One of the best events on our church calendar over the past twenty-five years has been our annual Men and Boy’s Campout. Each year, we head up to the Sierra Mountains for a weekend of preaching and growth.

Over the years, this weekend has truly been a time of revival in the lives of our men. This year’s campout—which we enjoyed last weekend—was one of our best ever. What a joy to watch the men and boys of our church make memories together. And what thrill to see over seven hundred men responding to the preaching of God’s Word.

Frankly, I enjoyed the “roughing it” aspect of this campout more twenty years ago than I do now! But I’ve never been more passionate about the spiritual fruit that takes place there on the mountain than I am today. Men made decisions over those few days in response to preaching and counseling that will transform their lives, marriages, and homes and bear fruit for years to come. (more…)

Spiritual Leadership Conference is less than three weeks away, and I’m praying for God to do a mighty work in all of our lives through this week.

Please pray with us that God would accomplish these three things through this conference:

1. The glorification of God

We all believe the chief end of man is to glorify God. This conference provides an opportunity to step back and remember the great work of God in our lives and ministries. It’s a time for us to thank God for the souls saved, decisions made, lives changed, missionaries sent, and provisions given—all the work of our faithful God.

When we see the work still remaining to be done, we know that we have just barely scratched the surface. Yet, I’m thankful for this moment when we all glorify God for His great faithfulness to honor His Word and build His church.

2. The inspiration of others

Every moment of this conference is prayed over. For months now, I’ve been praying over each song, video, special speaker, workshop session, and even the lunch menus! But I especially ask the Lord, “Please inspire the heart of every person who comes.” (more…)

I had the privilege of praying with Jon and Kristine last night to dedicate our second grandchild—Delanie Lynne—to the Lord. Baby dedications at our church are always special to me, but this one was especially precious. There is nothing like dedicating your own grandchildren!

With the spirit Hannah had many years ago (1 Samuel 1:11, 27–28), Jon and Kristine prayed months ago, “Lord, if You give us a child, we will give that child back to You.” I’m thankful for Jon and Kristine’s commitment to raise Delanie for the Lord.

Delanie’s name means “victorious,” and we look forward to the day when she finds her true victory in Christ by trusting Him as her Saviour. We are praying that she will be saved at an early age. (more…)

Summer is one of the best times for making memories and becoming more productive. The longer evening hours make for great family and ministry time, and the changes in our routines that happen around this time of year, are the perfect opportunity to take a fresh look at our goals and plan our priorities.

Perhaps it’s the old school days mentality, but for many people, summer tends toward unproductivity—as in a break from responsibility and growth. For some, it even becomes a time of spiritual slippage.

How can you harness the energy of summer into creating an effective summer routine? Here are a few tips: (more…)

God is responsible for adding to and growing the church, but He does it through His people. How can a church be sure it has the right pillars in place to support the growth that God wants to bring? This newly posted Spiritual Leadership podcast is both practical and thought-provoking.

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Podcast: Download

We don’t bring the growth, but we can be structured for it! In this lesson, I share some specific helps on structuring a program for a church that is biblical, Christ-honoring, and growth-supporting. (more…)