Labels

By Rev. Dr. J. Patrick Bowman We all have the tendency to attach labels to ourselves. We call ourselves certain things based on physical attributes, health issues, age, national heritage, marital status, profession, etc. Therefore I might call myself a slightly overweight, diabetic, mid-senior, Scandinavian, married minister. Now I will surely modify some of those

Exploring the Posture, Purpose, and Results of Church Ministry

By Rev. Dr. J. Patrick Bowman Exploring the posture, purpose, and results of church ministry must be centered around the One to whom the church belongs: Jesus Christ. It is only as we take a Christ-centered approach that we give heed to Jesus’ declaration in Mark 16:18 that He would build His church and the

The Cutting of the Word

I have been reading, “On Preachers,” by John Wesley. It is a treatise written to all preachers but in particular his own Methodist preachers. In speaking expressly of hindrances to the pastoral ministry, Wesley made one statement that caught my attention: “Should not compassion, should not tenderness, hinder us from giving pain? Yes, from giving

How to Handle Perceived Blessings

Have you ever received a gift and found out much later that what you thought was a blessing ends up a curse? Have you ever been deceived by a bad thing masquerading as a good thing? Have you ever put all your eggs in the one basket with the broken handle? Max Lucado, in his

How Low Are You Willing to Go for God’s Sake?

Our reading today is 1 Corinthians 2:1-5: And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness and

Wesleyan Small Group Structure as a Scriptural and Dynamic Model for Home Group Meetings

John Wesley, the father of Methodism, was thought to be an organizational genius in his day, even by those who did not agree with his doctrines. As we look at his small group structure, it is evident that it is a scriptural and dynamic model for home group meetings in our day, as well. Before

Why Time Alone is Vital for Leaders

The nature of leadership is the nature of servitude. Leaders respond to servitude in giving of themselves in many ways in a variety of circumstances, some easier than others. Without times of solitude to get alone with our inner selves and calling, we can become hardened to the real needs around us and turn into

Apostolic Attributes

Although there are numerous ways to critique and validate apostolic leaders, there are common attributes that mark many leaders serving in this capacity. It is also important to note that not all apostles minister the same way with the same gifts and calling. In looking at apostolic leadership, we must apply the same scriptural principles