I think it is important however, to allow this incident, and other tragedies in recent years, to consider the security measures of our churches. Ultimately, God is in control of His church and can protect His people, but we live in a scary world where deranged people carry out desperate activities and it is important for us as leaders to be prudent in these matters. (Certainly prudence and wisdom are Biblical concepts.)
Most pastors I know have great hearts for ministry, but don’t always have the tools to move the organization of the church forward. Unfortunately, some of what we experience in the real church world is not taught extensively, if any, in most seminaries.
My heart goes out to the family of Dr. Fred Winters, pastor of First Baptist Church, Maryville, IL. According to news reports a gunman killed him in the middle of services at his church this morning. Read a news report HERE.
Okay, I gave into the pressure. At least once a day for the past couple months someone has asked for this list that has been going around Facebook. Just so you know…well, I’ll put that as one of my 25 things. Here are 25 random things about me:
Here’s a piece of advice for everyone in business, as well as in church life, today. It’s simple, yet complex. It requires time and energy, but it will pay off when needed.
Keep your resume updated and keep it handy.
People always ask me about my relationship with my boys and what I did to cultivate it. I have two amazing sons who I deeply love. I am certainly one of their biggest fans. Thankfully, I think they like me too. It is a privilege to have them continue to come to me for wisdom now that they are 20 and 17 years old.
Times are tough. I have been overwhelmed in the last six months with the struggles of our people. As a pastor, I carry the weight of my people’s burdens. I know this is part of the call and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Still, sometimes I just need a little encouragement.
Today I broke my own rules. I was working from a local coffee shop. A lady approached my table and sat down and started talking. The place was full, so I felt better about things, but normally I would have politely told her about my safeguards. We talked for over an hour.
Today I need to compliment Dr. Dobson for his example to all of us to do what he feels is right for the ministry at this stage in its life. Many times leaders, especially founders, hang on too long to the reins of power and the succession of leadership becomes much more difficult.
1 Corinthians 10:31 says that “whatever we do…we are to do it to the glory of God.” We are to honor God with our body. The way we treat our body is important to God. God cares if we take care of the vehicle for life He has given us.
Cheryl and I both are in our second marriage. Most people in our church know this, because I have shared it numerous times. If you don’t, listen to the podcasts. I certainly don’t share it every week. If it bothers you for me to be a pastor there’s not much I can do about it now and I will not try to convince you. My story is my story. I can’t change it. The purpose of this post is not to defend my qualifications. I know what happened in my situation and where I stand with God. His grace has been more than sufficient in my life and I wouldn’t be who I am today apart from the experiences of my life, good and bad.
Ted and Robyn Randall have only been in our life a few months, but they will never know how much their friendship has already meant to us. We have several friends like them, but last night we spent some time at Richard’s Café in White’s Creek with the Randall’s.
If you look at your life and where you are today, has God taken you places you never expected to be? How has God surprised you with the path He’s had for you in life?
We have traveled as a family on the mission field to some of the poorest parts of the world. We have witnessed firsthand those who truly have nothing. Today, right in our own community, we were reminded how blessed we are as a family and not to take what God has allowed us to have for granted.
This is a random post, but I was thinking about leadership again today. There are many leaders I know who certainly have responsibility for an organization, but I wouldn’t necessarily consider them “good leaders”. (This is not aimed at anyone specific; so don’t read it as such. If the shoe fits…)
