Notable Voices and the Week in Review: November 26, 2016
“I Want My Old Church Back!”—Five Responses
8 Causes of Concern for Bible Belt Churches
Seven Things to Consider When Your Sermon Stinks
Thankful…for You
Four Qualities of an Effective Worship Leader
6 Leadership Lessons Sports Taught Us in 2016 — Art Rainer
History was made, and some of the greatest athletes of our time hung up their spikes, cleats, and goggles. It was also a year when sports gave us a few great leadership lessons. What leadership lessons did sports teach us in 2016? Here are a few:
12 Ways to Know If You’re Pastoring Like a Boss – Or Like a Leader — Karl Vaters
Sadly, too few people in positions of authority know the difference between being a boss or being a leader. Mostly, because we haven’t grasped servanthood. There are some simple ways to tell the difference between a boss and a servant leader. And they come, not surprisingly, from the life and example of Jesus.
7 Counter-Cultural Opportunities Most Church Leaders Simply Miss — Carey Nieuwhof
Why are these skills slipping away? Because, for example, when you lose the reason to love each other (a commitment to a Saviour who loves you), you very often lose the motivation for loving others. Self becomes king. In fact—and here’s the surprise—some of the things Christians have always valued are the things the culture most needs and wants.
Your Best Sermons are Your Least Favorite — Nicholas McDonald
For me, I value: Excellence. Fluidity. Choice Words and Phrases. Consistency: nothing deviates from my plan or point. No stuttering, no wandering, nothing unpredictable or unexpected. But the congregation often values something else: Electricity. Authenticity. Spontaneity. Genuine Connection. A moment being shared, for the first time, together. In other words: congregants value the sense that their presence is what makes a sermon work.
The Common Sin of Middle Age Believers — Barry York
Being a middle-aged believer myself, my real concern is speaking to my own heart and my own age group. For I wonder aloud if complacency is not our most common sin? We have met many challenges that youth presented. We have taken risks and secured through work many goods. The Lord has blessed our efforts for his kingdom, and we begin to rest on our laurels.
40 Reasons to Be Thankful for Pastors — Brandon Hilgemann
Some pastors have given the title a bad name. But for the most part, from my experience, the majority of pastors I have met are sincerely doing their best to follow Jesus and remain faithful to their call. For that, we owe them our gratitude.
