The company I work for was started by Joe D. some 75 years ago. By the time I was hired, the baton had been passed to Joe’s son, Jim D. Jim was a slight, white-haired man. He was extremely nice, a great storyteller, and a talented networker. Mr. D. had powerful friends all over Texas.Continue reading “Organizational Leadership: Pray for Pastors! Judges 1.”
Category Archives: Ministers/Preachers
Ministers: You Are Not Your Own. Numbers 8.
You probably know that God created the tithe in the Old Testament. But did you know God expects a tithe not only of Israel’s crops, but of the nation’s people? God explains that the first born of every womb belongs to Him. But rather than take the first-born of every family, God took everyone bornContinue reading “Ministers: You Are Not Your Own. Numbers 8.”
Woe Be Unto Pastors Who Destroy the Sheep. Jeremiah 23:1.
Once again, Jeremiah addresses false prophets and fallen preachers[1]. (I never realized how often preacher-scandals were addressed in the Old Testament!) Doesn’t this sound like a page out of today’s headlines? “Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” Jeremiah 23:1. The prophet continues: “Therefore, thus says the LordContinue reading “Woe Be Unto Pastors Who Destroy the Sheep. Jeremiah 23:1.”
How to Respond to Scandals in the Church. Jeremiah 48:10.
I was the best man in Joe’s sham wedding. The wedding was Joe’s way of hiding his interest in children. I eventually found out about his past convictions in Tennessee, and when he later wound up in prison, I was pleased, having gained knowledge of a great deal of fraudulent acts and crime for whichContinue reading “How to Respond to Scandals in the Church. Jeremiah 48:10.”
God Bless Our Preachers and Teachers. Jonah 1 and 2.
A pastor’s life is not an easy one. Here’s a typical day for one pastor I know: up at 5 to spend time with the Lord, head to the gym at 6 where he spends 30 minutes swimming laps, then runs and lifts weights. He is in the office by 8 and has meetings allContinue reading “God Bless Our Preachers and Teachers. Jonah 1 and 2.”
THAT’S PRACTICAL. My Johnny Derouen Story. Psalm 27:4.
Image: Johnny Derouen’s first day at FBC Houston, spring of 1984. Also pictured, Joel Nettles. Photo courtesy of Lance Vinson. The story goes that in the early ‘80s, Associate Pastor Felix Wagner interviewed 70-some people before he found the right man for the job. Let’s call it 77—the perfect number. After a two-year quest, FirstContinue reading “THAT’S PRACTICAL. My Johnny Derouen Story. Psalm 27:4.”
GOD’S DESIGN FOR MANHOOD. Titus 1:6-9; 2:2.
What does God expect of us? In the year 2000, with a pandemic raging and people rioting across the nation, more than one of my friends said “this is a time for action,” by which they meant violence. I disagreed. When I need to understand culture and current events, I ask myself a pair ofContinue reading “GOD’S DESIGN FOR MANHOOD. Titus 1:6-9; 2:2.”
Let Not Many of You Become Teachers. Romans 2:17-24.
Could you become a pastor for the wrong reasons? Karl Vaters of CHRISTIANITY TODAY argues that you could.[1] “People become pastors for so many wrong reasons. They like the status. They like speaking in public. They like arguing theology. They come from a long line of ministers. The list goes on.” The trouble with enteringContinue reading “Let Not Many of You Become Teachers. Romans 2:17-24.”
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION. 2 Corinthians 3:1-3.
While teaching as an adjunct professor, I applied for a job as a full-time professor. I was required to provide letters of recommendation. I decided to ask two former students, both high achievers who loved my teaching, and had been admitted to the college’s graduate school after I wrote glowing letters on their behalf. WhenContinue reading “LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION. 2 Corinthians 3:1-3.”
When Ministers are Embroiled in Scandal. Malachi 2:1-9.
I am an organization man. A team player. I have a tendency to trust institutions like schools, churches, and the government. Many people are wired the same way. When I was ordained a deacon, I was encouraged to support the church and its staff when others raised difficult questions. Having worked in church staff positions,Continue reading “When Ministers are Embroiled in Scandal. Malachi 2:1-9.”
Household Words: 