Saturday Links

This is what it looks like to plant a church

This is what it looks like to plant a church: a group of believers all committed to embedding themselves in the neighborhood and in the culture as a community of missionaries and servants, intentionally looking for ways to both proclaim and demonstrate the gospel to our neighbors. The building, the band, the programs…those will come later.

Church Planter: How to network when you hit the ground (and knowing where to start)

Because everything is so new and fresh (and frightening) at the beginning it is an opportune time to network. With who? With anyone who is willing to meet with you. Anyone. I’m not a natural networker, but I found the following to be incredibly helpful.

Grow a Disciple-Making Culture in Your Church

Discipleship at its core is the process of growing as a disciple of Jesus Christ. That sounds simple. But what does it actually look like? And how do pastors lead their churches in discipleship?

The Local Church is THE place for Biblical Counseling

Local churches flourish as they become places where counseling flourishes.

Stocking Up

A word to the wise: learn all you can while you can, because the longer you go on in ministry, the less ‘discretionary time’ you are likely to have.

Why Pastors Should Read Over Their Heads

Most pastors should still make it a point to jump into the deep end of the pool and get in over their heads once in awhile.

A Beginner’s Guide to Reading Over Your Head

I got an unusual number of personal responses from last week’s post about reading over your head. One pastor in particular asked a terrific question: what books do you recommend? I love to talk books so I thought I’d answer his question with another blog post.

Leaders of Courageous Character

Ministry leaders with courageous character:

1. Always tell the truth.
2. Treat those who work for them with respect.
3. Stand up to bullies.
4. Do not tolerate weasels.

Four Principles of Biblical Leadership

1. Leaders are not an elite class with special privileges
2. Leaders should not see themselves as privileged or entitled.
3. Leaders should not use their power for personal enrichment or to unfairly maintain their power.
4. Leaders are not to approach people from above, as a virtuoso.

Six Types of Selfishness

1. Self-focus
2. Self-glorification
3. Self-obsession
4. Self-rule
5. Self-righteousness
6. Self-reliance