Here is a mashup of Paul’s exhortations to Timothy. He wanted Timothy to teach Scripture, to give himself wholly to it. No messing around. Go all out in this gift. Maybe this will stir up a pastor or two, myself included. (2 Minutes / 300 Words)
Read moreArchival Post: When Plans Magically Come Together Proverbs 16:1
“The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.”(Proverbs 16:1). As I sat at a table full of pastors, my plan was set. Through prayer and thought, time and research, observation and faith, I had come to my conclusion. I had written down bullet points and was now ready to share the plan of my heart. Then something magical happened, only it wasn’t magic, but the Spirit of God changing plans as they traveled from my heart to my tongue. (1 Minute/250 Words)
Read moreArchival Post: 40 Things I Am Thankful to Christ for on My 40th Birthday
I am thankful for what the Lord has done in me so far, and I look forward to all he will continue to do in me. I want to grow in him, to be conformed more fully into the image of Jesus. I crave that deeper Christlikeness and feel I have so far to go. Here, on my birthday, it only seems appropriate to thank God. All praise to him! Here are forty things that come to mind. (6 Minutes/1600 Words)
Read moreMy Sabbatical Plan
I don't know how to start this post, except to say I am about to head out onto a two-month sabbatical. Yay! (5 Minutes/1000 Words)
Read moreHow I Teach Good Friday Services
I recently sat down with a pastoral friend of mine to catch up. During the course of our conversation, we began talking about various ministries and events coming up in each our lives. Since Christmas, at the time of the conversation, was right around the corner, he began asking me about our Christmas Eve Services, so I told him about the teaching rhythm I've landed on for both that service and also Good Friday. (10 Minutes/1800 Words)
Read moreArchival Post: Things I Enjoy About Calvary Chapel
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Things I Enjoy About Calvary Chapel
Staff Chapel
Each week at Calvary Monterey we hold an hour-long staff chapel. Currently held on Wednesdays after lunch, Staff Chapel is an opportunity for the staff of our church to gather together for prayer, worship, teaching, updates, and training. It is, for me, a significant way to impart to the entire team. (4 Minutes/800 Words)
Read moreImprove Your Sermon Preparation
Bible teachers and preachers are a gift to the body of Christ, but they have also received a gift and a calling from the Lord, one they must steward well for the glory of God. I don’t personally know of any communicator of God’s word who feels they have no room to improve. Every pastor or teacher I know wants to grow in their gifting. (7 Minutes/1400 Words)
Read moreThe Reverent, Faithful, Whole-Hearted Bible Teacher (2 Chronicles 19:9)
King Jehoshaphat was one of Judah’s godly kings. He established reforms and devoted himself (and the people) to the worship of the LORD. One initiative of his was to reestablish the Levites, priests, and heads of families. God intended for each of them to instruct others in Scripture, (10 Minutes/1500 Words)
Read moreEaster Tips For Pastors
Our Good Friday services have developed into a significant part of our church calendar, and Easter Sunday is our largest gathering of the year. I have learned a lot about myself and how I best work through such a busy and blessed time, so here is some advice I would give to other pastors. (9 Minutes/1600 Words)
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