Feb 27
Every church struggles to get and keep volunteers. In most churches it goes something like this: Announce from the pulpit and run in the bulletin for a couple of weeks with no results. Finally an announcement from an elder or preacher shaming–begging–guilting someone into volunteering for the job gets someone. Yet, the church depends upon …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/shoulder-tapping-the-way-to-get-more-workers/
Dec 04
Christmas is the season of giving. We purchase gifts for our family and friends and think much about how much they cost. Do you know that you can give some priceless gifts all year long that will not cost you a thing? Here are four priceless gifts that will not cost you a dime! A …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/four-priceless-gifts-that-dont-cost-a-dime/
Dec 03
The difference between what we preach and do truly determines the level and depth of our faith. As a preacher, I understand that churches can be guilty of “preacher talk.” “Preacher talk” is when the preacher speaks in this ideal and convicted way about what the Bible says and what we should do, but the …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/idealized-preacher-talk-or-real-life-practice/
Nov 25
I came to work with the 7th and College Church of Christ in Mayfield, Kentucky in November of 2003. The church was in the midst of beginning a building program which would involve lots of my time and effort over the first few years. We moved into our new building and adopted a new name, …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/my-antique-ruler-and-what-it-means-to-me/
Sep 24
I recently discovered this new product from Crossway called the Scripture Journal. Crossway has produced a paperback Bible for each book of the Bible (OT and NT) that contains an entire blank page with each opening. These Bibles are inexpensive and very user-friendly. They are great for taking notes and personal study of a text. …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/the-esv-scripture-journal-bible-a-great-tool/
Sep 17
The interstate system developed during the 1950s is successful because of the ease of getting on and off the road. The highway never stops. It is a constant flow of 65+ mph traffic. Drivers choose when they want on and when they want to get off. We call these entrance and exit ramps to allow …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/getting-on-and-off-the-ministry-highway/
Sep 11
Being an elder in the Lord’s church is a daunting and stressful task. It comes with sleepless nights, sharp criticisms, and the burden of wayward sheep. While the concept of a suffering shepherd isn’t ideal–Heb. 13:17 encourages sheep to let elders serve with joy and not groaning–it is often the reality for shepherds. Thus, modern …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/the-suffering-shepherd/
Sep 04
Have you ever heard of the First United States Army group of WWII lead by General Patton in a mission called Operation Fortitude? What about the British 12th Army division which was equipped and trained to move in invading Europe? Neither of these armies actually ever existed in reality. They were invented by British and …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/fake-enemies/
Aug 20
John F. Kennedy had authorized the Bay of Pigs invasion into Cuba by Cuban exiles attempting to overthrow Fidel Castro, which was a complete military failure. Kennedy, adopting a CIA plan, had hoped to make it look like there was no US involvement. The entire episode was a failure and heightened the already tense Cold …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/get-all-people-to-the-table/
Aug 14
A preacher’s marriage has a unique set of challenges and needs. No one understands those stresses and challenges except other preachers. Yet, there is nothing currently available for preachers and their wives to get away with other preachers and their wives and mutually share their wisdom and struggles. That is until now . . . …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/reconnect/
