Dr. Gerry Lewis: Recent Episodes
Dr. Gerry Lewis
Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing some reflections on how churches may respond to tragedy when it’s not in our community. How can we engage and ignite the whole Body of Christ in joining hands across the world? When tragedy strikes elsewhere A couple of weeks ago […]
Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing some reflections from one of my favorite TV shows – Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives on the Food Network. I’ve had a lot of conversations with church leaders who asked, “Why aren’t people coming to our church?” It occurs to me that we need to […]
Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing a heartfelt response to the ugliness of racism as demonstrated over the weekend in Charlottesville, VA. The church must stand with one voice and say, “No more!” How you can help me help others: Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes and give […]
Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing some thoughts on the concept of “theological reflection” in the activities of our lives. I’m also adding a new feature to the podcast: “What I love about the church where I worshiped this past Sunday.” Theological Reflection “Theological Reflection” – In […]
Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing some thoughts I have recently been sharing with churches on the questions people bring to the worship gathering. The content itself is a recording of my message at Joplin Baptist Church, Joplin, TX on July 23, 2017. Questions people bring to […]
Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing some thoughts on Life Planning and life rhythms for pastors and leaders by sharing real time thoughts that occurred on a planned quarterly day of reflection on my own life plan. For more information on Life Planning resources, click here. For more […]
Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing some thoughts for preachers on something every one of us has done at some point: preached one sermon that should have been more than one. Occupational hazards of highly motivated preachers We want people to know everything we know about a […]
Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing some thoughts on a topic I have been struggling with for a few weeks. It was actually intended to be last week’s episode, but I just couldn’t get the handle on it that I wanted. I need to thank Brad Brisco […]
Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing some online resources I have discovered over the past couple of years that are particularly focused on pastors and leaders of small churches. Resources Mentioned New Small Church @karlvaters 200 Churches Small Church Pastor (Dave Jacobs) Dave Jacobs Quick […]
Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this week’s episode I’m sharing an interview I did recently with my friend pastor Bobby Cates of Slidell’s First Baptist Church in Slidell, TX. A few months ago, Bobby got to experience something that a lot of small church pastors never get close to and I […]
Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. I’m back from hiatus and excited about what’s ahead. I’m also excited to reach the amazing milestone of releasing EPISODE ONE-DADGUM-HUNDRED! In this episode, I’m talking about the massive impact possible when we master the use of the two tiny letters “n” and “o.” Every pastor (and […]
Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. I’m currently on podcast hiatus until June 2, 2017 when I will be back with a brand new episode for episode 100. Between now and then, I’m releasing encore presentations of some of my favorite previous episodes. In this episode (99i) I’m going all the way […]
Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. I’m currently on podcast hiatus until June 2, 2017 when I will be back with a brand new episode for episode 100. Between now and then, I’m releasing encore presentations of some of my favorite previous episodes. In this episode (99h) I’m going all the way […]
Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. I’m currently on podcast hiatus until June 2, 2017 when I will be back with a brand new episode for episode 100. Between now and then, I’m releasing encore presentations of some of my favorite previous episodes. In this episode (99g) I’m going all the way […]
Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. I’m currently on podcast hiatus until June 2, 2017, when I will be back with a brand new episode for episode 100. Between now and then, I’m releasing encore presentations of some of my favorite previous episodes. In this episode (99f) I’m going all the way back […]
Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. I’m currently on podcast hiatus until June 2, 2017 when I will be back with a brand new episode for episode 100. Between now and then, I’m releasing encore presentations of some of my favorite previous episodes. In this episode (99e) I’m going all the way back […]
Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. I’m currently on podcast hiatus until June 2, 2017 when I will be back with a brand new episode for episode 100. Between now and then, I’m releasing encore presentations of some of my favorite previous episodes. In this episode (99d) I’m going all the way […]
Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. I’m currently on podcast hiatus until June 2, 2017, when I will be back with a brand new episode for episode 100. Between now and then, I’m releasing encore presentations of some of my favorite previous episodes. In this episode (99c) I’m going all the way back […]
Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. I’m currently on podcast hiatus until June 2, 2017, when I will be back with a brand new episode for episode 100. Between now and then, I’m releasing encore presentations of some of my favorite previous episodes. In this episode (99b) I’m going all the way […]
Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. I’m currently on podcast hiatus until June 2, 2017 when I will be back with a brand new episode for episode 100. Between now and then, I’m releasing encore presentations of some of my favorite previous episodes. In this episode (99a) I’m going all the way […]
Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (99) I’m finishing a multi-episode series answering questions from a survey I did a few months back with my subscriber list. Announcement I’m also announcing that, due to upcoming travel that will have me out of pocket (much of it out of country) for […]
Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (98) I’m continuing a multi-episode series answering questions from a survey I did a few months back with my subscriber list. Question: “What are the things we can’t get wrong – the essentials?” If you were to ask 100 leaders this […]
Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (97) I’m continuing a multi-episode series answering questions from a survey I did a few months back with my subscriber list. Question: “There are so many people out to scam others so how do you know when to help people. I have heard […]
Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. Starting with this episode (96) I’m going to spend several episodes answering questions from a survey I did a few months back with my subscriber list. Question: “Church vs. the recliner, how do we get people to feel comfortable coming to our time of Praise, […]
Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (95) was inspired by the Facebook post of a friend (not just a FB friend, but a real one for over 30 years). I responded on Facebook and then decided to do a podcast for the benefit of other Christ-followers and churches who may […]
Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (94) I talked about the concept of Taking the High Road. I told a story of a recent situation where I had to choose the high road and then used the metaphor of a road under construction, and signs you might see […]
Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (93) I’m launching a new season with an explanation of a phrase that changed my life, encouragement that Amazing is possible, and a caution about two roadblocks that will keep you from Amazing. The phrase that changed my life: “Now go […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (92) I’m sharing the final podcast of the season. I’m going to take the next few weeks off to enjoy the Christmas holidays and prepare for Season 3. I have some special year-end promotions going on right now that I hope […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (91) I shared a reading of the best case for what I would call legitimate “blended” worship that I have ever read. You will be encouraged and challenged in your thinking about worship and music. I do not have permission to […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (90) I shared from the heart about a recent experience that got my attention about how we need to truly and diligently guard our hearts. Proverbs 4:23 – Above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (89) I shared an encore recording of a previous podcast (Episode 41) where I talked about some simple things you can do in the next few days to make your Sunday morning experience more “Guest Friendly.” These are not effortless, but […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (88), I shared some perspective gained from a recent LifePlan experience and my conviction that we can choose the life that we desire. If that idea goes against the grain for you, please listen and/or read all the way to the […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (87), I shared an upcoming blog post that I have scheduled for the week before Election Day 2016. Both the nation at large and the Church of Jesus Christ are more divided over this election than any I have seen in […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (86), I continued on the theme of the previous episode concerning ministries out of alignment. Sometimes ministries are out of alignment because we have allowed our personal lives to be out of alignment. Previous episode recap of 3 step process for ministry […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (85), I shared how sometimes a ministry needs to be reviewed, realigned, and rebooted. Part of this episode is a personal testimony of getting out of alignment. How do you know when a ministry might need a reboot? It […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (84), I shared 6 important questions to ask when you are planning a church event. I wrapped up with the #1 question that MUST be asked, but seldom is. 6 Important Questions: The Why Question: why are we doing […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (83), I shared some 4:00 a.m. on the way to the airport ramblings about a small church conference I am headed to, as well as some thoughts on some common pastor struggles from some recent conversations. Resources mentioned: 95conference […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (82), I am sharing an encore presentation of Episode 10: Responding to Rudeness. For original detailed notes, click here. Highlights Observations about Rudeness: Rude comments are not just directed toward pastors. Our culture has become more rude in […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (81), I am sharing some thoughts from a recent restaurant visit and how that relates to your church’s guest-friendliness. Previous Episodes on the topic of Guest-Friendliness Episode 41 – Make your church more guest-friendly in 7 days Episode 42 […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (80), I am sharing a recent blog post and some thoughts on the goodness of God even in times of trouble and grief. Read the post here When Answers Aren’t Enough (Scott Wesley Brown) To comment on this […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (79), I am sharing some thoughts on how we can disciple church members on their Facebook usage. In a previous episode (45 – November 12, 2015), I shared some ideas on Why your church needs a social media policy. […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (78), I am sharing 3 resources that I use on a weekly basis to create great visuals for use on my blog, presentations, and social media feeds. Why do graphics matter? 