Notable Voices: October 1, 2016

Pastors Are Not Quitting In Droves — Mark Dance

We have all heard, and perhaps shared, these “staggering” scary stats about pastors who leave the ministry every month. The truth is sometimes worse than myth, but fortunately not in this case.

 

Americans Love God and the Bible, Are Fuzzy on the Details — LifeWay Research

Americans don’t know much about theology. Most say God wrote the Bible. But they’re not sure everything in it is true.

 

4 Warning Signs Your Church Isn’t Developing Leaders — Eric Geiger

Embedded in the Christian faith is a history of multiplying, a command to make disciples, and a promise that our mission will not be thwarted. Sadly, many churches struggle to develop leaders. Here are four warning signs…

 

You Know You’re Really Preaching the Gospel When… — Dave Harvey

Because of it’s nebulous nature, some pastors desperately try to find some measurement or number that will help them determine if they are successful. They want to be assured they are doing a good job.

 

3 Ways To Make Your Church Staff Retreats More Effective — Katie Viscontini

Instead of doing the same boring or awkward things you may do at every retreat, focus on these three areas to make your staff retreats as effective as possible.

 

Is Seminary Really Necessary? — Tim Challies

The church has been well-served by pastors who ministered without formal seminary training. John Bunyan, Charles Spurgeon, and Martyn Lloyd-Jones are standout examples of men who had impactful and long-lasting ministries even though they never attended seminary. No wonder, then, that the question often arises: Is seminary really necessary? Might it be better to get straight into ministry instead of expending so much time and effort in preparing for ministry?