Not long ago, I was invited to preach at a church in a metropolitan area. I arrived on a Sunday morning to a large church facility that was showing some signs of some needed maintenance and renovation. I estimated that the auditorium would seat 700-800 people. They had an abundance of Bible study classrooms and... Continue Reading →
Good Fishing
Jesus said to His first disciples, “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19.) I had a good friend who was an excellent fisherman, and made a decent living as a fishing guide. If there was one fish in a lake, my friend would catch it. Why was he such a good... Continue Reading →
What’s the Fuss?
I recently led a workshop in which I shared how many churches today were actively engaging their communities by being the hands and feet of Jesus through acts of service. I suggested that by doing so, the church would be more relevant to the community and doors for spiritual influence would be opened. One of... Continue Reading →
How Many ATTEND or How Many We SEND?
Many churches count how many attend as if that is something that determines it’s success. How many we’re seating on any given Sunday was never intended to be a tool used to determine effectiveness. But, how many the church sends out each week is an indicator of a church’s health and Biblical obedience. "And how... Continue Reading →
Displaced
They often flee in the middle of the night, taking only what they can carry. They flee because their ethnicity, religion, or politics make it unsafe to remain in the place that has been home. They are refugees. People without a home, without a country. The decision to leave their homeland is not a easy... Continue Reading →
Rebuilding the Walls
The physical damage from disasters can be catastrophic to communities, families, and individuals. Everyone who is affected faces a long recovery. Once the immediate crisis has passed, it can be months and even years before lives begin to normalize. Rebuild ministry is a way to help families and vulnerable populations restore their lives and recover... Continue Reading →
Have It Your Way
For forty years, Burger King was known for its slogan, "Have It Your Way." It would be wonderful if one could order life like this. Give me a double blessing with pleasure, money, recognition, a little adventure, and hold the danger. Give me a mega church with extra good health, great leaders, and make it... Continue Reading →
A New Start Should Involve Reaching New People
The New Year’s Eve celebrations have ended and before us is a new year of new opportunities, new beginnings and new direction. This is the time of year that we find ourselves evaluating the past year and making new plans and resolutions for the coming year. Usually the new plans have something to do with... Continue Reading →
I’m Not Trained, But I Did Stay at a Holiday Inn Last Night
Believers often ask in Disaster Relief, “Why do I have to go through training to serve as a volunteer? Why can’t I just go help people?” Preparation is important in any area of ministry, because it enables us to be more effective in ministry. The wisdom writer in Ecclesiastes 10:10 declared, “If the ax is dull,... Continue Reading →
Is Serving Others Only a Seasonal Activity?
I love Christmas, the lights, family gatherings, decorations, music and gift giving. It's a time of year when people show compassion to the hurts and needs of others. We see it displayed in the days leading up to Christmas by children taking gifts to the elderly in the nursing home, groups singing carols and delivering... Continue Reading →