There is an unusual pattern found throughout the pages of scripture. We witness it in the lives of people like Moses, Gideon, Rahab, Jonah, and the twelve disciples. Interestingly, God calls the most unlikely candidates to accomplish the most amazing things over and over again. God repeatedly uses ordinary people for seemingly impossible assignments. He … Continue reading In Over Your Head
We live in serious times. In a matter of days, life as we know it has been turned upsidedown. Even so, the call of the Body of Christ is to participate in the Great Commission. So, while the work of the church may look different in the coming days, her mission remains the same: To Make … Continue reading Coronavirus & The Church
One thing I’ve learned in ministry over the years is that pastors want to be liked. Some want to be liked so badly that they’re willing to become something they’re not. When that happens they began mimicking other leaders and projecting an image that is not at all who God’s called them to be. Even … Continue reading Religious Costumes
The call to pastoral ministry is often depicted with the metaphor of “Shepherd and Sheep.” The shepherd is one who leads, serves, and protects the flock. In every church I’ve pastored I have taken that call very seriously. I stress the word “protect” as it relates to the shepherd’s staff. The staff was used to … Continue reading Remember The Methodists
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” ~Jeremiah 29:11 “Gotcha Day” is a term used in the adoption community. It refers to the day when adoptive parents finally get their child. It’s … Continue reading Gotcha Day
“If your church hasn’t won anyone to Jesus in the last year, it’s not a church, it’s a country club.” A friend recently made that statement. I’d go a step further: if a church isn’t endeavoring to ‘win’ people it isn’t even a good country club. Too many churches have become shrines of personal achievement … Continue reading Country Club Church
Comparing the church to a ‘big tent’ has become an interesting conversation piece. Big tent theology teaches that God is calling the church to open her arms wider than ever before. Expanding the tent calls for a diversity of thought, the inclusion of varying stances on nonessential issues, and erasing lines that could potentially divide. … Continue reading Big Tents & Centered Sets
Brian L Powell 