Many of us have or will face major challenges, obstacles, and opportunities in ministry. It is during these times we will feel a sense of inadequacy and uncertainty about what to do and how we will get it done. The eyes of those we have been called to lead are on us during those times.

People are not perfect, and to makes matters worse, saved people are not perfect. Jesus said in Luke 17:1, “Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come.” He says emphatically that offences will come—note the word impossible.

As I write this, I am sitting with my wife at her mother’s bedside in a skilled nursing facility. Having been in the ministry for more than thirty years, I have seen dying people, and it is obvious that my mother-in-law will not be in this world much longer.

Whether you are behind the scenes giving support in an office role in a classroom setting or at home, you are vitally needed and just as important as those out on the front lines.

In Acts 13:1–5 it’s interesting to note the spiritual activity and priorities the early church at Antioch possessed before starting the first of three recorded “church planting journeys.” We see the following spiritual activity preceding the activity of the Holy Spirit:

Lesson Outline: This is an abbreviated lesson outline with the entire lesson downloadable at the bottom of the post.The ministry of the church is multi-faceted, and at times somewhat complex. If we were to ask each other what the most important ministries of the church are, most, if not all of us, would hands down say the preaching and the soulwinning ministry of the church would rank at the top.

Lingering offenses strain relationships between brothers and sisters in God’s family. Remember, we are members one of another, and that connection is damaged by offenses. Satan is out to destroy your Christian walk, divide believers, and weaken the body of Christ.

I am the proud father of four beautiful children. I am in the beginning stages of parenting and praying that God will give wisdom as my wife and I seek to rear our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. We truly desire to build a household of faith!

Most people do not think of Joshua as a church planter, but there are many good principles that can be gleaned from his life that will help the church planter.

Sermon Outline: This is an abbreviated outline with the complete sermon downloadable at the bottom of the post. Do you ever wonder about the kind of country your children or grandchildren will live in? Nehemiah knew the people of Jerusalem were building more than a wall. They were building a destiny for the future generation.