Imagine you take two elephants. For our purposes, they are a male and a female. You put them in your garage (hopefully, it's big enough!). You give them plenty to eat and drink and you shut the door on them. Three years later, you come back and open the door. What comes out? Three elephants, that's … Continue reading The Rabbit and the Elephant: Why Small is the New Big for Today’s Church
Sharpen the Saw
Ecclesiastes 10:10 states: "Using a dull axe requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That's the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed (NLT)." There a lot of wisdom here . . . if we'll stop and think about it. Imagine finding someone in the woods working hard sawing down a tree. “What are you doing?”, … Continue reading Sharpen the Saw
Dirty Kitchens ..
Hey Aussies ... we need to lift our game. A recent study revealed that Australia is one of the dirtiest countries in the developing world when it comes to hygiene. In fact, our kitchens have a higher level of bacteria than our bathrooms! The Hygiene in the Home Study 2009 covered Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Germany, … Continue reading Dirty Kitchens ..
Living a Prayerful Life …
Life naturally tends to get busier as time goes on. There is so much to DO. Leading a life, a family, a ministry or whatever, tends towards a preoccupation with tasks. Like Martha, we can be so busy serving God that we don't take time to love God and just sit at his feet like … Continue reading Living a Prayerful Life …
Dogs – a Man’s Best Friend?
When I was growing up as a kid, I loved cats and I never really took to dogs. My wife, Nicole, has always loved dogs and she never really took to cats. We got married and we bought an adorable little kitten that we fell in love with while window-shopping at a pet store (bad idea!). … Continue reading Dogs – a Man’s Best Friend?
Aussie Men are the Least Desirable Husbands!
A recent study conducted by Oxford University revealed that Australian men are the least desirable husbands when it comes to housework and helping with the children. With Aussie men, it seems that their passion for beer and sport takes precedence over doing the washing up. Aussie men are still perceived as being Steve Irwin and Crocodile … Continue reading Aussie Men are the Least Desirable Husbands!
Preaching Bloopers
Okay, confession time ... I have had a few clangers - or bloopers, as most people call them - in my life as a public speaker. These are embarrassing moments when you get your words mixed up or say something that has a different meaning than you intended. Here are my Top 3 Bloopers - for your … Continue reading Preaching Bloopers
Growing Churches
Every year, Outreach Magazine publishes a list of the 100 largest churches in America along with the 100 fastest growing churches. The 2008 research about the top 100 largest churches can be seen here or purchased here. The list of fastest growing churches can be viewed here. Missiologist Ed Stetzer makes some insightful observations about this … Continue reading Growing Churches
Leadership Network Survey Results
Leadership Network is an excellent ministry established by Bob Buford. It's mission is to: identify, connect and help high-capacity Christian leaders multiply their impact. They provide a wealth of resources for churches and leaders through their web site, publications, blogs and e-newsletters. Recently Leadership Network conducted an extensive survey seeking to gain insights into the ministry roles of Senior Pastors … Continue reading Leadership Network Survey Results
Providence
Providence – I love the word and the truth that it conveys. Our lives are not subject to luck, fate or chance. We are in the hands of a sovereign loving God. One of my favorite quotes from the Bible is Paul’s statement in Romans 8:28 where he says, “And we know that God causes … Continue reading Providence