One small brick between two people rarely causes issues, but when a multitude of those bricks are gathered there is potential to build a great wall.  In many relationships that is what happens–we use our differences to build walls.  Brick by brick we become isolated and separated from one another.  Each brick may be different in its makeup- (you may have bricks of jealousy, anger, bitterness, insecurity, etc.), but the outcome is the same.  Before you know it years have passed, and one day you are staring at a cold, flat wall wondering what happened.

God does not want us …

Whether it is called a small group, life group, adult class, or Sunday school, it can, overtime, get stale, predictable and boring.   Few things are as monotonous and tiresome as a lifeless, cold religious setting without spirit, zeal or excitement.  As teachers and preachers, we are to safeguard our classrooms from such dreary settings.  Here are a few things you can do to recharge the group you lead.

1. Evaluate Your Content.

People need to know what God has said.  They may be drawn to your personality, leadership skills, and charisma, but those qualities are short-lived if there is …

“In the press of life, if there aren’t sufficient and appropriate escapes,” said Wayne Cordeiro, “we become susceptible to unsuitable ones.”  Here’s a word that gets little attention these days: rest.

In our over-accomplished, quick-paced society, we tend to devalue rest.  We suppose that rest is something that occurs later in the day, later in the season, later in life.  We work, play, entertain, and consistently push forward without proper down time.

Before you disregard this notion and write it off as an attempt to be lazy, allow me to remind you that God Himself rested.  (He established this precedent …

I am often asked the question, “How do you study the Bible?”  As a preacher, I approach the Word of God differently at different times.  For example, I read the Bible daily for my personal walk and development.  Then there are times I approach the text intentionally to prepare a sermon for the congregation.  Other times I read the Bible because my soul desperately needs an answer for a particular issue of life.  Sometimes I open the Bible as a pastor, other times as a father, and more times than I would like to confess, as a sinner.

No matter …

Suppose someone from 1914 had the ability to travel in time 100 years and sit in a modern worship service?  It’s safe to say they would be absolutely shocked by the spiritual climate and change in our churches.  Everything is different, radically different. The technology, the music, the facilities, the delivery style, and in some cases, even the message would be almost unrecognizable to someone from this era.

This is not to say that everything was perfect 100 years ago.  On the contrary, the church has, in every decade, been riddled with challenges and complex issues.  There has never been …