In the summer of 2020, I led an online theology class for people in the church I pastor. I was blown away that over 1000 people engaged in the class, asked thoughtful questions, and walked through the material each week. We used a theological text book as our reading, and explored a different “ology” each…
Bible Study
Sermon Prep: Why Do You Spend So Much Time on It?
Senior pastors invest varying amounts of time in sermon preparation. I have friends who spend 25 hours a week on a sermon and friends who spend 8-10 hours a week on sermons. The amount of time in sermon prep can vary based on the experience of the pastor (those with more experience have reservoirs of…
You Have Time to Read the Bible!
Last week I saw my friend Josh Straub post something rather convicting. He essentially said that if we don’t spend time with our kids during this season then “time” has never really been the problem. He is right. Parents (including me) often lament the reality that busy schedules are the reason we are not spending…
3 Dangers in Only Teaching Commands and Virtues
There is something very attractive in teaching people commands (you must do this) and virtues (you must be this type of person). I see the attractive temptation in my own life. On my worst days I just want my kids to behave, and I don’t think much about why they are behaving. On my worst…
3 Studies in the New Testament That Have Impacted Me the Most
I am currently on “study break,” where I am taking some time to plan the sermon calendar for 2020, pray for our church, and get a head start on individual messages. It is a gift and I don’t take the opportunity to study for granted. I have thought about the studies in the New Testament…
5 Steps to Launching a Bible Study for Kids Before (or After) School
Kaye, my wife, teaches third grade at the public school in our neighborhood—the school our daughters attend. Kaye has always viewed teaching as an incredible opportunity to love and serve kids and their families, and this year she sensed the Lord leading her to start a Bible study before school for kids who wanted to…
Teenage Girls and Their God Questions, by Mary Margaret Collingsworth
I am honored to lead the Resources Division at LifeWay and serve with a team of leaders who are passionate to serve the Church in her mission of making disciples. Each Wednesday, I share the heart behind one of the resources our team has developed and give an opportunity for you to register to win a free copy of…
Introducing My First Bible Study – Unfolded
In our day there have been several television series that have captured the attention of men. From 24 where Jack Bauer spends eight seasons spoiling terrorist plot after terrorist plot, to Lost which tells a story that no one can quite explain (and some are bitter about because they wasted years watching to be disappointed…
3 Unique Leadership Challenges in Ministry to Men
Fire is an amazing thing, isn’t it? It can be incredibly helpful—warming your home, cooking your dinner, and when focused, can even cut through steel. Men are similar to fire. Men can either warm families, churches, and communities or they can burn them to the ground. That’s why every church must minister to men in…
FREE Bible Study Sample When You Join My Email List
This fall, I offered a free sample of my new book Designed to Lead for anyone who joined my email list. Now through January, if you sign up for my blog email list, you will receive a free preview of my upcoming Bible Study Unfolded. What is Unfolded? Here is a bit of a description: Most men know…