Finding Timothy: Raising the Next Generation of Preachers

Here I sit, nestled in an ultra-hip chair at a West Tennessee Starbucks. Over a steaming cup of bold coffee, I fire questions at Andy, a 21-year-old college student who takes pride in his rugged, half-shaved face. I pick this young man's brain because he is one who is jealous for my job; he aspires to the office of senior pastor. Not a youth pastor, or children's pastor or college pastor-though each of those is a high and worthy calling-Andy is one who ultimately wants to feed and lead a local church. This guy intrigues me because his breed is becoming so scarce.

Fourth Sunday of Lent: The Marks of Greatness

Have you seen the Christmas classic, It's a Wonderful Life? Surely, you know the story. Down-and-out banker George Bailey stands over an icy river, ready to end it all, asking God to strike his name from history's roll. At that moment, a friendly angel appears and takes George on a tour to see how life would have turned out for his town if God honored his request.

Third Sunday in Lent: Need An Attitude Adjustment?

Every parent knows the frustration that follows a complaining child. Kids are notorious for voicing their feelings about the current condition of their lives. "I'm hungry!" "I'm thirsty." "I want my own room." "When are we going home?" The pitter-patter of little feet is adorable; the constant grumbling of a child is aggravating.

What Makes a Preacher ‘Good’?

You probably have noticed that preachers come in all shapes and sizes. There are big, gregarious, sweaty-foreheaded preachers. There are short, slim, soft-spoken preachers. There are creative preachers who always have a slick gadget or a clever object of illustration. There are King James preachers who love Thees and the Thous of Thy Holy Word.

What Makes a Preacher Good?

So, what makes for a faithful preacher? Because God has not called preachers to be successful but faithful, how can we be sure we are staying true to the call? Here are a few biblical criteria to keep us on track: