Put Jack back in his box

Bored with listening to politicians bloviate, I moved to an entertainment channel where I found a commercial for a burger chain. The mascot for said chain is a humanoid with a round clown head designed to look like a jack-in-the-box. This character and his seemingly human wife are engaged in a game of Scrabble. They quibble … Continue reading Put Jack back in his box

The Nature of Leadership

I came out of my office the other night about a half hour before service. In addition to the usual flutter of early birds preparing for ministry, there was a new covey gathered in the back of the sanctuary. About 20 folks were lined up in front of a table full of plastic bags, energy … Continue reading The Nature of Leadership

Keepin’ it Real

I was having a conversation yesterday with some of our ministry team. Our topic turned to the move of the Spirit and the way we allow Him to order our services. It reminded me of when we opened our doors in February of 2004. I was casting about for a slogan to put in a … Continue reading Keepin’ it Real

Plan Time with God

While preparing to leave Panama this week, a couple of things struck me while negotiating the airport. As usual, after clearing security I headed for the men’s room. This is a recently remodeled facility. Millions of dollars were spent to provide a beautiful building with modern appurtenances. As I joined the march of men pulling … Continue reading Plan Time with God

Give Them the Word

Every now and then I read or hear something so far outside my way of thinking it hardly seems real. Often I take another step or two before it hits me and my mouth drops. A few days ago a friend wrote me about a church where he was told they didn’t like to study … Continue reading Give Them the Word

Don’t Settle for Less than God’s Best

Many years ago, in another place and time, I had a fellow come to me with a big grin on his face. He shook my hand vigorously and announced, "Pastor, I believe God wants me to serve as an usher here." I encouraged him to do so, gave him the job description, and referred him … Continue reading Don’t Settle for Less than God’s Best

Keepin’ it Simple

If you could advise a young pastor what would you tell him? At our recent leadership meeting, Rev. Van Crouch shared several things he believed to be vital. Citing the mission of the local church to make disciples who live victoriously and bear fruit, he proposed a list of things that should be on the … Continue reading Keepin’ it Simple

A Few Things I Want to See Again

We have just returned from the annual leaders meeting for our international organization. As always, there was much to report. The first morning we were blessed by the ministry of Van Crouch, whom I heard first some 27 years ago. He is still a blessing. During his message he referred several times to "this demographic," … Continue reading A Few Things I Want to See Again

Thank a Preacher

I watched another TV drama last night about a preacher who was a real idiot. It seems to me that the preponderance of movie and TV Christians are horrible people. They are either really icky-sweet or effeminate, or they are some kind of monster. We have certainly had plenty of characters to provide models for … Continue reading Thank a Preacher

Cured of Agrophobia

I have been preaching lately on the power of sharing our personal testimonies concerning what God has done in our lives. My goal is to get people to freely share their stories of salvation, healing, financial blessing, and other works of the Lord with those who are the natural contacts in their lives. I believe … Continue reading Cured of Agrophobia