bittersweet parting of ways turned into a sad limping away. Read More

Related article:
6 Things Church Members Need to Know About Pastor Burnout

10 Ways to Practice Normal Evangelism

Many of us find evangelism daunting, even frightening. However, evangelism should take place as we naturally converse with people. As we have normal conversations, we are to look for opportunities to speak to people about Christ. In a normal evangelism culture, we will pray together for the unbelieving, and we will celebrate gospel conversations, not just “deals closed.”

Here are 10 practices of normal evangelism. Read More

Related articles:
4 Ways to be an Intentional Listener
Four Ways to Make Your Small Group Evangelistic
Can Evangelism Emerge From The Next Generation?

Saturday Lagniappe: "59 Exercises in Simple Logic: A Response to the Archbishop of Wales’ Defense of Same-Sex Relationships" and More

59 Exercises in Simple Logic: A Response to the Archbishop of Wales’ Defense of Same-Sex Relationships

Let us consider the logic of the outgoing Archbishop of Wales, Barry Morgan’s, recent defense of homosexual relationships. Read More

Flawed logic is often used by advocates for the normalization of homosexuality to stake out positions at variance with the Bible. The result is not a different interpretation of the Bible but an UNSOUND interpretation of Scripture. It must be noted that the Bible itself emphasizes the importance of "rightly dividing" God's Word.

The First Country to Officially Defend Christians Persecuted by ISIS

Hungary has drawn criticism for favoring Christian over Muslim refugees from Syria and Iraq. Read More

Pagan - Christian clashes in Yorubaland

Under the cover of the start of the Carnival season, costumed members of a pagan religious cult have attacked Christians in a town in southwestern Nigeria’s Ekiti State. Read More

Why Successful Churches Aren’t Turning the World Upside-Down – But the Outcasts Might

Where are the Christian innovators who will put a dangerous passion for Jesus ahead of personal ministry success?

esus was the most culture-challenging, paradigm-shifting, tradition-breaking, change agent who ever lived.

How did his followers become so boring?

Want cutting-edge, society-shifting change? Church is the last place people expect to find it

Want dry, stuffy, moldy, old traditions and ideas? That may be the very definition of church in many people’s minds.

This is a problem. A big problem. And it’s our fault. We’ve taken the life- and society-transforming message of Jesus and we’ve made it about . . . success.

Trying to maintain that success has made us safe.

Safe is boring. Read More

An Often Neglected Treasure Chest for Sermon Illustrations

It is late in the week, and pastors are making headway on their sermons. By now most have a good handle on the text and even are working towards application for their congregation. But there is always a can that seems to get kicked down the road: illustrations. This is because illustrations are not often right on the surface of the freshly excavated text. It takes some time and often substantial reflection to find helpful and appropriate illustrations.

I am a firm believer in the necessity of illustrating well. The preacher should give time each week to the prayerful consideration of how to illustrate the text.

However, I also believe there is a cache of illustrations that are often neglected by preachers. These illustrations are found in the person of Jesus Christ. Read More

Stop Snacking on ‘Scripture McNuggets’

A Bible expert diagnoses the bad habits that keep us from feasting on God’s Word.

We use the Bible as a manual or answer book. We look to it as a talisman or horoscope. We proof-text, cherry-pick, and impose our own biases. The sins against Scripture are numerous and, according to Biblica vice president Glenn R. Paauw, endemic. And don’t get him started on what the Good Book has suffered at the hand of translators and publishers.

Saving the Bible From Ourselves: Learning to Read & Live the Bible Well is Paauw's jeremiad against our tendency to distort, misuse, and misrepresent the Bible. All this mistreatment, Paauw argues, has left us with stunted Scriptures. CTPastors.com senior editor Drew Dyck spoke with Paauw about his quest for a bigger Bible. Read More

Also see: "15 Lies Satan Tells You About Scripture"

How Methodists Invented Your Kid's Grape Juice Sugar High

The weird story behind the church's go-to communion wine substitute.

It’s weird to think about, but a lot of the things we take for granted are almost shockingly recent inventions. The can opener didn’t exist until 1870—nearly a full century after canned food was first produced (people ate so much canned food that year, you guys). Doors have been around forever, but doorknobs weren’t invented until 1878 (and people were finally able to leave their houses). And grape juice?

