Doing Little Things (Dickson)

Jesus said "one plants, another harvests" (John 4:37 NLT). Paul wrote "I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused it to grow" (1 Cor. 3:6 NET). These and other teachings in Scripture show that God uses various people to accomplish his purposes. One thing this means is that we aren't necessarily called as Christians to do …

On Avoiding People Who Cause Divisions (Calvin)

When talking about people who sinfully cause division in the church, this is what Paul told Titus: Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned. (Titus 3:10-11 NIV). This inspired …

Family Visitation > Small Groups

If done wisely, small groups can be a benefit to Christ's church.  On the other hand, small groups can sometimes get in the way of the church's ministry.  It takes wisdom, patience, grace, and work to ensure that small groups help rather than hinder spiritual growth in the local church.  One aspect of the church's …

When It Takes Guts To Shoot A Dead Horse

As many of you may already know, Marshall and Payne’s The Trellis and the Vine is a helpful dialogue partner when wrestling with the question of ministry in the local church (making disciples, teaching, encouraging, rebuking, helping, etc.).  One part that really made me think was the first big ministry mind-shifts they listed: “From running …

The Authority of Elders

  Timothy Witmer’s book, The Shepherd Leader, is a helpful resource for elder training – for initial training and ongoing training.  One section I found helpful is where Witmer explains what the Bible means when it describes elders as having a position of authority in Christ’s church.  Here are Witmer’s five observations on the authority …