Sanctification is the radical change God brings about in the heart of a person who trusts Jesus Christ as Savior. It’s the passing from spiritual death to spiritual life, the beginning of a new creation in Christ, and the writing of God’s Law in our hearts. It means a new relationship to the Law of…
The shift can be imperceptible. Nobody drifts into holiness, but we sure drift into unholiness. It is the default setting of our flesh. And so the pastor is auto set to self-protect, self-justify You insulate yourself from criticism and/or interpret any criticism as attacks or insubordination You have a paranoia about Who Is and Who…
In his book The Pastor’s Justification Jared Wilson rightly makes the case that pastors need to lead the way. Lead the way in what? Here’s some examples he gives: A pastor must go first. In groups where transparency is expected, a pastor goes first. In the humility of service, a pastor goes first. In the…
Bill Hybels has a really powerful word on the relationship between pastor/shepherd and the sheep and explains how we must not lead with a domineering spirit. Throughout my entire ministry, one thing has almost always been true: If I communicate the right mission at the right time of the year in the right way and…
Bill Hybels in his book Axiom has some very insightful and wise thoughts regarding the seasons organizations go through. For my context, the organization is the church. Here’s his breakdown: Season of growth. In this season everything is going well, attendance is spiking, giving is on the rise and the future looks bright. Season of consolidation.…
Here’s some sobering observations (from Dave Kraft in his book Mistakes Leaders Make) on Saul’s life. Insecurity leads to motivation by fear of failure Circumstances, not God’s desires, control Saul’s choices Rationalization, not repentance, follows his sin He loves the favor and respect of his son, Jonathan He loses favor with God He assumes the problem…
Dave Kraft in his book Mistakes Leaders Make gives 10 things pastors should strongly avoid. Allowing ministry to replace Jesus Allowing comparing to replace contentment Allowing pride to replace humility Allowing pleasing people to replace pleasing God Allowing busyness to replace visioning Allowing financial frugality to replace fearless faith Allowing artificial harmony to replace difficult conflict…
One way we love others is by being proactive in doing good, not reactive. The example in the blog post title serves as an example: you wouldn’t wait till your car runs out of gas to put gas in it. There’s a proactiveness that we naturally exemplify. In the same way we should be proactive…
Have real goodwill toward the other person Put the other person first Be eager in meeting the needs of others, not begrudging and reluctant Be proactive, not reactive, in doing good Avoid a self-protective mindset and take pains to do good for others Be creative and competent in doing good, not lazy and shoddy Matt…
Matt Perman writes that the Christian attitude in doing good is… Eager Enthusiastic Joyful Creative Gets a kick out of it He also writes that the Christian attitude in doing good is not… Reluctant Grudging Indifferent Bored Would rather be playing X-Box or Wii Which list is more reflective of your life?
Theology Along the Way 