The Pastor's Soul, Role, and Home.

No Hooks

2012-02-07T07:00:00-05:00

We who love to fish know that the better the lure, the more deceptive it is. We try to appeal to the appetite of the fish by hiding the hook in a worm. We use a certain kind of lure...

Saying it Well: Touching Others with Your Words

2012-01-31T06:25:00-05:00

I wrote my new book primarily for you—for speakers in general and preachers in particular. After five decades of honing the craft, I feel that I’m finally ready to put into print much of what now works for me as...

His Power, Our Preaching

2012-01-24T07:30:00-05:00

In the middle of the week not long ago I walked into our church’s sanctuary. The room was empty and quiet. In fact, it was dark except for the exit lights that never go out. I came down the middle...

Powerful Preaching

2012-01-17T07:00:00-05:00

As one responsible for communicating biblical truth, I want to share four principles especially for you. Pay close attention; read slowly, thoughtfully and carefully as I apply this to your ministry of proclaiming God’s Word. First, always stay on the...

Answer the Charge

2012-01-10T07:30:00-05:00

Paul wrote with urgency, “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season...

Cultivating Enduring Companions

2012-01-03T07:30:00-05:00

As I scan the lives of those I most admire in Scripture, I quickly discover that very few of them were loners. Not long ago, I spent almost a year studying the aging apostle John—a man who was still active...

Goal for the New Year: Preach the Word!

2011-12-27T07:30:00-05:00

I thought we should start off the New Year right by reminding ourselves of an essential role we have as pastor-teachers. Take some time right now and watch this message I delivered to those about to enter ministry. My challenge...

Give Your Presence This Year

2011-12-20T07:30:00-05:00

Do you feel the tightening squeeze this time of year brings? On top of an already demanding schedule of preaching, teaching, counseling, and calling, you have had to add Christmas parties and programs, a creative Christmas series that you’ve never...

Listening to Them

2011-12-13T07:30:00-05:00

I’ll never forget one man’s criticism of me that helped me as much as anything I’ve ever heard. I was about to graduate from seminary. I had completed the finest courses in theology, Greek, Hebrew, and homiletics—you know, I was...

I'm Third

2011-12-06T07:30:00-05:00

Occasionally, when Cynthia and I attend a party, she’ll say to me, “Let’s not be the center of everything. Why don’t we just sit on the side and listen for a change?” That’s a great reminder in our narcissistic culture,...