The Importance of Preaching

09Mar10

A couple years ago when I served as Director of Discipleship & Assimilation at the Kentucky Baptist Convention , I hosted Dr. Gary McIntosh for a conference that discussed assimilation principles taken from his book, Beyond the First Visit. Fortunately, while he was with us, Dr. McIntosh unveiled the findings of a recent national survey he conducted.

I knew that the pastor played an important role in reaching and keeping people in a local church, but I was somewhat surprised by the overwhelming importance of the pastor’s preaching. Consider these findings from the study:

  • 90% of respondents said that the pastor’s preaching influenced their decision to attend a particular church.
  • When asked to rank the order of reasons why they chose to attend their church, the preaching of the pastor ranked #1.

To examine the specifics of the pastor’s role, the survey asked, “What factors of the pastor’s ministry influenced your choice of this church?”  Here are their responses listed in the order of their ranking:

  1. Preaching that teaches and applies to my life.
  2. Authenticity of the pastor.
  3. Pastor’s convictions.
  4. Pastor’s leadership skills.

This study confirmed what most of us already suspected–the pastor must play a pivotal role if a local church is to experience genuine growth. Somewhat surprising was the overwhelming importance of preaching.


Filed under: Church Chat, Preaching   |  1 Comment

The “3-Minute Rule”

02Mar10

Have you ever heard of the 3-Minute Rule?  I believe every church could benefit greatly from practicing the rule after each worship service.  Here’s how the 3-Minute Rule works.  After the morning worship service ends, all the regular attenders spend the first 3 minutes talking with guests, newcomers, or simply people they do not know, before they begin talking with their friends.  If possible, they introduce those they meet during the 3-Minute time to their friends with the hope of including them in the group.  We should always keep in mind that . . . .

We are a culture craving relationship. In the midst of our crowded existence, many of us are living lonely lives. We live and work in a sea of humanity, but we end up missing out on the benefits of regular, meaningful relationships.  (Andy Stanley)

I think we should practice a similar rule before the service as well. We could call it the 2-Person Rule. Strive to meet at least two new people before the service begins. Imagine how many people you would meet after a few weeks. Remember . . . .

People are not merely looking for a friendly church; they are looking to make friends at church.

What do you think?  When’s the last time you met someone new at church and were genuinely interested in getting to know them?  Make a genuine effort this Sunday to connect with others–it will be a blessing to them as well as to you.


Filed under: Church Chat, Ministry, Worship   |  2 Comments

Sermon Series on Heaven

19Feb10

I’m thinking and praying about preaching a sermon series on Heaven.  If I do, I’ll probably kick it off on Easter Sunday.  In all of my years as a pastor, I have never preached an entire series on the eternal home of the believer. 

Does the topic of Heaven interest you?  Do you think others will be interested in the topic?  Do you personally have questions about Heaven?

I need your help with the series.  What are some questions you think I should address?  Thank you in advance for your help.


Filed under: Preaching   |  4 Comments

Jimmie Johnson Goes For Five In a Row

14Feb10

Since today is running of the Daytona 500, I am going to repost an entry I wrote last fall.  I wrote the entry as Jimmie Johnson was close to winning his 4th Nascar Sprint Cup Championship in a row. 

Interestingly, this post was viewed more than any other entry last year.  Here’s a link to the post:

Jimmy Johnson Article / Click Here


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Welcome Home

10Feb10

One of the reasons I love walking through the door of our home is because our dog Gracee is always there to greet me.  Whether I’m home for lunch or home for the evening, she is thrilled to see me.  She often brings a toy along for the tail-wagging greeting in case I’m in the mood for a few minutes of play. 

Interestingly, her feelings toward me are not based on my recent accomplishments, my standing in the community, or the strength of my credit rating.  She just likes me because I like her.  Forgive me if I’m taking this too far, but isn’t that an honorable approach. 

As Christians, we are instructed to love those who love us, but it doesn’t stop there.  We are even instructed to love those who hate us.  Listen to this Bible passage and see if it challenges you like it does me.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.  Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.  For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?  And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?  You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”  Matthew 5:38-48, English Standard Version


Filed under: Life Happens, Ministry   |  1 Comment

SuperBowl MVP Drew Brees

08Feb10

Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints and to the Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees.  Brees is passionate about his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Listen to this great interview:

 


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Jesus = Happiness!