Grape juice wasn’t a thing until 1869. Read More

Why Are Young Evangelicals Seeking Out Traditional Worship?

Across the US and the UK there is a movement of younger people from an evangelical background who are reconnecting with the heritage and tradition of the Church. Read More

Most of what I have read about this trend is anecdotal. I have yet to come across any serious research into this development. There is a real need for such research . Does this movement involve a large group of young evangelicals or just a tiny segment of  these youngsters? Is it widespread or limited to certain areas such as major population centers? 

Does Prayer Change God’s Mind?

Does prayer make any difference? Does it really change anything? Someone once asked me that question, only in a slightly different manner: “Does prayer change God’s mind?” My answer brought storms of protest. I said simply, “No.” Now, if the person had asked me, “Does prayer change things?” I would have answered, “Of course!” Read More

Also see: 12 Strange Ways We Pray

On the Net: "The State of The Church in America: When Numbers Point To A New Reality, Part 3" and More

The State of The Church in America: When Numbers Point To A New Reality, Part 3

Before you dismiss research as unimportant, read this. If facts are our friends, then it's time we listen to them for the good of the Church in America. Read More

The Christian obsession with celebrity has got to stop

Carey Lodge examines the problematic nature of the Christian obsession with celebrity. Read More

Cardinal denies attacking Muslims after warning of 'Islamic conquest of Europe'

A senior Austrian Cardinal has denied attacking the Muslim faith after reports that he had warned against an "Islamic conquest of Europe". Read More

Teen Christian boy 'murdered' and hung from a tree in Pakistan

A 14-year-old Christian boy has been murdered and his dead body hung in a tree in Faisalabad, according to a charity helping Christians persecuted in Pakistan. Read More

3 Ways Ministry Leaders Must Lead Theologically

The passion for the Word of God among the people in a church likely will not surpass the passion of the ministry leaders. The sheep can be severely harmed if ministry leaders stop teaching the truth and guarding the flock from error. With that in mind, here are three actions ministry leaders must continually take. Read More

5 Key Realities the Bible Teaches about God’s Love

This post is adapted from a chapter written by D. A. Carson from The Love of God, edited by Christopher W. Morgan. Read More

Silence Can Be Deadly!

Especially when people are involved. Read More

Why I’m Trying to Preach Shorter Sermons

When crafting the sermon, it’s essential to manage time properly and include the necessary information that will cause people to know God and glorify Him with their lives. Read More

10 Ways to Conclude a Worship Service

I’ve been in churches where the way a worship service ends almost overshadows the rest of the service, especially when the ending is awkward, disconnected, or repetitive. Here are some ways to consider if you want to vary your service endings. Read More

Three Theological Reasons Why We Can't Afford Not to Pray for Each Other

Classic doctrines that show us why we must intercede for Christians who are struggling with sin. Read More

Four Reasons to Welcome Smart Phone Use in the Worship Service

Your smart phone may be used to share or enhance what's going on in the worship service. Read More

Coffee: The Beverage That Fuels the Church

How the church has transformed a cup of joe into a universal display of hospitality. Read More

Five Reasons Churches Are Declining and Dying Faster Today

“In the past, I’ve been able to lead churches to growth. I can’t do it anymore. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

A pastor shared those sentences with me just three days ago.

He was frustrated. He was confused. He was exhausted.

And he is not alone.

With some exceptions, it is indeed more difficult to lead churches to growth. Such is a reality that is about 15 years in the making. The obvious question is “Why?” Allow me to articulate five of those reasons. Read More

10 More Ways to Challenge Your Church to Give More

A few years ago, I wrote a post on “10 Ideas to Improve Giving in Your Church.” Here are a few more ideas to add to that list. Read More

Also see: "Ten Ideas to Improve Giving in Your Church"

The Good God Who Speaks

It is a sad feature of our moment in time that Christians are ridiculed for their confidence in the Bible as the word of God and that this ridicule has an edge of suspicion about it. Our appeal to the Bible is understood by some as a personal power-play. We are simply trying to impose our own opinion or our own religious preferences. Others suggest even darker motives. Five decades ago a visiting American evangelist could repeat ‘the Bible says …’ and Sydney took notice. Hundreds of thousands wanted to know what the Bible says, what God says. What he has to say changes everything for good. Today, however, the response is more often ‘How do you know?’ or ‘Why should I listen to your inhumane religious bigotry?’

