At the beginning of each school year I have the privilege, as the children’s pastor, of presenting Bibles to all of the children leaving children’s ministry and joining the youth group. I make a lovely speech. The youth pastor promises to train them well. We say a prayer. It really is a beautiful moment. But …
1. First things first. Make sure you are fully committed to Jesus. A young man named Kelley felt a tug at his heart just about every time he went to church. He was convinced he was being called to preach. He made an appointment to talk to his pastor. As questions were asked, the pastor …
Young people do not grow and develop in isolation. They need to know whose they are, from whence they have come, and why they are here. Caring parents, grandparents, and older adults are in the best position to answer these questions for children. And in doing so, the elders of the community impart knowledge and …
The following is an interview with three North American pastors: Scott Lee who pastors Bethesda Worship Center in Sheridan, Wyoming; Lloyd Phipps, pastor of Covington Drive Church of God of Prophecy in Decatur, Georgia; and Frank Smith, pastor of New Horizons Church of God of Prophecy in Washougal, Washington. What does the phrase “a place …
I felt the call into ministry when I was a mere fourteen years old. I can’t say I was thrilled when I heard it. I was raised in a pastor’s home, so I knew the ups and downs of full-time ministry. But for a couple years I rolled with the punches. At about sixteen, though, …
In my family, the last few months of 2013 proved to be very exhausting. Home repairs, lingering health issues, family losses, and financial strains seemed to happen nonstop. On top of all of that, taking care of three young children — including the two, one year-old twins who are mobile and into everything — our …