Since our first days in Lancaster, it has been my passion to develop a cohesive team at Lancaster Baptist Church and ministries. I praise the Lord that on our staff and among our church family there is a unified team spirit—a shared heart to exalt Christ and win the lost. I attribute the great team spirit in our ministry to the work of the Holy Spirit and the yieldedness of individual team members.

There was never a more cohesive and victorious time in the early history of the church than at Jerusalem around the time of Pentecost. An obvious reason for this was the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Yet there was another factor—the common convictions these Christians shared about the truth.

In the August edition of the Spiritual Leadership Podcast, we explore the convictions necessary to developing a cohesive team.

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Strong teams have an alignment of four leadership domains—the heart, head, hands, and habits. Each member must have a heart for God, the mind of Christ, a willingness to lend a helping hand, and a shared habit of soulwinning. These four areas are properly aligned when members of the team share the very convictions common to the early Christians in Jerusalem. (more…)

What a joy it was during Spiritual Leadership Conference to be able to serve the many pastors, missionaries, and churches who attended. Many have expressed the services and workshops were a monumental help to them, and they are already letting us know how they are implementing the truths they learned this week in their home ministries. (more…)

It’s difficult to believe that 24 years have passed since that first summer of 1986 when Terrie and I first came to Lancaster Baptist Church. Today our church celebrates our 24th anniversary, and we praise the Lord for the victories and blessings He has given us. He has far exceeded our grandest imaginations.

As our church now begins our 25th year of ministry, we’re asking the Lord to continue to use us and to reignite our passion for His work. Like the early church in Jerusalem, we desire to continue steadfastly (Acts 2:42), consistently moving forward in the work of the Lord.

Last Sunday night, I shared with our church family three reasons, given in Acts 2:42–45, that the early church continued on. Any church who follows these principles can stand strong for the Lord in the years ahead. (more…)

I’m thankful to announce the completion of a new book—Understanding the Times: Living Courageously in Prophetic Days. The outgrowth of hundreds of hours of study, and many hours of labor from our publications staff, Understanding the Times explores Bible prophecy in reference to current events. It will be a helpful tool for every pastor and an encouraging resource for every Christian.

Biblical prophecy provides far more than information; it should motivate us to live with eternity in view and to intensify our witness for Christ. In addition to giving clarity on future events, this book will encourage every reader to a greater trust in the Lord.

Chapter titles include:

1. The Basics of Bible Prophecy
2. World Empires Old and New
3. The Focus on Israel
4. A Sudden Disappearance
5. A World in Terror
6. The One-World Ruler
7. The False Church or the True Saviour?
8. The Seven Years of Judgment
9. The Second Coming of Christ
10. The One Eternal Kingdom
11. Challenges in Light of His Coming

Understanding the Times is published by Striving Together Publications and will be available July 11. You can pre-order your copy today at strivingtogether.com.

Every person that will have a fruitful ministry for the cause of Christ will pay some price along the way. Many Christians want the blessings without being willing to bear the burdens; they want the crown without carrying the cross. Yet whenever there was a great work done for God in Scripture, someone was willing to pay a great price. Noah, Moses, David, Daniel, Nehemiah, and Paul all experienced the fruit of spiritual success—and the expense of personal sacrifice.

In the June Spiritual Leadership Podcast, we explore the unique costs involved in building a growing church.

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Ministry that costs nothing, accomplishes nothing. God used Paul to accomplish great things in ministry, but it wasn’t without cost. (more…)