Twenty years ago a young man walked across a stage and received a piece of paper that was evidence of four years of hard work, study, perseverance, and ping-pong. Tassels were flipped, hats were tossed, pats on the back were given. The future was before him, and he was eager to apply all that he … Continue reading
Tag Archives: ministry
A Glimpse from Inside the Fishbowl
One of the best descriptions I ever heard for the life of a preacher is that it’s like living in a goldfish bowl. Everyone can look in, see what you’re doing, and tap on the glass to try and provoke a response. And there’s no hiding, not much anyway. I have lived that life for … Continue reading
Five Buzzwords I wish the Church would Avoid
At the risk of sounding curmudgeonly, I couldn’t help but take notice of a handful of terms that current church leaders tend to throw around in efforts to describe themselves or their ministries. To be fair, most of these terms are good terms. They are, in fact, good descriptors of what many churches should be. At … Continue reading
The Death of the Bible College (and what it means for the Church)
A major player in the Restoration Movement Bible College/Christian University market made a startling announcement last week. Cincinnati Christian University will be terminating over 20 professors and staff at the University. This comes on the heels of the President resigning. As alarming as this is, what’s even more alarming is the plight of Bible Colleges everywhere: … Continue reading
Sundays
I thought I would give some insight into what Sundays are like for me as an introvert who is also a preacher. I don’t claim that this is how other preachers feel, only that this is how I experience Sundays. The alarm goes off, its incessant and monotone voice chasing away sleep from my body. … Continue reading
Sounding the Call: Finding Preachers in a Post-Christian America
“Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Isaiah 6:8 I can still remember my first visit to the campus of Roanoke Bible College (now Mid-Atlantic Christian University). I was being given a tour of the campus, and this was before the new chapel/gym/library in the Albert Blanton III Center was built. As … Continue reading
Good Grief
The minister closes his Bible. Black clad family members shake his hand and whisper thank you. Quietly the crowd moves away from the graveside. It’s an all too familiar scene for many of us. A life has been celebrated. A death has been mourned. A family has said goodbye. I am no stranger to funerals. … Continue reading