I recently came home late one night having spent a few hours counseling a couple in our church whose husband had fallen into pornography. My wife was waiting patiently for me knowing what I was doing. She asked how my time went with this couple. I responded with this statement: “That was one of the [...]
Archive for November, 2010
Why should pastors embrace the pleasant…unpleasant moments in our ministries?
Posted in Battling Sin on November 29, 2010 | 6 Comments »
What are some reasons we should enjoy visiting the sick?
Posted in Hospital Visitation, Oversight of Souls on November 24, 2010 | 1 Comment »
The stress and anxiety that often accompanies visiting the sick can cause us to miss the joy that comes from them. As we visit, we must be mindful to enjoy all that God will accomplish for his glory. Here are a few opportunities in which we should anticipate God’s providence. We should enjoy caring for the sick [...]
How soon should a new convert pursue ministry?
Posted in Training for Ministry on November 22, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
I had a man write me recently who is trying to sort through a call into the ministry. He feels he was converted as a child, but went astray from the Lord for many years. Within the last year he has recommitted his life to the Lord. Not long after that committment, he was asked [...]
How can you serve widows during the holidays?
Posted in Caring for Widows on November 17, 2010 | 3 Comments »
As we all know, the holidays can be a time of joy for some and sadness for others. A group in the church who almost always experience sorrow during this time of year are those who have lost their spouse. Here are some practical ways to encourage, care, and serve widows and widowers in your [...]
How does a pastor cultivate humility in his life?
Posted in Battling Sin, Training for Ministry on November 16, 2010 | 7 Comments »
I was asked recently by a young man desiring pastoral ministry how a pastor battles his pride and embraces humility? Without much thought, I fired these 3 things out and upon further reflection would still stand by them: Surround yourself with other men who will speak with brutal honesty into your life. Last Saturday, less than 24 hours [...]
What are some pre-funeral logistics to keep in mind?
Posted in Funerals on November 10, 2010 | 9 Comments »
I often get asked about funerals. Especially, those who have never done one, but are desiring to pastor. There are so many details to know and unique challenges to face, it can be hard to sift through the practicalities of funerals. For this post, I would like to submit some basic logistics that are essential to know [...]
How do you teach a child about Christ’s imputed righteousness?
Posted in Home and Family on November 8, 2010 | 10 Comments »
I am currently preaching through 1 Samuel. Last week Israel asked a provoking question after some of the men carelessly looked in the ark and they died. The question was, “Who is able to stand before this holy God.” (1 Sam. 6:20) As I read the passage with my family throughout the week, some interesting [...]
What are some spiritual benefits of physical sickness?
Posted in Hospital Visitation, Oversight of Souls on November 3, 2010 | 8 Comments »
One of the great benefits in writing, Visit the Sick: Ministering God’s grace in times of illness, was all the great counsel I received from those who learned it long before I did. One of those who most impacted and taught me was the great, J.C. Ryle. May you benefit, as I did, from Ryle [...]
How can pastors care for the other pastors’ wives within their local church?
Posted in Discipleship, Oversight of Souls on November 1, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
Ironic, isn’t it? The pastors/elders of the church labor so hard to care for the body as a whole that we often neglect those who are arguably most valuable to us and the people of the church…the pastors’ wives. Even though each pastor/elder should be found diligent in caring for his own wife (assumed – [...]
