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
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
Are We Teaching How They Learn?
Education professionals divide learners into three basic learning styles. 1) Auditory Learners. These people learn from listening to lectures or presentations in class. They may take notes, but learn mostly from what they hear. You can give these people verbal directions to a destination and they remember those directions. 2) Visual Learners. This group learns … Continue reading Are We Teaching How They Learn?
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
My Favorite Scripture ? ? ?
Last evening I spoke a the East Walker Church of Christ in Sumiton, Alabama as a guest for their Summer Series. Their theme this year was "My Favorite Scripture." I admit I struggled with the topic; too many came to mind. i could have chosen any of the following: 2 Cor 5:21, "For our sake … Continue reading My Favorite Scripture ? ? ?
What is Ministry?
Here is my second offering on the subject of ministry. Again, comments and suggestions are welcome, encouraged even. We ask: What is Ministry? With last week's working definition of a minister in hand, the next logical step is to define the role a minister plays. This chapter solidifies our model of ministry that develops from … Continue reading What is Ministry?
Thoughts on Ministry
Over the next few weeks I will share with you selected chapters from a work in progress. Counting the time I spent as an intern in Calhoun, GA, and the 2 1/2 years I interned with the Church of Christ in Bay Minette, Alabama through today, May 13, 2010, I have spent most of my life … Continue reading Thoughts on Ministry
Driving Thought 