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…)

Over the last several years, I have noticed a trend of pastors getting clever with Easter Sunday. Rather than making this Sunday themed on the resurrection itself, they center it on an effect of the resurrection—emphasizing a set of psychological or relational topics.

Although I understand the thought process here, I believe it is a mistake.

Churches today have a tendency to neglect the core doctrines of the blood atonement, the resurrection, and the transforming power of Christ in our lives. To take these key weeks surrounding the celebration of Christ’s resurrection and, rather than emphasizing major Bible themes, to preach messages of a more shallow substance is to trivialize one of the most significant seasons of the year.

In this growth points podcast, I share a few thoughts on why I believe that we need to seize the Easter season to lift up Christ.

(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…)

The spiritual, political, cultural, and economic landscape at this point in American history is unfriendly toward forward momentum for God.

Yet I believe that the greatest works of God are accomplished during the most limited times humanly speaking. In fact, some of the most financially intense projects recorded in Scripture took place during lean times.

• The wilderness tabernacle was constructed by laid-off brick layers.
• The second Temple was constructed by refugees.
• The first century church was funded by poverty-stricken Christians.

The economic insecurity, political instability, cultural turmoil, and spiritual upheaval of today makes a very large platform for God to be magnified! When significant works of God happen against this backdrop, the glory obviously goes to God. (more…)