It’s not hard to understand the reasons why this shift has taken place. At the level of ideas, more than a century of suspicion has been generated by the likes of Marx (it’s all about gaining financial advantage), Freud (it’s all about sex), and Nietzsche (it’s all about personal or group power). We’ve become used to questioning the motives of those who tell us things, often with very good reason. Strangely, one of the only things we are prepared to take on face value is the insistence that there are no such things as facts, only interpretations. At another more basic level, the ugly face of religious bigotry was forced into our consciousness by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. A more general assault on all religious claims since then has been reinforced by one report after another of sexual exploitation by clergy and the concerted efforts of a rejuvenated atheism (the new atheism is in fact just the old atheism made sexy).

In such an environment it is tempting for Christians to soft peddle a bit on our insistence that the Bible is the word of God and the word of God is worth a hearing. In our efforts to distance ourselves from the religious zealots — whether the violent type or just the dogmatic type — we concede too much to the masters of suspicion. We can be taken in too quickly by claims that human language is too fragile to convey the truth about God, that the real involvement of human beings in writing the Bible necessarily involves error or ignorance, or that these are just the words of believers bound in their own time and space which must be supplemented or revised if they are to be taken seriously in our time and space. So it is worth taking a moment to remember why we treat the Bible as the word of God and why we take what it teaches so seriously. Quite simply, Christians do this because Jesus taught us to do this. Read More

Also see: "Why You Should Read Through the Entire Bible as Fast as Possible"

If God Is Sovereign, Why Pray?

Nothing escapes God’s notice; nothing oversteps the boundaries of His power. God is authoritative in all things. If I thought even for one moment that a single molecule were running loose in the universe outside the control and domain of almighty God, I wouldn’t sleep tonight. My confidence in the future rests in my confidence in the God who controls history. But how does God exercise that control and manifest that authority? How does God bring to pass the things He sovereignly decrees?

Augustine said that nothing happens in this universe apart from the will of God and that, in a certain sense, God ordains everything that happens. Augustine was not attempting to absolve men of responsibility for their actions, but his teaching raises a question: If God is sovereign over the actions and intents of men, why pray at all? A secondary concern revolves around the question, “Does prayer really change anything?”“Let me answer the first question by stating that the sovereign God commands by His holy Word that we pray. Prayer is not optional for the Christian; it is required. Read More

Two Things You Need to Know to Reach the Lost

Evangelism isn’t a doctrine download. It involves doctrines, but God doesn’t beam down pure theology onto the unsuspecting. He reaches people through people. And people are tricky. This means evangelism can never be “one size fits all.” Each encounter will be different, and all those questions I began with will come into play. In fact, they will be greatly intensified.

"Evangelism isn’t a doctrine download."

I want to make two basic points here. They may seem contradictory, but I think we must acknowledge and embrace both if we’re going to witness well. Read More

3 Muslim-Christian Crossroads

If you’ve ever had a prolonged conversation with a Muslim on theology, you know that they are generally well-trained in discussing their problems with the Trinity and divinity of Jesus. It’s hard to break through all the prior teaching and get to a heart level when someone is parroting what they learned at the mosque. So why not consider looking for points of discussion off the beaten path and that may even engage us as Christians at a heart level too?

There are three main intersections where Christian and Muslim thought crosses paths and where we might meet for heart-level discussion. At each intersection, our two faiths diverge. What if we could take Muslim friends to one of those intersections and show them how to take the path to Jesus, rather than the road away from him? Those three intersections are law, logic, and legacy. Read More

On the Net: :The State of The Church in America: When Numbers Point To A New Reality, Part 2" and More

The State of The Church in America: When Numbers Point To A New Reality, Part 2

Before you dismiss research as unimportant, read this. If facts are our friends, then it's time we listen to them for the good of the Church in America. Read More

Religion Boosts US Economy More Than Apple, Amazon, and Google Combined

Study offers best estimate yet of the 'value of faith' in America: $1.2 trillion. Read More

Are American Christians Really ‘Persecuted’?

