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Understanding The Biblical Roles Of The Shepherd (Pastor) And The Sheep (Church Member)

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A shepherd caring for and leading a flock of sheep is the analogy that God chose to use throughout the Scriptures, as a picture of how a pastor is in regards to the congregation he is placed over. In the western culture in the 21st century, we have strayed so far from the understanding and carrying out of these roles, to the point where pastors are rarely trusted, followed, or seen as visionary leaders, (unfortunately, in rare cases with good reason), and congregations have grown to believe it is their job, their role to steer, and at times correct, the pastor. First off, that is not biblical and is never the case. When church members ask who a pastor is accountable to, the answer first of all; is God himself, and then those that the Lord has placed over the pastor. The pastor will answer to God, and to those he is under, for how he has led the flock entrusted to his care. Besides, if he is not cognizant and respectful of his responsibility before God, what worry would he
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I Have To Be Weak... (Exposing The Lie & Revealing The Truth)

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Jesus said in John 8:44 , “When the devil lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar, and is the father of lies.” One of the most common lies that our spiritual enemy wants us to believe, is the lie that we have to be strong enough, that we have to hold it all together. That if it’s going to be, it’s going to be up to me. That we have got to pull ourselves up by our own boot straps, that we have to work harder, that we have to perform, that we’ve got to produce … that we have to be strong enough on our own. Jesus, gives us the answer for the lies in John 8:32, He said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Satan wants you to believe the lie, “I have to be strong enough.” Jesus, though, wants to reveal the truth, and when you experience the truth, the truth will set you free. No matter how strong you are, your strength is limited. You are not created by God to have all the ability in your own strength. Your strength is intentionally
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Unveiling, Confronting, & Overcoming The Spirits of Jezebel & Python

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In many cases and in many ways, the church we see and know today, is barely a pale silhouette of the church God intended and instituted in The Book Of Acts. We have become the church in name only, known by our buildings rather than our being, or as clubs that are more focused on our own comfort and preference, then we are on carrying out His will. Multitudes of people flock to churches each week, only to sit and watch a very small few, walk in or exercise their gifts, while never actually doing anything with their own. They will sit back and allow a few people that they label or perceive to be “super-saints”, to carry out the work of the church, including prayer, labor, or helping accomplish the mission of the church through the biblical mandate of financial commitment. Churches have become like smorgasbord‘s, catering to a mindset of picking and choosing only what is palatable, and where those who are a part of it are seen as and allowed to be consumers, rather than those who
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Confessions Of A Pastor...

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I design virtually all of the graphics, videos, and promotions for our church as kind of a hobby and creative outlet, and I have come to realize why I find so much fulfillment in it. While it is at times quite time consuming and tedious, I have learned and will tell you my biggest motivation and reward from it. I would preach on Sundays and Wednesdays to good  people who would listen and affirm my words with their thanks and "amen's", but I couldn’t control them. I couldn’t make people make right decisions. However, with graphic or video design, I can type out some words, add some music, and  make  an image or a video look a certain way. I am in control of the final product or outcome. Preaching carries with it this burden of having no real control over the outcome of a sermon. As a pastor, I definitely get to control the input – praying, reading, studying, writing, reviewing, and praying some more – but I can’t ultimately make decisions  for  people, as muc
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Get A Grip!

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How can you GET A GRIP & strengthen your hold on life when it often seems like it is slipping out of your hands or spinning out of control? Over the past few months God has been strengthening my grip in every area of my life. It has been a very rough, yet refining time, and it has been both encouraging and exciting to hear God speak and to see Him move in the midst of it. Here are just a few things that He is teaching me, and I truly believe that they can help you to GET A GRIP in your life and strengthen your hold as well… 1) Set God-Centered Priorities  How do you know what your priorities are? What you are committed to, is your priority. What has the majority of your time? What would your kids say is the most important thing in your life? Answer each of these questions honestly and you will begin to see. GET A GRIP on your priorities! 2) Engage In Biblical Community   Not just attending church every now and again, but engaging--using your gifts, abilitie
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4 Stages Of Engagement For First-Time Guests @ The Heights

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“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; making the most of every single opportunity." (Colossians 4:5) How do first-time guests go from not knowing anything about our church to being engaged in our ministry? There are at least four distinct stages that I believe the guests who arrive at our church go through on this journey. At each stage, we need to look at various aspects of our ministry and ensure we've reduced any friction that prevents our guests from becoming fully engaged. Think through each step that our guests go through., and identify areas that need improvement so that we can build a plan to improve the experience! •  Attention //  Before we can begin any sort of relationship with our guests, we need to get their attention. This is the most basic level of any sort of connection. What are we doing to let people who might become guests know our church exists? Is our website up to date and does it contain easy-to-find information on what
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