Four Questions

The next time you have a conversation with someone, and they make an assertion that is "extra-biblical" or attacks the Faith, use these questions to expose the falsehood. These are great questions to use anytime, not to be combative, but to bring clarity to the issue and allow all to objectively weight what is being said.

1. What do you mean by that?
2. How do you know that to be true?
3. Where do you go to get your information?
4. What if you are wrong?

*From "One Thing You Can't Do in Heaven", by Mark Cahill

Shepherding

I attended a Missions Conference last weekend. In one of the seminar, we focused on what it means to be a shepherd. Looking at Psalm 23, Ezek 34:1-24, and John 10:1-18, the Scriptures gives us a good picture of what God considers a good shepherd. He is one who provides for, protects, and guides his sheep, in that order. The leader of the seminar then asked us whether we thought the American church was doing a good job in shepherding its flock. Are the leaders of the church spending time with their people, getting to know them, encouraging them on a personal basis, like a shepherd looking after his sheep? Is the American model of the large church working?

In order to facilitate a change where shepherding can happen, there needs to be an emphasis towards small groups, and leaders discipling their under leaders. Wisdom is taught and caught. It cannot happen in a classroom alone. It has to be on a personal basis, in the process of living life.