In a recent post, I shared several concerns and hopes for young preachers. Here I would like to continue the theme with some thoughts regarding older preachers.

I get concerned when older preachers view all those with a question as “in rebellion.” It encourages me to see older preachers take time with younger preachers.

I get concerned when older preachers won’t admit the shortcomings of our generation of leadership. I get encouraged when older preachers say, “Here are some mistakes we made; try not to make them.”

I get concerned when older preachers elevate preference to the place of doctrine. I am hopeful when an older preacher says, “Nothing in the Bible says a man must wear a tie (etc.), but here is why I prefer doing it that way.” (See Romans 14.) (more…)

I was recently with a young preacher here on the West Coast who asked me a thought-provoking question: “What do you see that concerns or encourages you in younger pastors?”

I was encouraged by the question itself, and I pondered it for the next few days. I still consider myself a “younger pastor” and gladly learn from others, but perhaps because I am turning fifty this month, I feel old enough to answer the question.

These concerns could be stated with regard to preachers of any age or, for that matter, to Christians in any realm of ministry. (In my next blog, I plan to address some concerns and hopes for older preachers.)

Here are a few thoughts:

I get concerned when a young preacher has a sarcastic attitude toward most older pastors in ministry. I get hopeful when he has a general sense of respect and fellowship with older pastors. (more…)

How did the ministry of Christ continue after the Resurrection? In the salutation to Acts we find the answer: “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach” (Acts 1:1).

Jesus didn’t simply do the ministry Himself, but He taught His disciples how to do it as well. He involved them in the ministry, mentoring and training along the way.

Ministry today is likewise most effective when we train and involve others in the process. And what a better week to involve others than this in which we have much follow up from Resurrection Sunday!

In this Growth Points podcast, I share several pointers on how to effectively engage others with you in the Gospel ministry.

(If you cannot see this video in your RSS reader or email, you can watch it here.) (more…)

If we can learn anything from the first century churches of Asia Minor, it is the propensity of Christians, churches, and spiritual movements toward decline.

Churches today face a host of challenges from both within and without. Between a corrupt culture, biased media, lukewarm leaders, apathy, and hyper-criticism, it is realistic to acknowledge our propensity toward decline.

And yet, though our challenges may have different nuances, they are really no different or greater than the challenges faced in the first century. To such a church, Jesus instructed, “Strengthen the things which remain” (Revelation 3:2).

Regardless of present needs or current trends, the truth will always remain, and the Holy Spirit is always speaking. (more…)

Saturday and Sunday were two days of intense outreach and giving at Lancaster Baptist Church. On Saturday, our church family knocked on almost 25,000 doors, sharing the Gospel and inviting people to our resurrection musical. On Sunday, we gave a special offering for the Elevate & Magnify building project. God blessed both days in a miraculous way.

Any pastor or spiritual leader who has been involved in such an intense week of outreach and giving knows that the time leading up to it is a predictably intense season of spiritual warfare.

What do you do to prepare for the spiritual drain and satanic attack during these times? (more…)