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:
Preaching on Mission: An Interview with Bryant Wright
Bryant Wright is the pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Northwest Atlanta, a church he began and which now has nearly 8,000 members. At this summer's Southern Baptist Convention, he was elected to be the new president of the SBC. He is author of a new book Seeds of Turmoil: The Biblical Roots of the Inevitable Crisis in the Middle East published by Thomas Nelson. He recently visited with Michael about the SBC, the book and about preaching.
Holy Subversion: Allegiance to Christ in an Age of Rivals
Just as the first Christians had to confront the false gods of their own era, today's believers must live out their faith in an age when there are many rivals claiming their allegiance. In Holy Subversion: Allegiance to Christ in an Age of Rivals (Crossway), Trevin Wax points out the idols of our own day, and challenges us to be "holy subversives" in challenging those powers.
Plan B: What Do You Do When God Doesn’t Show Up the Way You Thought He Would?
What do you do when life isn't turning out the way you expected? You turn to Plan B: What Do You Do When God Doesn't Show Up the Way You Thought He Would? (Thomas Nelson), the title of the new book from Nashville pastor Pete Wilson. Wilson points readers to an understanding of the cross as the key to overcoming fear when life is going in the wrong direction.
The God Who Is There: Finding Your Place in God’s Story
D.A. Carson's new book The God Who Is There: Finding Your Place in God's Story (Baker Books) offers readers a basic understanding of Scripture and the nature of God. This would be an excellent book for group studies, as well as to share with persons new to faith--or even exploring Christian faith for the first time.
Illustration: Position, Motivation
Charley, a new retiree-greeter at Wal-Mart, just couldn't seem to get to work on time.
Illustration: Repentance
A remorseful man, wanting to reassure his skeptical wife, said: "I'm going to make a 360-degree turn."
Preach Simply
In a recent issue of his "Ministry Toolbox" newsletter, Rick Warren offers this: "Jesus taught profound truths in simple ways. Today, we do the opposite. We teach simple truths in profound ways.
Preacher to Preacher: Windows Are Better than Paintings!
Think of your illustration as a window rather than a painting. Paintings usually draw attention to themselves as much as to their subject. They usually are appreciated as a self-focused focal point.
YouVersion Helps Churches Provide Mobile Access to Events
While your church is holding a service or study in your facility, would you like members and guests who aren't able to attend in person to be able to watch that event from their mobile phone or iPad remotely?