Ministry Issues

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Twelve Steps to Success

While he entitles his blog “An Open Letter to (My Fellow) Megachurch Pastors,” Dr. James Emery White shares twelve principles that can be life changing whether we lead ten people or ten thousand. Interestingly, his 12th point reminds us to remember that the “largest pastoral crown in heaven will probably go to a bi-vocational pastor in a small town of 5,000 with an average attendance of 50. And that pastor will deserve it.” To read the complete article go to Crosswalk.com.

Married Couples Must Learn How to Date

Some may think that dating is mainly a way to get to know the person that may become your spouse, but Greg Smalley, Executive Director of Marriage and Family Formation at Focus on the Family, wants married couples to remember that an emphasis on dating can bring renewed life to a Christian marriage. In an interview with the Christian Post, Smalley states that many couples “do date night wrong.” “When couples go out, many ‘administrate’ their marriage (deal with budget, kid problems, etc.) and end up fighting,” he commented. “Guys, especially start to wonder, ‘Why pay a babysitter to argue when you can do that for free in your own home?’ We need to administrate our marriage but do not call this a date, said Smalley. To read the full interview and find out about Date Night Challenge, go to Married Couples Don't Know How To Date The Right Way Ministry Says.

Did Jesus Hate Religion?

You may have already seen the four-minute video called Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus. It has gotten over fifteen million views on YouTube. It’s basically a young man, a Christian, reciting a poem he wrote. Many feel that he speaks for a large segment of young Christians who want to follow Christ, but see hypocrisy in the Church and in Religion. Comments, both pro and con, can be found on hundreds of Web sites, but Pastor Kevin DeYoung gives a very thorough, theological analysis of what is good and what is not so good about the poem. Please feel free to tell us what you think. To watch the video and read Pastor DeYoung’s article go to TheGospelCoalition.org.

How Many Hats Do You Wear?

All pastors know they must wear different hats from time to time, and we have all heard the question, “So, I know you preach on Sunday, but what do you do the rest of the week?” Some see the pastoral role as being a “jack of all trades,” at times being called on to fix the plumbing one day, and offering financial advice the next. Pastor Ryan Huguley of Redemption Bible Church near Chicago believes there are five hats that a pastor should be willing to wear. To read more "Five Hats a Pastor Wears.

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