Does it matter what an individual’s motive is when he or she acts? Think about it. You happen to witness a woman getting mugged and at the same time realize that your boss is standing some distance away, what do you do? You normally avoid involvement. Yet, knowing that your boss is observing the situation you decide to subdue the aggressor. You protect the lady, return her purse, and aid in the capture of her mugger. You are declared a hero. Your boss applauds your efforts and recognizes your selflessness at an office party.
In light of your self-promotion, which motivated you to get involved, were your actions truly ethical? Read the rest of this entry »
We’re often told “don’t sweat the small stuff.” There’s so much out ‘there’ to occupy our time and energy. Why get bogged down in details? Well, the last three years, for me, reveal the wisdom of doing just the opposite…sweating the small stuff.
There are actually quite a number of examples one could turn to that would prove small stuff can make or break us. Just ask an accountant, soldier, or engineer and you’ll get quite an ear full on the importance of details that most would like to simply rush through. Ministry is no different. Read the rest of this entry »
One of the more difficult challenges facing pastors and churches when considering church discipline and responsible church membership is the fear of the unknown. These biblical responsibilities have been neglected for so long that few understand them or have seen them in practice. Add to this the desire to keep ‘the peace’ by avoiding offence and you have a recipe for congregational paralysis. What is a pastor or church to do in such circumstances? Read the rest of this entry »
The following books have proven to be very helpful in explaining the importance of church membership and its many implications.
Read the rest of this entry »
Recently we reached an important milestone for our congregation. Since my arrival as Pastor of Pisgah Baptist Church nearly five years ago, I’ve formally and informally preached toward a proper understanding of what it means to be the Body of Christ. So much of the Bible relates directly to our shared experience, identity, and responsibilities rather than individual issues. God communicates to His people, not to a large number of individuals that are unrelated to one another and ‘flying solo.’ In light of this preaching, we also began working through the practical implications of membership. Working with our staff, deacons, and membership review committee, we started a membership process three years ago that would ultimately bring us to an accurate picture of who Pisgah Baptist really is.
When I arrived, Pisgah had a membership of 958 people. As a result of congregational action on May 12, we are now a congregation of approximately 385 (any given month we see 324+ participate). This did not occur overnight, nor did it occur in one simple vote. The process involved a lot of discussions, meetings, contacts, investigation, and prayer.
What follows is a response to a thoughtful question Read the rest of this entry »
Our corporate experience motivates, informs, and holds accountable our . . .
• Shared identity. We are not saved as individuals to then be left as individuals walking with Jesus one on one. Therefore, we are not free to think of our faith as only a personal or private matter (we are a: flock – Jn. 10:16; temple – Eph. 2:21, 22; household – Eph. 2:19; body – Eph. 1:22-23; church – Matt. 16:18, 1 Tim. 3:15; bride – Rev. 19:7, 21:9; new humanity – Eph. 4:22-24; holy nation – 1 Pet. 2:9; royal priesthood – 1 Pet. 2:9; a chosen people – 1 Pet. 2:9; possession of God – 1 Pet. 2:9).
• Congregational gatherings. In light of what we share and need, we are to gather regularly to stimulate one another to good works to the glory of God (Heb. 10:19-25).
• Evangelistic efforts. Our unity demonstrates that God Read the rest of this entry »
You’re not good enough. These words stir immediate emotion when we hear them. Imagine yourself at a practice hearing the coach yell these words. You experience a flood of emotion. First, you feel the deep discouragement of the young athlete and then driving disdain toward the coach for such a calloused approach. It’s hard to envision a time when these words would ever be appropriate. They’re certainly unacceptable coming from spouses, management, parents, or teachers. The only person we may excuse for this would be Simon Cowell. Could there be, however, a time when these words are gracious? Read the rest of this entry »
This past weekend I heard a news story on a Christian radio station regarding the ministry efforts of a Florida church. The story related their efforts at providing people in their area with the option of doing church via the internet. Unfortunately, they are not the only group attempting this kind of ‘church.’ When asked about those participating on-line rather than in person, one of the pastors stated, ‘…this will give people the full affect of church.’ Is this true? Are people able to get the ‘full affect’ of church by participating in such a format? Maybe this question itself betrays an error Read the rest of this entry »
I was once asked, “What is faith?” In light of current discussions dealing with ‘communities of faith,’ ‘faith systems,’ and ‘faith-based organizations,’ there are those who are justifiably confused as to what faith really is. The answer to this question is significant – eternally significant.
Realizing that this term is culturally intended to have a very broad definition (one would expect this in an eclectic culture), we can’t escape its religious connotation and background. The very fact that Read the rest of this entry »
We each must recognize the value of God’s blessings. These blessings come in various forms. One blessing in particular is that of individuals who devote themselves to the study of God’s Word for the benefit and growth of others. The following are a few men that Read the rest of this entry »
