As a husband, a father of three youngins, and a youth pastor, I often find myself thinking about my work-life balance. Life buzzes by as busily as ever, but in this particular season, I want to be careful to use my time diligently and productively, while also honoring and cherishing all those for whom and to whom I am responsible. Apparently, I am not the only one thinking … [Read more...] about Work-Life Balance
ministry
The Unknown Preacher
Charles Spurgeon was converted at Primitive Methodist Chapel on Artillery Street in Colchester, Essex. That much no one contests. But no one knows who preached the sermon that led to his conversion. Think about that. The prince of preachers, the prolific and profound Spurgeon was forever changed by some no-named preacher. That's encouraging. Do you ever feel like … [Read more...] about The Unknown Preacher
5 Reasons to Go on a Short-Term Mission Trip
My summer months typically consist of two to three mission trips. I really believe these trips are effective and important, and here are just a few reasons why. To Expand Your Heart. Jesus saw the crowds and had compassion on them. Notice the prerequisite to compassion is vision. It's hard to love an abstract idea or cause. We need faces. Faces and stories compel us. Short … [Read more...] about 5 Reasons to Go on a Short-Term Mission Trip
Stephen Um on Sermon Preparation
I am fascinated with how pastors study and prepare for sermons. While certain principles overlap, the rhythm of preparation varies widely between preachers. Stephen Um has generously shared his rhythm on the Gospel Coalition blog. Here's a thumbnail sketch of his sermon preparation. Tuesday: 2 1/2 hours of group discussion with pastoral staff, 4 hours of … [Read more...] about Stephen Um on Sermon Preparation
Preaching Simply
Martin Luther (as quoted in Martin Llyod-Jones, Preachers & Preaching, p. 128) offers a helpful reminder to heady preachers: "A preacher should have the skill to teach the unlearned simply, roundly and plainly; for teaching is of more importance than exhorting...When I preach I regard neither doctors nor magistrates, of whom I have above forty in the congregation. I have … [Read more...] about Preaching Simply