I have a general rule of thumb about visiting places for the first time: if I feel uncomfortable or unwelcomed, I typically don’t go back.  This is true with restaurants, vacation spots, individual homes, and yes, even churches.

Some of the most joyous places I have ever visited have been churches; and unfortunately, some of the most miserable places I have ever visited have been churches.  It is sad to say, but some congregations don’t do well with visitors.  They feel threatened by their presence, and aggravated by the fact that someone different just might sit in their pew (I …

A pastor told his congregation one Sunday that he would be taking a few days off to repair a broken fence in his backyard.  A little boy heard the announcement and showed up the next day at the pastor’s home.  As the preacher began working on the fence, the little boy just stood there silently and watched the man of God as he worked.  This went on for several days until the man asked the boy if he would like to help.  The boy responded, “No sir, I just want to see what a preacher does when he hits his …

Text: 1 Peter 2:4-8

Introduction:

One of the most successful advertising campaigns for Chevrolet lasted from 1992-2004.  They produced a series of commercials for their pickup trucks entitled- Like a Rock

Bob Seger sang the now famous words:

Like a Rock, I was strong as I could be, Like a rock, nothing ever got to me, like a rock.

The premise of the commercial was to make us believe you could depend upon their trucks- as long as you were driving on of their vehicles, nothing could go wrong.

I passed by a junk yard the other day and …

Every year thousands of preachers, pastors, and evangelists leave their calling.  It is true-God redirects some men into different locations and fields at various times.  On occasion God will close and open the doors of ministry.  But others leave with the intent to only go through one final door, and that is the door out in the vestibule.

While ministry is the greatest privilege of a man’s life, it is also difficult-only those who have never been in it will say otherwise.  Ministry is full of disappointments, heartaches, mud-slinging (yes, mud-slinging), tears and aggravation.  However, much of the difficulty we …

What am I going to do?  What degree will I pursue?  Where does God want to lead my family?  Should I put the kids in private school?  Can I afford this?  Should we buy this home?  How can I tell them that?  Am I ready for this?  Should I stay?  Do I go?

Some decisions are trivial, while others are life-changing; either way they have consequences.  Making a decision is something that is accomplished within a moment of time, but the effect has far-reaching and long-lasting results.  That is why it is important not to hastily jump to a conclusion.  …