Reflections of an Undeconstructed Pentecostal
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 Challenge of Pastoral Preaching”
Anyone who knows me well knows that I am a “Trekkie.” My childhood heroes were Captain James T. Kirk, Mr. Spock, and the crew of the Starship Enterprise – NCC 1701. The bold explorations of the crew of the Enterprise thrilled my young mind. I have suggested to my wife that the theme from Star Trek (Where No Man has Gone Before, Alexander Courage) should be played at my funeral as the pallbearers are carrying me out.
Continue reading “Star Trek and the Mission of God”
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?”
My last blog was the most read and shared that I’ve ever written. It struck a nerve among over committed and over worked ministers. But even as I was writing it I worried that some would use it as an excuse to justify sloth. So, please allow me to offer a few suggestions by which a pastor may examine his/her self as one who has been “approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel” (1 Thessalonians 2:4).
Continue reading “Are You a Lazy Pastor?”
I typically don’t write blogs like this. But right now my heart is bursting. I have given my life to Christian ministry. I love God and his people. I usually tell people that I have no regrets. But here I confess that I have some regrets.
This is a compilation of New Testament scriptures that exhort us to faithful Christian ministry. I have used this as a charge for Ministerial Internship Program graduation exercises, and I offered it as the benediction at our 2014 graduation at Pentecostal Theological Seminary.
Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves… Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 10:16; 28:19).
Continue reading “The Minister’s Charge”