Knowing the Word

I met with an individual today and among many of the issues we discussed was his tentative plans of transitioning to a Senior Pastor position.  As we discussed what that looks likes he asked me what were some of the things I’ve learned in my first couple years while serving at Oak Park.  So I shared for about 20 minutes…

What does it mean to pastor?

I just finished Richard Baxter’s “The Reformed Pastor” and suffice it to say I found myself underlining a multitude of sentences on every page, as well as writing “wow”, “ouch”, and many other words conveying some emotional response due to the biblically insightful pastoral rebuke or encouragement he offered.  If you haven’t read it I’d encourage you…

Preaching Christ-centered holiness

This is a brief summary of Dr. Tony Merida’s words at the Indiana Shepherd’s Conference when he preached I Peter 1:13-2:3. Character is an indispensable part of a preacher’s ministry. God doesn’t call men to exemplify great talent but great character.  Spurgeon said, “God will use a fool if he is holy.”  Here are seven charges Tony gave from…

The Archer and the Arrow – Part 2

Preaching the gospel by expounding the Bible Preaching the gospel, teaching the gospel and touting oneself as “gospel-centered” has become, I’m afraid, very trendy in evangelical circles today.  In fact, I’ve often found myself using the phrase ad infinitum merely for the sake of others “standing in awe” of my commitment to gospel-centerdeness.  Subsequently, I…