5 things we do today instead of preaching the Word

I wish I could tell you that most pastors are preaching the Word. I can’t - some are not. Here are five things we may choose to do instead of preaching the Word.

1. Entertaining

“Music, drama and video, felt needs, topics, more stories”

Seven Keys to Preventing Pastoral Burnout

I have the incredible opportunity to interact with pastors regularly. In recent conversations, I asked two questions. First, have you ever experienced burnout in your ministry? Second, what do you do to prevent pastoral burnout?

Interestingly, every pastor with whom I spoke had experienced some level of burnout. And so they spoke from the voice of experience when they shared with me what they do to prevent burnout today. I aggregated their responses to seven keys to preventing pastoral burnout, not in any particular order or priority.

We do not lose heart

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”

2 Corinthians 4:16–17

10 Reasons we have not reached the Unchurched (2)

Part 2 (Reasons 6 - 10)

In last week's post, I covered the first five reasons we, as Christians fail to reach others for Christ. Today I conclude with the final five reasons.

10 Reasons we have not reached the Unchurched (1)

Part 1 (Reasons 1 - 5)

Though much of this information could be regarded as dismal, my ultimate assessment is not that pessimistic. I believe in the God of miracles. If my conclusions focused on human ability and goodness, I would have little hope. But my conclusions presume the God of creation is on His throne.

Five step strategy for church planting

A successful strategy has to be biblical and simple. We have formulated it in five easy to follow steps: 1. Pray – 2. Meet – 3. Make – 4. Gather – 5. Multiply

The 9 Seasons of a Church’s Life

There are many seasons of a church’s life. Knowing which season your church is in is crucial to its health, longevity, and most importantly, the forward progress of the gospel.

The following nine seasons of church life come from my observations with planting Mars Hill Church and assisting hundreds of other church plants through Acts 29.