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This Sunday I will be speaking from Acts 19 on the open doors of ministry and enemies of Paul.  One of the more interesting parts of that passage is in 19:8-9.

Acts 19:8   And he (Paul) went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. 9 But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.

Evidently after preaching the Gospel (19:8) some refused to believe while others were open to Salvation and spiritual growth.  Paul’s response was to draw those who were listening into a more intense discipleship ministry, and leave those whose hearts were hardened.  In practical ministry terms Paul got to a point where he refused to waste large amounts of time or energy on those who refused to listen.

In all the years since Paul’s death things haven’t really changed that much in missions

Some individuals will be open to the Gospel….

And some will absolutely refuse to believe

The challenge for us in evangelism is separating ourselves from those with hardened hearts, and calling the disciples into a deeper teaching ministry

Yesterday was without a doubt one of the worst Bible clubs since my time began in Barrouallie (maybe the worst).  It was as if EVERYTHING went wrong!

Continue reading “A Locked Gate Philosophy of Ministry” →

One of the greatest blessings that God has given me in ministry is the opportunity to work alongside a veteran missionary who has served for close to twenty-eight years in Saint Vincent. His guidance, insight, and loving “I wouldn’t do it that way” conversations have been a tremendous help in my first year of ministry in SVG.

Actually during my first six-months in Barrouallie he was in the States caring for serious medical issues so our relationship was limited to Skype or Facebook chats. Spending half of my first year as intern pastor his absence, and the second half in discipleship ministries. Unfortunately this leads to some awkward conversations or situations with other people.

Continue reading “Dealing With the “I Prefer Your _____” Conversations” →

As a missionary I find myself using social-media websites such as Facebook, or Twitter for ministry updates instead of sending monthly newsletters (though I do send at least one of those a month).  There are few reasons for this.

1. It’s common for people to change their email addresses so they no longer receive the updates, or they go to a persons spam folder
2. Individuals spend a lot of time of social-media sites (it’s a more popular form of communication)
3. and its easier to share these posts with others

While this updated technology is a blessing, it almost makes sharing information “too easy.”  In other words of frustration and anger, oversharing, approval seeking (sharing a story just so people will feel sorry for you), or personal opinion on an issue instead of Scripture can be shared just as easily as a prayer request.

Continue reading “The Glory of a Random/Weak Facebook Post” →