Externally focused ministry is a great idea! But it can be filled with false assumptions and fatal errors. Here are 5 Cautions in venturing forth in this ministry. Externally focused ministry is not about promoting your church. It might happen.
Death, Denial and Delight
I just got off a cruise ship after having spent 3 days with my wife’s coworkers and their significant others as a gift from her boss. The first day as we met and enjoyed an evening meal together there was
Culture, Leadership and Revitalization – Surrender?
“But that’s just the way they are.” (Wave the white flag!) That’s what one pastor was overheard saying to a colleague at a circuit pastor’s meeting. His church was a bit quirky and dysfunctional and they were getting kind of grumpy
Assumptions – Fast Forwarding Your Leadership
My assumption is that you probably know your theology pretty well. The LCMS seminaries do a pretty good job teaching theology. Then if you have a desire or need to grow in historical, systematic, or exegetical theology you have your
Christian Catch-22
Equipping the Saints…when they don’t want it So the well-intentioned pastor is in a catch-22. He wants (and is really required) to equip the saints but they don’t seem to want it! They are content, complacent even. The pastor knows
The “St. Peter” Principle?
Perhaps you are familiar with the Peter Principle. It is a management theory that says a candidate for a particular position is chosen based on their performance in their current job rather than what is required in their intended position.
Law/Gospel Leadership…Part 2
Pastor: I was trained as a pastor. I am to preach Law and Gospel, warning of sin and its consequences and the comfort that sins are forgiven. Coach: Sounds wonderful! Pastor: I was also taught that the Gospel should predominate.
Law/Gospel…Leadership?
The following is a fictional conversation with a pastor. Pastor: I struggle with the title of being a leader. I am a pastor. Coach: Okay, what do you do as a pastor? Pastor: I preach and teach and administer the