I’ve noticed a reoccurring issue in many churches including my own. It’s as if there is this invisible revolving door located somewhere in our church that apparently only new people are able to see. If your church is anything like mine, we didn’t have a problem getting first time guests to show up, but we definitely had problems getting them to come back. … read more
Some people think organization is of the devil. God help them. I read in verse one, “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.” That’s when the trouble happened, “when the number of the disciples were multiplied.” You can’t run a thing the same way when it is multiplied as you did when it was beginning. … read more
As ministers across the country fall into moral sins and have to step down from their pulpits by personal decision or board mandates, the cry of many seems to be, “where was the accountability?”Organizations are set up for accountability and many join. Yet, the problems still persist. Where do we as ministers go for accountability? … read more
Ignorance of any subject is a guarantee of ineffective action. The most basic and necessary way to address a problem is to become informed. In our day it is almost criminal to be ignorant in the area of drug and alcohol addiction, yet much of the church labors in the dark. There are many sources of information available with a minimum of effort and expense. … read more
At our Bible Training Institute, annually we have over 200 graduates in ministry and leadership. Hundreds of pastors from various denominations have attended our ministry school in Lansing, Michigan or our church planter’s school in St. Pete Beach, Florida. We currently enjoy 216 credentialed ministers in our Mount Hope Church network. … read more
We all like to hear a powerful and moving message—one that touches our heart and challenges us to reach new heights and greater goals. However, we have all been the unfortunate victims of a poorly planned and executed message. This can be a mind-numbing and torturous event. In order to prevent unnecessary suffering on the part of our future listeners, I submit the seven major public speaking mistakes that people make. … read more
As a pastor, have you ever been so worn out in your work, that as my quick-witted grandfather used to say, “I am too pooped to pot? ?’ You are probably saying I have been there, done that and don’t want any more of those tee shirts! Ministry can make ministers bone weary and dog-tired! The spiritual/emotional drain on pastors is never ending. … read more
When I think of ministry and the fivefold ministry gifts, the concept of honor immediately comes to mind. However, in our day and age, society seems to have lost the heart of honor. Sadly, even many of our churches have pushed honor to the wayside, treating ministers without reverence and respect. … read more
Many variations of “How to Ride a Dead Horse” have appeared, especially on the internet, and I don’t know who the original author is. We’ve rewritten and adapted this slightly for churches, but every organization (whether it’s business, government, educational institutions, etc.) can have a tendency to hold on to old forms long after their effectiveness has diminished or ceased entirely. … read more
I asked the most beautiful woman in the world if she would marry me and she said “no!” So I asked the most intelligent woman in the world if she would marry me and she said “no.” So I decided to ask the most spiritual woman in the world if she would marry me and she said “no.” … read more
I am now in the final half of my life; perhaps final third. This past February I turned over the church I had pastored for 30+ years to my young protégé and assumed “bishop” duties in helping guide and oversee our 43 daughter churches in the United States and hundreds in Africa and Asia. So, I speak like a Father today. … read more
I know it is hard to believe, but we are only a month away from the end of 2011 which means that the Christmas will be here before we know it. While shopping for Christmas gifts and all the other festivities of the season are at the top of everyone’s mind during this time of year, it is also a great time to take some proactive steps to reduce your income tax liability. … read more
Pastor David Emigh writes, “The Scriptures below are taken from the Word of God and they are designed to help you get the Word of God into your heart to strengthen you and to help you receive what God has provided for you. So open your heart today and receive what God has said and you will find that His blessings will flow forth in your life. … read more
Pastoring remains at once both an astounding privilege and sober responsibility. The Chief Shepherd clearly admonishes us to carefully and faithfully feed his blood purchased flock. Thankfully, the one dispensing this command also provides his under shepherds with abundance of spiritual food. In today’s church culture, marketing consultants drag before pastors a nearly endless parade of sugarcoated sermon aids. … read more
Planning is very important! Start with monthly planning sessions. Do this by first organizing a group that you would like to be involved in the planning process. Begin having meetings at least once a month in order to brainstorm and plan what the church’s basic needs and desires are. Your planning phase should last at least one year. … read more
There was a time in my ministry as a pastor when I communicated to inquiring unchurched, non-Christian couples that I wasn’t interested in performing their weddings. I didn’t express it as harshly as it sounds, but that was clearly my attitude. My thinking was, If they can’t bother to come to church, then I can’t bother to cater to their desire to be married in the church, at least my church. … read more
There are specific laws in the earth that we have to obey in order to live peaceably on this earth. In the same way, there are also laws in the spiritual realm that govern the Kingdom of God, and if these “Kingdom” laws are cooperated with properly, they will be a blessing to you. … read more
Why don’t we see more miracles? That’s a question I hear frequently when I travel in the states. As ministers, there are five basic principles we need to understand if we’re going to cultivate spiritual operations in our churches and meetings. … read more
What kind of money is it that, if you don’t pay it you are robbing someone and if you do pay it he will pour out a blessing on you? If you don’t steal someone’s car, are they going to pour out a blessing on you? No. They are not even going to thank you. We ordinarily do not bless people for not taking our things. But when the tithe is paid, God pours out a blessing. Why? … read more
What kind of money is it that, if you don’t pay it you are robbing someone and if you do pay it he will pour out a blessing on you? If you don’t steal someone’s car, are they going to pour out a blessing on you? No. They are not even going to thank you. We ordinarily do not bless people for not taking our things. But when the tithe is paid, God pours out a blessing. Why? … read more
We believe that our service as a worship team must be in line with the direction that God has given our pastors for Victory. Big vision coupled with believers working together to fulfill that vision results in changed lives. … read more
About 35,000 people die by suicide each year—an average of 1 person every 15 minutes. Approximately 800,000 people attempt suicide a year, which translates to a rate of one attempt every 39 seconds. For every completed suicide, at least 6 survivors of suicide loss (loved ones, friends and family members) are affected. … read more
When I think of ministry and the fivefold ministry gifts, the concept of honor immediately comes to mind. However, in our day and age, society seems to have lost the heart of honor. Sadly, even many of our churches have pushed honor to the wayside, treating ministers without reverence and respect. … read more
