FIRST-PERSON: Pictures of Peace: A reflection on the New Year’s Day tragedy in New Orleans
Our family carries deep affection for New Orleans. My wife Michele and I moved there as students at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary when we were 25 years old, and we were captured by the city’s hospitality and warmth.
Strategies for managing stress in ministry
I have been in pastoral ministry for more than 30 years and have seen many ministers burn out, quit when they shouldn’t or even disqualify themselves because they never learned how to deal with the inevitable stress that comes with ministry. Serving the local church, or any type of ministry, can become a grind if you don’t adopt some strategies to deal with stress.
Tips on speaking effectively
Most people think learning how to speak effectively takes 10,000 hours. But I can explain it to you in 30 seconds...
FIRST-PERSON: How to be a shepherd sheep can trust
OKLAHOMA CITY (BP) – A writer spent time with a shepherd on the Texas plains. One night, the shepherd built a fire, and the sheep gathered close. Around midnight, a coyote howled in the distance, followed by another coyote from the opposite direction. The fearful sheep began bleating.
FIRST-PERSON: How to preach to an empty room
Pastor and preaching professor Stephen Rummage gives tips for preaching to an online congregation. "Your people are not expecting perfection," he says. "They do want to hear from and see their pastor and receive God's Word from you."
FIRST-PERSON: Five reasons to give an invitation
Pastor Stephen Rummage outlines five reasons he believes pastors should give an opportunity to respond to the Gospel every time they preach.
