Eleven Suggestions for 2011: Read the Bible consistently. Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” We need to experience God’s love and faithfulness to us every morning. Set aside at…
Christmas is about a fulfilled promise. For over 1,000 years the Jews had been waiting for the Messiah to come. Over 300 times God had inspired the prophets to prophesy concerning the promise of the coming of Christ. The result of this was that the O.T. prophets had predicted almost…
“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them,…
We talked in our last blog of how Starbucks wants to be third place in your life right after home and work. Here are some suggestions for making church third place. I would love to hear some of the ways your church is doing this. Make it fun. Should church…
As I write this I am watching it snow outside. There is a field behind our house with a great panoramic view of the country and the beautiful effects of fresh fallen snow on the ground. I’m glad it’s Saturday morning and I am at home. Let me confess to…
Many new guests will walk through your church’s front door in December, maybe even some members who have been absent for a long time. During these special days, make sure you are ready to make everyone who enters your church feel welcomed and at home. Hospitality is biblical. Romans 12:13…
Okay, we all overdid it at the table. I could not resist three desserts, chocolate pie, pecan pie, and fresh apple cake. So what now? How do we keep the true spirit of thanksgiving going? Here are a few post thanksgiving suggestions: Get out and walk! You will feel better…
I am in a car dealership waiting room as I compose this blog. I put off for a long time taking this Camry in for the much publicized recall that was issued months ago. To be honest, I did not think it needed it nor did I look forward to…
We’ve looked at five layers of disciple making. Here they are: “Platform Discipleship”…the preaching and teaching by your pastor and staff. Utilizing your Sunday School. To keep the P’s going (hey I’m a preacher get over it) let’s call this layer “Public Discipleship” because it has the most people already…
One of the most effective, powerful, and efficient ways to make disciples is “one on one.” This method of discipleship is also called Mentoring, Life Coaching, or Spiritual Coaching. There is awesome power in “one on one” discipleship relationships because they transform lives. My own life has been impacted by…
Two encounters are critical. First, the leader encounters God in His Word and is changed. Second, the leader guides the group to have a life-changing encounter.