by Bret Capranica | Apr 22, 2010 | Ordinary Pastor, The Gospel
This was a much needed exhortation to my heart this morning in my reading – what every ordinary pastor needs to consider very carefully: The higher we rise in the kingdom the more we shall be like Jesus in this humbling of Himself. Childlikeness such as He exhibited is an invariable characteristic of spiritual advancement, even as its absence is the mark of moral littleness. The little man, even when well-intentioned, is ever consequential and scheming, — ever thinking of himself, his honor, dignity, reputation, even when professedly doing good. He always studies to glorify God in a way that shall at the same time glorify himself. Frequently above the love of gain, he is never above the feeling of self-importance. The great ones in the kingdom, on the other hand, throw themselves with such unreservedness into the work to which they are called, that they have neither time nor inclination to inquire what place they shall obtain in this world or the next. Leaving consequences to the great Governor and Lord, and forgetful of self-interest, they give their soul to their appointed task; content to fill a little space or a large one, as God shall appoint, if only He be glorified. A.B. Bruce, The Training of the...
by Bret Capranica | Apr 15, 2010 | Featured Articles, Pastoral Ministry, Time/Life Management
Values impact who you are and what you do. Roles and goals define who you are and what you need to do. What roles do you play in life? Husband, father, pastor, teacher, son, friend, neighbor? You know what they are. Think through the following questions in determining the roles you have in life and the biblical injunctions that best speak to how those roles should be lived out: 1. List your roles. 2. Assign specific Scriptures appropriate to each role. 3. List any key people associated with these roles. 4. Write a clarifying statement that describes specifically how you would want to fulfill this role If you have listed more than 7 roles, you may need to consolidate a few of them. Or you may even need to consider letting go of some of them – especially as you see more and more what is most important in your life and ministry. The Franklin-Covey approach to defining roles and goals suggests that you consider four other areas in addition to the roles you have listed. Covey calls them “Sharpening the Saw.” These are the areas of mental, physical, social, and spiritual priorities you should pursue and keep sharp. These roles/relationships will have a significant impact on the next step in the process of becoming more focused and hopefully more productive in life and ministry: Weekly Planning (more on that next week). Goals follow your roles. Ask yourself in regard to each of your roles, “What do I want to see accomplished in this role?” “Why?” “What would be a reasonable timeline in which to accomplish this goal?” Think...
by Bret Capranica | Apr 13, 2010 | Featured Articles, Pastoral Ministry, Time/Life Management
The big picture is where productivity begins, whether for a pastor or really anyone. What’s the biblical rationale for life? What are your biblical values and how are they What roles do you providentially have in life? What does the Bible say about each of them? As you analyze your life circumstances, biblical priorities, and personal giftedness, what do you believe would be the best end product to shoot for in each of these roles you have in your life? That’s where goals come in. Goals will shed light on how you plan each week and evaluate how your doing as time goes on. Weekly planning helps to guide how you think about each day. Overly intentional? Maybe. But I think these are merely practical ways to look at life and ministry and make sure you are aligning life and ministry along a biblical track. So in this post I want to concentrate on identifying and defining biblical values. What are the core principles that govern your thinking and your behavior? Perhaps you could ask yourself, when I die, what do I most want my life to leave behind that were the obvious commitments of my life and ministry? Answer that question with a list of one word responses. Then begin to clarify those words in a short sentence or two. Here’s a few steps to take in defining and clarifying your values: 1. Brainstorm a list of one-word standards, ideals and priorities that are biblically based and very important to you. 2. List each one word value and then write a present-tense, first person affirmation statement about how...
by Bret Capranica | Apr 12, 2010 | The Gospel
This week, I and our three pastoral interns will be attending the Together for the Gospel conference in Louisville, KY. Two years ago was my first occasion to attend this conference (2006 was the first). Over 7,000 are expected for this year’s conference and the line up of speakers looks excellent. You can keep tabs on the conference through the web-site. It does not appear they will be livestreaming the sessions, but each will likely be available afterward online. Here’s 5 things I most looking forward to at this year’s T4G: 1. Powerful Preaching. The preaching is from our generation’s best expositors addressing crucial issues in keeping the gospel central in life and ministry. I am still deeply affected by John Piper’s message two years ago and its effects in my ministry are taking shape even as we speak. 2. God-centered Singing. I cannot say enough about the singing at the last conference. Every song seems to lyrically fit the message previously given. Each song was played with simplicity and beauty so as to highlight what we were singing and the voices rose above the instrumentation – one mighty choir of 5500 men singing incredible words together. 3. Stimulating Resources. Rumor has it that some 20 books will be given out. These are not publisher left-overs. These resources are those which the main speakers want to put in the hands of each of the attendees because of what the intended impact. I look forward to digging into them. 4. Ministry Focus. These conferences provide an opportunity for me to be evaluated, evaluate ministry, and refocus my heart and mind...
by Bret Capranica | Apr 9, 2010 | Ordinary Pastor, Pastoral Ministry, The Gospel
This is well worth your time to watch: Jesus + Nothing = Everything (Part 5) from Coral Ridge on Vimeo. HT: Justin...