65% of people are visual learners. If you […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (77), I am sharing some thoughts in answer to a question that came from a member of a private pastors Facebook group I manage. Troy asked a question about vacation planning. Troy’s question: How do you guys budget your […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (76), I am sharing a reading of Chapter 5 and the Epilogue of my brand new book, Why “Bible Study” Doesn’t Work: The epic failure of evangelicalism’s favorite discipleship method — and how YOUR CHURCH can do something about it. If […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (75), I am sharing a reading of Chapter 4 of my brand new book, Why “Bible Study” Doesn’t Work: The epic failure of evangelicalism’s favorite discipleship method — and how YOUR CHURCH can do something about it. If you have not listened […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (74), I am sharing a reading of Chapter 3 of my brand new book, Why “Bible Study” Doesn’t Work: The epic failure of evangelicalism’s favorite discipleship method — and how YOUR CHURCH can do something about it. If you have not […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (73), I am sharing a reading of Chapter 2 of my brand new book, Why “Bible Study” Doesn’t Work: The epic failure of evangelicalism’s favorite discipleship method — and how YOUR CHURCH can do something about it. If you have […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (72), I am sharing a reading of Chapter 1 of my brand new book, Why “Bible Study” Doesn’t Work: The epic failure of evangelicalism’s favorite discipleship method — and how YOUR CHURCH can do something about it. In Chapter […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (71), I am sharing a reading of the introduction to my brand new book, Why “Bible Study” Doesn’t Work: The epic failure of evangelicalism’s favorite discipleship method — and how YOUR CHURCH can do something about it. The book is […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (70), I am sharing part 3 of a 3 part series from a seminar I led on a recent ministry cruise on the Oasis of the Seas with the North Texas Singers. My seminar was entitled, Writing Your Memoir in Advance: […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (69), I am sharing part 2 of a 3 part series from a seminar I led on a recent ministry cruise on the Oasis of the Seas with the North Texas Singers. My seminar was entitled, Writing Your Memoir in Advance: […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (68), I am sharing part 1 of a 3 part series from a seminar I led on a recent ministry cruise on the Oasis of the Seas with the North Texas Singers. My seminar was entitled, Writing Your Memoir in Advance: Six […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (67), I am sharing another simple, but effective, small group Bible study method. The 4 Question Method for Processing God’s Word Together Another simple, yet effective method for facilitating powerful group discussion is the 4 Question method. This […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (66), I am unpacking a small group Bible study method of which I am a big fan. The S.O.A.P.Y. Method of Bible Study In 2010, my friend Harrell Teague, from San Antonio Baptist Association, introduced me to a simple […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. This episode (65), is a recording of a sermon I recently preached in a church with whom I am doing a consultation. In the sermon I shared a powerful concept from Will Mancini’s book, Church Unique and unpacked my own ponderings on how we […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. Due to a busy travel schedule, a major book writing project, and 4 church consultations in process, I will be offering some replays of the main content of some previous episodes for Episodes 61-64 (March 29, April 5, April 12, April 19). In this episode […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. Due to a busy travel schedule, a major book writing project, and 4 church consultations in process, I will be offering some replays of the main content of some previous episodes for Episodes 61-64 (March 29, April 5, April 12, April 19). In this episode […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. Due to a busy travel schedule, a major book writing project, and 4 church consultations in process, I will be offering some replays of the main content of some previous episodes for Episodes 61-64 (March 29, April 5, April 12, April 19). In this […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. Due to a busy travel schedule, a major book writing project, and 4 church consultations in process, I will be offering some replays of the main content of some previous episodes for the next few weeks. In this episode (61), I replayed the content of […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (60), I shared some thoughts on one of the most life-changing resources I have ever encountered: COACHING. My coaching journey I began my training with Coaching4Clergy in January, 2010. I started coaching clients in February of that year and […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (59), I shared some thoughts from others as well as some of my own on one of the hardest tasks pastors and leaders