In this final installment of a four part blog series, I want to share with you how best to reflect on life moments in an effort to increase personal growth. Remember, evaluated experience is the best teacher. You need to build moments of reflection into your life, so you can look back and ask God to help you learn from … Read More
Eat, Pray, Lent: What Americans Actually Abstain From
Today’s guest post comes to us from Bob Smietana for ChristianityToday.com. During the season of Lent, some Americans give up chocolate or alcohol. Others dump guilty pleasures like social media or binge-watching television. LifeWay asked Americans who observe Lent how they do it. Fasting from a favorite food or beverage (57%) and going to church (57%) are the most common … Read More
R.A. Torrey on a Pastor’s Primary Job
“We must always bear in mind that the primary purpose of our work is not to get persons to join the church or to give up their bad habits or to do anything else than this – to accept Jesus Christ as their Saviour.” -R.A. Torrey, 19th Century Evangelist, Founder of BIOLA
Keys to Worship Planning – Don’t Plan Your Preaching Calendar Solo
“Don’t fall into the temptation of planning by yourself. Let God use the creative souls he has placed around you. When you plan alone, you only get your ideas. The problem is, your ideas may not be the best ideas. By accepting input from the people God has placed around you, you will create a sharper, more in-tune preaching … Read More
A Question of Priorities (Thursdays are for Health)
“Do you have time to get before God each day? Do you have time to spend with your kids? Do you have time to connect with your staff about weekend service? Of course you do, because you understand the importance of those things. When you understand the importance of being proactive about your health – and hopefully that won’t be … Read More
The Power of Reflection (Part 3 of 4)
Last week in part 2 of this series I mentioned how I’d once heard that failure is a few errors in judgement repeated every day. To stop this cycle of failure, you need time to reflect. I shared when to reflect and this week I want to share some key areas to reflect on. In no particular order: Physical Health … Read More
Markers of Especially Welcoming Churches
Today’s guest blog comes to us from Greg Atkinson for ChristianityToday.com. I recently had lunch with a local senior pastor for whom I was doing some coaching and consulting. He asked, “Greg, what are the most common things you see as a church secret shopper?” I’ve heard this question often enough to know what he was really asking: “Where do … Read More
Charles Finney on Revival
“A revival is nothing else than a new beginning of obedience to God.” – Charles Finney, Father of American Revivalism
Keys to Worship Planning: 3 Critical Questions
“What happens in your services is of no use to your people if they don’t walk away with a clear understanding of how to incorporate the teaching and worship into their lives. That’s why it is so important to begin your worship planning with the end in mind. At The Journey, we do this by asking and prayerfully answering … Read More
Two Big Steps to Better Health (Thursdays are for Health)
“If Satan can steal your health, kill your drive and destroy your peace of mind, then your ability to do God’s work well will be obliterated. Thankfully, there are things you can do to keep the enemy’s schemes at bay. Start by surrendering your body to God. Then, stop making excuses.” – Nelson Searcy, Steve Reynolds & Jennifer Dykes Henson The … Read More