If our overseas brothers and sisters say we are, then we probably are. Read More

10 Things You Should Know about Persecution

This is a guest post by Tim Keesee, author of Dispatches from the Front: Stories of Gospel Advance in the World's Difficult Places. This post is part of our 10 Things You Should Know blog series. Read More

Cardinal tipped to be pope warns of 'Islamic conquest of Europe'

A senior Austrian Cardinal who has been widely tipped in the media to be pope has warned of an "Islamic conquest of Europe" and said that the Continent is in danger of "forfeiting" its Christian heritage. Read More

Retiring Archbishop of Wales delivers parting shot to conservatives: Bible can support gay marriage

The Archbishop of Wales has argued that taking the Bible seriously can lead to supporting same-sex marriage as he defended his acceptance of LGBT relationships. Read More

Eight Barriers To Multiplication, Part 2

Is something stopping you from starting a new church plant? Read More

Four Models of Dying Churches - Rainer on Leadership #259 [Podcast]

Dying churches is a frequent topic on the blog. Today, we discuss four specific models of churches that can be considered on a path to death. Listen Now

5 Costs of Church Complexity

I have been in a bunch of these conversations in the last decade.

Friend or Consultant: So what is the purpose of this particular program? It does not seem to fit your mission and strategy.

Ministry leader: It doesn’t really. I mean I can make it sound like it does, but you’re right, it does not. Not really. If we were starting today, I would not have it.

Friend or Consultant: That’s good clarity. It is not easy making changes. Not at all. Do you have a timeline on canceling? What are you thinking?

Ministry leader: Nah. It really does not hurt anything. We will just leave it alone. It is not costing us anything.

It is not costing us anything. Oh, but it is. What is the real cost of complexity in a church? Here are five real costs of church complexity.... Read More

What’s Wrong with Western Missionaries?

Their words almost knocked me over. They hit me like a horse hoof to the gut.

When I was a young boy, I helped my father train quarter horses. And we always felt the danger of being the recipient of a wayward hoof. One day, not paying close attention, I was kicked, leaving a well-defined hoof print in the center of my stomach. Every ounce of breath left my body.

Decades later, challenging words delivered by believers from an Islamic background left me just as breathless. Read More

10 Lessons Jesus Teaches Us About Evangelism

Jesus was a leader in every way. With humble acts of service, profound insight and piercing love, the Savior met people where they were and led them to the glory of heaven. If we want to do effective outreach, we must let the Master mentor us. If we want to see lasting kingdom fruit, we must walk in the dust of the Rabbi and listen, watch and learn. This is how Jesus taught the first disciples and it is how he still instructs his people today.

In chapters 3 and 4 of the gospel of John, we find a perfect setting to learn from Jesus, the ultimate leader. I encourage you to read these two chapters closely. In this article I will not give specific verse references, but we will look at the whole narrative together. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see, hear and experience the evangelistic leadership of the Master in these two accounts.

You will find Jesus encountering two radically different people. First, in John chapter 3, a wealthy, powerful, educated, influential, Jewish leader named Nicodemus. On the heels of this encounter, in John chapter 4, we see Jesus in an intimate theological conversation with an outcast, powerless, thirsty, Samaritan woman. In both accounts, if we pay close attention, we can be mentored by the Master and grow in our ability to reach out with the gospel and teach others to do the same. Read More

10 Things We Can Learn about Islam from Nabeel Qureshi

I was reading apologist Nabeel Qureshi's autobiography Seeking Allah, finding Jesus last week, when I checked Facebook and learned the terrible news that he has been diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer, with a 'grim' prognosis. He's asking Christians to pray and fast for his healing.

Nabeel is a former Muslim who is now an inspiring and effective evangelist. As he puts it....

