The title of this book caught my eye while I was walking past a bookstore in the airport this summer. I purchased a copy for myself and also sent one to three of my spiritual mentors, asking them to read it and mark anything they felt should be underscored in my heart and life. Reading the book and getting their feedback was a tremendous help to me.

Leading on Empty reminds us that, as spiritual leaders, we must periodically refill our own tanks to be able to continue to give to others. Our determination to live with an eternal purpose and make every moment count for the Lord can too easily shift into a stress addiction, where we are driven forward by fleshly momentum.

This book charts a course to overcome stress addiction and burnout, and it also provides wise counsel for avoiding such dangers. It encourages readers to live with eternal values in mind, but to do so from a tank that is regularly replenished by God’s Spirit and to set their course through wise, purposeful choices.

The command to go soulwinning includes an action verb—“go.” But soulwinning is more than a weekly activity. A true soulwinner will develop habits of becoming soul-conscious. Of course, the Holy Spirit alone does the work of conversion, but every Christian should be an active witness. What are some consistent habits that men and women who are genuinely concerned for the souls of others will demonstrate? (more…)

Churches across the country are discarding their Sunday school programs, claiming that Sunday school has become an outdated method of ministry. Author Allan Taylor, however, argues that Sunday school is no more outdated than television. To be sure, the black and white television set of a few decades ago has undergone major changes. But instead of throwing out the television, we have bettered it. With the development of high-definition screens, we can actually enhance our viewing experience.

In Sunday School in HD, Taylor points church leaders to the tremendous benefits of a well-designed Sunday school program in the local church. Sunday school has a unique potential to promote growth, fellowship, and discipleship. It provides the smaller group settings that foster relationships and develop spiritual leaders. And it definitely doesn’t have to be outdated or irrelevant. (more…)

My prize possession as a boy was a Sting-Ray bicycle. Not only was my bike a source of pleasure and fun, but it was necessary equipment to my job as a paper carrier.

I was careful to maintain my bike, and I paid special attention to keeping the chain tight. With a taut chain, I could touch the pedal and immediately set the bicycle in motion. I knew right away when I needed to adjust the chain because it would slip while I was pedaling. I’d have to stop and remove a link to restore my bicycle’s responsiveness.

Effective communication is similar to a tight bicycle chain. It has tremendous ability to propel forward motion. Tight communication can ensure progress, while sloppy communication can bring incredible frustration—like spinning your pedals while the bike stands still. Communication can build a marriage, church, ministry, business, or friendship. And a lack of it can render otherwise skilled teams ineffective or at odds. (more…)

It’s great to be back home and with our Lancaster Baptist Church family! It was a blessing this morning to attend our soulwinning faithfulness rally, and I can hardly wait for tomorrow’s services. I look forward to preaching and to being with the greatest people in the world.

Terrie and I enjoyed our time together these past weeks to reflect on thirty years of marriage. I’m so thankful for the godly wife the Lord has given me. Her love for the Lord and for me has a greater impact on the ministry here than anyone—including Terrie—will ever know.

It was great as well to spend time with Larry and Ashley and Ashley’s parents. We’re thankful for the healing the Lord has given Larry these past several months. Seeing him feeling well and able to enjoy this trip was an answer to many prayers by friends all around the world. Please continue to keep him in your prayers as he has his monthly checkups.

On our trip, we followed the missionary journeys of Paul through part of the Mediterranean region. We learned so much and were greatly challenged to realize what God accomplished through Paul’s faithful preaching and witness in pagan cultures. As our own culture continues to morally deteriorate, I’m encouraged to remember what God can do by His Spirit through yielded soulwinners. I truly believe that we live in a day of unsurpassed ministry opportunities, and I believe the greatest days of ministry are yet ahead!