I recently was skimming through an old book on pastoral ministry that alluded to an article by Tim Keller and David Powlison entitled “The Pastor’s Self-Evaluation Questionnaire“. One of my peeves about typical pastors (and a frustrating thing for myself) is that there aren’t too many people who open themselves up for, let’s call it, constructive criticism. Sure we have critics, but often they want to lob a complaint and not help you be a better pastor down the road. The frustrating thing for myself is that people are almost too kind. I need feedback to see my weaknesses clearly. The Bible has pretty tall standards for ministers. Far too many conduct ministry as if they are in a different social strata than the people to whom they have been called. I worked through this tool yesterday and thought it to be a very helpful exercise. We are going to discuss it at next Elder’s Meeting. Also, I plan to work through it again, this time not allowing my mind to wonder about who I know that these things apply to and focus more on myself. Enjoy.
Marks of the Mature Man
Thabiti tipped me off to these marks adapted from an article by Al Mohler:
1. Spiritual maturity sufficient to lead a wife and children.
2. Personal maturity sufficient to be a responsible husband and father.
3. Economic maturity sufficient to hold an adult job and handle money.
4. Physical maturity sufficient to work and protect a family.
5. Sexual maturity sufficient to marry and fulfill God’s purposes.
6. Moral maturity sufficient to lead as example of righteousness.
7. Ethical maturity sufficient to make responsible decisions.
8. Worldview maturity sufficient to understand what is really important.
9. Relational maturity sufficient to understand and respect others.
10. Social maturity sufficient to make a contribution to society.
11. Verbal maturity sufficient to communicate and articulate as a man.
12. Character maturity sufficient to demonstrate courage under fire.
13. Biblical maturity sufficient to lead at some level in the church.
Knowing God’s Will
In yesterday morning’s sermon, I alluded to some ideas about how we view the will of God and what ramifications this has for our life.
Too many people narrowly define the will of God in terms of this or that decision they are facing. I think God, in His Word, is wanting us to see His will as something larger (i.e. sanctification in 1 Thessalonians 4:3, believing in Jesus as Savior in John 6:40). When we narrowly define God’s will in terms of who we will marry, which job to choose, or other decisions like this, we run the risk of missing out what God’s will actually is for us.
For more info, I would also recommend Kevin DeYoung’s excellent work, Just Do Something.
Weekend Recap – Prayer, Love and Much Praise to God
Today’s sermons are now online.
In the AM, we looked at Colossians 1:9. The title of the sermon was Prayer. This sermon helped us to see that we are to pray consistently, for others, and for God’s will. In the section on God’s will, we saw that what Paul was primarily thinking about wasn’t some decision help, but specifically that they would know God’s will as seen in Jesus Christ.
In the PM, we looked at Hosea 11:1-13:3, in a sermon entitled God’s Gracious Love. I was utterly amazed at this picture of God’s love and really received benefit from seeing it.
I hope you were encouraged this past Lord’s Day and were able to apply God’s Word to your life.
Daniel Renstrom on the Incarnation
Daniel Renstrom has a new CD out entitled “On the Incarnation”. It doesn’t cost that much, so pick it up on his online store or on ITunes. Yes, Christmas is on the way and I, for one, am very excited.
Luther, Reformation Day and The Other Days…
Good post from the Resurgence entitled Luther Puts a Nail in the Heart of Bad Religion–And 3 Other Holidays. This post draws an interesting correlation between Reformation Day and Halloween.
It concludes, in true Reformation Day spirit, encouraging us to read the 95 Theses.
Enjoy!
Help for Our Prayer Lives…
Do You Pray? asks this post from the Shepherd’s Fellowship, adapting some concepts from J.C. Ryle.
Over at Resurgence, they continue their prayer series with 8 Keys to Personal Prayer.
This Lord’s Day, we will be looking at Paul’s example from Colossians 1:9, praying regularly, for others, that they might know God’s will.
Amazing Love
I’m consistently amazed at the picture of love seen in the book of Hosea (God’s love that is). This Sunday PM, Lord willing, we will be exploring Hosea 11:1-13:3. I’ve called the sermon “God’s Gracious Love”. As I prepped the material and worked through the passage, it was staggering to see God’s patience and love. God’s love has overcome His holiness. We see depths of love and mercy in amazing ways. I’m hoping, with Paul, that we are able to see God reveal new depths of understanding when it comes to His love. Hope to see you there.
Weekend Recap – Helping The Church
Sunday AM’s sermon (10/25), entitled Helpful People, is now online. We looked at the amazing example of Epaphras from Colossians 1:7-8 and saw how we can use our talents and abilities to benefit the body of Christ. Specifically, we can help others by: centering our lives on the Gospel, serving, being faithful, and being in step with the Spirit.
I thought Sunday nights small group material on “the Church and the Yo-Yo” really tied in nicely to the morning emphasis. We had a great small group and I’m really encouraged with all that God is doing in the life of our body.
One more thing: Have you checked out the women’s ministry page?
Help for Baby Dedication Services
…from Sojourn.
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