May 10, 2010 | Ecclesiology, Seeker-Sensitive, Worship
So this is how the church grows . . . “Sunday’s Coming” Movie Trailer from North Point Media on Vimeo. . . . too funny. Actually, a sad commentary. “Sunday’s Coming” Movie Trailer from North Point Media on... read more
May 2, 2010 | Ordinary Pastor, Personal
Just a few minutes ago I read the following to our congregation: After many months of discussion and prayer, the Pastors”™ Council has recognized that our present leadership make-up has reached an impasse in how we function as a team. When considering what would be best for the long-term benefit for the majority of the congregation, I have concurred with my other two team members, that I should step down from my position as Co-Senior Pastor of FBCSJ. Therefore, today I am accepting a severance offered by the Pastors”™ Council and will resign my ministry here effective June 1, 2010. We, as a team, have not reached this conclusion hastily. We have been discussing it for many months. My leaving is not due to any issue of sin (either within myself or anyone on the team) and there is no fundamental doctrinal or seminal philosophy of ministry division. We have, however, recognized that it would serve this church and the kingdom of God best if we separate. I do affirm my love, support, friendship, and loyalty to both Marvin and Stacy. Our parting is very much mutual and will in no way dissolve our personal relationships. We on the Pastors”™ Council affirm the strategic and God-wrought blessings of the past eight years in our team approach to ministry. None of us regrets our approach and we believe what we have accomplished together has been from the Lord. We do, however, recognize that our leadership structure has changed and needs further change to be most healthy for the long-term benefit of the church. We believe God was the author of... read more
Apr 22, 2010 | Ordinary Pastor, The Gospel
This was a much needed exhortation to my heart this morning in my reading – what every ordinary pastor needs to consider very carefully: The higher we rise in the kingdom the more we shall be like Jesus in this humbling of Himself. Childlikeness such as He exhibited is an invariable characteristic of spiritual advancement, even as its absence is the mark of moral littleness. The little man, even when well-intentioned, is ever consequential and scheming, — ever thinking of himself, his honor, dignity, reputation, even when professedly doing good. He always studies to glorify God in a way that shall at the same time glorify himself. Frequently above the love of gain, he is never above the feeling of self-importance. The great ones in the kingdom, on the other hand, throw themselves with such unreservedness into the work to which they are called, that they have neither time nor inclination to inquire what place they shall obtain in this world or the next. Leaving consequences to the great Governor and Lord, and forgetful of self-interest, they give their soul to their appointed task; content to fill a little space or a large one, as God shall appoint, if only He be glorified. A.B. Bruce, The Training of the... read more
Apr 15, 2010 | Featured Articles, Pastoral Ministry, Time/Life Management
Values impact who you are and what you do. Roles and goals define who you are and what you need to do. What roles do you play in life? Husband, father, pastor, teacher, son, friend, neighbor? You know what they are. Think through the following questions in determining the roles you have in life and the biblical injunctions that best speak to how those roles should be lived out: 1. List your roles. 2. Assign specific Scriptures appropriate to each role. 3. List any key people associated with these roles. 4. Write a clarifying statement that describes specifically how you would want to fulfill this role If you have listed more than 7 roles, you may need to consolidate a few of them. Or you may even need to consider letting go of some of them – especially as you see more and more what is most important in your life and ministry. The Franklin-Covey approach to defining roles and goals suggests that you consider four other areas in addition to the roles you have listed. Covey calls them “Sharpening the Saw.” These are the areas of mental, physical, social, and spiritual priorities you should pursue and keep sharp. These roles/relationships will have a significant impact on the next step in the process of becoming more focused and hopefully more productive in life and ministry: Weekly Planning (more on that next week). Goals follow your roles. Ask yourself in regard to each of your roles, “What do I want to see accomplished in this role?” “Why?” “What would be a reasonable timeline in which to accomplish this goal?” Think... read more
Apr 13, 2010 | Featured Articles, Pastoral Ministry, Time/Life Management
The big picture is where productivity begins, whether for a pastor or really anyone. What’s the biblical rationale for life? What are your biblical values and how are they What roles do you providentially have in life? What does the Bible say about each of them? As you analyze your life circumstances, biblical priorities, and personal giftedness, what do you believe would be the best end product to shoot for in each of these roles you have in your life? That’s where goals come in. Goals will shed light on how you plan each week and evaluate how your doing as time goes on. Weekly planning helps to guide how you think about each day. Overly intentional? Maybe. But I think these are merely practical ways to look at life and ministry and make sure you are aligning life and ministry along a biblical track. So in this post I want to concentrate on identifying and defining biblical values. What are the core principles that govern your thinking and your behavior? Perhaps you could ask yourself, when I die, what do I most want my life to leave behind that were the obvious commitments of my life and ministry? Answer that question with a list of one word responses. Then begin to clarify those words in a short sentence or two. Here’s a few steps to take in defining and clarifying your values: 1. Brainstorm a list of one-word standards, ideals and priorities that are biblically based and very important to you. 2. List each one word value and then write a present-tense, first person affirmation statement about how... read more
