Category Archives: Ministry

Let Me Illustrate

Posted on September 26, 2011 by russellmckinney

All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables, and without a parable He did not speak to them… (Matthew 13:34, N.K.J.V.) Several years ago, at the close of a funeral service we both attended, I talked with a … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Evangelism, God's Work, Ministry, Personal, Preaching, Sunday School, Teaching, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Throw Up Your Cap

Posted on September 21, 2011 by russellmckinney

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11, N.L.T.) Years ago, in a small fishing village on the coast of New England, a winter storm blew up suddenly and caught … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Doing Good, Encouragement, Friendship, God's Work, Influence, Ministry, Missions, Service, The Tongue | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Wise as Serpents, Harmless as Doves

Posted on September 2, 2011 by russellmckinney

In Matthew chapter 10, we find Matthew’s account of Christ’s commissioning of His chosen twelve. It’s a marvelous chapter to study in terms of basic ministry, bold evangelism, and preaching for a decision. With that said, I’d like to draw … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Anger, Attitude, Balance, Character, Discernment, Discipleship, Evangelism, God's Work, Ministry, Missions, Revenge, Service, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

“You Almost Missed Me”

Posted on August 2, 2011 by russellmckinney

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. (Proverbs 11:30, K.J.V.) Dr. Louis Evans was the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, California. He used to tell a story about … Continue reading →

Posted in Evangelism, God's Work, Influence, Ministry, Obedience, Salvation, The Gospel, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Importance of Speaking Up

Posted on July 25, 2011 by russellmckinney

In the summer of 2011, Tonya and I loaded the boys into the Dodge Caravan and headed down to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for a vacation. Ryan was fourteen years old at the time and Royce was ten. One experience … Continue reading →

Posted in Church Discipline, Commitment, Discernment, Discipleship, Doing Good, Faithfulness, Fear, God's Will, God's Work, Honesty, Influence, Ministry, Obedience, Persecution, Personal, Problems, Reward, Sanctification, Service, Sin, The Tongue, Truth, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Harold & Ella Mae

Posted on July 13, 2011 by russellmckinney

Harold and Ella Mae were sitting on the front porch swing. Harold said, “Ella Mae, I wish I had the arms of the strongest man in the world. That way I could hold you like you ought to be held.” … Continue reading →

Posted in God's Work, Humor, Individuality, Ministry, Personal, Preaching, Service, Spiritual Gifts, Talents | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Peter, Don’t Try to Be Paul

Posted on July 12, 2011 by russellmckinney

Have you ever read a passage that was written by the apostle Paul and thought, “That’s too hard for me to understand”? My guess is that most of us have been there. Even the apostle Peter sometimes had trouble with … Continue reading →

Posted in Doing Good, God's Work, Individuality, Ministry, Preaching, Service, Spiritual Gifts, Talents | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

In Training to Be Used Mightily

Posted on July 7, 2011 by russellmckinney

A budding young soloist went to a great Italian musician for voice training. The master handed him a piece of music and said, “Practice this for one full year and then return here.” The request seemed a bit strange, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Choices, Commitment, Disappointment, Discipleship, Doing Good, Faith, Faithfulness, God's Timing, God's Omniscience, God's Will, Impatience, Ministry, Music, Obedience, Patience, Perseverance, Rebellion, Reward, Submission, Teaching, Temptation, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Someone Who Understands

Posted on June 28, 2011 by russellmckinney

A farmer had some puppies for sale. He painted a sign advertising them and nailed it on a post at the edge of his yard. As he was driving in the last nail, he felt a tug on his overalls. … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Disappointment, Doing Good, God's Love, God's Work, Influence, Mercy, Ministry, Perseverance, Problems, Trusting In God, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Danger of Silence

Posted on June 27, 2011 by russellmckinney

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me: When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give … Continue reading →

Posted in Abortion, Adultery, Coming Judgment, Commitment, Communication, Criticism, Current Events, Doctrine, Doing Good, Drugs, Evangelism, Faithfulness, God's Work, Homosexuality, Influence, Ministry, Missions, Obedience, Persecution, Perseverance, Politics, Preaching, Scripture, Service, Sin, The Bible, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment