The Authority and Purpose of Foreign Missions

Todd Wood
President Augustus H. Strong, D.D., LL. D. - here are three paragraphs that I have selected from his address at the Ecumenical Conference in New York (April 21-May 1,1900). I just had to share some of this. It encourages me.

Discussion

Four year Bible curriculum for teens?

Todd Wood
I would like to begin this fall an after school Bible teaching module for the teens in the public junior high and high school next to my house.

Are there any good teenage Bible curriculums that work through the whole Bible in a cycle of 4 years?

Discussion

Rebuke/Admonish vs. Accusations

Susan R

A few days ago I read this post from Internet Monk-

Jesus is the constant mediator. Jesus is the constant advocate.

Satan is the constant accuser…

Have you thought what the devil would do if he took to the pulpit of a church?

…But if Satan were true to his nature, he would be the “accuser” of the family of God.

Discussion

What Your Pastor Wishes You Knew About Him, Part 1

Dan Burrell

Originallly appeared at Whirled Views, June 2009

In the last week I’ve spent time talking with three pastors who are about ready to throw in the proverbial towel. Each case is different and no two pastors, churches, boards or any other “part” of church leadership is exactly the same, but what is common among them is a sense of deep despair. Sadly, in the last week I’ve also heard of two colleagues in the ministry who ended their ministry with a catastrophic failure—one of them a rising evangelical leader who admitted to an affair. Not in every case, but in some cases, I’ve noticed a correlation to the thought processes between those who burnout in ministry and those who “flame out” due to sin. But whether you burnout, flame out, drop out or rust out—out is still out.

I am now two years beyond my own decision to step away from the senior pastorate, so I hope I can be a bit more objective about a topic like this than I might have been twenty-four short months ago. As for my own situation, I had my own reasons for changing the nature of my ministry and I am not looking back. For the cynical or others, nothing I write in this article should be construed as anything more or less than what it is—an opinion piece from someone who has sat on both sides of the pulpit for the last twenty-five years of ministry and who is still engaged in pastoral ministry—just from a different perspective in recent months.

I don’t pretend to write for every pastor out there, but I spend a lot of time with pastors and former pastors. There are some trends that are impacting pastoral leadership at this time that I think impact churches and their leaders. There are some frailties and vulnerabilities that any man called to be a pastor is naturally going to carry into his responsibilities. Add to that the spiritual warfare that is incumbent upon being a spiritual shepherd (or undershepherd). It is with these realities in mind that I offer some things that I’m guessing your pastor wishes you knew about him.

Discussion

Gene Getz on leading a team of "leaders"

Joel Tetreau
Many of us here speak to the importance of not falling into the trap of a dictatorial style of leadership. The NT is clear on a pattern of shared leadership in a congregation. Scripture is also clear that their ought to be a strong leader who leads the leaders. Getz gives great clarity on this dynamic.

Let me encourage especially those in leadership to get this book by Getz.

Straight Ahead!

Joel

Quote from Getz:

Discussion

Society Suggestion for BJU

jvberryjr
My son is enrolling as a freshman at BJU this fall. Can someone suggest a society that is known for attracting spiritually mature students?

Discussion

Christian School Movement in Trouble?

Pastor Joe Roof
Recently, an educator in a large Christian school shared his concern with me that the Christian School movement is dying. Another leader in Christian education recently expressed similiar concerns to a friend of mine who is a Pastor. A parent recently told me that the school where they send their child experienced a drastic drop in enrollment and probably will not be able to offer sports like soccer to the students this year.

Discussion

R. B. Thieme: Possibly Close To Going Home

Alex Guggenheim
Lt. Col. R. B. Thieme, 91, a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, and retired Pastor of Berachah Church of Houston, Texas, who had some aspects of his ministry methods and teachings challenged by a number of fundamentalist and specifically by former Bob Jones Professor, Stewart Custer, Ph.D. regarding “the blood of Christ”, is reported by a close source to possibly be entering his last days as the Angelic host may be preparing to welcome him at his promotion into eternity. Thieme retired from public ministry in 2003 and has battled Alzheimer’s disease since.

Discussion