Stephen J. Bedard

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Category: Leadership Blog

Leadership
February 16, 2019

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts you should check out. The Enneagram, Leadership, and Knowing Yourself – Daniel Im 4 Ways to Recognize Team-Members Without…

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Megachurches
February 14, 2019

Bill Hybels and James MacDonald: Are Megachurches the Problem?

Ten years ago, if you looked at “celebrity pastors,” many would have considered Bill Hybels and James MacDonald to be as solid as they…

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When Helping Hurts
February 11, 2019

When Helping Hurts – Review

I have always been convinced that the church’s role is to help people in need, especially the poor. But what does that look like?…

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Leadership
February 9, 2019

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts that you should check out. Prayer Doesn’t Fix Everything, But It Changes Everything (Yes, There’s a Difference) – Brandon…

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Andy Stanley
February 4, 2019

Why I Still Learn From Andy Stanley

I regularly listen to Andy Stanley’s Leadership Podcast. I do this despite some of the controversy over Stanley and criticisms toward him by many…

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Leadership
February 2, 2019

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts for you to check out. Pulpit Discipleship: Organizing Your Annual Preaching Calendar For Maximum Effectiveness – Jeff Hamilton Advice…

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Military History
January 31, 2019

Why As a Pastor I Read Military History

Many pastors read books on leadership, theology and other related subjects. But what about military history? This is an area that I read a…

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Leadership
January 26, 2019

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts for you to check out. 5 Pastoral Promises We Need to Make – Joel Rainey The 3×3 Goal Achievement…

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Military Chaplaincy
January 22, 2019

Why I Want to Return to Military Chaplaincy

For a number of years, I served as a chaplain (padre) in the army reserves here in Canada. I absolutely loved it. But I…

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Leadership
January 19, 2019

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts for you to check out. Clean Water or the Gospel? – Justin Narducci You’re a Pastor, Not a People…

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Peacemaking Church
January 11, 2019

The Peacemaking Church – Review

Unfortunately, one of the realities of church ministry is interpersonal conflict. As long as we allow people in churches, we will have conflict. That…

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REACTION Dashboard
January 8, 2019

The REACTION Dashboard – Review

When I was sent the REACTION Dashboard, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I thought it might be a guide to help leaders react…

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Leadership
January 5, 2019

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts I came across this week. 5 Dangers of “Tower of Babel” Church Revitalizations – Chuck Lawless 10 Reasons Why…

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Pastor
January 3, 2019

What a Pastor Should Accomplish in the First Year at a Church

As I write this, I am just starting my fourth year at my church. It has been an amazing time and it has made…

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Leadership
December 29, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts for you to check out. Twenty Really Weird Criticisms Pastors Receive – Thom Rainer 6 Apps to Help You…

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Leadership
December 22, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts I came across this week. A “Just in Case” Christmas – Michael Kelley 3 Questions to Evaluate This Year…

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Bue Christmas
December 20, 2018

Why I Do Blue Christmas on a Sunday Morning

What is Blue Christmas? Blue Christmas is an acknowledgment that Christmas isn’t joyful for everyone and that some people feel “blue,” often because of…

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Leadership
December 15, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts that you should check out. Favorite Resources of 2018 – Darryl Dash The Most Expensive Hire You Will Ever…

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Leadership
December 8, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts for you to check out. Why Pessimists (and Realists) Are Hard to Follow as Leaders – Carey Nieuwhof 9…

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Leadership
December 1, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts I came across this week. 7 Advantages Of Long-Term Church Membership – Karl Vaters 7 Words for Leaders Who…

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Advent
November 29, 2018

Why Our Church Celebrates Advent

I have had some people surprised that our Baptist church observes Advent. “Isn’t Advent a Catholic thing?” Advent comes natural to me as I…

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Hospitable Leader
November 26, 2018

The Hospitable Leader – Review

What kind of leader do you want to serve with? An authoritarian leader that simply lays down the law? There is another way and…

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Leadership
November 24, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts that I came across this week. Staying for the Long Haul | Facts & Trends – Craig Thompson Inside…

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Leadership
November 17, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts for you to check out. Your Marriage Is Your Most Important Ministry – Eric Geiger Live at the Intersection…

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November 12, 2018

Top Five Things I Have Learned As a Pastor

I have had the role of a pastor, on and off, for over twenty years. It is an important part of my identity and…

