Reflections of an Undeconstructed Pentecostal
Recently, I’ve read articles that explain why many young ministers are leaving denominations for ministry in independent churches. Through the decades I have watched as many talented ministers have separated themselves from the Church of God for a variety of reasons. I would like to offer an explanation of why I have not jumped ship.
Continue reading “Why I haven’t left the Church of God”
As a young man I had three goals in life: to be good husband, to be a good father, and to be a good pastor. Only my wife can judge the first goal. Only God can judge the last. Only my two sons can judge me as a father. The churches we served have no idea of how serving as pastor can stress a marriage and harm children. Planning a vacation? Then someone dies, the pastor is called to preside at the funeral and the family vacation is canceled. Planning a family picnic? Someone invites you to their family reunion and your family time suffers. I’ve often had to remind well-meaning church members that I have a life outside of the church. For the conscientious pastor it takes great wisdom and patience to carefully negotiate the pitfalls. I’m sure I failed from time to time. But one episode in particular demonstrates the tension that exists when one desires to be a good father and a good pastor.
Continue reading “My “Toy Story” Story”
Writing to the elders of the Ephesian Church the Apostle Paul declared, “I did not cease to admonish each one with tears” (Acts 20:31). Here Paul displays the pathos of the pastor. The pastor is called to faithfully preach and teach the Word of God and exercise profound compassion towards the people of God. The call to be a faithful teacher with a compassionate heart can be agonizing for the pastor and congregation.
Continue reading “The Agony of Hermeneutics”
This morning, Sharon and I leave for the 75th International General Assembly of the Church of God in Orlando. As I prayed this morning I found most of my prayers dedicated to the state of the Church of God. I admit that what follows are the reflections of a single pastor. But I have more than three decades of service to the church as pastor, missionary evangelist, and service on regional and national denominational boards.
If fear that we are caught in a spiral of missional self-destruction for which we are all responsible.
Continue reading “A Pastor’s View of the State of the Church”
“It will come about after this that I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; and your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions” (Joel 2:28).
I must admit frustration. I often hear that my generation needs to move aside and make way for the millennials. I’m told that I’m a dreamer and the millennials are visionaries. I guess that means I’m tired and sleepy? Certainly not!
Continue reading “Visionaries and Dreamers”
This is a common question among Pentecostals. In fact, many Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians will gladly acclaim an inspired and gifted preacher who falls short on knowledge of the Word. This may sound somewhat patronizing, but it may be that Pentecostals would prefer to feel the Word, rather than think about the Word. I’m not opposed to feeling the Word. The preached Word of God should provoke a range of emotional responses from lamentation to rejoicing. But, the authenticity of the emotional responses should correspond to the veracity of the preached word.
Continue reading “If I’ve got the Spirit, Why Do I Need Training?”