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
Why Does Mark’s Gospel Begin with the Ministry of John the Baptist?
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, "Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,'" John appeared, baptizing in … Continue reading Why Does Mark’s Gospel Begin with the Ministry of John the Baptist?
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
Jesus Is God’s Beloved Son: A Lesson from Mark 9:7-8
And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him." And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.Mark 9:7-8 This event displays the second time readers of Mark's Gospel have witnessed a voice exclaim that Jesus is God's … Continue reading Jesus Is God’s Beloved Son: A Lesson from Mark 9:7-8
The Old Testament Points Us to Jesus: A Lesson from Mark 9:4-5
And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. And Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah." For he did not know what else to say, for they were … Continue reading The Old Testament Points Us to Jesus: A Lesson from Mark 9:4-5
Jesus’ Transfiguration Reflects His True Nature
And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them.Mark 9:2-3 Mark's Source Many scholars argue that Mark's Gospel comes from the … Continue reading Jesus’ Transfiguration Reflects His True Nature
Jesus Is Greater than Moses
And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them.Mark 9:2-3 Why Six Days? Mark, under the divine inspiration of the Holy … Continue reading Jesus Is Greater than Moses
How to Preach Multiple Views in Your Sermon
Preachers are finite human beings—albeit sometimes I think many of us forget this reality. We feel like we have to have all the answers, but in truth, we need to recognize that God’s omniscience humbles us as gospel communicators and students of God's Word. A belief in the inerrancy and sufficiency of Scripture ought to … Continue reading How to Preach Multiple Views in Your Sermon
One Reason I Hesitate to Publish My Sermons Online
Introduction: In my studies at Southeastern, I had a professor once encourage us to publish journal articles instead of books as budding scholars. He pointed out that many of us will continue to grow as followers of Christ because the Lord constantly refines us as theologians. Of course, this is what what happens when you … Continue reading One Reason I Hesitate to Publish My Sermons Online
Your First Step in Sermon Prep
One of my favorite questions to ask pastors when I sit with them is, "What does your sermon preparation process look like?" By God's grace, he has wired every single one of us differently; therefore, everyone's process is unique to them. Some pastors prepare later in the week while others prepare all week long. A … Continue reading Your First Step in Sermon Prep
Be Imitators 