If you were choosing men to turn the world upside down, who would you pick? What vocation would you draw from?

I might pick lawyers (they know how to press a point), political activists (they engage fully), writers (their pens triumph even the sword), investors (they understand that large undertakings require capital), or CEOs (they get the need for oversight and administration).

But Jesus chose fishermen.

Fishermen.

He picked men from one of the most common occupations of the Galilean region and deputized them as the movers and shakers of Christianity.

Not only did He choose these men, but He basically kept their title. Fishermen became Fishers of Men.

Think about it: He could have transformed fishermen into lawyers. He could have said, “You used to be common men with a common occupation, but I am going to make you powerful men with prestigious credentials.”

But He didn’t. He chose fishermen, and He made no attempt to sophisticate their work.

Why fishermen? What qualities do they posses that Christ wanted them to invest in fishing for men? (more…)

The ministry schedule here at Lancaster Baptist seems to sometimes bring periods when multiple events happen in back to back succession. This is one of those seasons. Resurrection Sunday took place two days ago, and tomorrow begins the West Coast Baptist Youth Conference when we will welcome thousands of teenagers to our campus and do our best to minister to them.

When I look back over the last week leading to Easter, as well as to the Easter Sunday services, I am truly amazed to see what God continues to do here in the high desert of Northern Los Angeles County.

First, I am always humbled to see the heart of service from the members of this church. Throughout the week—and often late into the night—there were people cleaning, decorating, setting lights, preparing live stream, practicing music, and a variety of other activities in preparation for the Easter services.

Second, I was overwhelmed by the obvious working of the Holy Spirit on Sunday. In each service, I sat next to people who wept as they considered the sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the Cross. God gave us the privilege of serving well over a thousand first-time guests, and scores of them accepted Jesus Christ as their Saviour.

Of the many events of Resurrection Sunday, there was one text I received that really summarized the ministry for me. It was from a young married man who was recently saved in our church and who we have recently been discipling. Here is his message (although I have removed his name for security reasons): (more…)

One word: encouragement.

It’s true. There are few tools that have the power to multiply your ministry like encouragement.

Soulwinning and evangelism is the main thing.

Discipleship is no less important.

And encouragement is indispensable for both.

As a Christian, my goal is not simply to lead as many people to Christ as possible. It is to multiply soulwinners—leading people to Christ, discipling them in the Lord, and teaching them to reproduce.

And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.—2 Timothy 2:2

As an undershepherd, my goal is not simply to spend my life serving the Lord. It is to multiply servants—to equip those I pastor to serve the body of Christ and to do the work of the ministry. (more…)

People do not trust Christ as their Saviour by reading our critiques of evangelism strategies.

Nor do they get saved in response to discussions about our busy schedules.

They don’t even respond to the Gospel through our clearly articulated articles and blogs on the issues or preferences we have in relation to other ministries’ issues or preferences.

This may surprise you…but people trust Christ as their Saviour when we personally share the Gospel with them. (more…)

Have you ever known a farmer who took his time getting his crops harvested? Not one who valued his crops! As harvest season approaches, farmers plan and prepare for a physically strenuous and busy schedule. They start early in the morning and work with lights late into the night.

Why?

Because harvest season is brief. It is one short window of time in which to gather the fruit of a year’s labor. No matter how good the crop, it means nothing if it is allowed to waste in the fields.

Jesus spoke to men who were familiar with cycles of planting and harvesting when He said: “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest” (John 4:35).

When Jesus saw people who were without salvation, He saw their spiritual need. He realized they fainted as sheep having no shepherd, and He reminded His disciples that the timing of reaching these people was critical. (more…)