January 1, 2023
Grace and Truth
New Testament Theology Embodied in Jesus and Carried Out in Cultural Chaos
Articles for tag: 1 Peter 5:1
The “˜Up-frontness” of Eldership
By Chuck Sackett Sam compassionately shepherded a congregation I”ll call Countryside Church, but a massive heart attack cut short his ministry, forcing him into an extended rehabilitation, and ultimately, retirement. The elders, assessing the situation, determined that Sam”s wife could live in the parsonage until he was released from the hospital. However, the church would begin searching for a minister immediately, so she needed to vacate the parsonage upon his release. On the other side of the state, Doris served the children of a congregation I”ll call Community Fellowship. Her ministry was exploding with children. Tragically, her husband found her
April 20, 2013
Lessons from a Fat Wallet
By Eddie Lowen Not long ago, removing my wallet from my pants pocket became difficult. That”s a good thing, right? On Subway restaurants” TV commercial, a thick wallet is evidence of frugal spending and increasing net worth. Dave Ramsey likes fat wallets. However, my wallet was gaining girth from items other than legal tender and dead presidents. Membership cards were to blame. Multiple membership cards. Some were plastic, others card stock. I emptied my wallet and discovered nearly a dozen membership cards to seemingly every organization in our city and beyond. A sampling of my memberships includes: Sam”s Club, which
November 2, 2012
Biblical Qualities of an Elder (Part 1)
By James Riley Estep Jr. The New Testament qualifications for elders are like pieces in a puzzle. When we put them together we see a beautiful picture of God”s ideal for what an elder should be. I like puzzles. At first, there is chaos. 200, 500, 1,000 pieces scattered on the tabletop; but then it begins to take shape, drawing a portrait that is revealed one piece at a time. Everyone has a puzzle-solving strategy. Maybe it is to find the edges or corners first, or to focus on the central image. Whatever the strategy, its goal is to give
October 11, 2010
Lesson for Oct. 17, 2010: God”s Safe Refuge (Psalm 46:1-7)
Neil Norheim reflects on Psalm 46 and the promise that God is our refuge, strength, river of grace, and fortress in every season of trouble.
March 21, 2010
Building Bonds Between Elders and Ministers (Part 1)
Mark A. Taylor reflects on discouragement, brokenness, and the hope Christians have because Jesus promised both trouble in this world and victory beyond it.
Moving from Managers to Shepherds (Part 1)
Lynn Anderson contrasts “shepherd and flock” leadership with institutional management, showing how authentic relationships and integrity shape spiritual influence. A mentoring story and biblical examples invite leaders to move from the boardroom into the pasture.
