Pastoral Resources Archives - Page 8 of 9 - The Artios Center for Vibrant Leadership

Do You Turn Away From God When You Are Hurting?

Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:34:29-06:00

By Lisa Harp Hinds Have you noticed that it seems so many Christians are turning away from God and the church lately? What makes us do that? Why do we separate from the One and the ones who care about us? First, let’s think of what the church really is. I Corinthians 12: 27-28 tells us that we “are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church…..” Verse 28 goes on to list gifts such as apostles, prophets, teachers, administrators, etc. In other words, each of us has a gift and a place to serve. Plus, we need each other [...]

Do You Turn Away From God When You Are Hurting?Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:34:29-06:00

Compassion for the Masses: 6 Lessons Gleaned from a Busy Day of Ministry with Jesus

Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:34:59-06:00

By Whaid Rose Of the miracles of Jesus, the feeding of the five thousand is the only one recorded in detail in all four gospels. None was quite as public, performed in front of so many witnesses. According to Mark’s account (6:30-44), it happened serendipitously. Needing to get away from the crowd, Jesus withdrew (with His disciples) to a quiet place (verse 31). This highlights the first of several principles in this story: Solitude and rest are essential to effective ministry. But word got out; the people found them. And how did Jesus react? He welcomed them, highlighting another important principle: Ministry [...]

Compassion for the Masses: 6 Lessons Gleaned from a Busy Day of Ministry with JesusBrian Franks2022-07-12T12:34:59-06:00

Learning to Love Those You Serve

Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:35:24-06:00

By Josiah Robles John opens his first epistle by defending and establishing the understanding of the humanity of Christ. “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life…” (1 John 1:1). 1 John is making the bold statement that Christ is, in fact, both eternal with the Father and has come to Earth as a human to unite us with the Father, “…and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3b). As described by [...]

Learning to Love Those You ServeBrian Franks2022-07-12T12:35:24-06:00

Why We Need Administration in Church Ministries

Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:36:09-06:00

By Kristin Gonzalez In middle school, I learned a valuable lesson about administration and leadership. I had a science teacher who engaged us in hands-on science projects and experiments. Within her classroom, I learned about the scientific method, photosynthesis, and leadership. I vividly remember her telling me she was placing two boys in a group with me for a hot air balloon project. She also informed me that I was the group leader. We were to create a hot air balloon out of tissue paper that would soar to the heights of the gym ceiling. I was very excited about another great [...]

Why We Need Administration in Church MinistriesBrian Franks2022-07-12T12:36:09-06:00

5 Reasons the Church Needs Administration

Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:36:24-06:00

By Loren Gjesdal We have all heard complaints about bureaucratic red tape (and maybe voiced those complaints ourselves!). Usually these complaints relate to our interactions with local government, but what about the church? Is church administration just a brake on ministry innovation? Do policies and procedures sap energy and resources better used elsewhere? There are at least 5 reasons why we need proper church administration. When done right, church administration is essential for accomplishing the heart of any effective church ministry—equipping discipleship. CHURCH ADMINISTRATION AND MISSIONAL VISION Effective ministry innovation requires well thought out and communicated missional vision. Why do we do what we do? Why [...]

5 Reasons the Church Needs AdministrationBrian Franks2022-07-12T12:36:24-06:00

5 Misconceptions About Christian Education

Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:36:51-06:00

By Brian Franks There are several misconceptions about Christian Education out there. Below are five of the most common ones. #1—CHRISTIAN EDUCATION IS JUST ABOUT MEMORIZING INFORMATION Some think Christian education is just about memorizing and repeating information about God and religion. However, this does not describe any good Christian education, whether in the local church or at a ministry training college. Good Christian education is not about stating information and students parroting it back for a grade. Rather, proper Christian Education is transformational. The goal is for the student to be transformed into a mature believer in God who understands their calling and gifts. The student should be able to [...]

5 Misconceptions About Christian EducationBrian Franks2022-07-12T12:36:51-06:00

The Doctrine of the Incarnation: A Historical Exploration-Part 3

Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:37:14-06:00

By Israel Steinmetz The Christian orthodox doctrine of the Incarnation makes a rather stunning and unique claim. This doctrine states that the eternal Son of God became a human being, maintaining a divine nature and a human nature within one Person. He lived a physical life, died a physical death, and was resurrected. Such a claim stands out from all other religious claims. This series we have set out to thoroughly examine the doctrine of Incarnation. In part one we addressed the doctrine’s biblical basis. Part two chronicled its historic development including related heresies and controversies. Now we will explore its current standing among evangelicals. [...]

The Doctrine of the Incarnation: A Historical Exploration-Part 3Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:37:14-06:00

The Doctrine of the Incarnation: A Historical Exploration-Part 2

Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:39:42-06:00

By Israel Steinmetz The Christian orthodox doctrine of the Incarnation makes a rather stunning and unique claim. This doctrine states that the eternal Son of God became a human being, maintaining a divine nature and a human nature within one Person. He lived a physical life, died a physical death, and was resurrected. Such a claim stands out from all other religious claims. This three part series thoroughly examines the doctrine of Incarnation. In part one we investigated the doctrine’s biblical basis. Now we will chronicle its historic development including related heresies and controversies. GROWTH OF THE DOCTRINE FROM AD 30 – 451: [...]

The Doctrine of the Incarnation: A Historical Exploration-Part 2Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:39:42-06:00

The Doctrine of the Incarnation: A Historical Exploration-Part 1

Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:39:26-06:00

By Israel Steinmetz The Christian orthodox doctrine of the Incarnation makes a rather stunning and unique claim. This doctrine states that the eternal Son of God became a human being, maintaining a divine nature and a human nature within one Person. He lived a physical life, died a physical death, and was resurrected. Such a claim stands out from all other religious claims. Through nearly two thousand years of Church history much ink has been spilled over the doctrine of the Incarnation. Building on the foundation of references in the Gospels and the epistles, the early church debated for nearly five [...]

The Doctrine of the Incarnation: A Historical Exploration-Part 1Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:39:26-06:00

What is the Gospel?

Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:39:03-06:00

By Martin Cicero My church family and I have been talking about things these last few weeks that lead up to a very important question, “What is the gospel?” Before I answer that, we need to understand that many people answer the question with much excess baggage. In Section 3 of Steps to Sharing Your Faith, we read, Sometimes a theme in the Scriptures so captivates us that we are tempted to make it part of the essential message. It might be God’s love for the poor and oppressed, or His promise of prosperity to Israel, or His command to be stewards of the [...]

What is the Gospel?Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:39:03-06:00

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