This is the third and final installment of a little “back to basics” article for Christian ministers. Peter, the one Jesus charged to “feed [his] sheep,” wrote in his second epistle, “So I intend to go on and on reminding you about all this — even though you know it, and have been firmly establishedContinue reading “We Have All the “Tools” We Need (3)”
Category Archives: Pastoral Ministry
We Have All the “Tools” We Need (2)
This is part two of a piece in which I contend that, in essence, no new tools have been invented since the days of Jesus and the apostles (save one) that are absolutely essential for us to fulfill the Great Commission or encourage spiritual formation in the church. My focus is on pastoral ministry, becauseContinue reading “We Have All the “Tools” We Need (2)”
We Have All the “Tools” We Need (1)
These next two posts are going to sound hopelessly idealistic and naive. Sorry, but I don’t care. I am an educated person who is in his mid-fifties. I’ve been around the block a few times, and I understand fully that the world is not simple. I know we need competent people to do research ofContinue reading “We Have All the “Tools” We Need (1)”
Update: Tod Bolsinger thinks now is not the time for “chaplain” pastors
Tod Bolsinger disagrees with Mark Galli. In a post on his blog, Bolsinger writes, “We Need Chaplains…Just not More Of Them…Not Now.” He says he is right there with Galli when it comes to critiquing the megachurch model and the corporate-style leadership such congregations have. “If leader means “someone who makes the organization grow inContinue reading “Update: Tod Bolsinger thinks now is not the time for “chaplain” pastors”
In Praise of the “Chaplain” Pastor
Mark Galli is speaking my language (again). Every pastor and church leader needs to read his article, “Why We Need More ‘Chaplains’ and Fewer Leaders.” Much to my personal dismay, “chaplain” is apparently a dirty word — at least to those who claim to know what makes a good leader in a healthy church. MarkContinue reading “In Praise of the “Chaplain” Pastor”
Missed: A Perfect Opportunity
This is not personal. I do not know the pastor involved and I don’t want to cast any aspersions on him as a minister. Everyone has bad days, and perhaps this was one of his. All I know is that, IMHO, he completely missed something as he preached on Sunday that was as obvious as theContinue reading “Missed: A Perfect Opportunity”
Cheerfulness that Mocks the Devil
Martin Luther regularly gave personal and pastoral counsel to his friends to seek cheerfulness. He himself was subject to discouragement and depression, which he usually attributed to the attacks of the devil. His letters and table-talk have much to say about ways of overcoming dark moods. Luther’s advice is characteristically earthy and bold, while atContinue reading “Cheerfulness that Mocks the Devil”
A Funeral Rant
By Chaplain Mike I have been officiating funeral services since I was 22 years old, a young know-nothing pastor in the hills of Vermont. My first funeral was for an infant who died of SIDS. That service was held on the coldest, rainiest and iciest day I can remember. Outside. At the cemetery. It wasContinue reading “A Funeral Rant”
IM Recommended Reading: Mark Galli on Today’s Vulnerable Pastors
By Chaplain Mike Must Reading: The Most Risky Profession, by Mark Galli at CT. I do not have time to do a full post on this at the moment, but I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this article since I read it last evening. I encourage you to go read it tonight, comeContinue reading “IM Recommended Reading: Mark Galli on Today’s Vulnerable Pastors”
Guest Post: Allen Krell on Evangelicals and Lutherans
Today’s post is from friend of iMonk, Allen Krell. Note from CM: I enjoy getting comments from readers who have their own blogs. I often travel over to their sites to get a better feeling for who they are and what perspectives they have on a variety of issues, not just what we’re discussing hereContinue reading “Guest Post: Allen Krell on Evangelicals and Lutherans”
The Internet Monk Archives 