Category: Leadership and ministry
-
How Much Is Too Much?
Indigenous missions – the ultimate goal of the church-planting missionary. Every missionary-in-training has learned to describe an indigenous church as self-governing, self-propagating, and self-supporting. The question is not so much, “What is our goal?” The question is, “How do we reach it?” There are about as many answers to that question as there are missionaries.…
-
Preacher, Be Relevant!
The pulpits in so many churches are out of touch. Preachers are spending time and energy preparing and delivering sermons that answer questions that nobody is asking! It has nothing to do with theology or hermeneutical accuracy. It has to do with people hearing a sermon and wondering, “So what? What does that have to…
-
What are you reading?
“What are you reading?” I get asked this question from time to time, from friends, colleagues, or church members. It is usually asked by someone who is an active reader themselves. I have often read the statement: “Leaders are readers, and readers are leaders.” Whether that is necessarily true or not, I am a strong…
-
How I Make It Through Leviticus
I get it. Reading through Leviticus is tough. Real tough. In fact, as you read it, your mind is probably wandering off to other things, fighting the urge to turn to more enjoyable portions of Scripture, while struggling with guilt that you aren’t really engaged or enjoying God’s Word. I get it. In fact,…
-
Multiply: God’s Plan For His People
In a recent message, I opened my heart on a topic that has been building inside of me for a very long time. The concept is not mine; it’s Biblical. The terms are not mine; they’re adopted from others. But as I seek God’s direction for the future of my leadership, and the church God…
-
4 Reasons Why I Delegate Preaching
It’s that time of year when I invite other seasoned preachers to bring God’s Word to our congregation in a more extended way, through a series of messages. I may do so at different times throughout the year, but in January, it is more focused than at any other time of the year. Why is…
-
5 Reasons Why Cross-Cultural Integration Is Necessary In The Local Church
No, I don’t have all the answers. In fact, I realized long ago that I don’t really know all the right questions to ask. So, with that disclaimer out of the way, let me give five reasons why I believe cross-cultural integration is necessary in the local church. The United States has always…
-
Planning Your Preaching Calendar
The time has come for me, as a pastor, to begin planning my preaching calendar for this year. In fact, the time came a couple of months ago, and the LORD allowed me the opportunity to set aside a few weeks in January (with the help of a couple of preachers in our congregation) to…
-
Looking For A Summer Camp in 2014?
Vandalia Baptist Temple is again privileged to host two weeks of summer camp in 2014, one for children and one for teens. You may still be making your plans for the upcoming year, so I invite you to consider joining us at Pleasant Valley Ranch, near Mansfield, Ohio. Here are the dates: Junior Camp…
Rick Washburn, Jr. 