John Piper writes as a retired pastor now. His first update encouraged and inspired me to persevere in my own journey. I hope his words will likewise impact your ministry. One excerpt reads: "Therefore, as I woke up on this Monday morning for the first time in 33 years without the official mantle of pastor, the only tears that came were tears of thankfulness. And under … [Read more...] about John Piper's First Post as a Retired Pastor
ministry
Five More Reasons to Go on a Mission Trip
Should you go on a mission trip? I think the answer is yes! Here are five simple but significant reasons you should consider going on a mission trip. To discover missions. The best way to understand missions is to participate in missions. Mission trips give us eyes to see the need, and so often, that vision produces a heart and understanding for ministry. So to go is to … [Read more...] about Five More Reasons to Go on a Mission Trip
Are Mission Trips a Good Idea?
Mission trips play an important role in the life of believers, and they constitute a legitimate form of ministry. The idea of traveling on purpose and in the name of Jesus is biblical. The Apostle Paul planned epic trips to plant churches, but he also made small trips to simply visit and encourage believers. And on the flip side, Paul welcomed the visits and care given by … [Read more...] about Are Mission Trips a Good Idea?
Finding Ministry Vision
This is the simplest way I've seen to think about and find vision for your ministry, be it a church or a small group. I had to share. This diagram comes from Thom Rainer's Breakout Churches: Discover How to Make the Leap, p. 114. … [Read more...] about Finding Ministry Vision
The Best Questions to Ask
Asking good questions is essential to life and ministry. They expose assumptions. Questions reveal stories. They offer insight and feedback. They engage learners and apply truth in a non-confrontational way. We need good questions! If you're going to teach, if you're going to understand, if you're going to provoke discussion, you must learn to ask good questions. How to … [Read more...] about The Best Questions to Ask