Joy in Verse Encouragement for 20220415

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Today is a beautiful day, because “So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable.” (1 Corinthians 15:42 ESV) Resurrection #joyinverse #blessedthisdayandeveryday

Do Great Credentials Make Up for a Lack in Pastoral Skills?

A View from the Pews

It is a valid question. Do education and letters behind the pastor’s name mean he is a good shepherd for the flock? I was part of a pastoral search team. It took us a year and a half to find the pastor we felt God was leading to head our church. We studied dozens of … Read more

Prayer for Today

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Prepare my heart and mind to fulfill the purpose you have for me, Lord. I ask in your name above all names, Jesus, and in your authority that out paces any other, according to the good and perfect will of the Father. Amen.   “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ … Read more

Joy in Verse Encouragement for 20220414

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Today is a beautiful day, because “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be … Read more

Is God Pleased by Governance Changes That Chase Members Away?

A View from the Pews

Luke writes in the book of Acts to remind us of how God instructed the church to be ordered. I don’t read it to mean structure it like a corporate business in which the responsibility of the elders changes from focusing on ministry to the congregation to protection of the lead minister. I don’t understand … Read more

Prayer for Today

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Father God, I come in humility and with reverence for who you are to ask that you make a way where there seems to be none. Prepare my path. Bring those who don’t know Jesus. Holy Spirit, prepare my mind through study of the Word. Embolden me to represent well. Grant me wisdom and discernment … Read more

Joy in Verse Encouragement for 20220413

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Today is a beautiful day, because the apostles were willing to die for the message of the resurrection, “But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.” (1 Corinthians … Read more

Prayer for Today

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Father God, thank you for the teaching of my childhood. Thank you for parents who took me to Sunday School, no matter how intermittently. Thank you for the teachers who helped me memorize enough verses to earn my first Bible. Thank you for bringing me to a saving knowledge of who you are and who … Read more

Joy in Verse Encouragement for 20220412

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Today is a beautiful day, because Paul taught with the eyewitnesses, “Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?” (1 Corinthians 15: 12 ESV) Resurrection #joyinverse #blessedthisdayandeveryday

What Happens When the Autonomy of Ministry Leaders Gets Usurped by Micromanagement by the Senior Pastor?

A View from the Pews

I recognize the need for oversight of the various ministries within a church body through reporting and even in-person updates to leadership and to membership. However, micromanagement chokes off the freedom that allows the church body to select missions they choose to support. As I mentioned in my last #aviewfromthepews blog, it also chokes off … Read more