Almost everyone is called to lead in some capacity. A father spiritually leads the home; parents lead their child; a teacher leads the class; an employer leads employees; a pastor leads the church; a senior leads younger students. Everyone leads someone.

In whatever leadership position(s) God has placed each of us, we should strive to model Christ-like leadership. Following are 20 attributes that I believe characterize the life and leadership style of a biblical, Christ-like leader: (more…)

Many Christians are not prayerful and intentional about the friendships in their lives. Some just “happen” into “fun” relationships without considering the great potential for good or bad in every relationship. This is a dangerous way to approach something so vital.

The book of Proverbs teaches that friends will come from 4 spiritual gene pools: (more…)

The home, specifically marriage, is under attack like at no other time in history. A good marriage requires continuous attention, and constant personal growth. We husbands must constantly work to be the best husband we can possibly be. Here are five quick ways to be a better husband:

1. Express appreciation and affirmation regularly.

Establish a personal habit of filling her heart with positive and encouraging communications.

2. Encourage her individual interests.

Applaud her giftedness, and find ways for her to develop and use her gifts for God.

3. Encourage her potential for God.

The enemy condemns constantly. Find ways to remind your wife that she has great potential for ministry and for making a difference.

4. Don’t ignore mood changes.

Often these are the warning signs of a deeper physical problem or spiritual attack. Go to these needs and lead her through them.

5. Take time outs.

Regularly schedule time away together. As a pastor, I’ve found that quality time must often be claimed “out of town.” Take your wife away several times a year for a get-away, a family vacation, or just a long evening out.

Terrie and I have enjoyed over twenty-eight years of marriage, and every day I’m more thankful for a wife who so joyfully and fully supports me and serves with me in the church. I want to be a better husband to her every day!

Ten years ago this week, Los Angeles Baptist Church opened its doors to the inner-city of downtown Los Angeles. And yesterday evening, I had the privilege of preaching for the church’s tenth anniversary celebration. As I looked around at the faces of joyful, growing Christians in this young church, I praised the Lord for the opportunity Lancaster Baptist had in planting this church.

Several years ago, some of our young men at West Coast Baptist college asked if they could begin door-to-door soulwinning in Los Angeles, a city of 3.5 million people that, at that time, had only one independent Baptist church. After months of faithful, weekly soulwinning by these students and many Lancaster Baptist members, a deacon in our church approached me about organizing and pastoring a church in this area. (more…)

Twenty-two years ago Bob and Joyce Lane visited our church. Their grandchildren had recently started riding our church bus, and they wanted to see the church the children were attending. Bob (a World War II veteran) and Joyce were already saved, but after they joined Lancaster Baptist, many of their family members soon trusted Christ and were baptized.

Yesterday the Lanes celebrated their 60^th wedding anniversary, and I had the joy of sharing this celebration with them.  (more…)