Church & Ministry

I am certain that this is not limited to “my” church. How do we encourage people to grow in the Lord without enabling them to continue to live off of the system? Our area seems to be in a terrible recession and a morally depraved society. We don’t live in a big community. However, the amount of sexual predators, teen mothers, and even lesbians is astounding. We have many people who “scam” the church with sob stories about how they don’t have money to pay the rent but they have enough to play the lotto. Joe can attest to this one - HOARDERS.

Witnessing and being an active evangelist is not easy. I am all alone in my efforts as my church believes in a more servant/friendship evangelism approach. No one in my church stands against me, and no one stands for me… Witnessing to post moderns is not easy as so many just want to believe whatever they wish. I have been called a legalist a thousand times by the liberal and broader new evangelical & Charismatics whom do not believe in using the law in evangelism, do not believe in speaking on sin, etc..

Do any preachers out there have suggestions for learning to prepare a biographical message? Book/article/website/audio suggestions are welcome, as are tips/guidelines/methods you have found helpful. I know how to preach expository messages taking a single unit of the Scripture in its context, but am not sure about a biographical message. I’d like to preach one on Peter (I know one could preach a whole series on Peter) as a prelude to preaching through 1 Peter in a few weeks.

I see a wonderful opportunity for so many to receive more of the Holy Spirit’s repeated fillings! I see this as a major need in countless individuals and endless churches. Why this void?

Blind spots, Opportunities?:

1. Can have more of HS without changing E-F theology.

2. Unaware of how many are in deep overreaction to views of other groups re HS. Have thrown out the baby with the bath.