ever have: delegation. In my 20 years as a pastor, particularly as the only full-time member […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (58), I answered a question that came via email. Greg asked, “Do you think that the building we are in could be holding us down [from] getting new people coming or staying once they come, as far not being in a ‘church’ […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (57), I explored some differences between the legendary comfort zone and the elusive sweet spot and offered some diagnostic questions for finding the latter. Finally, I offered a focused 3 step process for making the move to the sweet spot. […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (56), I unpacked 2 reasons why the idea of a pastor having to go to work is actually detrimental to significant ministry. I have been asked the following questions: Are you working today? Are you at work? Are you […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (55), I unpacked another thought on which I have been pondering for several years. Both through personal experience and through conversations with pastors, I am aware that there are times when some pastors feel trapped by God. They feel abandoned. They […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (54), I unpacked a thought on which I have been pondering for several years – the Church as the Body of Christ. I have become convinced that one of the reasons churches try to do too many things is because they […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (53), I answered a question that came from a lengthy email response to Episode 50 (We need to lighten up!). Larry asked, “What is the best way or ways to respond to people who make comments based on the Scripture passage […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (52), I shared some thoughts on a well-known idiom (at least in the southern U.S.) – “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” This phrase, according to Wikipedia, was popularized in 1977 by Bert Lance, Director of the Office […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (51), I told a story of an amazing insight I got from a newly chosen habit: washing dishes. Actually, the habit is not simply washing dishes. My newly chosen habit is washing dishes every night before going to bed. […]
Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (50), I gave my impressions on a question I was recently asked. I was recently speaking to a group of community and ministry leaders and Jack asked me, based on my observation from interacting with numerous churches, my opinion on the […]
Welcome to Season 1 Episode 49 of the Your Church Matters podcast. This is the final episode of our 2015 inaugural season. Thanks so much for sharing this amazing journey. A few months ago, I saw a YouTube video called “Leadership lessons from the dancing guy.” At first I was amused, but after a […]
Welcome to Season 1 Episode 48 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode I reflected on a recent Facebook post that was one of my highest engagement posts ever. The “Stand and Greet” time controversy The stand and greet time in the worship service is a meaningful and time honored […]
Welcome to Season 1 Episode 47 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode I addressed a listener question from Katherine. She wrote: “Why do people join the church on the first visit and never come back? Or why do they come every Sunday forever and never join?” Why do people […]
Welcome to Season 1 Episode 46 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In today’s episode, I just shared my heart at the end of a crazy day as it applies to those in ministry. My encouragement to pastors who have these kinds of days: God hasn’t forgotten about you. Listen for His […]
Welcome to Season 1 Episode 45 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode I talked about something that affects almost every church–social media. Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. This man had been instructed […]
Welcome to Season 1 Episode 44 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode, I answered a question from Renee, who wrote: “Can you tell me why a pastor doesn’t do an invitation after or during service?” The Invitation The public “invitation” or “altar call” has been so prevalent for the […]
Welcome to Season 1 Episode 43 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode, I shared my initial thoughts on exploring the concept of Keystone Habits, and invited listeners to join me on the journey. Where the journey began I’m currently reading, The Power of Habit, by Charles Duhigg. A couple of […]
Welcome to Season 1 Episode 42 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode, I continued with the theme of Episode 41: Make your church more Guest Friendly in 7 Days. Reminder: There is a BIG difference in being friendly to guests and being guest-friendly. We are big on making promises. […]
Welcome to Season 1 Episode 41 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode I talked about some simple things you can do in the next few days to make your Sunday morning experience more “Guest Friendly.” These are not effortless, but the effort is minimal and the potential impact far exceeds the […]
Welcome to Season 1 Episode 40 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode I have borrowed a term that I have often heard Dan Miller use on his 48 Days to the Work You Love podcast: “Auto University.” As a passionate life-long learner, I have sometimes joked that I am […]
Welcome to Season 1 Episode 39 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode I answered a listener question. Greg sent me an email that contained more than just this particular issue, but I asked (and received) his permission to share this portion and my answer. “One of the major points of criticism […]
