Links I Like

Links I Like is a collection of blogs, articles and books I’ve come across recently and thought they were worth sharing. Click here for past Links I Like.

book

  1. Luke Simmons on 10 things I learned from preaching on homosexuality.
  2. 11 traits of church that will impact the future. This list is gold.
  3. Joe Carter on 9 things you should know about pornography and your brain.
  4. Busyness is not a virtue.
  5. Julian Freeman on Top preaching mistakes. I am definitely guilty of some of these from time to time. Great article.
  6. Ed Stetzer on New Research: Top parental traits.
  7. Ben Sharpo on ESPN Apologizes For Commentator’s Christian Worldview On Homosexuality.

A Conversation on Submission

Links I Like

Links I Like is a collection of blogs, articles and books I’ve come across recently and thought they were worth sharing. Click here for past Links I Like.

book

  1. Charles Stone on Are you a sleep deprived pastor?
  2. 3 questions to help you avoid leadership blind spots.
  3. Gary Molander on When churches lie.
  4. 7 (Honest) Postcards from Churches. These made me laugh.
  5. Dan Black on Leaders are readers. This can’t be said enough.
  6. 10 mistakes young preachers make.
  7. Trevin Wax on The holy spirit. Helpful list of quotes here.
  8. Creating a wow experience for guests at your church. This is a great insight for pastors and churches.

Links I Like

Links I Like is a collection of blogs, articles and books I’ve come across recently and thought they were worth sharing. Click here for past Links I Like
  1. The greatest challenge facing high school students. It’s not what you expect.
  2. Brian Dodd on 10 truths about pastors of fast growing churches.
  3. What it costs to be a complementarian.
  4. Bob Franquiz has a NEW resource: The Productive Pastor. I haven’t read it yet, but everything I’ve read from Bob in the past has been amazing. Expecting nothing less about this one.
  5. 7 lessons for next generation leaders.

Links I Like

Links to Get Your Week Going

  1. Russell Moore on Good news for bad preachers. This is so true, my first several years of preaching were pretty bad. Katie endured a lot of bad sermons with a smile. Just keep preaching.
  2. What it takes to have a sticky church. Great insights for leaders as they head into the fall ministry season.
  3. When your child is moving up in Planet Rev.
  4. David French on What Christians can learn from Mormons on church growth. This is really interesting.

Links I Like

  1. This looks delicious. Great summer grilling appetizer.
  2. Joe McKeever on The number one failure of 90% of pastors. Convicting post for leaders.
  3. 6 ways to develop leaders. Great insights into developing leaders.
  4. Tim Keller on The gospel vs. moralism. This framework has had a huge impact on my preaching in the last year.
  5. When you realize you have the comfortable life. If you are reading this, you have the comfortable life.

10 Ways to Prepare for Easter

I saw this on Redemption’s blog, written by my good friend, Luke Simmons. I’ve adapted to help Revolutionaries as they prepare for our Easter services.

10WaysToPrepareForEaster2

Not only is Easter the key celebration that Jesus has overcome Satan, sin and death, but it’s also one of the best times for the church to welcome guests to hear the gospel. With that in mind, here are ten ways to prepare.

10. Invite, Invite, Invite

Research shows what many of us have experienced — that unchurched people are more open to receiving an invitation to church during the Easter season, especially if it comes from a friend. So prayerfully invite someone to join you. If you’re a family, bring another family. If you’re married, bring another married couple. If you’re single, bring a single friend.

9. Get your Facebook & Twitter Accounts Ready

Social media provides an excellent platform to invite friends and family to Easter. Use this link to invite friends to one of our Easter services. Be sure to like our Facebook page to stay up to date on all things that are happening at Revolution.

8. Volunteer

With extra guests and all the regulars, Easter Sunday usually requires some extra help. From the parking lot to the nursery, there are opportunities to show hospitality and love. Contact Mike Miller or Yvonne Barreras to see where the biggest needs are.

7. Carpool & Park Further Away

Serve the first-time guests who will attend on Easter by carpooling with family and friends and taking a less convenient parking spot. Remember that many guests are coming somewhere they are not familiar with and may feel intimidated by — on the busiest day of the year. Little acts of love can make a big difference.

6. Do the Ministry of the Pew

Church gatherings are where Christians go to work — paying attention to new people, encouraging one another and looking for opportunities to serve. Easter Sunday is like the Christian’s Super Bowl. Don’t sit on the sidelines waiting to be served. Get in the game!

5. Pick Your Service

We are having services at 4 and 5:30pm on April 7th. Pick which one you’ll attend and, if possible, choose one that you anticipate will be less busy to open seats for guests at optimal times.

4. Pray for the Preacher, the Guests and Yourself

Only God can change the human heart. Pray that he would. Pray for the preacher to be filled with passion, clarity, and Spirit-led power. Pray for guests to be open and moved to faith in Jesus. Pray for yourself to be moved to greater trust in Christ and greater love for people.

3. Celebrate Jesus Passionately

When Christians gather to celebrate the resurrection, we have a unique opportunity to bear witness to the greatness and glory of Jesus. We should do it joyfully, sincerely, and passionately. What would happen to the guests and non-Christians in our midst if they saw the church electrified with the grace and glory of Christ?

2. Come Early

Much of the hospitality we’re called to on Easter requires we get there early. Not only will it decrease the stress on you and your family, but it will also give you time and space to welcome guests, encourage friends, and engage in the experience.

1. Come Ready

The preacher and musicians should not be the only ones preparing for Easter weekend. Come with a heart that is ready to celebrate, learn and do ministry. As we do this together, we trust God to work in powerful ways.

I’m personally excited to be celebrating the stories of life change through baptism during our Easter services. If you are interested in getting baptized, please contact Mike Miller.