Recognized (ordained) leaders—pastors, teachers, elders, deacons—set the pace in teaching the Word, discipling the immature, and extending mercy to those in need. And by setting the pace, leaders motivate, recruit, train, and deploy all the members of the body, each with his or her own gifting from God’s Spirit, to engage in ministries of speaking,... Continue Reading

All Christians are called to garden work, and pastors are called to model it—to labor diligently like farmers as we cultivate the health of the saints under our care. (2 Tim. 2:6). Our churches are “God’s field” (1 Cor. 3:9). This simple truth should reorient the way all Christians view the church. Are you cultivating... Continue Reading

The strength of a mother’s grief does not establish that her child had become her god. Weariness does not, by itself, reveal an idol of comfort. A person who longs for companionship may need the church to draw near. Sin can be present alongside suffering, but we must understand what we are addressing. Otherwise, we... Continue Reading