The following articles have been selected because they are informative, instructive, entertaining, or simply interesting. Articles appearing in Your Friday Five do not represent an endorsement.
First Person: The Good Samaritan, By David Jeremiah
EL CAJON, Calif. (BP) – Thad didn’t have a choice. He commuted on foot to work each night, and his route took him through a dangerous section of town and down a darkened block with a broken streetlight. His whole body tensed for about three minutes as he passed that way, nerves jumpy, ears alert. But they were as quiet as cats the night they attacked him, and he never heard them coming. In the darkest spot on the street, a hand grabbed his shoulders and pulled him into the alley.
Preach with Kindness, By Jared C. Wilson
Recently I was guest preaching at a church, and a woman came up to me after the sermon and said to me, “You preach with such kindness.” I have not been able to shake that remark ever since (and not just because it was a compliment!). It seemed significant to me for a couple of reasons.
How Can I Know a Book Is Trustworthy?, By Devin Maddox
One of the aspirational values of the team that I lead is “trustworthy.” We work as bookmen and bookwomen, so trustworthy extends in a few different directions:
- Trustworthy books (theology and argumentation)
- Trustworthy authors
Great Leaders Empower Others, By Maegan Bell
Empowerment is the heartbeat of ministry. Do you empower others? Ephesians 4:11-12 states this plainly when Paul tells us to “equip the saints for the work of ministry.” Practically speaking, you can’t do all the work of ministry by yourself. In fact, if you don’t empower others then the capacity of your ministry is limited to your individual abilities.
5 Actions That Will Immediately Encourage Discipleship in Your Church, By Scott McConnell
As leaders we know there are many areas where we need to grow in our walk with Christ. Sometimes, as we multiply similar needs across a congregation, it can be hard to know where to start. What area of discipleship should we emphasize? Where can teaching, exhortation, and a congregational focus make the most difference?