YOUR SATURDAY SEVEN

This week is an array of articles that have helped me in the current season of pastoral ministry. I hope that one of these articles written by others this week will be a help to you in some way! Enjoy Your Saturday Seven!

1. ECONOMICS FOR CHURCH LEADERS: UNDERSTANDING RECESSIONS.

By: Joe Carter, 8.11.21

A quick read and one that has helped me as this is a topic that has been on my mind lately. An excerpt: “We should also remember, as pastor-theologian John Piper notes, that God can use recessions for our growth. One way is that it can be a tool to expose hidden sin and so bring us to repentance and cleansing. Another way is that it provides opportunities for the church to care for its hurting members and to grow in the gift of love.”

2. VACCINE MANDATES AND THE CHRISTIAN’S LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE.

By: Ben Purves, 8.13.21

This was a fascinating article that I read this week! Whatever your position on vaccinations, this article will be of help I am sure. An excerpt: “The Bible does not instruct us as to whether or not one should receive a vaccine, but it is clear when it comes to the doctrine of the liberty of conscience.”

3. WHY WE NEED TO GATHER AS A CHURCH.

By: Collin Hansen, Jonathan Leeman, 8.14.21

This article posted today was a breath of fresh air and encouraged me about the need of actually gathering as the body of Christ. This is our Spotlight article for the week! An excerpt: “Praise God that we can “download” biblical truths virtually. But let’s praise God that the Christian life is more than just an information transfer. When church is only online, we can’t feel, experience, and witness those truths becoming enfleshed in the family of God, which both fortifies our faith and creates cords of love between brothers and sisters. Virtual church is an oxymoron.”

4. HELP FOR THE WEARIED TRAVELER.

By: Taylor Burghuis, 8.12.21

Sorry, I have never been a Pilgrims Progress fan, but this quick read will utilize the storyline or idea of the famous book to provide assurance and rest for those growing weary. An excerpt: “In this world you will have much trouble, but hold fast to the Word of God.”

5. THE FOUR CORNERS OF SERMON PREP.

By: Jess Rainer, 8.13.21

If you are always looking for ways to grow in your own sermon prep, this article will be just another quick tool to grab before Sunday. An excerpt: “Let me add one more major aspect of my sermon prep: prayer. No matter what approach to sermon prep you use, make prayer the beginning, middle, and ending to your approach. If you miss prayer, then your sermon will miss on Sunday morning.”

6. THE MOST COMMON REASONS LEADERS FAIL TO DELEGATE.

By: Ron Edmondson, 8.13.21

Ouch. A very good and simple read, and of course convicting. Which one do you struggle with most? An Excerpt: “Perhaps one of the biggest obstacles to growth, low team morale, and not sustaining momentum has to do with leaders who fail to delegate. I often call this dumping delegation. Either they don’t know how, they don’t see the value or they simply don’t want to, but it hurts their team’s potential.”

7. ADVICE FOR INTERIM PASTORS.

By: Dr. David L. Allen, 5.7.21

This week Dr. Allen did not publish his Friday Five and I was able to read an article that he published on one of my favorite websites, Preaching Source entitled Advice for Interim Pastors. An excerpt: “Whether a pastor has left the church on good terms or on good grounds or not, the transition time between pastors can be difficult and stressful for churches. The length of the transition period varies as well. Interims can be a short as a few months to as long as two or three years. I’m currently coming up on my second year as an interim.”