Emotionalism places excessive focus on emotions. Many Christians have likely experienced this at various worship services and events. You will see this in places where “decisions” or “worship experiences” are elevated above proper worship of God; or quite frankly, above the gospel. In its ugliest forms, the leaders attempt to manipulate the congregation’s emotions for […]
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The Gospel for Humpty Dumpty
“Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall; All the king’s horses and all the king’s men Couldn’t put Humpty together again.” I’ve heard many theories on what exactly is meant by the term “Humpty Dumpty” in the classic nursery rhyme. I’m almost convinced that it refers to a cannon; but […]
A Small Church in a Mega-Church World
There are times when pastors and members of small churches can feel discouraged simply by looking at their numbers. The people of God long to see their churches full as souls are being saved and shepherded. It can be tempting to look online at your favorite preacher’s church and see scores of people pouring into […]
Dear Bi-Vocational Pastor
Being a bi-vocational pastor is an immensely glorious, yet difficult task. I have seen and heard of the struggles from my own bi-vocational pastors. It is something that takes discipline, dedication, and gobs of grace. As I prepare to enter into the bi-vocational pastorate myself, I want to revel in the grace that God gives […]
Praying Without Losing Heart
“And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, ‘In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against […]