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Author Archives: admin
Forgiving Quotes
Today I listened to a fine sermon on our need to forgive others. If you have ever preached on this topic, you join me in empathy for the preacher. Forgiveness is essential for Christian wholeness; but almost every Christian holds … Continue reading
Posted in Bible and Theology, Mark's Blog
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Great Motto
“Helping people know and follow Jesus . . . one person at a time.” Jan & I had the privilege of visiting Countryside Christian Church in Keizer, OR today for worship. Jerry Christensen, my youth minister when I was in … Continue reading
Posted in Mark's Blog, Pastoral Ministry
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What is the goal of preaching?
I just started reading Communication for a Change by Stanley and Jones and already I like the book. Early on, they pose the contrast between communication for information transfer and communication for life change. Too many sermons are “about” the … Continue reading
Posted in Mark's Blog, Pastoral Ministry
2 Comments
Speaking and Helping
Of course, speaking and helping are not mutually exclusive; they just summarize the books I’m reading today. Communicating for a Change by Andy Stanley and Lane Jones fulfills my goal of reading a book on preaching every year. The first … Continue reading
Posted in Mark's Currently Reading, Pastoral Ministry
1 Comment
Successful Small Churches
I recently stumbled on a post one of the blogs I follow — Out of Ur. The post is entitled “Small Churches = Big Impact.” The article interviews Brandon O’Brien about his book, “The Strategically Small Church.” O’Brien’s research confirmed … Continue reading
Posted in Mark's Blog, Pastoral Ministry
4 Comments
More troubles ahead than behind
“I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened.” (Mark Twain) I read this tonight which is interesting since I was thinking early this afternoon about how most of the troubles … Continue reading
Posted in Mark's Blog
1 Comment
The Power of Listening
I’m thinking about listening to people we’re out of the habit of hearing. And I’m reminded of Gordon MacDonald’s marvelous book, Who Stole My Church: What to Do When the Church You Love Tries to Enter the 21st Century. The … Continue reading
Posted in Mark's Blog, Mark's Currently Reading, Pastoral Ministry
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Working with Young Adults
I’m working on assignment for the Friends Church pastors that reminds me of a common dilemma facing older churches (by “older” I mean more than 10 years old or more). Older churches want to attract younger adults, which is good. … Continue reading
Posted in Mark's Blog, Pastoral Ministry
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The Blues, Buddy & Jonah
If you like both the Blues and the Bible (like me) you need to look at this YouTube of Buddy Greene doing Jonah and the whale. If you like this one, check search for his other YouTube videos. BTW, Buddy … Continue reading
Posted in Bible and Theology, Mark's Blog
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Preaching for the Moment
This morning, I posted to FaceBook my struggle to find old sermon recordings that I want to represent me in my new-job search. Several of my friends responding with wonderfully affirming assessments of my preaching ministry (if you want to … Continue reading
Posted in Mark's Blog, Pastoral Ministry
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