Apr 12, 2010 | The Gospel
This week, I and our three pastoral interns will be attending the Together for the Gospel conference in Louisville, KY. Two years ago was my first occasion to attend this conference (2006 was the first). Over 7,000 are expected for this year’s conference and the line up of speakers looks excellent. You can keep tabs on the conference through the web-site. It does not appear they will be livestreaming the sessions, but each will likely be available afterward online. Here’s 5 things I most looking forward to at this year’s T4G: 1. Powerful Preaching. The preaching is from our generation’s best expositors addressing crucial issues in keeping the gospel central in life and ministry. I am still deeply affected by John Piper’s message two years ago and its effects in my ministry are taking shape even as we speak. 2. God-centered Singing. I cannot say enough about the singing at the last conference. Every song seems to lyrically fit the message previously given. Each song was played with simplicity and beauty so as to highlight what we were singing and the voices rose above the instrumentation – one mighty choir of 5500 men singing incredible words together. 3. Stimulating Resources. Rumor has it that some 20 books will be given out. These are not publisher left-overs. These resources are those which the main speakers want to put in the hands of each of the attendees because of what the intended impact. I look forward to digging into them. 4. Ministry Focus. These conferences provide an opportunity for me to be evaluated, evaluate ministry, and refocus my heart and mind... read more
Apr 9, 2010 | Ordinary Pastor, Pastoral Ministry, The Gospel
This is well worth your time to watch: Jesus + Nothing = Everything (Part 5) from Coral Ridge on Vimeo. HT: Justin... read more
Apr 8, 2010 | Featured Articles, Ordinary Pastor, Pastoral Ministry, Time/Life Management
So what are the potential pitfalls every pastor (really anyone) will face as soon as he is committed to becoming more productive? Here are a few suggestions: Strangling Sovereignty. As one who believes in, values, and enjoys a robust understanding of God’s sovereginty, I understand the tension that can often be felt when trying to become more focused and productive. I understand that God guides every step despite by best intentions. As someone (I can’t remember who) has said, we write our plans in pencil and understand God owns the eraser. Never think that our goals, plans, projects, tasks, and ultimately our productivity is either up to us or accomplished in our own ingenuity. Furthermore, when providence destroys the perfectly planned productive week you sketched out, rejoice! Don’t fret or sweat in frustration. God is sovereign. Our productive desires can never strangle his perfect providential plans. Frustrating Friends. Another pitfall when we aim to be productive is that we will inevitably frustrate some of our friends; especially those not given to our bent for greater productivity. I do this to the best of my friends. I need to be less self-focused and considerate of others. Yet, I can plan my work and work my plan, running right over those I consider ministry partners and friends. Be careful of this. Neither frustrating them by our precise planning, nor succumbing to other’s lack of planning needs to cause us any lack in being effective at what we do. Flexibility is required – but not so flexible that we are useless. Projects Above People. Sometimes this is a false dichotomy. Often times... read more
Apr 7, 2010 | Featured Articles, Ordinary Pastor, Pastoral Ministry, Time/Life Management
So, this series is all about the negative side of pastoral productivity. Next week, I plan to say more about the more productive side of pastoral productivity – the positive stuff. But, before we move to the positive, let’s be a bit more negative (why do the negative articles always get more press?). Here’s a few thoughts on unproductive approaches in addressing productivity: Goals without Strategy. Goals are great and I have them – I have some for myself, my family, and my ministry. But if you have no practical way to apply them, remind yourself of them, or even hold yourself somewhat accountable to them, goals are useless. Goals without a strategy are a strategic way to become more depressed and obviously unproductive. If you are going to set some goals, you will also need to think through a process by which those goals are continually evaluated, regularly reviewed, and practically applied to how you work week to week. Strategy without Goals. Many people fall into this trap. These are those who are mesmerized by the latest time management tool, whether electronic or paper, or those who are continually looking for a new productivity system. They love to think about how to be productive and are always shifting systems, but their day-to-day functions are never tied to any long-term, higher altitude goals. Strategy without goals is a good way to feel productive, but not necessarily be productive in the long run. Time-Driven Tasks. It really is a myth that you can manage your time. It marches on despite our goals and management plans. I do agree with David... read more
