Working in the church is not a job, it’s a calling. Failure to realize this simple fact has created a boatload of problems in church and para-church organizations. I have witnessed burn-out, depression, issues with anger, lack of or loss of personal boundaries, and total disillusionment with the church because...
“Show me your bank statement and I’ll tell you your priorities!” It’s hard for me to forget that line. I heard a pastor share it as part of his stewardship emphasis sermon. At the time I wanted to argue with him. Now, years later, I find myself in complete agreement. ...
Churches and para-church ministries are notorious for promoting the “summer slump.” Most do not do it intentionally it just happens. Ministries slow down or taper off, choirs take a break, Sunday School teachers and Small Group Leaders look for opportunities to rest, church members opt for the links, the beach...
There is a price to be paid for spiritual power. God’s power does not come simply because we desire it and it will never arrive without our desiring it. Jesus instructed his Disciples to go to Jerusalem and to wait (tarry) until they were clothed with power. It is interesting...
It’s so easy ANY Christian can do it! It’s not rocket science and it does not involve a steep learning curve. The major requirement is a heart for God and a love for people. That’s it plain and simple. Our love for God and for people should be the hallmark...
When is it okay, if ever, to ask someone to leave a local church and not to return? I mean, after all, the church is a place for sinners, its Christ’s church and not ours, and we are supposed to be in the business of “reaching out” not pushing or...
“How sweet the sound,” indeed! Gracie Schram is a fifteen (15) year old singer / songwriter that kept an audience of over nine hundred (900) teenagers locked-in and fully engaged for her entire presentation. When she finished she received a standing ovation. All she did was share her love for...
Jesus said, “I have come that you may have life, and have it abundantly.” The church of Jesus Christ is called to exhibit, exude, and express life. Tell me then, why are so many of our churches so dog-gone dead? I have served a wide variety of churches and I...
Eileen meant well, she was just misinformed! She thought that the Church had hired me to do the work of ministry. Almost every congregation I have ever served has had an “Eileen” or an “Ernest.” They believe that you pay the preacher and that he or she is responsible to...
Dr. Vance P. Ross, former Associate General Secretary for the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship, is fond of saying that every church should ask two recurring questions: 1. “What is our business?” 2. “How is business?” Jesus was great at vision casting. He told the Disciples who he was,...
