When was the last time you heard someone describe another as “Christ-like?” I have wondered if we use the term far too loosely. My issue is this. It is entirely possible in the modern church to teach the idea of Christ-likeness devoid of mission. This shouldn’t be! Can you be Christ-like without possessing his most […]
Continue readingMore TagSoul Whispering Snapshot #1: Drawing
This blog begins a series on evangelistic skills. My intention is to bring you into a vivid living color picture of reaching our world. —————————————————— “We don’t do the church thing in our family.” This rather curt, walk off, response came from Liz to her friend Anne. What do you do […]
Continue readingMore TagLooking Back at Your Life Map
Have you ever made a life map? It is an exercise where you look back at your life and categorize the big events by designating them as either good or bad. To create a visual picture of your journey, you lay them out on paper using different color post-it-notes. If you have done this before, […]
Continue readingMore TagNew Believers and The West Coast Offense
Do we have a hindering bias toward new believers? After extensive interview research, I came to that conclusion. The fact is many think new believers are second-string benchwarmers not ready for the big game. Compounding this unspoken sentiment, I found that leaders tended to view the gospel unilaterally. In other words, they envisioned the gospel […]
Continue readingMore TagThe Sign of the Yellow Lights?
I am driving down Murrieta Hot Springs road, leaving a Church Planters forum, where I just heard a man talk about how God leads our lives. I am deep in thought over the three signs he spoke of: (1) Where has God dragged you kicking and screaming, (2) Desire, and (3), a Revelation. I am talking […]
Continue readingMore TagMeasuring The Mission
I consult with pastors and churches needing help in the mission area. I am amazed that many of them have solid mission statements. In other words, the vision is spot on. They so clearly want to make new disciples that they have put it in writing. Many also have ministry structures in place. Though there […]
Continue readingMore TagThe Love of Christians?
In concert with a ministry team, I conduct numerous classes. In one of our new believer’s Basic Training sessions, the course assignment asked the group to show love to someone inside and outside the church that week and then report back. In anticipation, I was excited to hear what occurred. I just knew God would […]
Continue readingMore TagPastoral Skills Needed: Mind-Bending!
Leadership takes on all sorts of dimensions. One skill that needs more attention is taking warped congregational thinking and reworking it for good. The average Christian thinks too much of themselves. We are a bunch of sick gluttons of spiritual goods. God looks down lovingly appalled at how truly self-centered we can be. Pastors are […]
Continue readingMore TagFind Your Voice
Did you watch the Oscar winning movie, The Kings Speech? This true-to-life script about King George the 6th exposed how harrowing a stuttering problem could be. The storyline builds as a tutor (played by Geoffrey Rush) digs into his psyche to unleash his voice. It is hard for us to imagine being royalty without the […]
Continue readingMore TagMoney for Mexico
Several months back my boys and I ventured south of the border for a home building trip with our Sandals church family. Being late in raising support, we had to cough up a few dimes to get down there. Reflecting back on what occurred, I cannot imagine a more worthy expense. Here’s why… Upon arriving […]
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