Welcome to Season 1 Episode 38 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode I related a story told to me by a friend about a failed crop. 3 Ways to Guarantee that You Will NOT Reap a Spiritual Harvest: Planting Nothing. May be a result of fear of failure. May be […]
Welcome to Season 1 Episode 37 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode, I shared a recording of a sermon I preached in the First Baptist Church of Decatur, TX on August 16, 2015. The message was based on Ephesians 2:1-10, with special emphasis on verse 10: For we are His […]
Welcome to Season 1 Episode 36 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode, I identified 4 unrealistic expectations that church members often place on pastors and that pastors place on themselves even if pressure is not coming from their members. 4 Unrealistic Expectations (Alliteration warning): It is NOT your job to: […]
Welcome to Season 1 Episode 35 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this week’s episode I addressed a third issue brought up by a listener question from Karl: “Why another church, especially when there are churches in the area that are searching for a pastor or do not have a permanent pastor?” Great question! In fact it is […]
Welcome to Season 1 Episode 34 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode I gave 10 Reasons why churches should avoid having a new members class or some other orientation process. Reader/Listener Alert: Please stay with me all the way to the end before you draw your final conclusions. 10 […]
Welcome to Season 1 Episode 33 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In today’s episode, I address a common struggle with churches: an unwieldy and ineffective committee structure. Observations about Church Committees: 1. Most churches have too many committees. 2. Most committees don’t have a clear vision for why they exist. 3. A complicated committee […]
Welcome to Season 1 Episode 32 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode, identified 6 general observations regarding gratitude and culture and 6 components of a culture of gratitude in your church. General Observations: People expect to be criticized Our culture is so self-centered that we have lost the ability […]
Welcome to Season 1 Episode 31 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this week’s episode I addressed a second issue brought up by a listener question from Karl: “Why another church, especially when there are churches in the area that are searching for a pastor or do not have a permanent pastor?” Great […]
Welcome to Season 1 Episode 30 of the Your Church Matters Podcast. In this episode, recorded while traveling home from our “Guy Trip,” I interviewed my son, Zeke Lewis (24), and my son-in-law, Joseph Dad (28), on issues of life, faith, and the church from their millennial generation perspective. The interview was too long for […]
Welcome to Season 1 Episode 29 of the Your Church Matters Podcast. In this episode, recorded while traveling home from our “Guy Trip,” I interviewed my son, Zeke Lewis (24), and my son-in-law, Joseph Dad (28), on issues of life, faith, and the church from their millennial generation perspective. The interview was too long […]
Welcome to Season 1 Episode 28 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode I reflected on a sermon I heard awhile back based on a phrase from Philippians 3:13: “This one thing I do.” In the sermon, the preacher quoted both D.L. Moody and Zig Ziglar. The quotes: D.L. Moody – “Give […]
Welcome to Season 1 Episode 27 of the Your Church Matters podcast. I am recording and scheduling this episode in advance because of an upcoming “guy trip” with my boys (my favorite son and my favorite son-in-law). We will be on the road when this publishes. In this episode, I am sharing a recording of my […]
Welcome to Season 1 Episode 26 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this week’s episode I addressed a listener question from Karl: “Why another church, especially when there are churches in the area that are searching for a pastor or do not have a permanent pastor?” Great question! In fact it […]
Welcome to Season 1 Episode 25 of Your Church Matters. In this episode, I offered 10 Commandments that can be immediately implemented to increase the effectiveness of small group Bible study, no matter what you call it (Sunday School, Small Groups, Life Groups, etc) and where you have it (homes, community building, church campus, […]
Welcome to Season 1 Episode 24 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode, I talked about the common dilemma of making choices. Not between good and bad. Not even between good, better, and best (that sounds so simple in theory). Sometimes our choices are between good and … good. Have you ever […]
Welcome to Season 1 Episode 23 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode, I talked about Intentional Thankfulness (inspired by a podcast a few months back from Ray Edwards). “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And […]
Welcome to Season 1 Episode 22 of the Your Church Matters podcast! In this episode I unpacked a listener question. Philippe wrote: How do you start a ministry when it might be you and one other person starting it? What will you need to sustain ministry? I’m excited about this question for […]
In this episode, recorded as I was walking the campus of West Texas A&M University (my alma mater: Bachelor of Music Education, 1984 … prior to two more graduations from two seminaries), I unpacked an issue that I had previously addressed in a couple of blog posts: How to receive “warm words” – January […]
In this episode, I unpacked some of my thoughts in response to a recent Facebook post from Leonard Sweet. Here’s the quote: “I don’t have the energy or the time to live in a divided world–sacred vs. secular. There is only one world. And it is all God’s world, a world “God so loved […]