Several weeks ago, I began recording weekly “Growth Points” video blogs. These videos were initially birthed from a desire to stay in touch with our West Coast Baptist College graduates who are now pastoring and in ministry. But they are also a greeting to our pastor friends and Christian servants around the world.

My heart as a pastor and the president of a Bible college is to mentor and train the next generation for the cause of Christ. Specifically, I want to do it on a personal level. The Growth Points videos are brief and often consist of me simply clicking the “record” button on my computer webcam. They are a quick, often unedited, sharing of what is on my mind and heart. (more…)

I use a template document for typing my sermon notes. But I guard against a template philosophy in preparing my sermons. My church deserves fresh sermons that are prayed over and thoroughly studied for—not cycled through.

Templates are great for saving time. But they’re not so great for encouraging growth. Sometimes when we think we are working smart, we are actually working lazy.

One of the challenges of ministry—especially as you stay in one place through the years—is maintaining a fresh eye and a commitment to fresh growth. Yes, it is easier and faster to reuse materials, repeat events, and recycle lessons. But it can also be lazy. (more…)

This lesson speaks to the very heart of local church ministry. Jesus Himself came “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). But in so many of our churches today, I see pastors fervently reading books and attending conferences, but never really settling in for intentional soulwinning—building the church the way God designed.

If you want to reignite the soulwinning fervor in your church and in your own heart, this lesson is for you. You may not need to read another book or find another conference. You may need to simply take some time with the Lord and ask Him to stir your heart once again with a passion for souls.

Go get Adobe Flash Player!

Podcast: Download

Before and after this lesson, I answer the following in-studio questions: (more…)

One of the side effects of growth is discomfort.

I’m challenging our church this year to be “Rooted in Christ” to experience growth in Him. But I’m also challenging myself. I want 2012 to be a year of growth in every area of my life.

Unfortunately, growth often involves the discomfort of change and the sacrifice of comfort.

It’s always more comfortable to maintain than to build or expand. This is true in any area.

It’s more comfortable to relax in your walk with God than to ask Him to search your heart and uncover your pride.

It’s more comfortable to keep the Rolos in your drawer than to change your diet and take care of your health. (more…)

As Baptists, we know that we stand for separation. But why? And to what extent?

There is the obvious separation from paganism commanded in 2 Corinthians 6:17: “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.”

But what instruction does Scripture provide concerning other Christian ministries that are not like us? Are we to separate from them?

Here are some thoughts regarding separation and stewarding the influence God has given us: