As iron sharpens iron,
one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)
I recently presented a paper (Integrating Exegesis and Exposition: Preaching and Teaching for Spiritual Independence) in which I asserted that if the literal grammatical historical hermeneutic is warranted, then we must apply it not only in the exegetical process (the process of interpreting and understanding the Bible), but also in the process of applying and teaching the Bible.
From Voice magazine, Nov/Dec 2015. Used by permission. Read Part 1 and Part 2.
Local church ministry often involves seeing people at their worst and unfortunately all of us pastors experience times when rocks and arrows are directed at us. We need to forgive others when we’ve been wronged because it’s commanded in the New Testament and because it honors the Lord when we “take the high road.” And we need to acknowledge there are times in ministry when we pastors do or say the wrong thing and we need to admit “I was wrong. Please forgive me.” All of us need to forgive those who have hurt us in church squabbles and get along with them so the gospel won’t be negatively affected. Unsaved people are watching and need to see how the Gospel has changed us by helping us to truly love and forgive others. Forgiveness is simply the active part of love.
Mark Dever suggests fewer programs in the church will make more time for real ministry. Other people might counter that more programs mean structured contact with more people — it really happens.
What is your experience? Please comment in one of more of these areas, if you wish:
(1) Are a wealth of programs good for growing a church numerically, but counter-productive in matters of spiritual depth and actual discipleship?
(2) Are the many programs often the wrong programs, and would an improved direction help?
Here’s the scenario:
Gabriela and Alejandro Flores and their three children live in your community with their three children.
The children attend your church’s VBS and several make professions of faith.
Your church’s outreach ministry visits in their home and thanks to the bi-lingual couple who connects with them, both Gabriela and Alejandro make professions of faith themselves,
The couple want to be baptized and unite with your church.
“He will step into the role in January, after the retirement of the mission agency’s current president, Dr. Gary Anderson” GARBC
Discussion