Preaching to Heal Conflicted Congregations

Perhaps the best question regarding conflict was offered by that outstanding theologian from Los Angeles, Rodney King, who asked, "Can't we all just get along?" Pastors and congregations across the country might respond, "Amen!" Interestingly, the very people who decry conflict seem unable to break free from it. The people who identify themselves as followers of the Prince of Peace lack peace. Believers who claim the fruit of the Holy Spirit have trouble experiencing or expressing love, joy and peace.

Preaching Points: Poetry

I always have believed in a widespread and eclectic use of poetry in sermons. There are very few rules that should be heeded in deciding which poems should be used. There are a few guidelines, though, and I would like to provide my convictions on the matter. Let me say at the outset that you should use poetry if only for the sake of trying to bridge the gender gap. Women who are forced to endure ESPN all week should not be forced to listen to ESPN from the preacher on Sunday-at least not every Sunday. After all, women are Christians, too, and with a more generous and romantic mystique; so they should get to hear a little sermonic poetry now and then.

Back Page Pulpit: A Service About Nothing

In a recent news report, I learned that atheists are arguing they should have their own military chaplains. The New York Times (April 26, 2011) tells us that among some 3,000 chaplains in the U.S. armed forces, most are Christians, along with a few Jewish and Muslim chaplains and even a Buddhist. There may be a Hindu and a Wiccan on the way.

Preaching Amid Suffering: An Interview with Adam Hamilton

"All of us go through times of tragedy. We experience tragedy in other people's lives, and that seems to fly in the face of the Christian gospel of a God who is loving, just and kind. We share those stories and it's not just theory you're sharing, it's how it really worked in people's lives; but you have to have the theology to link those together."

Your Library is Your Armory

In his book A Mind for God (IVP), James Emery White writes: "A monk in Normandy penned these words in 1170: 'A monastery without a library [sine armario] is like a castle without an armory [sine armamentario]. Our library is our armory.' This was certainly the conviction of the apostle Paul, who even from his prison cell in Rome implored Timothy to be sure to bring him his books (II Tim. 4:13).

Have a Preaching Research Team

In his latest Ministry Toolbox newsletter, Rick Warren discusses his research team--and how any pastor can have such a team using laypeople from the congregation. He observes: "Any pastor--no matter how small his church--can have a research team. No matter what size your congregation, there are people in your church who like to read and research. They are shaped by God for this very thing. They'll be thrilled to help you with your sermon preparation, if you just give them a list of your sermon topics."

Spiritual Intelligence

As you know, Jesus' parable of the seed and soils is one of the most preached passages in Scripture. Yet beyond its deep spiritual meaning, it serves as a powerful metaphor for why our preaching often yields little fruit. For the savvy pastor, this parable provides more than anesthesia, easing our pain by explaining the reason of lean preaching harvest. It also can serve as a stewardship insight that propels us to focus more on soil preparation in order for the seeds we sow to bear significant fruit.

Still Loving the KJV

According to a recent survey by LifeWay Research, 400 years after it debuted as the first widely distributed Bible for the English-speaking world, the King James Version (KJV) still holds a place of distinction among Americans. The recent poll found that more than half of all American adults (62 percent) own a KJV Bible.

Is Tithing Required?

An increasing number of evangelical leaders do not believe tithing is a biblical obligation for Christian believers, according to a recent survey by the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE). A report from NAE states: "Many evangelical churches regularly encourage their members to tithe, or give the church at least 10 percent of their income. Yet, according to the February Evangelical Leaders Survey, most evangelical leaders do not believe the Bible requires Christians to tithe."