As well as having been a preacher for over four decades, I also have been privileged to be a teacher of preachers, having served as an adjunct professor in two universities.
Read MoreTucked away in the book of Ecclesiastes are these words: “Not only was the Teacher wise, but he imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched and set in order many proverbs. The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true. The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails – given by one Shepherd.” Ecclesiastes 12:9-11
Read MorePastor and author John Ortberg describes an interview he heard on the radio with a woman who ran the largest speaker bureau in the world. Her job was to identify and represent world-class communicators. She was asked, “What is the #1 thing you look for in a speaker?”
Read MoreIn reflecting back on nearly forty years in the pulpit, I am painfully aware that there were many things I got wrong. Everything from preaching what was trendy to pleasing special interest groups. Or the occasions when I allowed my desire to be seen as “deep” overtake the need to be heard as “practical.” But I got a few things right. Here are some that come to mind:
Read MoreHere in Indiana, the NFL is big. To be sure, there are a fair share of Bears fans. And on any given Sunday you’ll see some Packers jerseys or Steelers hats dotting the worship gathering. But, by far, the dominant colors are blue and white. This is Colts country. And our “favorite son” is still Peyton Manning.
Read More