Programs are useful things, but they are not ministry in and of themselves. I appreciate the illustration given in the title of Colin Marshall and Tony Payne’s book, The Trellis and the Vine. In it, programs are likened to a trellis that provides a structure for the growing vines (i.e. people). This helpful illustration properly places church programs as a means not an end.

As a pastor at a church that is potentially going from a high school to a permanent building soon, there have been many discussions on how to utilize the new building. For the first time we can have ministries throughout the week at a central location anytime we want. The possibilities seem endless. But we have to evaluate these potential new programs and the old ones to see if they are the best ways to accomplish ministry in our local context. Here are some criteria I am personally using: Continue Reading…

Theme of Philemon: forgiveness.

I remember memorizing that statement over and over again for my ordination class in seminary. Philemon is a book that demonstrates the power of Christian love and forgiveness. Yet, reading and studying it again years later, I am struck not just by the theme of forgiveness, but by Paul’s ability to shepherd and disciple both Philemon and Onesimus and now understand that this book has many pastoral insights to be mined.

The Apostle Paul handles a very difficult situation masterfully. In this short epistle, you find that Paul had met and discipled a runaway slave named Onesimus, and that during this process, it was revealed that Paul knew Onesimus’ master and in fact had discipled him, Philemon, as well.

While in prison at Rome, Paul desired to orchestrate the reconciliation between these two men. Onesimus had wronged his master by running away and by law Philemon had every right to punish him. Paul did not want this outcome. Onesimus was now a brother in Christ and useful for ministry. He desired for both men to reconcile and be an example of how Christian brothers should treat and love one another.

As Paul wrote this letter, there are a few things about the way he approaches Philemon that struck me as valuable lessons for how to approach a person when seeking to give them counsel specifically for one who has authority like a pastor:

1)   Paul opens with tender language that establishes their relationship. Continue Reading…