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Leadership
November 10, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts that you should check out. 3 People Issues That Get Church Staff Teams Stuck – Carey Nieuwhof 7 Questions…

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Leadership
November 3, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts I came across this week. 7 Attributes of Pastors Who Succeed at Church Revitalization – Ron Edmondson Five Ways…

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October 30, 2018

Pastors and the Imposter Syndrome

I first heard of the imposter syndrome in the context of blogging. Bloggers often write from the perspective of an “expert,” giving advice in…

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Leadership
October 27, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts I came across this week. Go and check them out. The Spirit of Fear – Phillip Larsen Stop Being…

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Spiritual Formation
October 25, 2018

That I May Know God – Review

I have been interested in the topic of spiritual formation and have been picking up books related to it. If you are unfamiliar with…

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Eugene Peterson
October 22, 2018

Remembering Eugene Peterson

As I write this, it is the day that Eugene Peterson died. I never met Peterson but I appreciated his ministry, whether the translation…

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Leadership
October 20, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts I came across this week. Renewing Your Church: Resetting, Refocusing, Restructuring – Brandon Boone How to Prepare to Teach…

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Sermons
October 19, 2018

I Wish I Wrote My Sermons Like This Before

I am so happy with my new routine for writing sermons. I wish I started doing this twenty years ago. The funny thing is…

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High-Definition Leader
October 15, 2018

The High Definition Leader – Review

The High-Definition Leader has been on my radar for some time. I held off because I misunderstood the title, By “High-Definition,” I assumed it…

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Leadership
October 13, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts I came across this week. Go and check them out. 16 Types of Church Attenders and Workers – Chuck…

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Leadership
October 6, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts that I came across this week. Go and check them out. Benched: 5 Ways Busy Leaders Shove Volunteers to…

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White Picket Fences
October 2, 2018

White Picket Fences – Review

The concept of privilege, especially white male privilege has been prominent in the media and elsewhere. I will confess that I have struggled with…

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Leadership
September 29, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts for you to check out. 8 Characteristics of a Great Campus Pastor – Paul Alexander Intentional Friendliness: Making A…

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Change
September 27, 2018

3 Major Reasons People Resist Change

During my time as a pastor, I have often encountered people who resist change. They are not the majority but they are a vocal…

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Becoming a Welcoming Church
September 25, 2018

Becoming a Welcoming Church – Review

I have spent the past year focusing on how to make our church more of a welcoming church. For that reason, I was happy…

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Leadership
September 22, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts I came across this week. Go and check them out. 10 Things The Best Leaders Do To Get Even…

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Five Dysfunctions of a Team
September 19, 2018

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team – Review

I had a copy of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni. What delayed me in reading it was the subtitle, A…

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Leadership
September 15, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts that you should check out. Russell Moore Responds to the Statement on Social Justice – Stephanie Martin Two Seemingly…

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Disability Ministry
September 12, 2018

What Our Church Does For Disability Ministry

When people find out that I’m interested in disabilities, I often get asked what we do at our church for disability ministry. Like myself,…

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Ministry
September 10, 2018

2 Models of Christian Ministry to Avoid (Or Not)

Over the last number of decades, there have been quite a few Christian leadership books that have drawn from business models. Some pastors even…

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Leadership
September 8, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts for you to check out. Loving And Letting Go: 3 Keys To Serving A Community On The Move – David…

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Seminary
September 6, 2018

2 Things I Wished I Learned More in Seminary

My wife is just beginning her seminary studies and that is making me reflect on my own experience in seminary. I had a fantastic…

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Leadership
September 1, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts I came across this week. Changing the Culture of your Church – Paul Alexander 5 Preaching Styles In 25…

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Apologetics
August 31, 2018

Apologetics and Preaching

While I consider myself an apologist, my primary role is that of a pastor of a local church. But I don’t find these roles…

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Pastors
August 30, 2018

When Pastors Mess Up

This is not about when pastors mess up by having an affair, developing an addiction or being financially dishonest. I’m talking about the regular…

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How to Grow
August 24, 2018

How to Grow – Review

What is the gospel? For many people, the gospel is the message by which one gets to heaven. But the Bible presents a much…

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Leadership
August 18, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts for you to check out. Learnings of a Multi-Site Campus Pastor – Bryan Rose The Lie Church Planters Believe…

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Bill Hybels
August 16, 2018

1 Bad Response to Bill Hybels (and 3 Good Ones)

As we sort through the mess with Billy Hybels and the situation at Willow Creek, there are any number of responses we could have….

