four more things I’ve learned for sure
This is a follow-up to a November 28, 2016 post, “10 THINGS I’VE LEARNED FOR SURE.” Here are four more insights that only time and experience have taught me. As you read, ponder: Which truth is most applicable to me now? What logical applications stems from this...
10 questions your accountability partner should ask you
For Patrick Morley, “Accountability is to be regularly answerable for each of the key areas of our lives to qualified people.”According to Charles Swindoll, “Accountability is giving one or more trusted persons the permission to ask you the hard questions.”Seeking...
20 QUESTIONS TO ASk A MENTOR
Whether you’re a homemaker, a businessman, or a vocational Christian leader, I hope you regularly pick the brains of older, mature people whose walk with the Lord you respect. Tapping into their wisdom and experience is a hinge on which your growth and...
A Dangerous Prayer that I’M GLAD WAS ANSWERED
a CHRISTMAS STORY Scene 1 October, 1978. A shopping center parking lot in Indianapolis, before stores opened. The place I chose for an extended quiet time with the Lord. Having recently resigned an associate church staff position, God’s Spirit convicted me of...
3 REASONS YOU MIGHT NOT FINISH WELL IN MINISTRY
We’ve all heard the stories of leaders who didn’t finish well. Moral failure Bitterness or hardness of heart in latter years Complacency or coasting in latter years of ministry, figuring they’ve already paid their dues The painful consequences may include ruptured...
10 THINGS I’VE LEARNED FOR SURE
After 67 years, some things life and God’s Word have taught me are lodged in my mind and regularly demand my attention and application. I’m convinced that the following ten statements pass the test of truth.If you want this post to make a difference in your life,...
3 WAYS LARRY RICHARDS CHANGED MY LIFE AND MINISTRY
Even giants pass away. Larry Richards, who died October 16, 2016 at age 85, is a case in point.As a Christian Education student at Wheaton Graduate School (1971-72), I took two of his classes. Far more formative was his prolific writing. You can see a recent...
4 “BUT GOD” VERSES TO FEED THE SOUL OF LEADERS AND VOLUNTEERS
“But” is a conjunction with impact. It precedes a contrary opinion, or introduces a stark contrast to the first part of a sentence. The term qualifies or completely negates what precedes it. *”I know I promised we’d get away this weekend, honey, but my boss...
6 WAYS TO INSTILL GRATITUDE FOR GOD’S FAITHFULNESS (A Step-by-Step Group Worship Experience You Can Use)
How can you tap into your group or family members’ positive memories of God’s interventions? How can you spark a celebration of His past deeds, leading to a corporate time of praise?1.Use a Hymn. Go online and find a high-quality choir rendition of “Great Is Thy...
2 TIPS FOR RECEIVING A COMPLIMENT FOR YOUR BIBLE TEACHING
What Not To Say After A Compliment Anyone to whom God has given the grace-gift of teaching will receive his or her share of verbal affirmations. I’ve had folks praise me for the clarity of truths I convey, for my passion, and my emphasis on application. ...
7 EFFECTIVE GET-ACQUAINTED OR TEAM-BUILDING IDEAS
Small group leaders, classroom Bible teachers, and leaders of staff meetings need to cultivate a warm, inviting atmosphere. Paying attention to the social climate will facilitate more interaction in Bible studies or enhance the contributions when the group members...
3 THINGS I’VE LEARNED ABOUT TEACHING
If experience is the best teacher, I should have learned something by now about teaching and learning. For 35 years, I’ve served as a faculty in Church Ministry at Columbia International University, complemented by hundreds of Sunday School lessons taught, sermons...