04Feb10

This Sunday at Shelbyville First Baptist Church I am preaching from Matthew 19:16-30 (see below).  The first portion of this passage (vv. 16-22) relays the story about the young wealthy ruler who asked Jesus, ”Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life”  (v. 16).  Although He had everything his world said that a person needed to be happy, he still sensed that something was missing.  His instincts and the Holy Spirit correctly led him to Jesus, but ultimately, he was unwilling to place God’s will above his own. Tragically, the Bible says that “he went away sorrowful” (v. 22).

I have never been rich; I have never been a ruler; I have seen younger days, but I am happy; I am peaceful; and I am full of joy!  Everything is not “perfect” in my life, but “He” (Jesus) is perfect in my life.  I realize that this all sounds unusual if you are not a Christian.  Although I’m a preacher, I’m not preaching here.  I’m simply saying that my life changed when I met Jesus!  He is my intimate friend and constant companion.  He gave His life for me and I am striving to “give” my life for Him.

If you are a Christian.  Give a shoutout for Jesus and a brief testimony about your relationship with Him.  If you are not a Christian, please consider trusting Him as your personal Savior and following Him as the Lord of your life. 

      16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” 18He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 21Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.  Matthew 19:16-22 (English Standard Version)


Filed under: Church Chat, Evangelism, Life Happens   |  2 Comments

Book Review: “30 Minutes to Raise the Dead”

02Feb10

I just reread Bill Bennett’s excellent book called Thirty Minutes to Raise the Dead:  How You Can Preach Your Best Sermon Yet — This Sunday.  It reminds me of the two preaching books written by Jerry Vines because, like his books, it was well written and practical.  It is a very easy read if you are a pastor, but extremely helpful.

In the book, Bennett discusses Faris Whitesell’s 7-part definition of expository preaching.  Here are the seven parts:

Expository preaching must….

  1. Be based on a passage in the Bible, either short or long.
  2. Focus on the primary meaning of the passage.
  3. Relate the passage’s meaning to its context.
  4. Search for the timeless truths in the text.
  5. Organize these truths around one central theme.
  6. Employ the rhetorical devices of explanation, argumentation, illustration, and application to apply the truth of the passage to the hearer.
  7. See to persuade the hearers to obey the truth presented.

If you are a pastor and have not read Bennett’s book, find one and read it.  It is a little difficult to find, but you can click on the title above and find one at Amazon.  The book will be a blessing to you.


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Movie: “The Lovely Bones”

30Jan10

Last night I went with my family and some good friends to celebrate a birthday and to watch the movie The Lovely Bones.  The movie was certainly not the kind of flick I would normally choose, but I wanted to stay with everyone else.  Just humanly speaking, the movie was just plain weird.  I could have left at any point during the movie and not have given a second thought to how it ended.

Speaking as a believer, the movie seemed to indicate that there is a place between Heaven and Hell where a person goes and spends time before entering eternity.  Although the word purgatory was never used, that seemed to be the clear suggestion.  The Bible is clear that a Christian goes directly into the presence of the Lord when they die and not to a place like purgatory.

Jesus, told the thief on the cross, “today, you will be with me in paradise”  (Luke 23:43).  We decide where we spend eternity when we decide how we will respond to the salvation Jesus offers us through the cross.  Our destiny is determined during this life, not at some location between Heaven and Earth after we die.

Save your money and skip The Lovely Bones.


Filed under: Church Chat, Movie Reviews   |  1 Comment

Annual Theme: “GO”

23Jan10

In all the years I have served as a senior pastor, I have never adopted a church-wide annual theme.  Oh, I thought about it lots of times when I saw others do it, but I just never felt impressed by the Lord to do so.  A few months back, God began to speak to me about adopting a theme that focused on evangelism and missions.

I thought of catchy themes, rhyming themes, and clever themes, but the Lord seemed to say “keep it simple.”  After prayer I chose a one-word, two-letter, church-wide theme for Shelbyville First Baptist Church this year.  It doesn’t get much more simple than that.  Our theme is “Go”!

This year I pray that we will mobilize like never before as a church and as individual Christians.  Personally, I am increasing my evangelistic efforts, I am scheduled to travel to Russia this summer to teach, and I am making plans to lead a trip to the Holy Land.

Please share your “Go” ideas here.


Filed under: Church Chat, Evangelism, Ministry   |  Leave a Comment
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