Volunteers and (not or) Discipleship
Each week church leaders feel the weight of responsibility for two important facets of their ministry roles. First, they desire to disciple people in the church, to develop people the Lord has called them to serve. Second, they have the responsibility of “pulling off church” this week. The kid’s ministry, student program, weekend services, and […]
Unveiled Faces
Second Corinthians 3:18 says, “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (NIV). Paul is taking the readers back to Moses. Moses would walk up to this mountain called Mount Sinai. There he would […]
Gospel and the Poor
The apostle Paul reminded the Corinthian Christians of their status when Christ called them to Himself. Brothers, consider your calling: Not many are wise from a human perspective, not many powerful, not many of noble birth. Instead, God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what […]
Manage God’s Grace
In the Jewish culture, the master would entrust specific responsibilities to his servant. The servant may be responsible for managing some aspect of the master’s business or administering a portion of the family land. The servant would be honored to manage the resources or possessions of the master. Serving is management of God’s grace. The […]
Four Ways to Continue the Simple Church Conversation
You should frequently discuss your simple process. Discussion will lead to understanding and ownership with the leaders. Consequently, the process will be planted deep into the culture of the church. Perhaps it is time for you to begin the ongoing conversation . . . to get things started. Pace yourself. This process will take some […]
Gospel and Giving
Church leaders are bombarded with advice on “raising capital,” “developing donors,” “cultivating generosity,” and “teaching stewardship.” With giving as a clear mark of spiritual health, the church needs resources to be all she should be in the community where God has placed her. If the apostle Paul were at the table hearing church leaders bemoan the […]
What Could Be Deeper?
The grand narrative of Scripture features community. In the beginning, our triune God graciously gave community to Adam and Eve. But sin distorted and messed up the perfect community they shared. They lost the beauty of their nativity, and tension existed between them the rest of their days. Yet in His mercy, God pursued and […]
Gospel and Worship
Worship is the most appropriate response to the gospel. When challenging people to worship, both corporately and personally, churches that view discipleship through the gospel lens articulate that attitude. When God gave the Ten Commandments to His people, He first reminded them of the freedom He graciously gave them. I am the Lord your God, […]
Don’t Paint the Lawn
Multiple summers I have come home from vacation to massive spots in my lawn that are completely parched. I am not referring to small spots that can be corrected with a few patches of grass; I mean embarrassingly ruined sections of my lawn. One summer evening, after staring at dead patches in my yard, I […]
The Example of Jesus
The biblical writers Peter and James joined Paul and Timothy in identifying themselves as servants. They opened their letters proudly bearing the title doulos, a bond servant of Christ. Peter was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, so he saw firsthand the example of Jesus. He heard Jesus speak passionately about serving others. And he watched […]