We Need Teachers

This year, I have had the privilege of coaching my oldest son’s “Coach-Pitch” baseball team.  It has been a blast.  I have loved baseball from the time that I began playing back at the age of 5.  I always thought that if the opportunity came around to coach my children’s teams, that I would jump at it.

While I record is not what I would have wanted, I believe that we have had a great time.  I have seen some of the guys (and one girl) come a long way this season.  I told them at the beginning of the season that we were going to focus on the two F’s: fundamentals and fun!  We’ve tried to do that.

Tonight is our team’s final game of the season.  Since school has let out around here, we are running into family vacations.  I got a message from a parent that let me know that their child was not going to make this last game because they won’t be back from vacation in time.  I completely understand.  Family time is important.

The last part of this parent’s message is what got me though.  They thanked me for a good season.  They were very appreciative of the work that we had done with the team – especially taking the time to actually teach them the game instead of expect them to just know it.

I have dwelt on that statement since I received the message.  The appreciation that someone took the time to teach their child how to do something instead of just letting them “live and learn.”  It got me to thinking about other things in life.

We need teachers. We need those who who are farther down the path that we are to come alongside of us and teach us the things that we need to know.  It is not going to “just happen.”  It will take deliberate action and time.  It will take celebrations and frustrations.  While it may be rough, the end result is great (and often greatly appreciated).

Thank you to the parents of our Hitmen this year.  Thank you for the opportunity to have fun with your children and hopefully pass on some of the things that I’ve learned on this journey.

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Sermon Series: The Best Method?

I was having a conversation with a good friend this morning, and the topic of sermon methods came up.  We shared the view that a series is a much better method than just picking various topics week by week.  It got me to thinking and wondering what others had to say on the topic.

I surrendered to the Gospel ministry in the summer of 1996.  I remember it like it was yesterday.  I was at our church's youth summer camp and God spoke to my heart saying, "I want you to preach and teach My word."  I had no clue as to what all that would call for.  As I started out with those first couple of "sermons" to our youth group, they were more topic by topic.  As I moved on into more continuous preaching/teaching roles, I found myself moving more towards a series approach.

For the past 13 years, I have found myself primarily doing series of messages at a time.  I see a couple of good reasons for that and would like to share.

• It helps me to be better prepared.  I find that when I'm preaching through a series, I am more prepared for my messages.  Typically, I will be studying on a particular subject more in depth and finding more opportunities for illustrations.


• It helps build momentum for the vision.  Vision is important in the life of a church.  It is the direction that God intends it to go.  To see that vision accomplished takes great momentum.  Preaching through a series at a time helps to build that momentum.


• It helps the congregation.  It is always neat to hear from visitors that they were invited by a friend because we were talking about something they have been wondering or going through.  When you preach through a series, the congregation has an idea of what is coming up.  If it is good and relevant to their friends' situations, it provides an opportunity for them to reach out.

Well, I have shared my thoughts on this subject.  I wonder, what do you think?  How have sermon series helped you or not?  I would love to hear some of your thoughts and experiences.

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What Translation Do You Use?

As a Christian and believer that the Bible is vital for a Christian's walk and growth, having an understanding of God's word is important. One key factor in this is to use an English translation that is helpful.

In today's world, there are so many English translations to choose from. You can choose a "word for word" translation such as the New American Standard (NASB) or a "thought for thought" translation like the New Living Translation (NLT). There are even some that are somewhat a mixture of the two listed above.

As a pastor, I am continuously looking at what translations people are using. I have a copy of just about each one under the sun. I use various ones in study and sermon prep. For devotion, I primarily use the Holman Christian Standard (HSCB), English Standard Version (ESV) or New Living Translation (NLT). Here is a post that I wrote a whole back talking about why I use certain translations.

What I am wondering is what Bible translation do you primarily use and why? If you are a teaching minister (pastor, youth pastor, teaching pastor, etc) which translation do you use for teaching/preaching and why?

(Please leave your comments in the blog comment section.)

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Unaware Teacher

This morning, I pulled up to the dining room table with my Bible, pen, journal, and a cup of coffee. That's certainly a good way to start the day. I was looking for some of that "daily bread" to get me through the day. I was jotting down some things that we're standing out. There were even a couple of things that stood out that might be in future sermons. One thing I didn't think I was doing was teaching, but apparently I was.

Before long, our three boys who are normally running wild with toys changed their focus. I could hear them in the living room. Our 6 year old, 3 year old, and 2 year old had all gone and gotten their Bibles. They were sitting in the living room doing what Daddy was doing.

I was humbled as I realized that this time of devotion was one of the best teaching times that I had. I want more than anything for my boys to know and follow Jesus like I do - even more. That isn't going to happen if I don't model it and show them that this following Jesus really works and is important. I need to let them see me reading the Bible not just in church, but at various times. I need to let them see me praying more than just at mealtime and bedtime.

You may not be intending on teaching, but be sure that there is someone that is watching and learning from you. What example are you teaching?

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Lessons From Parenthood

The past couple of days have been really cool as God has reminded me just how much He is using my children to teach me about my relationship with Him.  Two instances from the past day or so really stand out.

1. I was helping Sam (our 10 month old) with his walking by holding his hands while he made his way across the room.  He would take a couple of steps and then stop and look up at me.  He would wait for me to acknowledge him and tell him that he was doing good.  He would just smile and continue on.  It was at that moment that God reminded me that's how I should be.  Take a couple of steps all the while holding onto to my Father's hand and taking the time to stop and make sure that I'm doing it right and going in the right direction (Exodus 33:14-16).


2. As I was sitting in my office this morning, I heard the sounds of children playing outside my window (my office overlooks our church's playground).  Through all of the noise, I heard one distinct voice: my oldest son, Drew.  It wasn't because he was being rowdy or overly loud, but rather I just knew that voice.  I could pick it out of a crowd and zone in to where he was.  I watched as my 3 year old was playing something (who knows what his imagination had come up with), and I found myself just smiling.  I could hear the whisper of God in my ears saying, "You know, I hear you out of the crowd, too.  I also take joy in seeing you use the gifts that I've given you to the fullest."  (Exodus 33:16-18)

It is amazing sometimes the avenues and different things that God will use to teach His children about Himself.  Keep your eyes and ears open and hear the words of God.

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