As we pray for him, let's learn from him. His testimony has much to teach us. Here are a few nuggets I picked up from his book, which I'd say is essential reading for any Christian.... Read More

On the Net: "Finding God's Will for Your Life Is Easier than You Think" and More

Finding God's Will for Your Life Is Easier than You Think

Many Christians overplay the importance of God's specific will, while underestimating the value God's universal will. Read More

Endless, Bottomless, Boundless Grace and Compassion

The New Testament’s most frequent, and indeed most basic, description of the believer is that he or she is a person “in Christ.” The expression and its variants overwhelmingly dominate the teaching of the Apostles. Read More

What God Does With Your Sin

re you distressed by what you’ve done? Do you hear whispers that you have sinned beyond God’s desire or ability to forgive? Let these illustrations comfort you. Listen to—no, see!—all that God does with your sin. Read More

5 Ways to Help the Church Even When You Struggle to Support the Pastor

Here are 5 suggestions to help the church when you don’t support the pastor. Read More

Seven Ways Pastors Can Deal with the Monday Blues

May I offer some suggestions for dealing with the Monday blues? This counsel is actually the aggregation of conversations I’ve had with pastors much wiser than I. Read More

Should Pastors Stop Saying, 'the Bible Says'?

Andy Stanley challenges one of Billy Graham’s favorite phrases. Experts weigh in. Read More

How Can I Know Which Bible Promises Apply to Me?

Which promises do apply to us? Read More

The State of The Church in America: When Numbers Point To A New Reality, Part 1 

Before you dismiss research as unimportant, read this. If facts are our friends, then it's time we listen to them for the good of the Church in America. Read More

Saturday Lagniappe: "The Top 5 Things to Look for in a New Church" and More

The Top 5 Things to Look for in a New Church

How can you decide which congregation to join? Read More

Within a reasonable driving distance would be more applicable in North America, in Canada and the United States. Biblically faithful, orthodox Anglican churches in North America are often regional churches rather than community churches. They serve a number of communities in a region that may encompass two or more states.

How Should We Be in the World but Not of It?

The New Testament tells us that we are not to be conformed to this world but that we are to be transformed by the renewing of our mind (Rom. 12:2). Read More

Six Reasons Why Adultery Is Very Serious

hy is adultery such a serious matter. Read More

7 Safeguards for Using Humor in Preaching

I believe pastors should use God’s gift of laughter to communicate God’s Word. Read More

Don’t Let Non-Christians Write Your Liturgy

,br/> There are three vital questions to ask ourselves about our worship services. Read More

Here's Why 800 Christians Left Their Old Churches, and How They Chose New Ones

Pew examines church shopping among evangelicals (and other groups) in 2016. Read More

On the Net: Churchless Christianity and More

Stop the Revolution. Join the Plodders.

It’s sexy among young people—my generation—to talk about ditching institutional religion and starting a revolution of real Christ-followers living in real community without the confines of church. Besides being unbiblical, such notions of churchless Christianity are unrealistic. It’s immaturity actually, like the newly engaged couple who think romance preserves the marriage, when the couple celebrating their golden anniversary know it’s the institution of marriage that preserves the romance. Without the God-given habit of corporate worship and the God-given mandate of corporate accountability, we will not prove faithful over the long haul. Read More

8 Old Ideas That Need to Come Back

I’ve been around church long enough now to remember some things that worked well at one point, but that lost their glamour over time. Some still exist, but often in weaker forms than in the past. I’m not arguing that any of these things must come back in the same form we once used, but I do think it’s worth our time to consider bringing back these strategies in a strengthened form. Read More

7 Ways to Demoralize Your Team

ou have the ability to totally demoralize your team....So how does this happen? How can you destroy your team’s morale? Read More

5 Lies Pastors are Tempted to Tell – And How to Resist Them

No one wants bad news. So we're tempted to downplay the negatives, up-sell the positives and call it faith. Read More

After Tweaking 29 Verses, Bible Translation Becomes Unchanging Word of God

The new permanent ESV echoes the example of the KJV. Read More

4 Practical Guidelines for Reading Old Testament Stories

George H.Guthrie offers helpful advise on how to engage the Old Testament stories. Read More

5 Tips for Amateur Prayers

Here are 5 suggestions for amateur prayers – like me. Read More

Rev Gretta Vosper doesn't believe in God, Jesus or Bible: Church panel says enough is enough

Atheist pastor Gretta Vosper should be dismissed from ministry in the United Church of Canada, a Church committee has decided. Read More

Yes, There are Conferences for Small Church Pastors!

