Matthew | October 28, 2011
I have re-framed for some time in writing this post. In fact, this Monday I was hoping to go on another trip, as the weather was great, and the snow was down. But it was not to be. There was maybe a week or two that one hoped to maybe hit another 14er or two. But after [...]
Matthew | October 26, 2011
Stability and change are two dynamics in a congregation that are in tension with one another, and especially at the 200 attendance point. People do not like churches changing, and one cannot blame them. With the huge amount of change in the world today, it is nice knowing that on Sunday morning it will be [...]
Matthew | October 24, 2011
It is almost hard to believe that there are magical numbers in congregations. How could there be a mysterious size plateau? But over and over again people have noticed a certain dynamic at the 200 attendance mark. Congregations all over America seem to stagnate at this level. The reason for this phenomenon is two completing [...]
Matthew | October 20, 2011
The idea of missional is “to participate with God in the redemption of the world.” The idea comes from the fact that God is first and foremost a missionary. Therefore, as Christians, mission is not just something that we do, but it is essential who we are. All Christians are missionaries for the Lord. Missional [...]
Matthew | October 19, 2011
Every minister studies the word of God for lessons. He studies for Bible classes. And hopefully he studies for school, and he studies for his own enrichment. So why would he need to study some more. I am not one of those ministers who believes that sermon preparation is not true study, if you are [...]
Matthew | October 18, 2011
Jerrie Barber reviewed this book in his monthly publication. I am thankful that he did. This was an excellent book for ministers. This book really hits at some of the issues that ministers deal with in churches. It goes to the heart on most of the issues. These types of books are helpful because one [...]
Matthew | October 17, 2011
In Corinth, there was these “super-apostles”, not well known apostles like Peter and John, but false teachers attacking Paul. In 2 Corinthians, Paul must defend himself from these individuals. The “super apostles” were stating that Paul was not a real apostle because of his suffering. If he was a real apostle, God would be protecting [...]
Matthew | October 14, 2011
During my time in Waynesboro, and my time at Castle Rock, there has always been a ton of opportunities to pray before the city or in a community public format. At Waynesboro, I prayed before football and basketball games, in for city events, and in Castle Rock, I pray before the city counsel meets, and [...]
Matthew | October 12, 2011
As most people know that read this blog, I am a big mountain climber. Often these hikes are walking with some climbing, but not technical climbing. This is why this winter I plan on developing my skills in rock climbing. This will help on some of the most difficult 14ers in the state. Most of [...]
Matthew | October 10, 2011
You got to love a school that is serious about improving a minister’s ability to minister within a congregation. Well, sometimes it is hard to accept. Over the week, my chairman of the dissertation committee for my work was out to Castle Rock. It was an awesome experience, as it was fun hanging out with [...]
