The Bible says in Jeremiah 29:11, “I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” It was a dark and difficult time for the children of Judah. They had been uprooted from their homes, separated from their families, and placed in a pagan land.

As younger leaders engage in the ministry, they bring a set of fresh questions and concerns. Questions are healthy and good—they prove a leader is thinking. Sometimes, however, I’ve watched older preachers blow off the questions of young men, responding with a spirit of pride, feeling offended that the younger generation would dare question our practices.

Recently, a younger pastor asked me to speak at a meeting on the topic, “Why I am a Baptist.” I must go on record to say that I am not only a Baptist; I am an independent, separated Baptist, and I am proud to be so.

If there was one message spoken by the Lord Jesus during His earthly sojourn, it was the message, “Follow Me.” When He was calling those fishermen to become His disciples and eventually apostles, He said to them, “Follow Me.” When He approached the seat of customs where Levi worked, He said, “Follow Me.”

Maybe it’s just me, but sometimes life takes me for such a ride that I’m not sure which end is up. During times like these, we begin to question God and begin to wonder exactly what He’s doing. Such thinking isn’t wrong or sinful. The Psalms are replete with David crying out to God and wondering what exactly God is up to.

When people enter your church, do they sense a clear mission and direction? Is it immediately obvious that the church has a focus and goal behind its existence? The purpose of administration is to build a successful, thriving church centered on glorifying God to the very best of our abilities.

We often use the expression, “Teamwork makes the dream work.” And it does. Teamwork in ministry is essential—especially between the pastor and his staff. Most pastors and churches that are a little larger have the privilege of having staff who help in the ministry and serve alongside them.

One of the greatest dangers to any relationship—especially marriage—is fantastical expectations. Somewhere along the line, we buy into lies from the enemy of what marriage should be and what our spouses should give us. The predictable result of these unreasonable expectations is disappointment.

It must be acknowledged that the Bible preacher will have opponents. They are the gainsayers of Luke 21. They are the haters of Matthew 10. They are the enemies that the Lord said every true disciple would have (Matthew 5:44 and Psalm 23:5). It is highly important for a faithful servant of the Lord to know how to handle the opposition. God tells us how to do this at the end of 2 Timothy 2.

Fifteen years ago, a story began to unfold in Northern San Diego County as Coastline Baptist Church opened its doors for the first time. Though circumstances were not ideal, it soon became evident that this story was a testimony of God’s power and provision.