Having a small church pastor teach at pastoral conferences is such a new idea that some people don’t know what to make of it. Read More

Fifteen lies Satan tells you about Scripture

If I were the devil, I would do everything in my power to keep you from the Word of God. I would say anything I could think of, anything I thought you would believe, anything that works, to get you to read other things.

As Paul said, “We are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11). We know how he works. And here are some of the lies we have noticed pouring out of his factory, all geared toward destroying confidence in God’s Word. Read More

Three Keys to Creating Inspiring Church Communication

This post concludes a four-part series on church communications planning and strategy. I’ve previously written on engaging and informing your members and potential church guests. Today, we turn out attention to inspiring them.

It’s not enough to simply inform an audience. Ultimately you want them to pass on the information as well. These three elements of your church communications will help motivate your church members to share information about your church. Read More

Sorry, Trump: 3 in 4 Evangelicals Don't Want Pastors Endorsing Politicians from Pulpits

However, survey finds they also don't want pastors who do campaign to be punished. Read More

How Sinful Is Man?

Imagine a circle that represents the character of mankind. Now imagine that if someone sins, a spot—a moral blemish of sorts—appears in the circle, marring the character of man. If other sins occur, more blemishes appear in the circle. Well, if sins continue to multiply, eventually the entire circle will be filled with spots and blemishes. But have things reached that point? Human character is clearly tainted by sin, but the debate is about the extent of that taint. The Roman Catholic Church holds the position that man’s character is not completely tainted, but that he retains a little island of righteousness. However, the Protestant Reformers of the sixteenth century affirmed that the sinful pollution and corruption of fallen man is complete, rendering us totally corrupt. Read More

Five Bad Apologies by Leaders

You will make a mistake.

Most of you will do something stupid.

I know. Been there. Done that.

I really don’t like to share my experience with apologies, because it is evidence of my bad leadership. But leaders need to learn to apologize. Real apologies. Sincere apologies.

Leadership credibility will only be restored if leaders are willing to apologize. But too many leaders offer non-apology apologies. Here are five of the really bad ones.... Read More

Readers may question why I used a picture of Donald Trump with this article. Over the years I have posted numerous articles on leadership on this blog. A number of these articles list various criteria for a good leader. Whenever Mr. Trump is measured against these criteria, he invariable falls short, raising serious questions about his capacity to lead the nation. One of Trump's characteristics is that he never admits that he has said or done anything wrong. Someone else is always to blame. Nor has he ever uttered a specific apology for what he has said or done. The closest thing he made to a apology was quite ambiguous and was a good example of what Thom Rainer describes as a "bad apology." 

Groundhog Day: The Church Service

In the comedy movie Groundhog Day, TV weatherman Phil Connors is assigned to cover the yearly Groundhog Festival in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. After he arrives, however, he gets stuck in a time loop in which he awakens every morning on the same date, February 2. At first, he uses the situation to his advantage, but then he comes to the realization that he is doomed to repeat the same day (Groundhog Day) in the same place, seeing the same people doing the same things every day.

This makes for an entertaining and humorous movie—but a terrible church service. Read More

Is It Okay Deliberately Not To Have Children?

Here’s a question I’ve heard a number of times in a number of different contexts: Is it okay deliberately not to have children? Is it okay for a married couple to deliberately determine that they will not at least attempt to have biological children? My immediate response has always been no, it is not okay. But I have never put a lot of thought into why or whether this response is correct. Thankfully, I got an assist from Christopher Ash in his book Married for God. He teaches, as Christians have always done, that one of the foremost purposes of marriage is procreation, then provides his answer to the common question. Read More

On the Net: "5 Best Practices for Planting Disciple-Making Churches" and More

The Mission Field

5 Best Practices for Planting Disciple-Making Churches

“Planting a church of disciples who make disciples isn’t only doable; it is what Jesus commanded his church to do.” Read More

