This is an excerpt from chapter seven in the book, “Hurdling the Barriers” to Church Health. “Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel;” (Proverbs 25:4, ESV) As a pastor, I have ministered to many people who have struggled with cancer. I am sure that everyone of usContinue reading “The Barrier of Impurity”
Category Archives: Church Health
Hurdling the Barrier of Missed Truth.
Each week I promised to present a synopsis of the book, “Hurdling the Barriers” – to church health. I usually post these on Saturday, however, the internet service was down and we just got it back. This is the introduction from chapter six, which deals with the barrier of “Missed Truth.” “But as for you,Continue reading “Hurdling the Barrier of Missed Truth.”
The barriers to making disciples
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19–20, ESV) Chapter 5 of theContinue reading “The barriers to making disciples”
The Barrier of Lost Love for Others
Here is a brief synopsis of Chapter 4 of the book, “Hurdling the Barriers to Church Health and Growth.” “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” (John 13:34, ESV) I remember our transition from Savannah to PortsmouthContinue reading “The Barrier of Lost Love for Others”
The Barrier of Lost Love for God
Chapter three of the book, “Hurdling Barriers,” focuses on the barrier of a lost love for God. It is a barrier to which no church will admit, but it is not uncommon. Moreover, many churches may have this barrier without even knowing it. What follows is a brief introduction to the chapter. “You shall loveContinue reading “The Barrier of Lost Love for God”
Hurdling the Barrier of Self-Sufficiency
As I have been doing, here is a synopsis of chapter two of the book, “Hurdling the Barriers” – to church health and growth. “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6,Continue reading “Hurdling the Barrier of Self-Sufficiency”
Hurdling the Barrier of Self-Glorification
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31, ESV) I mentioned last week that I would send out a brief synopsis of each chapter of the book, “Hurdling Barriers.” The book deals with barriers to being a healthy church. This first chapter inContinue reading “Hurdling the Barrier of Self-Glorification”
The Health Vs. Growth Continuum
I thought that each week, I would present a snippet of what will be included in the book I am working on, “Hurdling Barriers” that looks at overcoming the barriers to church health and growth. This excerpt is from the introduction. . . . from what I have observed, churches often lose their way becauseContinue reading “The Health Vs. Growth Continuum”
Why Focus on Church Health?
I spent much time in prayer after moving to semi-retirement from the pastorate. I kept thinking of all the seminars, convention meetings and books I read, trying to figure out how to move a church to the next level. In my effort to do this, I became completely exhausted. Then it dawned on me. IContinue reading “Why Focus on Church Health?”
A Thought on Church Health
Renewing the heart has two connected goals, to renew the hearts of believers and renew the heart of churches. In addition to the weekday thoughts on Romans, once every weekend, I will be posting a excerpt regarding church health. This is the first one that I posted last week. The next will come out nextContinue reading “A Thought on Church Health”
Renewing the Heart 