Pastoral Ministry
The Preacher as Steward
Pastors are called to stewardship. Of course, one could say that this is the calling of every believer. And they would be correct. The Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25 demonstrates that we are all to be stewards of whatever God has given us. While this is ... Read More »
The Preacher and His Family: Leading Your Family in God’s Two Gardens
In Psalm 127, Solomon refers to children as a “heritage” or an “inheritance” from the Lord. It’s easy to miss how revolutionary that statement is. Solomon isn’t saying that children will receive our inheritance. He is saying that they are our inher... Read More »
The Preacher as Biblical Counselor
As a pastor, the last thing you need is another hat to wear. To add the title of counselor to that list of duties is not a specialization that you have time to pursue. But, your people experience the brokenness of our cursed human condition and idleness is not... Read More »
The Preacher as Pastor | Why Text-Driven Preaching is Needed for Healthy Pastoral Ministry
It is a joy to serve at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where we espouse what is called “Text-Driven Preaching.” Simply put, we want the chosen text (Yes there should be an actual biblical text) to drive the sermon. The text-driven preacher is co... Read More »
The Preacher as Leader: Avoiding Listener Fatigue
Most Sundays, preachers stand before their congregation and teach their people to tune them out. You can deliver a finely crafted, text-driven, and powerful message, and receive little congregational response. Why? Because you make this common mistake befo... Read More »
The Preacher and the Importance of Godly Character
1 Peter 1:1-2; 13-16 Peter begins his epistle by calling believers “Temporary residents”. That term literally means “beside the people.” It reveals the necessary separation and the dynamic saturation of believers in the world. We are always resident al... Read More »
Shepherding Sheep through the Sermon
What makes a sermon pastoral? Ι’ve been reading quite a bit lately about preaching and pastoral ministry. Though, I confess to be a little confused on the question. It seems to presume a distinction that I’m not sure has a clear difference. Insistence upo... Read More »
Preaching as Shepherding the Flock
What a joy it is as a pastor of 40 years; 30 years at First Baptist Church Woodstock to talk about preaching as shepherding the flock. One thing I have realized as a pastor is that I have the opportunity to connect with our people through the proclamation of G... Read More »
