It probably seems strange to publish an anthology of notes, quotes, and illustrations from the files of a preacher who professed not to “believe in illustrations.” But of course, while John Stott was never one of the great storytellers or showmen, he did become a preacher who took the need to interact with prevailing trends
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Are Contextual Theologies Heretical Theologies?
Asian North American (ANA) preachers read and interpret Scripture with a unique lens. We need a contextual hermeneutic of our own that will inform our homiletic. But first, you may be wondering if there is a universal approach for interpreting Scripture. Do ANA pastors really interpret Scripture all that differently from members of other cultures?
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When Calamity Strikes, You Need Jesus
Christ and calamity go together. As Jesus said: “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart, for I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). When calamity strikes, you need Jesus. God’s word and prayer are the means by which he sanctifies all things—even tribulation and distress. In the dark valleys of life you
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When You Cry Out, Christ Is Your Advocate
Before they call I will answer;while they are yet speakingI will hear. Isaiah 65:24 Have you noticed that in the Bible’s hymnbook, the Psalms, roughly a third are songs of lament? You may know some of them by heart: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22). “Oh God, why do you
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Watch This New Interview with Harold Senkbeil
The Care of Souls invites a new generation of pastors to form the godly habits and practical wisdom needed to minister to the hearts and souls of those committed to their care. In this interview with author Harold Senkbeil, we discuss his decades of pastoral experience, what it was like to win three book of the
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Preaching and the Need for Asian North American Voices
May is Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. To commemorate, we’re highlighting Finding Our Voice, a forthcoming book focused on preaching to Asian North American (ANA) audiences. Finding Our Voice is a gift that reminds ANA preachers of the value of our ethnic heritages and multicultural identities in proclaiming the gospel, even if experiences of
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Why We Should Measure in Ministry
While we fully acknowledge the subjective nature of ministry, it is still vitally important to have hard numbers to also assess the output of your church’s hard work. It is not about mere numbers, but the numbers do tell a story about your church you need to listen to. This can include things like your
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Probably in every town, there is that one unfinished building project people drive by and just shake their heads. In the city the two of us live in, there is a giant hole in the ground that is the only remnant of a two billion-dollar (yes, billion with a “b”) construction project encompassing 175 acres
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Worship in Exile: On Video-Streamed Church Services
The world is in lockdown because of our public health crisis. Our main tool to fight this new, viral threat is social isolation. And so, we’re learning that the individualism we’ve pursued for so long isn’t all that great. Turns out, we need each other far more than we thought. God bless our pastors and
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O Come, Let Us Worship Him: Liturgy in Plague Time
I’ve been praying the sacred liturgy for seventy-some years, but it never struck me before as it did this morning—the first Sunday since coronavirus and its precautions have swept the nation. Before the service began, our pastor calmly and confidently introduced some changes in our practice to support our neighbors’ physical health in this time
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