2016 archive

How to Make Church Announcements Better

Announcements are legendary in churches.  You know the period of time where a man gets up and tries to share some important news for the whole church, which seems easy enough, but it is known for all types of mistakes.  The number one complaint about announcements  is that they take too long.  A second notorious …

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8 Challenges of Being a Preacher’s Wife

In an earlier post I wrote about six challenges church leaders must face.  Number two on that list was the role of the preacher’s wife.  I promised to do a separate post discussing the unique role and challenge the preacher’s wife faces.  These thoughts come from a lecture series I did at Polishing the Pulpit …

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What Would You Be Thankful For If You Lost Everything?

It is Thanksgiving time!  For most of us that means food, football, and fun!  We reflect and offer thanksgiving for all the abundant blessings that God has given us. But what would you be thankful for if you lost everything?  Imagine if it was all stripped away, what would you have left?  This may seem …

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Six Challenges Church Leaders Face

Ministers and church leaders along with their families face some unique challenges.  Here are six challenges they face and the success of their ministry is often determined with how they handle these. The fish bowl complex.  Leaders must not only face the normal trials of life, but must do it as the church looks on.  Many …

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Career Choices: Leaving Secular Work for Ministry

[Note:  This is a special guest post from Lance Leavens.  Lance is the involvement minister and Deacon with the Piedmont Road Church of Christ in Georgia.  He is married to Susan and has four daughters.] Not all decisions carry the same weight or consequences.  Some are more important than others.  Three years ago I made …

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Our Duties with the Election

I don’t know if you have heard, but Tuesday is election day (sarcasm intended!).  I know many folks will be ready for the day to pass.  There is also much trepidation and concern about the future.  Let me remind you of a few of our duties as Christians that surround this day. To be good …

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Being Known for Our Ears!

What are Christians known for more; our mouths or ears? True or not, most would answer that we are known more for what we say.  We certainly should be known for proclaiming the truth in love.  We have to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, but being known for our ears will help others hear …

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Pre-Marital Sex: 5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Give Privilege without Commitment!

Sex is a privilege, not a right!  We are created sexual beings that have a desire for sexual gratification.¹  But it is not a right.  God intended for us to enjoy the privilege of sex when we make the commitment in marriage to another person.²  When sex becomes a part of a relationship outside of marriage …

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Book Review – Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages

Shaunti Feldhahn is a researcher and author on marriage.  She, along with her husband, have written numerous books on the subject.  Her best-selling work was For Women Only and its partner volume For Men Only.  She is noted for her analytical and statistical approach to the study of marriage and family.  She brings a unique …

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Book Review: Fred 2.0

In 2004 Mark Sanborn made postman Fred Shea a inspirational icon with his bestselling book The Fred Factor:  How Passion in Your Work and Life Can Turn the Ordinary into the Extraordinary.  The book inspired a movement of giving extraordinary service and seeing value in relationships by “Freds” across America. Seeking to follow up on …

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