I didn’t simply decide to read through the Mosaic Law. I actually picked up a Chronological Bible and decided that it would be a fresh way to read through Scripture. Needless to say, it has definitely given me a better understanding of how things took place and why they happened when they did.
The teens before us (in the 80s) had broken through a lot of the legalism regarding playing cards, pool halls, going to movies and best of all, listening to rock music! By the 90s, Christian rock options were coming out of every major city faster than we could memorize lyrics. Christian artists were coming out of the woodwork, creating sounds that drove teen culture; yet carried positive or at least neutral messages with every note.
Our first residence in Alaska was supposed to be a ground level, a two-bedroom apartment within a couple of miles of the church. We soon found out that we’d be temporarily staying in a traditional Alaskan log cabin!
In August of 2012, I wrote an article for The PODIUM titled “Should Your Pastor Embrace Social Media?” This topic has continued to enter into numerous ministry conversations.
Take a moment to meditate on the deeper level of this Scripture. “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21) It’s next level, isn’t it? One of those reflections of time and space. I often find myself getting lost in Scriptures like this one. I’m consumed by thoughts of how God is guiding my life, and my eternal life for those willing to accept that statement. God’s sovereignty always seems to be on my mind and always has been.
Consistency may be fairly easy to obtain for our first-string players who are passionate about the ministry. However, what’s the level of consistency within their personal relationships with Christ? This type of consistency leads to a question of integrity.
What makes a first string the best? Is it natural talent, or well-practice ability? Sure, these are important traits. However, in the ministry game, consistency, and integrity prove to be far more valuable. Today, we’re going to focus on consistency.
Being a Christian can be rough. One of the challenges is journeying through seasons of doubt. Not so much doubting whether or not Jesus exists. It’s more like doubting whether or not following Jesus’ example is really worth it. (Yup, I really said that.)
Yesterday, I left you with my vacation dilemma. I had lost a contact lens after my first dive into the pool on vacation. If you have no idea what I’m referring to, click here: What I Learned About Leadership From Losing a Contact Lens. Now back to my story.
Service is a key component of leadership. Good service is hard to come by these days. A good leader should be providing service excellence and therefore, training team members to follow their example. Unfortunately, there’s a temptation to be too busy (or too proud), to provide high-calibre service.
Consider this the continuation of my review on Church Planting Is For Wimps by Mike McKinley. If you haven’t already, I’d urge you to read the previous post for a full context of today’s entry. At the time of reading Pastor McKinley’s book, I resonated with a young man trying to lead a ministry that is packed with opinions, from a wide range of demographics. And having to build loads of generational bridges.
Church planting is something that has always interested me. I have never been a church planter, and God’s calling on my life has always leaned toward church revitalization. However, I’ve visited church plants and I’ve been involved in assisting or supporting a few of them. And they’ve always interested me.