Author: Administrador

In my role teaching students at the college and seminary level, I’ve noted that many of the best and brightest young ministers are increasingly resistant to serving in long-established churches. They are much more interested in church planting than in being part of existing churches. In a recent post at his site, Thom Rainer suggests … Continue reading “Millennials and Ministry”

Love him or hate him, football fans know Peyton Manning is a quarterback with a unique talent. In an article at ChurchLeaders.com, Greg Atkinson reflects on “what makes Peyton so special and what we, as pastors, can learn from him.” Among the items Greg lists: 1. Passion: Peyton Manning’s passion for the game of football … Continue reading “What Pastors Can Learn from Peyton”

A female reader offers these suggestions: • Coffee, Chocolate, Men. Some things are just better rich. • Don’t treat me any differently than you would the Queen. • If you want breakfast in bed, sleep in the kitchen. • Dinner is ready when the smoke alarm goes off. • Guys have feelings too. But like, … Continue reading “Bumper Stickers for Women”

Someone appears to have misunderstood the Christmas spirit. When a man dressed in a Santa Claus costume entered a post office in Australia, the employees thought he was coming to give them candy. Instead, he was robbing them. According to a Nov. 16, 2014, UPI story, “video of the incident shows the man, clad in … Continue reading “And Finally: Santa Gone Bad”

In an article for Baptist Press, Michael Lewis offers several suggestions to help you “have a more fruitful and rejuvenating holiday season.” Among his ideas: • Give yourself permission not to attend every event. Church members love to invite pastors (and their families) to their holiday gatherings—from Sunday School Christmas parties to family get-togethers to … Continue reading “Handling Holiday Stress”

T’was the night before Christmas, in Texas, you know. Way out on the prairie, without any snow. Asleep in their cabin, were Buddy and Sue, A dreamin’ of Christmas, like me and you. Not stockings, but boots, at the foot of their bed, For this was Texas, what more need be said, When all of … Continue reading “The Night Before Christmas, Texas Style”

In a survey at BabyCenter.com, you’ll find a list of some of the most unusual baby names of 2014. To make the list, a name has been given to at least three children. Among the names on the list: Unusual Baby Girl Names Agape Aggie Amore Amore Audi Chia Cyan Gitty Harbor Holiday Lark Merci … Continue reading “And Finally: Oh, Baby! What’s Your Name?”

If a store clerk says “Happy Holidays” to you instead of “Merry Christmas,” is that representative of a war on Christians? Perhaps we should compare the American situation to that of our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world, where a real war on Christians is underway. According to a recent story from … Continue reading “A Real War on Christians”

I’ve been using a very simple yet powerful memory technique to memorize my weekly sermons. This allows me to step out from behind the pulpit and deliver a full-length sermon to my congregation without referring to my notes. I’ve received such wonderful feedback. They tell me how powerful and engaging my sermons are now that … Continue reading “Visit PreachingWithoutNotes.com”

John Donne (1572-1631) was a remarkable preacher who is not given enough credit for his theological insights. The poet-preacher who was made dean (1621) of Saint Paul’s often is shunned by students because of the complex “conceits.”1 Dr. Samuel Johnson wrote of this when he said: “Metaphysical poets…shew their learning… [by the development of] elaborate conceits … Continue reading “Under the Shadow of Thy Wings: John Donne on Our Transmigration to Heaven”