Na entrada da igreja Good News em Moscou, há uma grande placa que expressa a gratidão aos parceiros que ajudaram a tornar aquele estabelecimento maravilhoso em realidade. Cada vez que entramos e saímos do prédio durante minha visita mais recente, Rick Renner parava e colocava suas mãos sobre aquela placa. Ele fazia um breve agradecimento a Deus por seus parceiros e orava para que Ele que os abençoasse. … read more
As numerous voices began calling for the defunding of police across our nation, I was reminded of a time when soldiers came to John the Baptist (in the light of his preaching of repentance) and asked what they should do. Interestingly, John did not tell them that they belonged to a corrupt profession and that they should all resign. … read more
Did you ever notice that the Bible makes absolutely no attempt to “sanitize” the history of its key figures? The sins of Moses, David, Paul, etc., are on full display in Scripture. It is very clear that Jesus alone is sinless and worthy (Rev 5:1-5). He came into a sin-sick world to bring redemption and forgiveness. … read more
Two decades ago, I preached in a nation that has long been known as a hot spot for animosity, conflict, and violence between two specific people groups. The church that hosted me was made up of people from what I will simply call social group A. It was interesting because the people were born again, and yet culturally … read more
Years ago, there was a movie called Pay It Forward where a young boy attempts to change the world with one idea. The idea was not just to pay back a favor to someone who had helped you, but to pay it forward with good deeds done to new people. Jesus’ idea to change the world was to commission his followers to go into the world and make disciples (Matthew 28:19). … read more
The Great Shepherd provided pastoral care not only in the temple and in syngogues, but along the dusty streets of Galilee as well. Wherever there was trauma, drama, or unexpected and sudden pain, you would find Jesus. The Master is my motivation and model for Police Chaplain Ministry. … read more
If you are a basketball fan, you know exactly what a full court press is. It brings a noticeable intensity to all that is happening on the court. If you are not a basketball afficionado, let me paint a picture for you, because I believe the “full court press” is a powerful analogy to what is happening in many peoples’ lives today. When a team scores in basketball, the other team takes the ball out of bounds and passes it back in so they can bring it to the other side of the court where they will hopefully score also. … read more
The Holy Spirit appoints pastors to the local church to oversee its operation, and He gives the vision for the church to them. It is then the pastor’s responsibility before God to steer the church in that direction. He has the God-given authority to govern it. The pastor is to maintain control over every ministry of the local church. … read more
Existem muitas implicações morais, éticas e práticas no que a Bíblia ensina, mas o cerne do envolvimento de Deus em nossas vidas é a presença e o poder do Espírito Santo. Há descrições no Novo Testamento de como o Espírito Santo trabalha na vida de um crente – um trabalho que verdadeiramente se inicia antes mesmo de tomarmos consciência da fé. … read more
There has always existed, within the framework of church history, two extreme views regarding the role of tongues in public worship services. Unfortunately, in both their theological positions and practice, churches have tended to swing to either one extreme or the other. My assessment on the matter comes from over three decades of ministry in the capacities of a church planter, pastor, and teacher of biblical languages. … read more
Eu estava participando de um culto em uma igreja uma vez e, durante o momento do louvor, a congregação cantou algumas das mais recentes canções de adoração. Logo em seguida, houve uma transição direta para um dos belos e antigos hinos da igreja. Foi um momento de louvor poderoso e comovente, e eu apreciei a riqueza do novo e do antigo – ambos louvores exaltavam a Cristo, e a Presença de Deus foi facilmente percebida em ambos. … read more
The word “unprecedented” is being used quite a bit relative to the crisis that the world is currently experiencing. The term “unchartered territory” is also being used. People don’t like uncertainty and the unknown, and they certainly don’t like the sense of “threat” that seems to be in everyone’s face. In short, these have been unnerving times. … read more
Here’s what is not helpful when a house is on fire: Cite statistics on how many people die in different ways than in house fires. Downplay the significance of the fire because it only appears to be in one small section of the house and probably won’t turn into anything significant. Debate on whether to alert your neighbor, because after all, it might violate their right to privacy. … read more
As a pastor, what is the most unique and innovative ministry that you have seen? Maybe it’s a ministry that your church does that is unique to you, or maybe it’s something that you’ve heard of someone doing that is totally “out of the box.” I’d love to hear creative ways that people communicate the love of God and meet the needs of others.
According to recent data, only 1 in 6 men attend weekend services. We are not connecting with them. In fact, most times when we do address men in our Churches, we are telling them what they are doing wrong or how they are neglecting their responsibilities. Who wants to be told on a regular basis that you are not doing a good job? … read more
Acabamos de passar pelo natal – uma época do ano em que todos estão à procura de descontos. Talvez você tenha acordado super cedo na véspera de natal e tenha batalhado com a multidão ou talvez tenha vasculhado a internet, tentando pegar um ou mais presentes com um grande desconto. Todo mundo adora fazer um bom negócio quando se trata de comprar presentes, não é verdade? … read more
As a pastor, what is the most unique and innovative ministry that you have seen? Maybe it’s a ministry that your church does that is unique to you, or maybe it’s something that you’ve heard of someone doing that is totally “out of the box.” I’d love to hear creative ways that people communicate the love of God and meet the needs of others.
If you want to keep your spiritual life fiery hot for the rest of your life on earth, you need to maintain a consistent intake of the Word of God. It’s the first key to keeping your heart ablaze for Jesus because it is foundational to all the other types of fuel you need to add to the fire in your heart: prayer, the Holy Spirit, worship, a passion for souls, generosity, holiness, humility, regard for authority, and the fear of the Lord. … read more
As Lisa and I prepare to head back to Australia next month, we do so with some really great memories. When we finished our first year of Bible school in the spring of 1980, our very first venture in ministry was to Australia. It was quite an initiation into faith and ministry for us at that age (we were 21 and 22 years old at the time)! … read more
Let me ask you a question: How did you get close to the people you’re close to? How did you get to know your parents, your best friend, your love, as well as you do? The answer is, you talked to them. You spent quality time with them. You listened to them and shared your heart with them. You couldn’t wait to hang out with them … read more
There are many moral, ethical, and practical implications in what the Bible teaches, but at the core of God’s involvement in our lives is the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit. There are descriptions in the New Testament of how the Holy Spirit works in the life of a believer—a work that actually starts before we even come into faith. … read more
In 2 Corinthians 7:5-6, Paul talks about a time when he was troubled and discouraged, and yet he was comforted and encouraged by the coming of Titus. As a pastor, what types of things have brought you the most encouragement when you were facing a difficult time. Can you give a specific example or two?
Unless we die an instantaneous death, it is a journey we will all be forced to face, with very little preparation, skills, resources or past experiences to guide us through. Honestly, when was the last time you searched your favorite bookstore for resources on how to die strong? Again, even those two words do not naturally fall together. … read more
I was attending a church service once, and during the worship time the congregation sang some of the newer worship choruses. This was followed by a seamless transition into one of the beautiful, old hymns of the church. It was a powerful and moving time of worship, and I appreciated the richness of both the new and the old—both were Christ-exalting, and God’s Presence was readily sensed in both. … read more
As a pastor, you encounter people’s highest highs and lowest lows. We know Paul said to rejoice with those that rejoice, and to weep with those that weep (Rom 12:15), but how do you personally manage ministering to people individually during such times? Also, do you have any thoughts on directing your pulpit ministry when you know that some people in your congregation are celebrating great victories, and at the same time, others are going through great challenges?
