The Lord may decide to use you in mighty ways, far beyond the reach of your own congregation. If he does, praise God. But don’t forget that ministry is about your sheep, your congregation.
Read moreWorking Hard vs. Working Smart
During my time in the ministry I have encountered a number of colleagues that work very hard. However, I think those same colleagues were not very productive. While someone might work very hard on something, it doesn’t mean he will be productive.
Read moreLectio Continua
During the sixteenth-century Reformation one of the standard practices for pastors was to preach lectio continua, chapter-by-chapter, verse-by-verse, through books of the Bible. At Geneva, for example, John Calvin preached from the New Testament in the morning and the Old Testament in the evening.
Read moreListen, Don't Critique
One of the biggest problems in Reformed churches, I believe, is that people come to church to critique the sermon rather than listen to it.
Read moreHospitality
One of the lost and dying arts in the church these days is the practice of exercising hospitality. In days gone by people in church regularly planned to exercise hospitality on the Lord’s Day.
Read morePublic Pulpit Prayers
Regardless of whatever fears I might have, as a minister, you don’t have an option. You will regularly offer public prayers, whether from the pulpit, or at other church functions and occasions. So what should you do to be ready to pray in public?
Read moreSlow Down and Ordain Elders Carefully
Don’t be too quick to lay hands on a man. Take the time to determine whether he truly meets the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3:1-7. You don’t want to ordain your worst problem.
Read morePrayer and Gossip?
Sometimes prayer is really a thin disguise for gossip.
Read morePray the Directory
One of the practical things you can do to ensure that you pray for all of the people in your church is to pray through your church directory. Depending on the size of your church, you might be able to pray for several households per day and get through your church in a month.
Read morePray Before You Preach
All too often I believe preachers blow a lot of dry dusty data at their congregations absent of the anointing of the Spirit because they have failed to pray.
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