Blogs

Deep Work for Pastors: 6 Keys for Better Sermon Preparation
“Recently, I enjoyed reading Cal Newport’s book Deep Work. It is one in a long line of new books detailing our challenged attention spans, social media’s deleterious effects on our ability to concentrate, and how the modern man bounces from one distraction to the next. Newport laments these challenges and offers helpful suggestions for correction. As I read his book, my mind continually raced to sermon preparation, and how pastors can strengthen their study time. Consider these six keys.”

When the Bible Becomes an App
“More than 90 percent of regular Bible readers prefer print to digital. That percentage holds true even though more than 90 percent of Bible readers also indicate that they engage with the Bible on digital platforms and through an app. So, the trends show exponential growth in digital Bible engagement alongside a strong preference for a print Bible reading experience. (In case you’re wondering how those statistics hold up generationally, consider the fact that three out of four millennials say they prefer a print Bible.)”

What I’ve Learned About Leviticus After Studying it for Over a Decade
Studying Leviticus “changed my life in ways far different from those just named. In my experience, at least four profound things happen when this book begins to seep into your soul.”

How to Love Visiting Church Members in the Hospital
“Hospital visitation is a unique opportunity wherein pastors can demonstrate Christian love and speaks gospel words into the minds and hearts of those who, due to the circumstances, may be unusually attentive. Chances are they’ll remember your hospital visit for the rest of their life, even though they may not remember last Sunday’s sermon. So brother-pastors, my prayer is that by the grace of God you too may come to the point where you can honestly say, “I love visiting my church members in the hospital.”"

465 Biblical Counseling Resources: The Annual Guide to Biblical Counseling Resources
T
hanks to Bob Kellemen for doing this work and making this available.

2018 Fall Resource Guide
Links to more helpful resources, this time divided into age categories: High School Students, College Students, Seminary Students, Small Group Leaders.

Pastoring Amid Depression
“After several months of depression, the cloud lifted for me. I experienced healing. Can I tell you something marvelous? The joy I experience now with friends, my spouse, my kids, my church, is somehow deeper. I’m a better pastor, I think. Folks here and there who also have experienced depression or melancholy have expressed they feel like I’m a safe person to talk to. That’s a gift. Can you believe it? The Lord somehow restored all that the locust had eaten and more. Praise the Lord! I would not have chosen to experience the darkness, but the darkness was transformed into a grace and I wouldn’t exchange it for anything.”

Is he able…He is able
“A series of verses in the Bible that have one thing in common—that little phrase “He is able”. They breathe hope, strength and assurance. They are promises made to those who are looking, or need encouragement to look to Jesus Christ for rescue, and to those of us who have put our trust in Jesus, but need fresh hope, strength and assurance.”

Kindle Books

If you ever wanted to get started on Jonathan Edwards, these books are excellent introductions to his work. They are all available in Kindle format for $2.51 each. See all five here.


Jonathan Edwards on True Christianity


Jonathan Edwards Lover of God


Jonathan Edwards on Beauty