Category Archives: Index

The Afterlife, Lesson 7, The Rich Man, Lazarus, and Going to Prepare a Room for Us

Today’s lesson is on the meaning of “eternity” and “eternal” in the New Testament — and how these words don’t necessarily mean “everlasting.” Download here. Lesson 7: “July 24, 2016“. Right click and select “Save Link As” to download. (If … Continue reading

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Advice to a New Elder: Apologizing

You’re a married man. Married to your first and only wife. Therefore, at home, you’ve mastered the fine art of apologizing. (Don’t even try to deny it.) Husbands who’ve managed to stay married to the same woman for 20 or … Continue reading

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Advice to a New Elder: A Covenant to Serve

Some years ago, when I was first ordained as an elder, the elders asked me to read, sign, and keep a copy of this document. The years have proven the wisdom of asking new elders to do this. The Bible … Continue reading

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Advice to a New Elder: Another Way to Do Youth Ministry Campus Ministry Ministry: A Vision for Doing Ministry Together

[This was presented to our congregation a few years ago by one of our elders. I’ve edited the text slightly to eliminate references that would make no sense to those not familiar with our ministers and ministries. This is kind of … Continue reading

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Advice to a New Elder: Silos

I think one of the biggest shortcomings of all churches with more than one minister is the silo-effect. QUESTION 5: WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT, RIGHT NOW? More than any of the other questions, answering this one will have the most … Continue reading

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Advice to a New Elder: The Preacher/Elders Relationship, Part 2

We need to deal with a couple of false doctrines. False doctrine 1: We shouldn’t hire preachers. There is no authority to hire them. Preachers are bad. That’s just wrong both doctrinally and practically. There was once a considerable branch … Continue reading

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Advice to a New Elder: The Preacher/Elders Relationship, Part 1

[Reposted from 2012] A reader asks, Have you written on the issue of elder-led vs. the lead pastor model?  At work, I’m a big believer in the sole leader — follow or get out of the way — model.  I’m not sure that’s … Continue reading

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The Mission of the Church: Wrapping Up, Part 9 (Living the Sermon on the Mount in Community, Part 2)

(Matt. 5:43-48 ESV)  43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  45 so that you … Continue reading

Posted in Missional Christianity, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Advice to a New Elder: Group Dynamics, Part 3 (Search Committees)

Among the most important decisions made by elders is who to hire as a minister. Traditionally, Churches of Christ do this by search committee. I’ve posted a series in the past on the search process. I’ll not repeat those materials … Continue reading

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The Mission of the Church: Wrapping Up, Part 8 (Living the Sermon on the Mount in Community, Part 1)

Unless I change my mind (which the readers often induce me to do), this is the end of the series (but it’ll be in two parts). To me, the first mission of the church is to live the Sermon on … Continue reading

Posted in Missional Christianity, Uncategorized | 21 Comments