Does the Bible Require Churches to Have Elders?

As we get very close to all of the church at Lake Hills looking at the first draft of proposed changes to our church constitution regarding pastor/elders and deacons, I wanted to share a little bit from my final project. Some might say that having multiple elders (or shared pastoral oversight as I often call … Continue reading Does the Bible Require Churches to Have Elders?

Social Media and Mental Health: My Experience

Several years ago I reset my life. Central Oaks Community Church afforded me the privilege of having a six-week sabbatical to do so. Lynsey and I considered every possible thing in my life that may have been contributing to panic attacks I was having. One area of my life that radically changed and hasn't gone … Continue reading Social Media and Mental Health: My Experience

Bible Study Tools I Use Regularly

A Physical Bible God's Word is God's Word whether it's printed, read, sung, or digitized. A physical copy of God's Word is not more holy than a digital one. But reading a printed copy is not the same as reading a digital copy. I can't prove this, but there is a connection you make with … Continue reading Bible Study Tools I Use Regularly

A Lightbulb Moment for How to Read the Gospels

The first four books of the New Testament are called the "gospels," of course--Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. They are a genre of writing that's different than the epistles, prophecy, or poetry, or even historical narrative. Because it's a unique genre of writing, it should be read with that genre in mind. It took me … Continue reading A Lightbulb Moment for How to Read the Gospels

“The Husband of One Wife”

Our sermon series called "Who Leads the Church?" has raised some questions, for which I am thankful. I am thankful because it means you all are thinking and are willing to talk with me about these things. One question I talked with someone about was the meaning of a qualification for the office of pastor-elder … Continue reading “The Husband of One Wife”