Union with Christ – Emphasized Little Yet Vast In Scope

The theme of union with Christ may be the one of the most under-emphasized doctrines today. I recently asked a group I was teaching to raise their hands if they have ever heard a sermon or talk on union with Christ. Nothing! Yet as I have been studying this theme recently, I am increasingly convinced…

Do Ministers View Call to Ministry as Important?

Empirical research on leadership reveals that ministers place great significance on calling. This brief review will organize thoughts from ministry leaders about the importance of calling into three categories 1) calling in general, 2) the internal call to ministry, and 3) external calling. The Importance of Ministry Calling Recent research on pastoral development demonstrates the…

What is the Call to Ministry?

Scholars have defined and categorized the call to ministry in various ways. Jeff Iorg defines calling as a “profound impression from God that establishes parameters for your life.”[1] Iorg explains three types of call experiences as 1) the universal call to Christian service and growth, 2) the general call to ministry leadership, and 3) the…

Leadership Lessons from Nehemiah

In the book of Nehemiah, God did a great work through his people to build the broken wall and establish the city once again.  One of the main reasons this work was accomplished is because God used a great leader, Nehemiah, to motivate, organize, and inspire the people.  Nehemiah overcame great opposition and multiple obstacles, always…

Counterfeit Gods Diagnostic Questions

Our book club just recently finished the book, Counterfeit Gods by Tim Keller.  Keller gives his definition of an idol and a counterfeit god, “What is an idol?  It is anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you only what…

Four Chair Discipling

I am currently reading an excellent book by Dann Spader called 4 Chair Discipling.  In this book, Spader takes a look at Jesus’ life and ministry and pulls out principles for us to strive for as we seek to make disciples.  Each chair represents a stage in the growth process in the Christian life.  Spader…

A Praying Life

I recently taught a class at church based on the book A Praying Life by Paul Miller.  This book has impacted many of my friends and I wanted to share with everyone the notes we used for our class.  I also wanted to share a few of the prayer resources that we looked at.  Hope…