Over the last several years, I have been asked by a few people to start my own podcast. Admittedly, I have zero experience with this type of medium other than listening to hosts like Dave Ramsey, Mike Cosper, Donald Miller, Albert Mohler, and Ben Bergeron. My primary dealings with podcasting is from a listener perspective. … Continue reading It Is True! I Just Started the Marines to Ministry Podcast
Dr. Akin’s Charge to PhD Graduates
Serving the Church and Fulfilling the Great Commission There is not doubt that Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) is a special place. They believe in the infallible and inherent Word of God. Their professors teach in accordance with and not contrary to the Baptist Faith and Message 2000. They are passionate about serving the church … Continue reading Dr. Akin’s Charge to PhD Graduates
What is an Executive Pastor?
Essence Precedes Existence One of my favorite phrases is "essence precedes existence." This quote establishes that what something "is" must be understood before we determine what something "does." To reverse this ordering, creates issues. For example, some pro-abortion advocates view that babies are not human beings (is) who are protected in the womb because they … Continue reading What is an Executive Pastor?
Gaining Influence by Humble Means: 3 Ways to Think about Building Your Brand
Have you ever heard of Bruce A Little? Unless you are a graduate of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary or have engaged in philosophical thought at an academic level, you have probably never heard of him. He is by far one of the most challenging professors I have ever studied under, but also the person who … Continue reading Gaining Influence by Humble Means: 3 Ways to Think about Building Your Brand
The Growing Need for Church Consultants and Coaches
Thom Rainer observes that "over two thirds of American churches have a worship attendance under 100" (The New Very Large Church). In another post, Rainer shows that numbers indicate, "more pastors and staff will become bi-vocational and co-vocational" in 2023 (Ten Major Trends for Local Churches in America in 2023). The terms he uses in … Continue reading The Growing Need for Church Consultants and Coaches
Leadership Ambition: Morally Praiseworthy or Morally Problematic?
God calls us to be ambitious for the growth and expansion of his kingdom between the "already" of our conversions and the "not yet" of our home going. Paul David Tripp, Lead, p. 34 Tripp's quote attempts to relieve a bit of tension for those in ministry positions. Many Christian leaders seem to struggle with … Continue reading Leadership Ambition: Morally Praiseworthy or Morally Problematic?
Are You Hiring? The 4 C’s for Building Your Team
The Excitement and Unease of Hiring Hiring staff is an exciting time in the life of any church or organization. Building a team signifies that your organization or church is growing. Of course, the hiring process could also be filled with uncertainties and insecurities. Questions like: What if we hire the wrong person? What if … Continue reading Are You Hiring? The 4 C’s for Building Your Team
Ministry Leader, Consider Deleting Your Instagram Account Today
The Defeat and Reality of Sin My demeanor changed. My heart sank. My disposition became gloomy. The moment I was notified that another mega church pastor was being removed--albeit temporarily--from a ministry position broke my heart. My theological commitments acknowledge that we still live in a fallen world. Yes, sin has been defeated by Jesus, … Continue reading Ministry Leader, Consider Deleting Your Instagram Account Today
3 Reasons to Make Your Disciples Write
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to … Continue reading 3 Reasons to Make Your Disciples Write
M.DIV., M.A., D.MIN–What Does It All Mean? Understanding School Degrees As A Pastor Search Team Member
Scenario If you have been in a congregationally-led local church for any length of time, you might be familiar with this situation. Your beloved pastor has resigned and moved on to another place of ministry or calling. The church appoints a Pastor Search Team (PST) to begin looking for their next pastor. The job description, … Continue reading M.DIV., M.A., D.MIN–What Does It All Mean? Understanding School Degrees As A Pastor Search Team Member