Congregation
Looking at the Pastoral Ministry section of almost any Christian bookstore, you might get the idea that congregations want great preaching, inspiring vision, and larger-than-life leadership from their pastor. While those extraordinary gifts are possessed by some pastors, most church members want four very simple things from their pastor: 1.
Pastoral Care
Sitting in my dad's hospital room today, I found myself seeing things from the patient's side. Thankfully, my father is much improved and we brought him home tonight. But just one day in his hospital room taught me some valuable lessons about how a patient'
Pastoral Care
I'm in south Georgia tonight because my father is in the hospital. He's doing better after a bad bout of bronchitis, but unfortunately had to celebrate his 89th birthday on Monday from his hospital bed. "The best thing about my birthday," he said on
Pastoral Care
A memorial service should accomplish two things -- it should bring comfort to the family, and it should connect with the life of the deceased. To meet those two criteria, I ask the family to help me by providing these 6 things: 1. Scripture passages. I ask if they have
Pastoral Care
Most people find it easier to call a pastor than a professional counselor when they need someone to talk to. But just because pastors are easier to get to doesn't mean we are all equipped for long-term pastoral counseling. I know there are a many pastors who are
Congregation
With the rise of social networks, new job titles emerge. One new job is Community Manager. CMs focus on customers and clients for large businesses. They help gather the community, encourage participation, deal with comments, and provide hospitality for the online community. All of that got me to thinking about
Congregation
Browsing in a Barnes & Nobles today, I saw a book titled, Lies My Teacher Told Me. Apparently the author takes issue with some historical stuff he thinks is misrepresented in public education. The title of that book got me to thinking about my seminary experience. While I would not
Community
This week I was asked to pray at the swearing in of our new county treasurer, who is also a member of our church. I wrote Prayer for A New County Treasurer for that occasion. I also wrote Prayer for the Opening of Court a couple of years ago. Both
Congregation
We have an answering machine on our home telephone. My cell phone number is posted and regularly published at our church. Our office phone will actually call my cell phone when someone leaves me a voice mail. In short, I am absolutely available 24/7, even when I'm
Community
At the end of each summer several new families move into Chatham, which is remarkable for a town of 1300 people. These families are new faculty members at Hargrave Military Academy and Chatham Hall here in our small town. This year, we're going to figure out ways to
bless the world
I just realize that I haven't posted anything here since April 29. That is the longest time between posts since I started writing this blog almost 2-years ago. But, it's been a busy couple of weeks. Two funerals within 4-days, and all that goes with them.
Community
Our Wednesday night schedule is pretty typical for a Baptist church. About 25-30 of us eat together at 5:45 PM, then prayer and Bible study takes place around the tables at 6:30 PM. Choir follows prayer meeting, which is the schedule in about every Baptist church I can