Preaching notes
I always like to learn how other pastors and churches do things, and preaching is one of those things. When I listen to other preachers, I listen for content (the message) but I also listen for transitions, applications, placement of illustrations, introductions, conclusions, etc. If video is available, I like to see what kind of microphone they use, pulpit, no pulpit, stand, sit, walk, smile...all of it.
This is why this blog post by Joshua Harris is so fascinating to me; he asked different preachers to send him their preaching notes and he posted them online. BTW, these are notes from preachers who preach to hundreds and thousands every week, which means they probably preach often and are good preachers. It's a great peek behind the veil, and another opportunity to learn.
You can check it out here. (FYI, the code on Joshua's page is a little funky. Just ignore it. The links work.)
Five Major Trends for Amercian Churches…
There's an interesting article at the ChristianPost.com about research that identifies five emerging trends in U.S. churches.
Here are the five:
1. Our nation will see the emergence of the largest generational mission field in over a century.
2. The dominant attitude of this huge generation toward Christianity will be largely indifferent.
3. Senior adult ministries in churches will experience steep declines.
4. The large Boomer generation will become more receptive to the gospel.
5. Family will be a key value for both of the large generations.
The question is how do churches adjust to these trends? Should churches adjust? How should churches respond?
Here are some of my thoughts:
• Whatever the trends are, make sure the gospel is preached. Self-improvement messages are catchy and attractive, but the gospel is God's power for salvation.
• People reach people, methods and programs do not. Continually communicate the truth of every believers responsibility and privilege to reach out to others.
• Prayer. No matter the flow of the cultural current, prayer is the driving force that transcends culture. More prayer, more power.
• Focus on making disciples. It's our job description. It's easy to be distracted by more "flashy" programs and events because disciple-making is repetitive and lacks pizazz. But always remember: changed people change culture.
You can read the full article here.
Deepen your Connections
This Sunday is part 2 of GBCK's Faith, Connection, Life series, a series about our vision, mission and values. At GBCK we are all about developing our faith, deepening our connections, and devoting our lives to God's mission.
Here's a preview of part 2:
Title: Deepen your connections
Main Passage: “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.” (1 Peter 1:22)
Main Thought: We are created for relationships
• God created us in his image. Bearing his image means we are created for relationships.
• Sin has broken our design for authentic relationships evidenced in an increasingly narcissistic culture.
• The Gospel restores us to our original design and intention: Love God, love others.
• Three ways the Gospel restores us:
1. Movement: from inward to outward, “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers…” The gospel doesn't drive us toward ourselves; rather, the progression of "obeying the truth" is to love your brothers.
2. Measure: from shallow to deep, "love one another deeply..." 'Deeply' is a measurement word. Two thoughts about loving deeply: a) to go deep with anything takes time. The difference between a six inch hole and a six foot hole is time. You 'take time' spontaneously and intentionally; both are needed. b) 'deep love' is limitless, unconditional love. I put so many limits and conditions on my love. To love deeply I need the love of Christ, not my insufficient love.
3. Motivation: from purpose-driven to Gospel-driven, "...from the heart." Deepening connections is not about getting rid of loneliness, or getting something out of someone. It's not about robotic obedience to scripture or a church's vision statement. Connection and relationship is a heart response to the incredible work of the gospel and the grace and mercy extended to us by the Father through Christ.
Gospel-driven ministry
Some good thoughts on ministry/church practices...
Gospel 101 from Sojourn Community Church on Vimeo.
Know your role
I love John's response to his disciples over their concern that they are "losing" people to Jesus' ministry: "God in heaven appoints each person's work." (John 3:27)
John had a confidence in and a clear understanding of his God-appointed role in ministry: To prepare the way for Christ - "that is all." (v.28) Nothing more, nothing less.
In a highly-pressurized ministry culture that says do more, grow more, multiply more, expand more, etc., can pastors and ministry leaders every say "that is all"? I think one of the keys to ministry is to know your appointed role, find satisfaction in your role, and stop trying to become like someone else or their ministry.
There is a distinction between "that is all" and "it is finished". To be clear, the work of the Kingdom is never finished until Christ's return. When John said "that is all" he wasn't declaring mission accomplished; he was simply saying I know my role on the grander stage, and I won't try to overreach and play someone else's role.
In short, know your role.
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