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Coach
August 13, 2018

My Experience With a Coach

You may have heard about life coaching. A life coach helps a person to ask the right questions in order to determine a direction…

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Leadership
August 11, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts that you should go and check out. Out of Step – Darryl Dash Mattresses, Experiences, and Instagramming Your Worship…

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Bill Hybels
August 9, 2018

Should We Still Read Books by Bill Hybels?

The situation at Willow Creek with former pastor Bill Hybels continues to deteriorate as reported in this recent article at Christianity Today. Bill Hybels…

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Commentaries
August 7, 2018

Important Tools for Pastors

When it comes to pastoring, some of the most popular resources are in the area of leadership and other practical ministry tools. But I…

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Leadership
August 4, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts for you to check out. 3 Pillars of Persuasive Public Speaking – Brandon Cox 5 Signs You’re A Lone…

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Hope's Reason
August 2, 2018

The Hope’s Reason Podcast

I have been podcasting for quite a few years and I do enjoy it. Although my original podcast has been taken down by me,…

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Short-Term Missions
July 31, 2018

Should Churches Participate in Short-Term Mission Trips?

There are many concerns about short-term missions trips. Some argue that they are more harm than good. Many of the concerns are quite valid….

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Leadership
July 28, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts for you to check out. 4 Practices for Discipling Kids Who Live Justly – Tony Caldwell Why Most Small…

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Busy
July 26, 2018

Pastors and the B-Word

As a pastor, I try not to use the b-word. Which b-word? Busy. This is a change for me. Years ago, when people would…

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Leadership
July 21, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts for you to check out. 21 Ministry Lessons Learned the Hard Way – Joe McKeever A Closed Heart Can’t Be…

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Leadership
July 14, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts that you should check out. What You Don’t Know about your Church May Kill You – Charles Stone 8…

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Denominations
July 12, 2018

Should Pastors Work With Pastors of Other Denominations?

Some pastors feel more comfortable working with pastors of their own tradition/denomination. There is nothing wrong with this as these relationships are very important….

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Pastors
July 3, 2018

5 Questions Pastors Need to Ask

Pastors want to have the answers. But even more important is to have the right questions. These are not the only questions to ask,…

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Leadership
June 30, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts you should check out. Six Important Church Metrics We Often Ignore – Thom Rainer Ever-Increasing Agility In A Changing…

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Developing Emotionally Healthy Leaders
June 28, 2018

Developing Emotionally Mature Leaders – Review

I am a firm believer in discipleship and I see it as being one of the most important parts of my ministry. But I…

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Leadership
June 23, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts for you to check out. Is (Healthy) Cross-Gendered Ministry Even Possible? – Seth Richardson Remember, What God Starts, He…

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Leadership
June 16, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts I came across this week. When Your Dad Isn’t Perfect (and No Earthly Father Is) – Joe McKeever Why…

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Leadership
June 9, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts I came across this week. 9 Mistakes Leaders Make – Chuck Lawless The Very Personal Power of the Holy…

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Leadership
June 5, 2018

My Top Five Leadership Blog Posts

One of the topics that I enjoy blogging about is that of leadership. These are the top five leadership posts on my blog since…

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Leadership
June 2, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts I came across this week. How To Minister In The Midst of Hardship – Jennifer Winge If you knew……

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Pastors
May 28, 2018

Pastors Poking Fun at Themselves

I believe in including humour, both in the services and the sermons. If I’m going to poke fun at anyone, it would be at…

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Leadership
May 26, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts I came across this week. 4 Steps To Start Moving From Teaching A Crowd To Equipping The Saints –…

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Counselling
May 22, 2018

Pastors and Counselling

I have heard a number of pastors talk about how much time they spend doing counselling and it is significant. Do you want to…

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Leadership
May 19, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts I came across this week. Things I Learned from Buying and Selling a Cool Car – Marty Duren How…

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May 17, 2018

The Sound of Coming into Worship

In the church I grew up in, there were instructions in the bulletin about making noise in the sanctuary. It was expected that people…

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Leadership
May 12, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts that you should check out. One-on-One with Matt Perman on ‘How to Get Unstuck’ – Ed Stetzer The 1…

