Most of the mechanisms God uses to transform us into Christlikeness aren’t big; they're small. They are the series of choices we face day after day. This is how Paul described growing in Christ – not as something exciting, but as a methodical process akin to that of athletic training:
Just a few blocks from the east side of downtown Houston is the cultural home of a longstanding and historic Mexican-American community. Walls are decorated with murals that recount their history. Across town, just west of the first interstate loop is a small commercial district named the Mahatma Gandhi District, an official title granted by the city in 2010. Go a few miles further west down Bellaire Boulevard, and the street signs eventually turn into Chinese.
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I opened my Bible this morning, the day after our nation’s epidemic of school shootings pierced the tight-knit community we called home for almost a decade, to a familiar psalm. King David writes, “God, hear my cry; pay attention to my prayer. I call to you from the ends of the earth when my heart is without strength” (Psalm 61:1-2).
While you may be all too aware of recent tragedies, most younger kids probably aren’t even aware—thank God. To some extent, ignorance may be the best plan.
As a young believer, I learned from older believers that we were supposed to evangelize lost people—but do so from a distance so you’re not stained by the relationship.
For more than 30 years now, I’ve been teaching seminary students. Do you want to guess one common characteristic I see among young seminarians who are most seriously faithful in their spiritual disciplines?
I know it sounds like a basic, simplistic matter in our Christian walk, but I’m writing this post to encourage all of us to do spiritual disciplines like Bible study, prayer, fasting, and solitude. Here’s why:
I have written other posts about poor discipleship n the church, including how not to fix that process. For this post, though, I’ve updated a previous one to show 12 results I’ve seen when a church does not do discipleship well. You will find most of this list in my new book, Disciple.
It’s no secret that many evangelicals struggle with doing evangelism. In fact, many will never share their faith with anybody. Because of my commitment to help churches recommit to evangelism, I’m offering this list of practical resources that may help you and your church re-invest in this task:
Too often, a leader who was once a servant of others wrongly transitions into being the king of his own kingdom. Here are some signs that a leader has become the “king”:
I have written in the past about the importance of making disciples through mentoring. To be frank, though, I don’t know a lot of pastors who prioritize this work – though I am beginning to see more who are at least considering it. Those who are doing it have often been doing it for a long time, and here are some of their characteristics:
I have written in the past about the importance of making disciples through mentoring. To be frank, though, I don’t know a lot of pastors who prioritize this work – though I am beginning to see more who are at least considering it. Those who are doing it have often been doing it for a long time, and here are some of their characteristics:
It’s that time of year when we begin thinking about goals for the next year. Too often, these goals are not related to our walk with God. More than simply setting “New Year’s resolutions” we might break quickly next year, I hope one or more of these goals will become part of your Christian walk in 2023.
This year has been a tough year for pastors and church leaders. The pandemic has changed almost everything we do, but pastors have pivoted quickly and worked hard to make adjustments. If ever they have earned appreciation, it’s this year. Here are some ways to show your gratitude during this Pastor Appreciation Month:
