1. HOW DO I HANDLE CRITICISIM? My answer, “The same way I handle praise. I don’t give either one any undue regard.”
2. WHO'S BLOGS DO I READ? I mostly read the blogs of other pastors, especially church-planting pastors. I like to see how other new church plants are doing – often I am able to pick up new ideas from them. I also read the blogs of pastors who lead large churches because I know I can learn from them too.
By the way (BTW), there are some blogs that I don’t read, and never will!
3. WHY IS PACE COMMUNITY CHURCH GROWING?
First, and most importantly, we are growing because God has blessed the ministry of PCC and continues to do so. God is “building the house” (Psalms 127:1) and Jesus is “building His church” (Matt. 16:18).
Secondly, we do a pretty good job of balancing the five purposes of the church (evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, worship, and service). But there is still plenty of room for improvement in some of these areas. Nevertheless, when you do ministry God’s way and according to God’s purposes, you will always have God’s blessings.
Thirdly, we really do target people for the gospel. We don’t just talk about it in Bible studies or in small groups. We actually do it!
Fourthly, I think another reason PCC continues to grow is because our church services are attractive and we keep it simple. Someone should have told me that it’s not supposed to be this fun, life-changing, and understandable. Oh yea, they did – but then I ignored them.
BTW - Did you know that is aerodynamically impossible for a bumble bee to fly? Too bad no one told the bumble bee. Or if they did, he ignored them too. He flies anyway.
4. Why IS PCC AN INTER-DENOMINATIONAL CHURCH? WHY NOT BELONG TO A DENOMINATION FOR "NAME RECOGNITION?"
Been there. Done that. It’s not necessary for salvation, God’s approval, or ministry success. In fact, in today’s climate it might actually be a hindrance – especially with irreligious people or pre-Christians. Denominational loyalty is not nearly as important as it was 50 years ago. People today will drive down the road and attend brand “X” church if that church is preaching the Word and is offering programs that meet their needs.
Did you know that there are 33,000 protestant denominations in America? Is God really that confused? Which one do I have to belong to so I can go to heaven or be a better believer?
I believe in & follow Jesus. Is it really that simple? Yes it is.
5. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF "CONTENT ONLY" PREACHING?
My take on the matter is that any preaching that does not have life-application is boring, and out-of-touch with the real world! Some sermons are nothing more than “words in search of a purpose.” Let’s say someone explains who the Jebusites are - my question is SO WHAT? Without application what does it mean? Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount was 90% life-application. He taught the deep eternal truths of God and tied them in with daily living so that His listeners could become “doers” of the Word and not hearers only.
If someone wants to lead or attend an in-depth Bible study on the goat in the book of Leviticus, that’s fine with me. But there are more pressing issues for me to deal with.