Articles for tag: Gordon MacDonald

November 11, 2015

Christian Standard

The Secret-Driven Life

By Jim Tune (This column was first posted November 5, 2014.) To be real is to risk. I know many preachers who feel a deep reluctance (often well-founded) to reveal who they really are to those they lead. Henri Nouwen suggests that pastors are the least confessing people in the church. The expectations demanded of pastors in our Western culture are often unattainable, unsustainable, and soul-withering. I admit that I have sometimes allowed my own fear of vulnerability to push me into hiding. The trouble with life in the shadows is the double life it promotes in the shadow dweller.

October 25, 2015

Christian Standard

The Book that Saved My Ministry

Seven leaders tell how reading made all the difference for them. ____ TODD CLARK, teaching pastor, Christ”s Church of the Valley, Peoria, Arizona Too Busy Not to Pray: Slowing Down to Be with God by Bill Hybels (InterVarsity Press, 1998) Choosing to Cheat: Who Wins When Family and Work Collide? by Andy Stanley (Multnomah, 2003) The Life You”ve Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People by John Ortberg (Zondervan, 1997) Soul Keeping: Caring for the Most Important Part of You by John Ortberg (Zondervan, 2014) A Tale of Three Kings: A Study of Brokenness by Gene Edwards (Tyndale House, 1992) As I

October 20, 2015

Christian Standard

When the Leader Fails

By Alan Ahlgrim Integrity failures come in all shapes and sizes, and usually at the most inconvenient times, in the most surprising ways, and from the most unexpected directions. Based on my experience and what I”ve learned from others, here”s my advice for a church coping with a leader”s failure. Over the course of my ministry, here”s just a sample of what I”ve been faced with and forced to lead through. “¢ Confronting the chairman of the elders with his adultery with another visible church member. “¢ Navigating the confession of molestation, as a highly respected leader simultaneously admitted his sin

February 12, 2012

Christian Standard

Celebrating the Restoration of a Broken-World Brother

By Don Green About two years ago one of the ministers of the church I attend was asked to resign following a confessed sin and an acknowledged act of deception. Within days of his confession and resignation, he initiated conversations with some of his ministry friends that ultimately led to the creation of a restoration team. The minister was Todd Parmenter who served with Lincoln (Illinois) Christian Church. I was privileged to serve on this restoration team. We served together for 20 months in one of the most rewarding experiences in my more than 40 years of ministry.   Resources

September 1, 2010

Christian Standard

Growing Like Jesus: Hearing God Through People

By Glen Elliott (Glen Elliott was among eight Christian leaders asked to share what helps them mature just as Jesus did. Elliott serves as lead pastor with Pantano Christian Church, Tucson, Arizona and as a CHRISTIAN STANDARD contributing editor.) ___________________ Years ago I was working as the dean of students at Pacific Christian College (now Hope International University). At the same time, I had the joy of leading the junior high ministry at my church. (It was natural. Both junior high kids and college students are just crazy enough to be fun!) I poured my life into my work and

August 9, 2010

Christian Standard

Lesson for Aug. 15, 2010: Living into the Future (Philippians 3:4b-16)

This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for August 15) is written by Rick D. Walston, vice president of academics and professor of Christian ministries at Crossroads College in Rochester, Minnesota. Living into the Future (Philippians 3:4-16) By Rick D. Walston What motivates you? What goals are you pursuing? Gordon MacDonald tells about pursuing a doctorate in history at the University of Northern Colorado. He was in a seminar with a dozen other graduate students discussing the economic impact of changes in tobacco prices in 17th-century Virginia. The students offered their opinions, raised their voices, and gestured forcefully, evidencing true passion. MacDonald reports, “When I left the

May 17, 2009

Christian Standard

Helpful Resources for Older Adult Ministry

  Compiled by Amy Hanson “¢ Christian Association Serving Adult Ministries (CASA): A national organization that provides resources for church leaders who are ministering with people in the second half of life. See www.gocasa.org. “¢ Building Adult Ministries: A blog affiliated with Christianity Today and CASA that shares relevant articles regarding ministry with adults 50 and older. CLICK HERE. “¢ Churches Responding to the Age Wave, Creating New Opportunities for Older Adults to Serve, and Breaking Down the Age Barriers: These are concept papers by Amy Hanson available at www.leadnet/encoregeneration.org. These papers share insights and examples from a number of

November 9, 2008

Christian Standard

FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Returning from the Dark Side

By LeRoy Lawson Both of these books are written by pastors who have been to the dark side””and came back to tell their stories. Gordon MacDonald, The Life God Blesses (Thomas Nelson, 1994). Gordon MacDonald is one of evangelicalism”s most respected leaders. Chairman of this and editor of that, he frequently speaks for conferences around the globe and, when he has nothing else to do, keeps on cranking out his helpful columns and books. The Life God Blesses is not his latest and may not be rated as his best (Ordering Your Private World usually is), but when Ben Cachiaras

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