Loading ...Matthew | March 31, 2010
March seems to be a transition month. You transition from winter to spring. There are fewer days of cold and increased days of warmth. This past march for the Castle Rock congregation has been wonderful. One of the best months I have ever been part of in my ministry. The reason that the month was [...]
Matthew | March 30, 2010
A minister needs to focus on listening skills. We are paid to talk, but are effective by listening. This book is an excellent source to learn to listen to people and know how to response to people. It comes from a business perspective, but is relevant to the church setting. The book will help in [...]
Matthew | March 29, 2010
Throughout life people seek to triangulate those around them. This is the art of positioning a relationship where two are against one. You have two friends against one friend, you have two family members against one family member, you have two church members against one church member. You understand the point. A preacher must be [...]
Matthew | March 26, 2010
Often a church does not die because of wrong values, but because of the wrong ordering of values. You see the wrong ordering of values with the nature of peace. Peace is a wonderful virtue within the church. We desire to be at peace with one another and with God. There is nothing wrong with [...]
Matthew | March 25, 2010
All of us at one point has fallen to this temptation. We received some great “chicken soup for the soul” story over the email. The story was touching and emotional with a powerful meaningful conclusion. This will make a great sermon. The problem is that we are scripture based in the churches of Christ, so [...]
Matthew | March 24, 2010
I was excited about reading this book. I heard some good reports about it. The book is good in some ways. There is a good section on the nature of the missional church. Of course, there is no definition, but to the authors, this is an incorrect way of labeling the church. They do build [...]
Matthew | March 23, 2010
There seems to be a debate in the religious world concerning the compatibility of church growth and missional. Of course there is some missional material that is church growth dressed in a missional suit and tie. But if you are going to follow the theology of missional, what is the role of church growth? I [...]
Matthew | March 22, 2010
Yesterday was a easier Sunday. Steve was preaching, so I did not arrive at the building as early as normal. In fact, I drove with the family, which is nice since I usually come to church services alone. The whole family went to class. As I was coming out of class, a couple of the [...]
Matthew | March 18, 2010
This is one of the better church growth, missional books I have read recently. This book seems to blend the ideas of positive church growth concepts with the missional focus of the church. The book has some great ideas for congregational direction and mission. One concept was “too many goals threatens to make anyone one [...]
Matthew | March 17, 2010
In the NHL, there is a constant debate over who is the better player. Some argue for Ovechkin and others insist on Crosby. This is a good debate, people who point to Ovechkin mention his trophy collection. Ovechkin has won player of the year and the Rocket Richard trophy numerous years. Those who point to [...]
