The best way to stay fresh in the pulpit is to read books on preaching and then apply what you learn. A sermon is made up of distinct parts—the greeting, introduction, background, exposition, conclusion, and closing prayer—and preaching books offer Scripture-based insight into how to prepare each one well. As you learn to craft a stronger introduction, a clearer exposition, or a more effective conclusion, your preaching doesn’t just improve—it changes. And change is the very definition of … [Read more...]
The Unenviable Job of a Leader
I recently spent time with a pastor friend, and as we caught up he began to share some of the leadership strain he’s been carrying. Several staff members were upset with him—upset enough to resign—over a leadership decision he had made. The issue was this: For the church’s vision to move from paper to reality, restructuring was necessary. And my friend, being the kind of leader churches need, didn’t avoid the hard work. He led the staff through the process carefully and intentionally. But the … [Read more...]
Core Four: Evaluate
RWMC is an acronym that helps us easily remember the four questions we have to ask ourselves each week about our Sunday services…. R stands for what went right? W stands for what went wrong? M stands for what was missing? And C stands for what was confusing? And these are the four questions you want to ask about every Sunday service. So here’s what you do: Make a note on your phone that you label RWMC. Under that make four headings: 1) right, 2) wrong, 3) missing, 4) confusing. Then, on … [Read more...]
A Thanksgiving Devotional
I’m reading Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick and wrote the following devotional based off what I’ve learned in the book. Enjoy! The first Thanksgiving took place in 1621. The Pilgrims didn’t call it “Thanksgiving” at the time, but because the purpose of their feast was to thank God for His blessings, it was later given that name. What makes this so striking is the context. Of the roughly 100 people who arrived on the Mayflower, half died within the first year. They faced disease, … [Read more...]
How to Respond Appropriately to Criticism
Rick Warren once said “you preach to a parade.” This means that at all times you have people coming in (joining the church) and going out (leaving the church). And when people leave, there are times where it’s because their personal preferences aren’t being met. If you haven’t already experienced your own version of this—all it means is you’re new to staff :) And here’s the first thing I want you to note about Jesus’ ministry… Ok, here’s the second thing I … [Read more...]
Vince Lombardi: A Successful Failure
I recently read When Pride Still Mattered by David Maraniss, which is considered to be the definitive biography of legendary football coach Vince Lombardi. If case you've never heard of him, Lombardi was the head coach of the Green Bay Packers from 1959-1967. When he took over the team was struggling, having suffered multiple losing seasons. But under his leadership, the Packers became a dominant force in the NFL, winning championships in 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, and 1967. Then, later on in … [Read more...]
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