References to christian articles written by theologans of the Christian Faith.
By Michael McFarland John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. There are many worship services going on today but too many lack Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit) involvement. The only way to lead a Spirit-filled worship service is if those doing the leading are filled with the Spirit. Sounds basic I know, but it really is the…
By Unknown Author A question haunts many conscientious leaders. Although many people receive the Holy Spirit, many do not remain. Their new birth often proves to be more of a stillbirth. How can we reduce the number of stillbirths and lead newborn Christians into meaningful relationships with the Lord and the church? Statistics reveal that unless a new convert is able to develop six or seven new relationships in the church within 9 months, he will probably leave the church….
By Michael McFarland "And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled" (Luke 14:23) Compel: to drive or urge forcefully or irresistibly. Most people are "nervous" when it comes to inviting guests to church. In fact, most people are afraid to even talk to someone about Church or about God. They are afraid that they won’t have all of the right answers….
By James Smith Home Friendship Groups (Cell ministry), are gaining greater and greater interest as we hear the success stories from those who have ventured into this ministry. The largest and fastest growing churches in the world are churches with HFG’s. 10 years ago, the Lord began to speak to me about a model of ministry that to my knowledge, no one was doing at that time. (little did I know) Often, I would look over the congregation and notice…
By Michael McFarland Yes. When God fills us with His Spirit and we become a member of the body of Christ (Romans 12:5) we automatically have a ministry. What is that ministry? Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and…
By James Smith If you desire for people to follow you, you have to connect with them. The catalyst of your relationship with them at any level may very well have to be a result of your constant effort to associate with them. An unbeliever’s only basis for coming into the knowledge of truth may well be his relationship with his teacher/preacher. Connect with them on a personal level. Find out what it is that interests them and try…
By James Smith One Snoopy cartoon depicts the famous beagle of Charley Brown lying on the roof of his dog house and complaining that everyone is constantly demanding something from him. He has so much more to do that he can possibly get accomplished. In the final frame of the cartoon, Snoopy sighs, “I hate being head beagle!” Being head beagle is not always as glamorous as it appears to be. Amazingly, people struggle to become the top dog. …
By James Smith Probably the worst thing that can happen to a God-called minister of the Gospel is that they would be confused about their calling. Confusion in the ministry thwarts the positive impact of the church. No congregation or ministry can move forward when the leadership of that organization is confused about their calling. Whether we are talking about an individual’s or an organization’s calling, confusion can kill their potential. Some men/women spend their entire lives confused about…
By Rev. James Smith Boy what a hassle! That’s generally how most preachers feel about the finances of the church. Wouldn’t it be incredible if we never had to deal with the money? Even Jesus handed the money purse off to someone else. Who wants to deal with it?! My wife currently handles the offerings of the church. For years we have struggled to find a software that makes the accounting of the tithes and offerings simple. I hate…
By James Smith 1. Tells you the truth – even when it hurts. One man who has been one of my mentors for almost 18 years especially stands out because of his honesty with me. Early in my ministry and marriage, he pulled me aside and explained to me that I was not very respectful to my wife in public. He explained that the ladies of the church would not honor me as a minister for this reason. At…