THINK STEPS, NOT PROGRAMS
In his book, Seven Practices of Effective Ministry, Andy Stanley writes: "Think Steps, Not Programs" (p. 88). The idea is this: Instead of having a strategic vision that focuses on programs, you have a strategic vision of a people-process, a pathway that takes people from
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Denomination:
Presbyterian/Reformed
Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Dec 27, 2007
A.C. Gaebelein, one of the great theologians of the 20th century wrote in his book, The Angels of God, “Like every truth, the truth of the angels of God—their presence on earth and their loving ministries—has practical value. As we realize in faith . . . that they are watching us, ready to walk
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Denomination:
Baptist
Contributed by Tim Smith on Mar 9, 2009
"The United Methodist Church has helped over 59,000 people who were affected by Hurricane Katrina. Over 45,692 volunteers (3320 teams) volunteers from around the world have served in our disaster recovery ministry. That’s a donation value of $40,468,015. What we have found is that we are not just
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Methodist
Contributed by Jim Kane on Nov 25, 2001
based on 19 ratings
| 1,884 views
“Most churches do a good job of getting people to first base or maybe even second base. People will receive Christ, be baptized and join the church (that’s getting them to first base). Some churches also do an excellent job of helping believers develop the habits that lead to spiritual maturity
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Denomination:
Church Of God
Contributed by Jesse Bennett on Apr 5, 2009
based on 2 ratings
| 7,279 views
JOY-SUCKERS
A "joy sucker" is someone who is determined to create either discouragement or hardship on your ministry. "Joy suckers" take on all shapes and sizes, but most often they are negative in their outlook, disappointed with their family, in need of attention or enamored with their own
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Denomination:
Baptist
Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Apr 26, 2010
DRY TRUTH OR DYNAMIC LIES?
During my first year of ministry here, I asked a hypothetical question: If you had the choice of attending a church where the pastor believed and taught the Bible but was dry and not a very good speaker, or a church where the pastor believed that the Bible contained many
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Denomination:
Independent/Bible
Contributed by Ken Pell on Apr 6, 2012
based on 2 ratings
| 6,215 views
HOLY JOY
Richard Foster describes holy joy like this:
"Joy, not grit, is the hallmark of holy obedience. ...It is a cheerful revolt against self and pride. ...Utter abandonment to God is done freely and with celebration. And so I urge you to enjoy this ministry of self-surrender. ...The saints
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Denomination:
Nazarene
Contributed by Sermon Central on Jun 18, 2007
based on 1 rating
| 2,180 views
I think of David Livingstone, the pioneer missionary to Africa, who walked over 29,000 miles. His wife died early in their ministry and he faced stiff opposition from his Scottish brethren. He ministered half blind. His kind of perseverance spurs me on. As I walk, I remember the words in his diary:
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Contributed by Sermon Central on Jun 18, 2007
based on 3 ratings
| 1,695 views
I like the old story about the guy who came to church with his family. As they were driving home afterward he was complaining about everything. He said, “The music was too loud. The sermon was too long. The announcements were unclear. The building was hot. The people were unfriendly.” He went on &
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Contributed by Don Hawks on Jun 22, 2007
The teachings of John Wesley were very instrumental in my identifying with the United Methodist approach to practicing the Christian life. Wesley of course was an 18th-century Anglican clergyman and Christian theologian who was an early leader in the Methodist movement. In addition to Wesley’s
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Denomination:
Methodist
Contributed by Peter Loughman on May 15, 2008
TOO IMPORTANT FOR MINISTRY
Years ago the retired church janitor had passed away and the family had asked the Senior Pastor to do the funeral services. The Senior Pastor informed me that I was to do the funeral service and not he, because, (and I am not making this up) because, “as senior pastor,
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Denomination:
Evangelical/Non-Denominational
Contributed by Owen Bourgaize on Oct 25, 2008
based on 1 rating
| 3,965 views
I read of a candidate for ordination into the ministry. He was having an interview with the bishop on the day before the ordination service. Feeling his unworthiness he said, "Bishop, if you knew how unworthy I am to be ordained by you, you would never lay hands on me."
The dear bishop replied,
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Denomination:
Baptist
Cymbala shares in his book, "Fresh Power":
"But just as there are people who watch from the bleachers and never know the challenge of competing on the court, we have millions of churchgoers who sit in pews every week without ever entering the game. They sacrifice nothing, strain toward no ministry
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Denomination:
Evangelical/Non-Denominational
Contributed by Paul Wallace on Sep 6, 2004
based on 7 ratings
| 8,274 views
Forgiveness in Action
Pastor Hayes a man in his middle forties, was well-loved by his congregation, and faithful to God and to his family. He enjoyed a successful ministry in an exuberantly vital, growing church. Just when everything seemed to be going well, a cloud came over this man and his
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Denomination:
Wesleyan
Sermon Central