As we come once again to the Thanksgiving holiday, I am reminded of what the apostle Paul wrote in his first letter to the believers in Thessalonica, “Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (5:18). It is important to notice that Paul doesn’t say be thankful for everything, but in everything. That is…
In my article last week, I addressed Jesus’s call for all who are his followers to be disciple makers. This is something we often hear and proclaim in our churches and conferences. One of the missing components that I often observe is the lack of a clear pathway of discipleship. If the goal is to help…
One thing we can all agree on is that the undisputed and universal mission of the church is to love God, love people, and make disciples. The Great Commandment and the Great Commission give us our marching orders. Our mission will never change, and we are charged to carry it out until the end of…
One of my favorite Old Testament leaders is Nehemiah. Studying his leadership strategy is one of learning the importance of prayer and planning. Even though I know better, I have been guilty of planning and then praying for God to bless my plans. Nehemiah presents a man who was burdened by what he had heard…
Last week I shared about understanding change and how it is a constant in our life and ministry. We can either choose to be reactive or proactive. Leaders are in a position to be proactive and able to help lead their teams and organization in change. The fact that change is often difficult requires that…
“The day you put a screen over our baptistry is the day I will take you outside and work you over!” That is truly what one deacon declared to his new pastor at his first deacon meeting. Certainly not the best beginning into a new ministry. While this is an extreme response, all of us…
You have heard the phrase, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” When it comes to vision that is very true. While “mission” is what we are called to do, “vision” is our best attempt to paint a picture of what fulfilling the mission in our local context will look like. Vision pictures the end…
When I was in second grade, I remember that the school I was attending was giving all students eye exams. I remember stepping up to the line and was asked to tell the person by me which direction the letter “E” was facing on each line. I got the first two lines right but couldn’t…
This past week I have had the privilege to partner and participate in church planting endeavors. On August 21 one of our own CPBA churches, Northland Baptist Church, led by Pastors Matt Marrs and Rustin Umstattd, have raised up a leader and a core group to launch yet another church plant. The new congregation is meeting in…
Last week I shared the importance of knowing and understanding your community. It is not an accident your church building is where it is. God has a plan for you to reach your neighborhood and serve those who live closest to your address location. Unfortunately, many churches lose touch with their neighbors and miss a…