“Small Church Pastors Should Quit” (and More Monday Google Searches)

I’ve always known that Mondays are hard for pastors. I now have direct evidence that they can be especially hard for small church pastors. Read More

Our Family Forever

Although not every Christian is called to be a pastor, every Christian is called to serve the Lord and His church with the gifts He has given them. Read More

6 Ways Your Church Can Welcome People With Disabilities

“People with disabilities are not problems to be solved; they’re relationships to be embraced.” Read More

Why Christians will always have enemies

To be a Christian means we will have enemies. Read More

6 Essential Identities of a Ministry Leader

As God’s people, we are to live the reality of who He has declared us to be. He has rescued us and given us an incredible identity as His children, His bride, His priests, and His friends. As God’s people, our activity must be rooted in the identity He has graciously given us. The same is true for those of us who lead in ministry. Here are six essential identities of a ministry leader. Read More

5 Ways to Increase Productivity

Hint: They involve you! Read More

A Prayer Challenge to Pastors

Pastor friend, I want to challenge you to do something that might surprise you. In fact, it might not even interest you at first, but I ask you to give me a chance to convince you otherwise. Here’s the challenge: intentionally and specifically choose another pastor, and pray for that pastor daily. Let me explain why I think we need to take this step. Read More

'Solomon's Palace' discovered in Israel, showing another proof that Bible passages were based on actual historical events

Solid evidence has once again been unearthed proving that passages from the Bible were based on actual historical events. Read More

On the Net: "Ten Reasons Why Many Churches Aren't Evangelistic [Update]" and More

Ten Reasons Why Many Churches Aren't Evangelistic [Update]

Thom Rainer shares ten key reasons why churches aren't evangelistic. Read More

The Unwritten Rules

The unwritten rules – are the real rules.... If you are a new leader or a veteran, understanding this principle will increase your effectiveness. Read More

Recovering Prayer And Discernment In Our Agendas And Strategies

Oftentimes, the spiritual practices of discernment and listening to the Holy Spirit—which inherently carry risks of subjectivity—get evicted from the Christian planning process. Read More

What Everybody Ought to Know About Control Freaks in Leadership

Control freaks love it when they’re in control. But others hate working for them. Read More

Pastoral Visitation a “Sign of Sickness” and a “Step Towards Death”?

I was stunned and shocked when I read Thom Rainer’s recent blog post Fifteen Reasons Why Your Pastor Should Not Visit Much. It wasn’t just what was written but who wrote it—Thom Rainer! I’ve never met Thom, but I feel like I know him because of how much I’ve learned from his books and blogs on all things related to leading churches. I’ve linked to his blog often and will continue to do so. Read More

David Murray offers an alternative view to Thom Rainer's on the subject of pastoral visitation. What does not get mentioned in the two articles is that a pastor's role changes as a church grows in size. The pastor becomes a rancher instead of a shepherd. His changing role requires that he train others as pastoral visitors and turn over most of his pastoral visitation responsibility to them. The expectation that the pastor visit every church member can keep a church from growing.

Spiritual Disciplines and the Sinkhole Syndrome

I don’t want to minimize the role of the church in preventing spiritual shipwreck in the life of the believer. In this piece, however, I am writing to warn those who will increasingly be tempted to think that frequently meeting God with others can compensate for seldom meeting with Him alone. Read More

Kindness Changes Everything

True kindness is Spirit-produced (Galatians 5:22). It’s a supernaturally generous orientation of our hearts toward other people, even when they don’t deserve it and don’t love us in return. God himself is kind in this way. His kindness is meant to lead people to repentance (Romans 2:4), which implies they haven’t yet turned to him, and are still his enemies. Read More

10 Things You Should Know about Female Submission

In an earlier post we looked at 10 things all should know about male headship as it is found in Scripture. Today we look at female submission. Read More

6 Things Business Teaches Us About Evangelism

One of the things I am passionate about is applying principles learned from the marketplace and applying them to the work of kingdom. At times, I grieve that the marketplace shows a little more creativity, innovation and tenacity than we do in the church. It doesn’t have to be this way. Read More

