Last week I took advantage of a denominationally sponsored pre-retirement seminar for clergy that was hosted at our church...

Like it or not, the world has a different standard for us preachers. While our fallen brother wakes up to the numbing consequences of his immoral lifestyle, which will include among other things the loss of his position, reputation, political influence, perks, privileges, and the simple but powerful honor of being trusted by a lot of people, what can the rest of us do to prevent a recurrence?

He came into the pastor's office sheepishly and pulled up a chair. Placing his hands nervously on his knees, he said, "Pastor, I just can't bear to hear anyone else preach. Does that mean God is calling me into the ministry?" A similar soul said he looked up at the clouds

My old homiletics professor said it was necessary for me to realize that nowhere does Scripture mention the quality of God's golf game. It was his way of pointing out that when I spoke of God's power, the word had two syllables. It is "POW-er," not the single...

Every Monday morning I dreaded that call! George was one of my long-term predecessor's biggest fans. And, as much as he was certain no one would ever fill my forerunner's shoes, George tried hard to turn me into a latter-day clone of...

Max DePree tells a wonderful story about a man who was superb at running the ninety-five yard dash. His problem, as you can imagine, is that dropping out before the last five yards, he never won a race. In a 100-yard race, leading for the first 95 yards is an exercise in sheer uselessness.

Are you preaching for you? For them? Or for Him? It's both a tragedy and a challenge! You and I are called to preach in an era in which entertainment replaces biblical worship in many settings. Inherent within a time like this is an opportunity to refocus. Are we preaching for ourselves?

Are you preaching the theology of scarcity? At our house, we no longer support Christian ministries that send out those "We're going under financially unless you send money now" desperation letters. Nor do we send gifts to those broadcast ministry appeals with a similar message. Why? Simply be

The voice of the mind must never be confused with the word of God!   I listened to an erudite TV ora-tor speaking from the prestigious pulpit of a well-known church. He had lots of words but no meaning - great know-how but no know Him. Not once did he mention Jesus, His cross, or the resur