Preaching Daily - December 15

Today's Word for Pastors...

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 
Romans 8:28

Today's Preaching Insight...

Leaders Making Leaders

Where did the leaders go? According to a 2009 Barna Group survey, only 2 percent of those who identified themselves as Christians believe they have the gift of leadership.

New Testament leadership was comprehensive. It had its moments of tenderness and messages of tough love. It wept, laughed, warned, condemned and taught real-life lessons; but it always was a step ahead of the congregation. Paul said, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1, NIV).

Naturally, if there are followers, there must be a leader. And pastor, you are the designated leader. Leadership training is the organizational backbone of a growing church. "When a group lacks quality leadership, it will tend to languish. Leadership is a social construct. No one leads by himself." New leaders must be trained to take the place of those retired, wounded or missing in action. Your weekly message can be an awesome add-on, a training ground for discipleship and leadership.

Believers caught in the web of a post-Christian culture are seeking far more than three points and a poem. They want to stand on a firm foundation.

Albert L. Truesdale Jr., once said, "With all orthodox Christianity we believe that in spite of notable limitations, the Holy Spirit worked in the life of the Church to create the Creeds. They do now faithfully articulate the Triune God—the Father, Son and Holy Spirit." Let's face it—our parishioners need to know more about God more than anything!

(To read the entire article, "Leading from the Pulpit" by Stan Toler at Preaching.com, click here)

Today's Extra...

Pulling for Others on the Court of Life

"The scoreboard said I lost today," Andre Agassi told the crowd. "But what the scoreboard doesn't say is what it is I have found. Over the last 21 years, I have found loyalty. You have pulled for me on the court and also in life.

"I found inspiration. You have willed me to succeed, sometimes even in my lowest moments. And I've found generosity. You have given me your shoulders to stand on to reach for my dreams, dreams I could never have reached without you. Over the last 21 years, I have found you, and I will take you and the memory of you with me for the rest of my life."

(Andre Agassi to the crowd on Sept. 3, 2006, U.S. Open, Arthur Ashe Stadium, Queens.)

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