I hear people complain about their jobs. They talk about their co-workers, their boss(es), management, governmental interference, regulations, restrictions, paychecks, insurance, taxes. The list goes on and on. I hear preachers complain about churches, elders, members, pay, hours, taxes, unwritten expectations, etc. My first paid ministry position was an internship in Calhoun, Georgia the summer … Continue reading The Greatest Job
preaching
Preaching
Preaching. That is what I do. Preacher. That is what I am. I first began serving in ministry during the summer of 1986 as an intern in Calhoun, GA. I followed that with a worship leader role in Montgomery for a few months until, I began working with a church in Bay Minette, AL. After … Continue reading Preaching
Learning from Children
Jesus said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who … Continue reading Learning from Children
Expository Preaching
Much of my preaching falls into one of two categories. Textual where I let the thought of the passage lead me to lessons found throughout scripture or Expository where I try to expose the text and context of a passage. About 10 years ago I wrote a paper on Expository Preaching for a Graduate Class … Continue reading Expository Preaching
Planned Preaching Retreat
On Monday and Tuesday this week, I met up with seven other ministers (Brendan Chance, Mark Posey, Mike Baker, Dale Jenkins, Daniel Courington, Elisha Freeman, and Trae Durden) in Huntsville, Alabama for one main purpose - sermon planning. We came from different congregations, backgrounds, and states. We each brought our calendars, Bibles, computers, tablets, and … Continue reading Planned Preaching Retreat
About Preachers and Preaching
As I was thinking about the lessons this Sunday, I remembered a humorous list of poor sermon introductions. I looked through some old files and found a tattered copy. The title in the bulletin clipping is "You Know You're in Trouble When the Preacher Begins With . . . Unaccustomed as I am to public … Continue reading About Preachers and Preaching
Meet the Minister
Since beginning my work at Central Church of Christ in Tuscaloosa the last Sunday of May 2014 the congregation has had three "Meet the Ministers" fellowships. One was a Homemade Ice Cream Social after assembly one Sunday evening. The other two have been smaller groups either at someone's home or at the building. There is … Continue reading Meet the Minister
What do you do all day?
I wish I knew how many times children come to me between classes and worship or after worship and ask, "Where do you work?" I love the puzzled look on their faces, when I say, "Here." Their reply is often, "No, I mean the rest of the week!" Again, I answer, "Here. I work here … Continue reading What do you do all day?
Your Preacher
A while ago, Adam Faughn asked me to write and article about preaching for his blog: Faughn Family of Four. As I was looking through some files I came across the article and updated it for today's blog post. About three years ago I posted a question on a Social Networking Q&A site. The question … Continue reading Your Preacher
Isaiah’s Hymn of Praise
You will say in that day: "I will give thanks to you, O LORD, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, that you might comfort me. "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he … Continue reading Isaiah’s Hymn of Praise
Driving Thought 