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10 “P’s” of Time Management
Last Friday, Dale Jenkins and I went “guest-less” on iPreach. We decided to have a program on time management. While the program was focused more heavily on ministers, nearly anyone could gain something from the program. If you would like to hear it click here, then listen to program #110. It was suggested in our chatroom that we post some notes from the program, so here is a quick summary of the things we discussed. Before we give the 10 “P’s,” let me share with you some statistics that Dale found to introduce our topic. These stats come from three individuals: James Nored, Eugene Cho, and Darrin Patrick. While these…
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6 Wonderful Things about Dedicated Deacons
I love preaching and teaching on God’s plan for the organization for the church. Each time I study and think on this topic, I am amazed at how God’s plan will be the greatest if we will just follow it. Sadly, many congregations think God’s way is too old-fashioned, or that it is inefficient. I totally disagree. In my opinion, most (if not all) who feel that way simply have not studied the topic deeply. Is everything always going to go perfectly? Of course not. After all, we are human! However, congregations that have elders who feed and shepherd and who allow deacons to work and serve will see spiritual…
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20 Family Bond Builders for Less than $5
Taking the family to a ball game can be expensive. So can going to an amusement park or the zoo. With two small children, though, we try to do several things to build up our family, while not breaking the bank (Baby Step 3!). Here are some we have done or that we’ve thought about and may do in the future that your entire family can do for $5 or less. 1. Play Outside. Not only is it good for the kids health, it’s fun and free. It doesn’t matter if you have a huge swing set or just a small patch of grass, the kids will find things to…
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7 "P's" That Will Improve Your Home
We are involved in a series on the home at Lebanon Road, and so most of what we are doing is promoting the use of our home life to glorify God. (The picture is of our PowerPoint title slide.) We have looked at the God-ordained fact of marriage, some principles for dating, and some encouraging words for those who are single. On Sunday, Lord willing, we will look at marriage. Since we are focused on that subject, I thought of some things for our Wednesday list that might help improve your home. To help, they all start with “P.” I hope you’ll add to the list in the comments! 1. Prayer.…
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10 Reminders for Congregational Resolutions
Resolutions. Goals. Points of Emphasis. Your congregation does have them, right? Sadly, many congregations do not. I’m thankful that Lebanon Road’s elders do have goals. I can’t share all of them yet, but I can share one. Our elders want to make the goals more well-known! Since many are thinking of personal resolutions, I thought it might be good to share some basic reminders for writing congregational goals. If you haven’t written yours yet, start now! (Who ever said a congregational “year” has to be from January through December, anyway?!) 1. Be specific. “Increase attendance” is not a goal. If you have 100 on the first Sunday in January and…
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20 Ways You Start to Know that You are a Preacher
In my short time as a preacher, I have been called on to do many things and have faced many ups and downs. When I think about these experiences, they pale in comparison to many who read this and have worked longer and done far more. Please read this list knowing that this is not a “resume” or an “I’m better than other preachers” list. Please read it as (1) a fellow preacher who is beginning to understand, or (2) a preacher trying to let “non-preachers” know a bit of the heart of the men who stand before you and try to present God’s Word as best we can, though we…
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7 Things You Can Say to Harm a Child
Leah and I have been thinking lately about the words and the tone we use around our children. We know we need to do better about how we say certain things. We want to be firm with them, but we also don’t want to destroy their child-like spirit. Sadly, some parents never think about that, and just say anything to their children. What can we say that will harm a child? 1. “You’ll never be able to…”. That might be true in some cases, but a small child doesn’t need to hear it. Let a child experiment and try new things. If a child fails, he or she can learn…
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12 Things I've Learned about Myself from Parenting Small Children
Next week, our adopted treasure (Mary Carol) will turn four years old. Her smile still lights up our world and Turner’s laugh is a sound I love to hear every day. Parenting isn’t just an exercise in helping little ones learn, though. There are so many things we learn about ourselves–some good and some not-so-good–from parenting little ones. Here are just a few of the lessons I’ve learned in the past four years. 1. I need more patience. True confession time: I want my kids to be the age they are, but have the maturity and patience of an adult. I get totally frustrated far too easily. 2. Even small…
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iPreach Request
This Friday, Lord willing, iPreach will deal with a very specific topic. Because we will be focused on such a narrow subject, we need input! Dale Jenkins and I will be discussing the program Evernote, and how it can be used by preachers and churches. I use it for several purposes, and am growing more and more fond of it all the time. Here is where we need help. If you use this program, you can help us in one of two ways: 1. We could use you as a guest if you are willing and able. We plan to record around 10AM Central on Friday. We would love to…
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15 Things You Can Do to Encourage
We love encouragement. In fact, we crave it. Encouragement is one of those things that can pick you up and get you through your day. Some, however, don’t see themselves as encouraging. “I just won’t know what to say” or “What if they are offended by me trying to pick them up” are phrases you might hear someone say. Here is a quick list of things you CAN do to encourage someone else. 1. Send a non-forwarded email. Take a minute to type out a favorite verse or quote and send it to someone who enjoys getting email. 2. Write a letter. Remember pens and paper? Getting mail is a…
