By Jeff Brumley One of the most pressing needs of struggling churches — good preaching — has inspired a Baptist pastor to launch a company providing a streaming sermon service. “This is something I have been thinking about for years,” said Jim…
Preachers: Read fiction to learn human condition, not for sermon fodder
By Ken Camp Preachers should read good fiction for the insight it offers on the human condition — good, bad and ugly — not just to seek quotes that can be plucked out of context to make points in a…
Jesus and brain science agree: money kills empathy
Although you would never know it from listening to American preaching, Jesus linked poverty with the kingdom of God and affluence with sin. The text of the first sermon Jesus preached was taken from Isaiah 61: The spirit of the…
Which six pastors best represent Baptist preachers? A review of Joel Gregory’s Global Anthology on Baptist Preaching
Four years ago Joel Gregory, Professor of Preaching at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University, was commissioned by the Baptist World Alliance to study representative Baptist preaching throughout the world. Talk about taking a bite out of an…
5 things associate pastors need to survive
The work of an associate pastor often does not receive the high praise or support compared to their senior pastor. Associate pastors have the challenging task of supporting the mission and vision of the church under the leadership of their…
White preaching professor, black preaching students
By Brett Younger Brett: Our student body is 48 percent African-American and 13 of the 15 faculty members are white. Have you wondered if this is a good place for an African-American minister? Dihanne: What really shocked me was the…
It floats (or what it’s like being on Satan’s payroll)
Whenever I’m asked to describe my job as a professional Christian, I usually stammer something along the lines of: “I talk about God for a living.” Or, if I’m feeling especially cynical: “It’s mostly marketing, some plagiarism, and a bit…
Is there life after burnout for pastors?
The short answer is Yes! I have traveled constantly for three weeks. This week, with my return to my home office, I have stumbled upon numerous situations of burnout among senior or solo pastors. When I am reminded of the…
Preaching on violence peacefully
By Ken Camp How can pastors preach on subjects like gun violence without disturbing the peace in their own congregations? “Pastors always tread the tightrope of a prophetic role and that of pastoral care,” said Terry Rosell, ethicist and professor…