What if we changed the nautical axiom for ministry purposes? What if it read, “A pastor goes down with his church?” While pastors bemoan the cowardice of Captain Schettino, they seem to have little aversion to fleeing their own sinking congregations.
Welcome to the 99%
Models and mentors play important roles, but when these relationships mingle with our fleshly aspirations, we plummet into despair. Career comparison is a formula for depression.
A Word about Last Words…
As pastors, what should we talk about with those who are dying—experiences from this past life or eternal theological truths?
Why I Love Teaching at a Christian University
If the gospel of Jesus is the foundation on which we build our lives, then everything must be connected to it.
If Your Illustration Causes You to Stumble, Sharpen It!
In the fall, some of my colleagues proposed a point-counterpoint theological debate for our blog posts at MinistryU. Since several of my colleagues mined the depths of biblical and historical theology studies during their doctoral work while I simply spaded the surface exploring the practical theology of homiletics, I did not express any interest in getting involved. Think about it, … Read More
Of Pastors and Presidents
What if churches elected pastors the way parties nominate presidents?
The Mystery of the Manger is the Incarnation
Soren Kierkegaard, the great Danish philosopher, told the story of a prince who wanted to find a young woman suitable to be his queen. One day while visiting in the local village, he glanced out the windows of the carriage and his eyes fell upon a beautiful peasant maiden. During the ensuing days he intentionally arranged to pass by the … Read More
Following the example of Mary at Christmas
An apocryphal anecdote has been circulated for some time at my alma mater, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, regarding one of my former professors. The story goes that an erstwhile student of this professor once questioned him as to whether he ever gave pop quizzes. With a smile, this peculiar professor responded that he would give a pop quiz the … Read More
The Irony is Reality: Why We Need the Luke 2 Story
Dr. Chuck Fuller examines why the Good News often comes to those who need it most. Jesus came for the desperate, not the self-sufficient.