Foundational and Functional Values

There are many ways to describe the culture of a church.  But, what about the values of a congregation?  An organization’s values are those underlying assumptions that guide the decision-making and actions taken.  Many times values are put into competition with one another.  As though one category is more desirable than another.  Terms such asContinue reading “Foundational and Functional Values”

Apps for Small Churches

The following list of apps is the “go to” helps for Bible study, communications and social media, and overall productivity.  Some of these tools are a daily part of my ministry.   Most of these apps come with options at different prices, and most have free levels.  Which is great for small budgets.  However, if thereContinue reading “Apps for Small Churches”

Basic Church Ministries

In every church, there are some primary ministries.  The size of the congregation or the purpose of a new pastor to come in doesn’t matter when it comes to these essential activities.  In a way, the following four types of ministry describe much of what groups of believers do in the world. Ministry of theContinue reading “Basic Church Ministries”

Cross-Organizational Teamwork

I recently gave a presentation on the impact individuals have on cross-organizational teamwork.  The study was based on a group I work with that has members comprised of different community churches and other local organizations.  The study was based on research from Roloff, Wolley, & Edmonson’s (2011) research on team learning (pp. 249-271).  Three areasContinue reading “Cross-Organizational Teamwork”

The Lord is my shepherd – Psalm 23:1

The following series of blog post will explore each verse of the beloved twenty-third Psalm.  These posts are based on a set of sermons I preached through in the summer of 2017.  I pray for your soul to find encouragement, comfort, and challenge through this psalm. Why Psalm 23?  Out of the 150 Psalms, whichContinue reading “The Lord is my shepherd – Psalm 23:1”

The Pastor 

Filling the office of the pastor takes a genuine calling from God.  The prophets, judges, and teachings foreshadow it in the Old Testament, and the New Testament defines it.  Church history has validated it, and culture has tested it.  Now, the office of pastor is losing its influence through misunderstandings, a lack of clear purpose,Continue reading “The Pastor “

Preaching in the New Testament

John the Baptist was the last Old Testament preacher (Luke 16:16), and Jesus became the first New Testament preacher.  In fact, for preaching, John Stott (1982) wrote, “The only place to begin is with Jesus himself” (p. 16).  Jesus, the quintessential person, finds Himself in the preacher’s shoes according to scripture.  In relating God’s Word to us, it wasContinue reading “Preaching in the New Testament”

Preaching in the Old Testament

Preaching the Word begins with God.  The first chapter of Genesis is filled with God’s creative power through His Words.  Peter Adams wrote, “The basis for any true human speaking for God is that God is a speaking God…and it is clear that the God of the Bible is a God who speaks” (Adams, 1996, p.Continue reading “Preaching in the Old Testament”

From Generation to Generation

How many generations are present in your congregation?  Look through the list and see which groups are represented where you attend. The Builders Generation: Born 1945 and before The Baby Boomers: Born 1946 to 1964 Generation X: Born 1965 to 1976 The Millennials or Gen Y: Born 1977 to 1995 Gen Z, iGen, or Centennials: BornContinue reading “From Generation to Generation”

Practical Leadership Theory for Local Church Leaders

There are plenty of things I would have liked to of known when I first started pastoring ten years ago.  Professional training and habitual reading have provided a great foundation.  Observing other pastors is another blessing.  However, nothing has been as beneficial as experience.  In reality, it is the mixture of all three that informContinue reading “Practical Leadership Theory for Local Church Leaders”