Lessons Learned In A Building Program (Part 2)
In the last issue, we covered twelve lessons I’ve learned in going through a 10 million dollar building program. In addition, we’ve purchased over a dozen homes around the church and had two major renovations. What follows will be the final seven lessons. There are more, but I’m too tired from building and raising money
Gods And Generals
I’m sure you know that I’m a Civil War buff. I minored in history in college with an emphasis in Civil War history. More than the battles, I’m fascinated by the people – their character, commitment to a cause (on both sides), their faith and their leadership skills. I probably own over one hundred books
Lessons Learned In A Building Program (Part 1)
Two years ago last month, we completed a 10.6 million dollar building program at Sherwood. It was exhausting but a positive experience. Most pastors leave right after a building program. I’m not sure why, but I understand it. Going through the process, you spend a lot of time and energy. Unfortunately, you don’t always get
A Final Thought
C. H. Spurgeon used to urge pastors to have a ‘blind eye and deaf ear’ when it came to gossip and criticism. He said, “You can’t stop people’s tongues and therefore the best thing to do is to stop your own ears and never mind what is spoken. Judge it to be a small matter
But Where’s The Preaching Of The Word?
I was reading some articles on the Internet today and discovered a series of articles and observations on what’s happening in student worship these days. Having served as a student minister for fifteen years, I thought I would see what’s up in the youth culture. What’s up? Weird is what’s up. Strange stuff is on
God Entrusted His Word to Amateurs
My wife and oldest daughter are theater addicts. My oldest daughter is a theater and communications major so I hear this stuff all the time. We have season tickets to her plays at the Baptist college she attends. When she and her mother get together, they can talk about a Broadway play for hours on
The Seven Deadly Sins Of A Pastor Part 2
4. TREATING STAFF LIKE SECOND RATE CITIZENS. Maybe all you’ve ever done is serve as a pastor, and you’ve never served on a staff under someone’s authority. If so, this is a real and subtle temptation. Especially for those who are called to serve in multi-staff situations. Satan and our flesh can suggest to us
The Seven Deadly Sins Of A Pastor
For fifteen years, I served in a church staff position. I was surprised when God called me to the pastorate. Early in my ministry, I had no desire to be the Senior Pastor. Fifteen years ago, God changed my heart and the direction of my ministry. I count myself a blessed man for having served
The Big O (Oprah)
I was reading a recent article in Christianity Today (April 2002, about Oprah Winfrey. The article title states, “With a congregation of 22 million viewers, Oprah Winfrey has become one of the most influential spiritual leaders in America. The very thought makes me nauseated. On September 23rd, in the wake of 9/11, at Yankee Stadium,
Conversation With the Giants
A Conversation with Warren W. Wiersbe Michael Catt: Where did you grow up and the influences of your early childhood? Warren Wiersbe: I grew up in northern Indiana, where on a clear day you could see your feet. We were surrounded by oil refineries, chemical factories, steel mills. We knew nothing about pollution. We lived
L.I.T.E.
Over the past six weeks in our church, we have been emphasizing our values. We chose the acrostic L.I.T.E. – which stands for Lordship, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence. I wrote the following four articles to reinforce what we were all about as a church. This has been a positive emphasis. Each church has to have
The Place Of Evangelism In The Local Church
I will be the first to admit that I do not have the ‘gift’ of evangelism. I am envious of those who do. I know people who can witness to a stump. I know people who are excellent at ‘cold call’ evangelism. There are many days I wish I were one of those people. I