ISIS Is Killing Us Because We Are Not Muslim

The Islamic State (ISIS) regularly publishes a glossy, professionally produced magazine called Dabiq. Until their August 4th issue, they have always aimed it at recruiting Western Muslims into their ranks. This month, for the first time, ISIS directed their magazine towards Western non-Muslims, particularly Christians and secularists. One article in particular they titled with unavoidable clarity: “Why We Hate You and Why We Fight You.” Read More

It might be more accurate to say that ISIS is killing people because they are not ISIS' kind of Muslims since ISIS' victims includes other Muslims. The members of ISIS view themselves and those who share their beliefs as the only true Muslims. From a Christian perspective to kill others for the sake of one's religion is a work of the flesh, of human sinful nature in rebellion against God, and of the devil, of the forces of spiritual evil aligned against God. For jihadists to portray themselves as God's warriors is a form of cognitive dissonance--a way of rationalizing evil as good. The One against whom they commit their violent deeds is ultimately God--God who gave as one of his commandments, "Thou shalt not murder," and who through his Holy One, Jesus of Nazareth, taught that we should love even our enemies--those who despise and hate us.  

Saturday Lagniappe: "Culture of Multiplication" and More

Culture of Multiplication – Part Three

We have previously discussed the biblical call to multiplication. We followed that up with a bit of an expose regarding the cultural barriers to multiplication. I want to finish, now, with a brief discussion of some specific models that we can embrace that can help us develop a culture of multiplication within our churches. Read More

How do you shepherd a dying and divided church? Interview with Brian Croft

In his 13 years as senior pastor of Auburndale Baptist Church in Louisville, Brian Croft has seen it all. He has experienced profound lows in the ministry but has sought to remain faithful and has also seen God bring the church from death to life. Read More

The SBC Has a Baptism Problem – and It’s NOT What You Think

Yes, it is sad when churches go an entire year without baptizing anyone. But it is even more sad when many of the churches that are seeing baptism seem to be abandoning a key distinctive of what it means to be Baptist in the first place – regenerate church membership. In our clamor to address one problem, we may actually be creating a larger one! Read More

Ten Words of Advice for Seminarians

Here are ten things every incoming seminary student should know, consider, and keep in mind over the next few years. Read More

Why Pastors Should Lead Their Churches in Disaster Relief

Discipleship is far more than what happens inside a classroom in a church building. Sometimes, it is what happens with a shovel in your hand in the midst of 95-degree heat as you help mud out a home of a stranger who has lost everything. Read More

5 Ways to Kill Giving in Your Church

Church leaders sometimes make decisions that discourage their members from giving to the church. Read More

3 Sources of Superior Performance

Steve Graves examines three sources of superior performance as a leader/manager. Read More

7 Steps to Getting Unstuck and Becoming More Productive

Stop letting distractions hold you back. Read More

9 Habits Of Highly Emotionally Intelligent People

How much of an impact does emotional intelligence (EQ) have on your personal and professional success? The short answer is: a lot! It’s a powerful way to focus your energy in one direction with a tremendous result. Read More

10 Reasons Preaching Scares Me

Anybody who knows me probably knows I love to preach. I so clearly knew God’s calling many years ago that only disobedience would allow me to ignore preaching today. To be candid, though, preaching scares me. Here’s why. Read More

20 Church Growth Principles for Maximum Impact

Regardless of the size of your student ministry, location, or financial resources, your church has great growth potential. Here are 20 church growth principles to implement for maximum growth in your student ministry and church. Read More

The Little Things that are Huge to Our Kids

What matters most to our kids? If you ask them now, they would probably say things like toys, video games, sports, vacations, or other such luxuries. But we know that none of that matters most. And, in the right moments of life, even our kids recognize that these things aren’t what matter. Truth be told, most of the things that matter most are fairly simple. Read More

Appointment of gay Bishop of Grantham a 'major error' say conservative Anglicans

The leading group of conservative Anglicans worldwide has criticised the appointment of the gay Bishop of Grantham as a "major error". Read More

Also see: Gafcon Statement on the Appointment of the Bishop of Grantham and Church of England bishop comes out as gay