Author: Administrador

In a recent edition of his Leadership Uncensored newsletter, Ed Young Jr., reminded pastors: “At Fellowship, our favorite saying is, ‘It’s all about the weekend.’ Why? Because throughout Scripture, the value of corporate worship is hammered home again and again—that’s huge. Also, the weekend is the biggest port of entry into your church. That’s where … Continue reading “It’s All About the Weekend”

In his latest Ministry Toolbox newsletter, Rick Warren discusses his research team–and how any pastor can have such a team using laypeople from the congregation. He observes: “Any pastor–no matter how small his church–can have a research team. No matter what size your congregation, there are people in your church who like to read and … Continue reading “Have a Preaching Research Team”

In his book A Mind for God (IVP), James Emery White writes: “A monk in Normandy penned these words in 1170: ‘A monastery without a library [sine armario] is like a castle without an armory [sine armamentario]. Our library is our armory.’ This was certainly the conviction of the apostle Paul, who even from his prison … Continue reading “Your Library is Your Armory”

Adam Hamilton is founding pastor of the Church of the Resurrection in suburban Kansas City, a United Methodist church that has grown from four people in 1990 to more than 12,000 members today. His congregation was cited as the most influential mainline church in America in a 2005 survey of pastors. He recently published his … Continue reading “Preaching Amid Suffering: An Interview with Adam Hamilton”

In a recent news report, I learned that atheists are arguing they should have their own military chaplains. The New York Times (April 26, 2011) tells us that among some 3,000 chaplains in the U.S. armed forces, most are Christians, along with a few Jewish and Muslim chaplains and even a Buddhist. There may be … Continue reading “Back Page Pulpit: A Service About Nothing”

I always have believed in a widespread and eclectic use of poetry in sermons. There are very few rules that should be heeded in deciding which poems should be used. There are a few guidelines, though, and I would like to provide my convictions on the matter. Let me say at the outset that you … Continue reading “Preaching Points: Poetry”

Perhaps the best question regarding conflict was offered by that outstanding theologian from Los Angeles, Rodney King, who asked, “Can’t we all just get along?” Pastors and congregations across the country might respond, “Amen!” Interestingly, the very people who decry conflict seem unable to break free from it. The people who identify themselves as followers … Continue reading “Preaching to Heal Conflicted Congregations”

Max Lucado is one of America's best-known preachers. He is the minister of preaching at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio. His books have sold more than 80 million copies, and his latest volume is Max On Life: Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions. He recently visited with Preaching Executive Editor Michael Duduit. … Continue reading “Preaching on Life: An Interview with Max Lucado”

(Or What I Learned About Preaching Hosea in the Red-Light District)When people hear that I visited Amsterdam on a sabbatical from teaching preaching at a theological seminary, they often ask, “Did you go to the red-light district?” I smile and answer, “Yes, I went to church there.” On a brisk November morning, my wife and … Continue reading “Preaching from the Prophetic Books”

Brian Kluth reminds us that when we are trying to raise funds for a major project, one strategy to avoid is simply dividing the total goal by the number of prospects and asking each to give equally. “A ministry that wanted to raise $9,000,000 sent a letter to the 3,000 households on their mailing list … Continue reading “Arithmetic Doesn’t Solve Funding Needs”