Category Archives: Ministry

How Many Pastors Should a Church Have?

Posted on December 5, 2019 by russellmckinney

Our English word “pastor” translates the New Testament’s original Greek word poimen, a word that literally means “shepherd.” “Pastor,” of course, is the leadership title that is most commonly used in our American churches. The fact is, however, that the New Testament … Continue reading →

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Why Can’t a Woman be a Pastor or a Deacon?

Posted on October 29, 2019 by russellmckinney

I realize that I’m not going to win any popularity contests with this one, but I feel led of the Lord to weigh in on the topics of women preachers and women deacons. In these days of social media, it … Continue reading →

Posted in Church, Deacons, God's Work, Leadership, Ministry, Pastors, Preaching | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

A Word About Church Work

Posted on October 9, 2019 by russellmckinney

A youth Sunday School teacher asked her students to use their Sunday afternoon to write a letter to God. The letters were then returned to her the following Sunday. One little boy wrote, “Dear God, we had a good time … Continue reading →

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Gamaliel’s Advice

Posted on September 28, 2019 by russellmckinney

“And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Choices, Depression, Disappointment, Discernment, Encouragement, Faithfulness, God's Timing, God's Will, God's Work, Ministry, Perseverance, Preaching, Problems, Prosperity, Reward, Service, Sowing and Reaping, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God, Waiting | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Wandering Around

Posted on August 14, 2019 by russellmckinney

In his daily devotional book, The Believer’s Code, O.S. Hawkins offers an excellent word about sheep. He writes: Have you ever been to a circus? If so, you probably saw an array of trained animals. Huge elephants can be trained to … Continue reading →

Posted in Commitment, Decisions, Desires, Discipleship, Dying To Self, Eternity, God's Will, God's Work, Good Works, Heaven, Human Life, Ministry, Sacrifice, Service, Submission | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Identifying Your Spiritual Gift (Gifts)

Posted on August 12, 2019 by russellmckinney

Series: “Spiritual Gifts” (post #4) Just about every time I preach on the subject of spiritual gifts, some sincere Christian will ask me, “But how can I know what my spiritual gift is?” Each time I hear that question I … Continue reading →

Posted in God's Work, Individuality, Ministry, Series: "Spiritual Gifts", Service, Spiritual Gifts | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

What Spiritual Gifts Does the Bible Name?

Posted on August 7, 2019 by russellmckinney

Series: “Spiritual Gifts” (post #2) To find out what spiritual gifts the Bible names, you have to consult three separate passages of scripture. The passages are Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:8-30, and Ephesians 4:7-16. By combining the lists from all … Continue reading →

Posted in Discernment, Evangelism, Faith, Giving, God's Work, Individuality, Leadership, Mercy, Ministry, Pastors, Preaching, Series: "Spiritual Gifts", Service, Speaking in Tongues, Spiritual Gifts, Spiritual Warfare, Teaching, The Holy Spirit | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Spiritual Gifts

Posted on August 5, 2019 by russellmckinney

Series: “Spiritual Gifts” (post #1) Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant. (1 Corinthians 12:1, N.K.J.V.) The apostle Paul told the Christians of Corinth that he didn’t want them to be ignorant (uninformed) concerning … Continue reading →

Posted in God's Work, Ministry, Series: "Spiritual Gifts", Service, Spiritual Gifts, Talents, The Holy Spirit | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Church Attendance Decline

Posted on July 12, 2019 by russellmckinney

A school teacher told her students to bring an item that represented their religious faith. The little Jewish boy brought a menorah. The little Catholic boy brought a crucifix. The little Baptist boy brought a casserole. Speaking as a Baptist … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study, Church, Church Attendance, Current Events, God's Word, God's Work, Ministry, Worship | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Ministering to Lost People

Posted on July 8, 2019 by russellmckinney

And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. (Matthew 5:41, N.K.J.V.) In its specific scriptural context, this verse has nothing to do with putting in the extra hours required to become a success in the business … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Anger, Attitude, Complaining, Discipleship, Doing Good, Evangelism, God's Work, Good Works, Humility, Influence, Ministry, Persecution, Revenge, Service, Suffering, The Sermon On The Mount, Witnessing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment