When my father was a 20 year-old Bible major at Liberty University he learned a lesson that I have heard him retell numerous times. After hearing a particularly powerful sermon during chapel about truly dedicated ministers, my father approached his future bride (my mother) and informed her of the following: “Anna, you must understand, if we are to marry than you will not see me … Continue reading Too Busy For Marriage
From the very beginning of Christianity there have been those who have misunderstood our faith. After the apostles passed off the seen with the death of the John the Beloved the persecution of the church was just ramping up. By the beginning of the 2nd century Christianity was widely misunderstood and misrepresented in the public square, and the continued persecutions gave rise to Christian Apologists. … Continue reading An Apologist Doesn’t Say I’m Sorry
Many Christians look across this country and notice that America seems to be asleep. We dream of a bigger house, better economy, nicer car and the next iPhone. All the while we ignore the most important elements in life such as the Gospel of Jesus Christ, a personal relationship with God, a loving family and helping our fellow man. America needs to awaken once again. … Continue reading Another Great Awakening
At Southern Hills, church would no longer be church without our invaluable Support Staff. Music Ministry We no have dozens of people led by Pastor Jason in our Choir and Praise Team who lead our church in worship every week. These folks sacrificially arrive early and stay for each of our services to use their gifts for the ministry of worship. They not only perform … Continue reading Developing a Great Team – Part 4
Many who view Southern Hills from the outside may get the wrong idea when seeing the great crowds, multiple services and many salvation decisions that are being made here. They may only see Josh & Heather and the staff they have assembled. But those who are in our ministry know that our kingdom success is attributed to the hand of God and the Lay-Leadership team … Continue reading Developing a Great Team – Part 3
Heather and I cannot express to you the great joy we have when thinking of our faithful deacons. I love these four men and their faithful wives. There are times that I would likely give up the fight without these godly men and women who continually hold their pastor up in prayer and loyal love. Robert & Denise Miller served as our first worship leaders. … Continue reading Developing a Great Team – Part 2
I believe one of the secrets to successful ministry is surrounding the Lead Pastor with an incredible staff. If there is one thing that I have done right over the past 8 years at Southern Hills is to hire the VERY BEST ministry team I have ever seen assembled in a church our size. The Most Important Staff Member I am speaking of the Pastor’s … Continue reading Developing a Great Team – Part 1
I. The Gift of the Holy Spirit
The greatest and most influential person in the pastor’s life should be the Holy Spirit. One would think that the physical presence of Jesus would be the greatest gift any minister could ever receive, yet Jesus said in John 16:7, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” In Jesus’ estimation, it was more important for the disciples to have the presence of the Holy Spirit than it was to have the physical presence of the Son. It is the Spirit of God that is to be our comfort (John 14:16-17) when no church member or fellow pastor can comfort our hearts. The Spirit of God is to be our teacher and reminder of the teachings of Jesus (John 14:26). He will point to Jesus (John 15:26) when no other example will do. He will prepare the hearts of those to whom you bring the truth (John 16:8-11). He will guide the Christian by speaking to him and showing him specific direction (John 16:13-15).
Continue reading “I Hear Voices! or Who Pastor’s the Pastor? – Part 3”
