Jeremy Leadership, The Church

One Preacher’s Process for Preparing A Sermon

One question pastors like to ask each other is: "How do you prepare your sermons for Sunday?" The responses differ based on personality, capabilities, experience, and time constraints. For example, Jim Shaddix used to prepare all week for his sermon. John Piper studies and writes his on Friday. Joby Martin spends all day Monday getting … Continue reading One Preacher’s Process for Preparing A Sermon

Jeremy The Church

2 Types of Hypocrisy that Hinder the Gospel’s Advancement

Paul's Example of Gospel Change After the Apostle Paul met Jesus, his entire life changed. His life changed so drastically that people were talking about it for miles. This is what they were saying, "He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy" (Gal 1:23). The gospel--i.e., the … Continue reading 2 Types of Hypocrisy that Hinder the Gospel’s Advancement

Jeremy Leadership, The Church

Theodore Beza’s Challenge to Contemporary Preaching

Beza's Approach to Training Pastors Theodore Beza may not be a household name for many contemporary evangelicals. One reason, out of many, is that he followed the ministry of John Calvin in Geneva, Switzerland. Even though Beza stands in the shadow of one of the greatest reformers of the Christian faith, it is my intention … Continue reading Theodore Beza’s Challenge to Contemporary Preaching

Jeremy Leadership, The Church

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

Jeremy Leadership, The Church

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