You hear a lot about the “functional centrality of the gospel” these days. The idea that the gospel ought to be central in how we function has people has given rise to organizations, conferences, books, blogs, and even rap CD’s (not that anyone buys CD’s anymore). But is this really biblical? I like it. It [...]
The Primacy of The Functional Centrality of the Gospel in Paul’s Letters
June 20, 2011 By 7 Comments
The Difference Between Being an Effective Preacher and an Effective Pastor
June 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment
10 Things That Make a Pastor Remarkable
April 25, 2011 By 3 Comments
A Not-Famous Pastor’s Take on the Evangelical Hollywood
April 19, 2011 By 21 Comments
I was reminded of the polarizing effect famous Christian leaders have on the masses at The Gospel Coalition National Conference last week. It seems to me that people can potentially fall into two extremes. First there is the cynical camp. At best, the cynic derides everyone who attends conferences as wide-eyed fan-boys. At worst, he [...]
Salient Sound Bites From Al Mohler at The Gospel Coalition
April 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Al Mohler kicked off the offical Gospel Coalition Conference with a message titled, “Studying the Scriptures and Finding Jesus,” from John 5:31-47. His point was that Christians must read the Old Testament, and see the redemption of Christ that is written into it. Here are some quotes I wrote down during the message. I don’t [...]
The Difference Between the Law and the Gospel: Which Do You Preach More?
April 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment
I’m pursuing ordination with the goal of finishing in early October. So far, my greatest joy in the process has been working through the four volumes of Bavinck’s Reformed Dogmatics. He brilliantly summarizes the difference between the law and the gospel in the paragraph below. As you read, ask yourself if one comes out in [...]
Something for Pastors to Remember on Monday Morning
March 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment
“All things considered” is an ingredient that will tame the zing of a spicy Sunday church service. The sermon wasn’t that bad, considering that important visit to the hospital that ate up some prep time. The attendance at the evening service wasn’t that bad, considering it was the start of spring break. The singing wasn’t that bad, considering [...]
24 Examples of Gospel-Centered Ministry from 1 Thessalonians
March 26, 2011 By 1 Comment
Understanding gospel-centered ministry merely in terms of preaching the message of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection will turn you into a one-trick pastoral pony. Pastoral work should have the gospel as its motivation, not only its message. Paul defines his ministry in terms of proclaiming the gospel in 1 Thessalonians, but it works itself out [...]
10 Questions You Better be Ready to Answer at a Pastoral Interview
March 21, 2011 By 1 Comment
Pastoral Ministry and Strengths-Based Leadership
March 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Have you ever rationalized ignoring your weak areas of ministry? “I’m not a people person, so I spend most of my time preparing sermons.” We all make excuses to avoid pastoral work that doesn’t come easy. But is this reasoning valid? Avoid weak roles and focus on strong ones? One major book in the strengths [...]
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