Serve the Master’s Family
The bond servant chose to stay with his master because he loved him. He wanted to express his love continually through his service because service is the full extent of love. When Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, He was “show[ing] them the full extent of his love” (John 13:1 NIV). The servant’s service to the […]
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 […]
Three Problems with Over-Quoting the Leader
In many organizations and ministries, people often over-quote their leader. Even in organizations where leaders involve others in decision-making, lead in community, and submit themselves to accountability, the over-quoting often occurs. It is an epidemic that lowers ownership, fosters disunity, and unintentionally creates the perception that the leader is leading in isolation. If I lead […]
The Role of Leadership
For a simple process to become a part of the culture of the church, it first must be woven into the leadership culture. The discussion must begin with the leadership of the church. The simple process must become part of their vocabulary. It must roll off their tongues with ease. It must make its way […]
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 […]
Two Wise Approaches for Group Content
I recently shared research that demonstrated group leaders want direction for their groups. They realize that a wise discipleship plan would be helpful for developing the people in their groups over time. Sadly, many church leaders fail to offer one. Thus, their churches are filled with a lot of guys like Jason… Imagine Jason in […]
Group Leaders Want Direction
In recent research, which Ed Stetzer and I will be sharing in an upcoming book on groups, we discovered that the majority of small group leaders in churches are not given any direction as to what their groups should study. Not only are these leaders not given Bible studies that fit the overarching discipleship plan […]
The Serving High
Jesus told His disciples that they would be blessed if they served. And you will be blessed if you serve, both eternally and presently. Eternally you will receive rewards because of your faithful service. Presently, a supernatural high comes with serving. Experiencing God overflow out of your life to serve others trumps anything the world […]
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 […]