In our prophetic role, pastors need to challenge people to keep the faith, fight the good fight. And often that means giving a forceful word to the congregation.

The other side of being prophetic, the side that the mentor highlights, is being an encourager. The goal is the same—living faithfully a Christian lifestyle—but the means are different: encouragement, affirmation, praise.

As a mentor ...

Topics: Coaching, Congregational care, Discipleship, Empowerment, Mentoring, Pastoral care, Shepherding, Spiritual care, Spiritual direction, Spiritual formation

Filters: Church staff, Counseling, Discipleship, Elder, Pastor, Pastoral care, Shepherd, Spiritual director

Purpose: Discipleship

References:

1 Corinthians 15:1-58

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2 Timothy 2:2

Date Added: July 12, 2007

The older couple stared as a low, red convertible raced past. In the sportscar, a couple, also of a certain age but noticeably more energetic, waved and lifted a can of fortified energy drink.

Sometimes we wish we could give our co-workers in ministry a boost. We often need one for ourselves. If only enthusiasm for ministry came in a six-pack.

The words energy and enthusiasm have something ...

Topics: Authenticity, Balance, Boundaries, Burnout, Calling, Enthusiasm, Renewal, Spiritual passion, Time

Filters: Church staff, Counseling, Discipleship, Elder, Pastor, Preaching, Volunteer coordinator

Purpose: Discipleship

References:

1 Corinthians 15:1-58

Date Added: July 31, 2007

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Leadership Journal: Energy & Joy
The premier practical journal for church leaders devoted an issue to "Energy & Joy," which include outstanding articles by Dallas Willard, Earl Palmer, Gary Preston, and others. Read the issue online at:
http://christianitytoday.com/le/8l4/

Ordering Your Private Worldby Gordon MacDonald A practical ...

Topics: Authenticity, Balance, Boundaries, Burnout, Calling, Enthusiasm, Renewal, Spiritual passion, Time

Filters: Church staff, Counseling, Discipleship, Elder, Pastor, Preaching, Volunteer coordinator

Purpose: Discipleship

References:

Isaiah 40:28-31

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1 Corinthians 15:1-32

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2 Corinthians 12:8-9

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Hebrews 12:3

Date Added: August 27, 2007

The American church is changing. A generation ago, there were large churches and small churches; but for the most part, they all fell into traditional, denominational categories. That is no longer the case. Now there are emergent churches, missional churches, home, pub, and coffeehouse churches. Denominational distinctives are increasingly held in low regard. In the midst of the change, one major ...

Topics: Discipleship, Emergent, Experiencing God, Relevance, Spiritual growth, Trends, Worship, Worship style

Filters: Discipleship, Pastor, Worship, Worship leader

Purpose: Worship

References:

Psalm 35:18

,

Romans 12:2

,

1 Corinthians 15:3-8

Date Added: May 13, 2008

What was a non-denominational girl like me doing in a place like this?

I had been warned: there would be kneeling, recitations, processions, and vestments; there would be going forward for the Lord's Supper. But no amount of information could have prepared me for the reality. I felt so out of place. Honestly, I had been led to believe that there was something wrong with this type of worship service, ...

Topics: Discipleship, Emergent, Experiencing God, Relevance, Spiritual growth, Trends, Worship, Worship style

Filters: Discipleship, Pastor, Worship, Worship leader

Purpose: Worship

References:

Psalm 35:18

,

Romans 12:2

,

1 Corinthians 15:3-8

Date Added: May 13, 2008

"It took me a few weeks to figure out why I was drawn to your church," said Cheryl. "I realized that your liturgy teaches me how to worship. Every week I am learning how to listen and respond to God."

Our church, Life on the Vine Christian Community (LOV), is a small, liturgical, missional church in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. Over the last three years, I've come to see how each element of our ...

Topics: Discipleship, Emergent, Experiencing God, Relevance, Spiritual growth, Trends, Worship, Worship style

Filters: Discipleship, Pastor, Worship, Worship leader

Purpose: Worship

References:

Psalm 35:18

,

Romans 12:2

,

1 Corinthians 15:3-8

Date Added: May 13, 2008

Of Christendom's many creeds, the best known and most used are the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed. Though the apostles did not write it, the Apostles' Creed evolved as a way for the early church to transmit the basic structure of biblical faith.

In the fourth century, a council of bishops wrote the Nicene Creed to refute the heresy that Jesus was human but not fully God. They wrote:

Topics: Discipleship, Emergent, Experiencing God, Relevance, Spiritual growth, Trends, Worship, Worship style

Filters: Discipleship, Pastor, Worship, Worship leader

Purpose: Worship

References:

Psalm 35:18

,

Romans 12:2

,

1 Corinthians 15:3-8

Date Added: May 13, 2008