Paul returned to the churches he had established in order to strengthen those churches and assist with the development and appointment of leaders. Paul left Titus on Crete to correct the things lacking and to establish leaders. We have a clear New Testament model. In the twentieth and twenty-first century, however, at times the work …
Category Archives: Missions
It’s Sunday Again: A Word of Encouragement
Another Sunday, worship with another congregation within the spiritual family. I have been asked to teach and preach. No specific instructions, but I know what is needed–a word of encouragement! We will focus on missions–God blesses us with marvelous opportunities to make a difference in our world. We will remember God’s love and Christ’s sacrifice …
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When God says “go”
Some may remember playing the childhood game of “Stop and Go.” In the game, the leader gives an instruction to either stop or go while looking away from the players. Players try to disobey the stop instruction and move forward while the leader is not looking. Some players try to move rapidly, others inch forward …
A Superb Sunday!
How humbling to receive the blessing and prayer of God’s leaders as we prepare for another mission journey! The heartfelt hugs and expressions of love, support, and concern continued as we greeted brothers and sisters after worship and as class began. Visiting with the leaders of the Bella Vista church and having the opportunity to …
2012 Reflections–9 months and counting!
This past Sunday evening, I had the privilege of presenting a mission report, a summary my 2012 mission and ministry activity, at the Main and Oklahoma church. It was a special blessing to return to this church that has been so much a part of our lives and our work in ministry and missions over …
Church Infrastructure
Many churches fail to reach their full potential because of a lack of sufficient or workable infrastructure. Infrastructure is not a word used frequently to describe churches. Think we me about the applications. Infrastructure refers to the basic structures and facilities (generally physical or organizational) needed for operation of an enterprise or society. How does …
Missions: Time for a Changing Role
For at least 10 years, I have been writing about the changing role of the U.S. church in missions. Dan Bouchelle, president of Missions Resource Network, echoed this reality in a summer 2012 newsletter, “…we have been convinced for some time that the era of American dominance of global kingdom work is drawing down, and …
Getting Up Early
Got up early this morning–3 AM. Thinking about lots of things as I prepare for today’s flight to Guayaquil and the beginning of three weeks of mission activities. Why do people get up early? From my own experience, here is a short list–perhaps in some order of importance, and reflecting my most frequent experiences. To …
A “Missions” Perspective
Note: I am updating and reposting this blog from a couple of years ago. For those of you who follow this blog because of your interest in ministry and missions (the basic reason for my website and for this blog, even though I stray at times to other items), I share a post from Carlos …
Churches of Christ: Has our ‘culture’ changed?
In the question raised in the title, the culture of a church refers to purpose, thinking, values, worldview, content and method of communication. Some have called this the DNA of the church. Few observers would deny that the contemporary church has less focus on and fewer expectations regarding evangelism. There is less focus on bringing …
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