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Mother's Day
May 10, 2018

Churches and Mother’s Day

How should churches respond to Mother’s Day in terms of the worship service? Some churches have a specific Mother’s Day sermon each year. Some…

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Leadership
May 5, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts that you should check out. Resolving Conflict: 5 ways to prepare your heart – Charles Stone Why Your Church…

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Abuse
May 2, 2018

Evangelical Leaders, Abuse and Women

My heart breaks at recent events with regard to major leaders within the evangelical movement and attitudes toward women. One of the most respected…

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Life Together
April 30, 2018

Life Together

I have enjoyed the writing of Dietrich Bonhoeffer for some time. I have read his Cost of Discipleship and Ethics. Now I have finally…

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Leadership
April 28, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts that I came across this week. Can You Explain the Gospel in 3 Words? – Russell Moore A Six-Part…

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Greek
April 24, 2018

Why I Still Use Greek and Hebrew as a Pastor

My wife is starting to take New Testament Greek at McMaster Divinity College, the seminary where I studied. But why do people who study…

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Leadership
April 21, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts that I came across this week. Go and check them out. Overcoming Scarcity Thinking in Post-Christian Mission (A Lesson…

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Leadership
April 14, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts that are worth checking out. 20 Truths from Leading Major Change in Your Ministry – Ed Stetzer Five Principles…

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YouTube
April 12, 2018

How Pastors Can Use YouTube

One of the most useful online tools for pastors is YouTube. Anyone can make a video, upload it and make it available to millions…

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Preach
April 10, 2018

How to Preach Without a Manuscript

For years I was convinced that I needed a full manuscript in front of me to preach. I don’t have a great memory and…

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Leadership
April 7, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts I came across this week. Go and take a look. Preaching with Notes: Yes or No? – Chuck Lawless…

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Resurrecting Religion
April 3, 2018

Resurrecting Religion – Review

“Christianity is not a religion, it is a relationship.” How many times have you seen this statement? You may have said it yourself. The…

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Pastor
March 31, 2018

31 Days to Become a Better Pastor: Spend Time With Older Pastors

While it is good to spend time with younger pastors, it is equally good to spend time with older pastors. There are pastors who…

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Leadership
March 31, 2018

Weekend Leadership Roundup

Here are some leadership posts for you to check out. How Will You Lead at the Next Level? – Tony Morgan 10 Things To…

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Pastor
March 30, 2018

31 Days to Become a Better Pastor: Remember the Cross

The day that I’m writing this is Good Friday, the day that we remember the crucifixion of Jesus. Jesus is the focus of our…

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Pastor
March 29, 2018

31 Days to Become a Better Pastor: Pray For Your Colleagues

No one understands what it is like to be a pastor like another pastor. We know both the joys and pains of pastoral ministry….

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Special Needs
March 29, 2018

Caring for Special Needs People in Your Small Church

One of the most practical podcasts that I listen to is the 200 Church podcast. I was quite happy when I heard they were…

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Pastor
March 28, 2018

31 Days to Become a Better Pastor: Invest in the Next Generation

Moses had his Joshua. Elijah has his Elisha. Paul had his Timothy and Titus. Who do we have? Every current pastor was once a…

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Pastor
March 27, 2018

31 Days to Become a Better Pastor: Plan to Finish Well

When it comes to ministry, we can look at our past and our present. But what about our future? Specifically, how our ministry will…

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Pastor
March 26, 2018

31 Days to Become a Better Pastor: Start Writing

Most pastors are writers to begin with. Many of us write out a sermon manuscript, even if we may not preach from that manuscript….

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Pastor
March 25, 2018

31 Days to Become a Better Pastor: Read the Bible

Read the Bible? Who reads the Bible more than pastors? That’s the problem. We read the Bible to plan out sermons and Bible studies….

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Second World War Podcast

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Recent Posts

  • Weekend Leadership Roundup
  • Uniquely Human – Review
  • Bill Hybels and James MacDonald: Are Megachurches the Problem?
  • Tolkien – Trailer
  • Midweek Apologetics Roundup

Top Posts & Podcasts

  • What is the Difference Between Samuel/Kings and Chronicles?
  • Young Earth Creationists and Jesus Mythicists
  • Bill Hybels and James MacDonald: Are Megachurches the Problem?
  • What is the Difference Between a Speech and a Sermon?
  • What is the Foundation of Christianity?

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Uniquely Human
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