Apr 6, 2010 | Featured Articles, Pastoral Ministry, Time/Life Management
Busyness is a given and is not unique to pastoral ministry. But make no mistake, busyness is often more of a problem, than more of a sign of effectiveness. I have always wrestled with personal focus, whether practicing my trumpet in high school band, or finishing a paper in college. Procrastination could be my first, middle, and last name. Time and life management has always been a struggle. But it has become a major pursuit as well; one in which I trust I am making progress. Challenges to Productivity Sin. Sin steals time. Whether misplaced conversation, inappropriate activities, or laziness in and of itself, sin steals time. When activities of life that are not faith-founded dominate the schedule, sin is present. Sin is never productive, not in the long run – rarely in the short run, never for things eternal. No real need to get too specific here. Sin steals time. You probably know how that shows up in your life. I am quite well aware of how it shows up in mine. Family. I don’t mean to suggest that productivity is more important than time spent with family. I don’t believe that and would never advocate it. However, I am quite sure that family requests, kid’s desires, and even legitimate, necessary family needs prove challenging to your being productive. Productivity may mean staying up later, or in my case getting up earlier, so that family is not inappropriately neglected. Nonetheless, family responsibilities are always a challenge to being productive in your work. Unintentionality. This may be one of the biggest challenges. Simply having no intentional plan regarding your... read more
Apr 5, 2010 | Time/Life Management
Michael Hyatt’s... read more
Apr 3, 2010 | Technology
Do you have your iPad yet, or are you still saying it’s nothing more than a bigger iPod Touch? Here’s a few reviews from those who have been playing with it for a week before release. I get the sense that the naysayers may be taking back the criticisms. ABC News: PC Mag’s Overview: PCMag: Apple iPad video review from PCMag.com Reviews on Vimeo. Walt Mossberg at the Wall Street Journal Andy Ithnako at the Chicago Sun Times Andy Ithnako reveals the iPad on TWiT: Free TV : Ustream Stephen Fry Unboxes an... read more
Apr 2, 2010 | General Theology, The Gospel
As we remember the Lord’s death today, check out this satellite map of Jerusalem and the places mentioned in Scripture connected to the week of His passion: View Larger Map HT: Justin... read more
Apr 1, 2010 | General Theology, The Gospel
Here’s John Piper’s comments: Here’s the link to the others who will be preaching at the National... read more
Apr 1, 2010 | Featured Articles, Ordinary Pastor, Pastoral Ministry
Based on my previous post on this subject, here’s a few video’s on my present office/study set-up. I am very blessed. My church graciously provides me a place to use as an office, and I have an extra room at home from where I also work. I use my church office mostly for administrative tasks and meetings. For sermon preparation, significant reading, writing, and thinking projects, I use my home study. My office study contains the majority of my books, while my home study contains the books that I am currently reading or using for various projects. Monday and Tuesday’s are the days I primarily give to ministry administration, shepherding, meetings, etc. Wednesday and Saturday are my primary days for sermon preparation. Thursday I spend half of the day at my home study writing and half of the day at my office study (or out in the community). Here’s the video tour of both my church office and home... read more
Mar 31, 2010 | Expositions, Preaching
Sunday’s sermon from Matthew 4:23-25 Watch live streaming video from thecapranica at livestream.com Here’s the... read more
Mar 30, 2010 | Featured Articles, Ordinary Pastor, Pastoral Ministry
Pastors (well, many if not most of them) do love to study, read, write, and pray. The location and set-up of their space for such ministries becomes a fairly important issue, the longer ministries goes on. What goes in to making a pastor’s study an effective place to work? A place that is relatively quiet. I don’t know any ordinary pastors who can have a completely quiet place to study or work, but relative quiet is something essential for considerable thought and consistency of work. I don’t study at my church office because it is rarely quiet and not the best set-up for significant study. You would think that a house of two toddlers and two infants might be more noisy, but in reality, it’s not really all that bad, so at this time my home office is the best place for me to do significant study. My church office is set up and designed more for administration and meetings. My home study, however, was put together with reading and study in mind. The furniture and arrangement are all set up for study. A desk that you can spread out on. I have a desk in my home study that I’ve had for over twenty years. It is very large, allowing me to stack books, spread out papers, and arrange my study tools exactly how I desire them. I use two flat screen computer monitors for my virtual desktop giving me a significant amount of screen surface area. I keep a coaster, a phone connected to my office system (VoIP), and a small lamp. That’s it. The space is... read more
Mar 30, 2010 | Ecclesiology, The Gospel
9Marks is putting out some phenomenal material from their small army of excellent writers. Two books I am especially looking forward to reading and using in future are Jonathan Leeman’s The Church and the Surprising Offense of God’s Love and Greg Gilbert’s What is the Gospel? Here’s two interviews and links to purchase the book: Jonathan Leeman: The Church and the Surprising Offense of God’s Love Greg Gilbert: What Is the... read more
