Mission Trip Training
Suppose your church were planning a trip to Cambodia and developed a training program for the participants. Besides gospel-sharing skills, what cross-cultural training would you include and expect participants to put into practice on their trip? You would likely prioritize respecting Cambodians and honoring their cultural expressions. For example, you would learn something about their […]
Western Pastors
One of the interesting aspects of living out my ministry calling on the West coast has been dealing with the negative impressions some have of pastors who work in this context. For example, when I first moved west, one person told me, “The only pastors who move to the West are those who can’t get […]
California Christian Impact
In California, mission opportunities are endless which means the freedom to do ministry creatively is boundless. This is one of the best things about living in California. Yes, secular cultural ideas and ideals dominate the mindset—but that’s true in every global mission field. Rampant secularism demands a robust gospel, not a retreat from declaring the […]
Myths about California
As I travel to speak in the Midwest and South, when Southern Baptists learn I am from California, the reactions are predictable, frustrating, and sometimes amusing. The most common response is “I’m sorry for you”—as if living in California is akin to a spiritual prison sentence. Other responses are often phrased as questions, “Why would […]
Honor Where Honor is Due
Dr. O. S. Hawkins will conclude his service as president of Guidestone this week. O. S. and his wife, Susie, are a gift from God to Southern Baptists. Their impact through pastoral ministry, denominational service, and entity leadership has shaped and blessed a generation of leaders and their legacy will reverberate through succeeding generations. Much could […]
Minor Prophets, Major Hope
When we announced a series of sermons on the Minor Prophets for Gateway Chapel this spring, it may have seemed like a stereotypical seminary effort to focus on academic obscurity. Far from it. The message of these ancient prophets—mislabeled “minor” because of the length (not the content) of their messages—pulsates with meaning and application for […]
Providence
A newer book on the development of the early church, The Global Church, by Donald Fairbairn has captivated my recent attention. In the first section of the book, Dr. Fairbairn traces the development of the church from Pentecost until about 300 AD. His book focuses on the developing church in Asia and Africa, not just […]
Racism, Rioting & Community Leadership
In May, Dr. Iorg invited his pastor, Dr. Brian Kennedy, onto his podcast to discuss racial tensions in America. Dr. Kennedy is senior pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Ontario, California, and Gateway alumni. He previously served for eleven years as Los Angeles area director of Prison Fellowship, a ministry dedicated to bringing the […]
Spirit & Word
One of the puzzling aspects of spiritual life is how the Holy Spirit and the word of God work together to transform us. As a person who regularly reads, studies, and meditates on Scripture – as well as one who seeks the leading, guiding, and filling of the Holy Spirit – the dynamic interplay between […]
Changing Your Image of Evangelism
Evangelism has an image problem. Many believers envision evangelism in negative ways. According to a recent Barna study, Reviving Evangelism, almost half of millennial Christians believe sharing the gospel and asking someone to change their religious beliefs is wrong. About one-fifth of boomers agree with this conclusion, with each intervening generation stair-stepped in the percentage which […]