As a pastor in student ministries, camps and mission trips comprise part of my yearly calendar. I love these opportunities, and in any given year, some of my favorite memories come from these concentrated times away. But as fun and helpful as these trips are, I find they can be a source of confusion and even consternation. Let me explain. People tend to approach these … [Read more...] about Magical Mission Trips and Camp Highs
ministry
Preaching Versus Teaching
My buddies and I recently had a lively discussion about the difference between preaching and teaching. We all recognized a general distinction between the two, but we disagreed as to how formal that distinction is in the Bible. I did a quick word study for fun (I don't get out much), and this post is a brief report of what I found. I found the two terms, διδάσκω (teach) … [Read more...] about Preaching Versus Teaching
Know Your Limitations
I recall a panel discussion with pastors Mark Driscoll and John Piper in which they were discussing their study habits.Driscoll was a veracious reader, watcher, and all around consumer of culture. He mentioned having multiple DVR’s, perusing magazines, and reading hundreds of pages a week, all in preparation for teaching and leading his church.Piper, having heard all this, … [Read more...] about Know Your Limitations
The Basic Unfolding of a Sermon Point
When you're in the fog of sermon preparation, sometimes a simple reminder of what you're trying to do, the basic movements and goals, is so helpful. I am grateful for Bryan Chapell's (2018) brief summary of a sermon's flow. I thought I would reproduce it here. (Adapted from pp. 211-213. The paragraphing and bolded summaries are mine). State the Main Point "If a main point … [Read more...] about The Basic Unfolding of a Sermon Point
Better to Enter the CCU
One part of being a pastor is visiting the sick. The other day I went to see someone in the CCU (Critical Care Unit), and as many times as I do it, I still feel nervous entering that particular wing of the hospital. A profound sense of gravity marks the CCU. People are often fighting for life down that hallway. They are banged up. They are speechless. Tubes and monitors and … [Read more...] about Better to Enter the CCU