One of the questions I get asked often by other pastors who are younger than me: Have you ever been through a year that is anything like 2020? My answer is clearly NO! There is nothing quite like this year, especially for pastors and church leaders.
Now, I do not want to sound like I am complaining. I realize that God has given me (us) the honor of serving him and his people. What I want to do is just restate the uniqueness of these last seven months:
Read MoreIt is an understatement to say that 2020 has been one of the craziest years in our lifetime! Covid-19, the quarantines, election year, the tensions that have risen due to racial injustice, and on and on it goes. These events are enough in and of themselves, but the emotional stress is compounded by social media combativeness.
Read MoreIn my last few blog posts, I have been documenting what I see as the value of the Neighborhood Church. I am using this term to describe a church that is between 120 and 500 in size, and has great value, primarily because of its proximity to a community that needs a life-giving church.
Read MoreIf you ask anyone, 'what are the qualities of a great leader?' On the list of responses, you almost certainly will get VISION as an essential to effectiveness.
Read MoreBack in 2004, we were in the process of deciding whether or not to buy property and build a larger facility as a church. During that season, my father-in-law, David Spencer, called me with a ‘word’ from the Lord.
Read MoreOne of the most famous passages in the book of Ecclesiastes is found in chapter three. It begins, ‘For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.’ Then Solomon proceeds to list a series of contrasting seasons: ’a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to harvest, etc.’
Read MoreOver the years, I have taught about an important balance that is necessary for a healthy and effective church. This may be oversimplifying things a bit – but I see three main factors that must be released and emphasized for a church work according to God’s plan.
Read MoreI am often asked to share our story in pastors meetings and conferences. When I start to talk about the numbers of churches that have been planted out of Allison Park Church over the last twenty years, and how we have put such a huge priority on multiplication, there is a multi-faceted reaction.
Read MoreThose who know me, know that over the years I have worked fairly hard to be non-controversial. My gifting leans toward ‘wisdom’ and my skill set lends itself toward ‘peace-making.’ So I have tended to be a bit filtered in talking about subjects that might make others squirm or take issue with that is being said.
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