Leadership Research and Other Stuff

Okay, I'm ready to get back to posting what I hope to be some helpful links, ideas, and other reflections for your enjoyment and edification.

Here is an interesting article put out this week by Leadership Network. It is a survey about lead pastors of congregations over 2,000 people (or "mega-churches"). You can see the abbreviated top ten list here.

I've been reading several books and articles this week, but most inspiring to me has been Thomas Nettles' biography of James Petigru Boyce, the first president of Southern Baptist Seminary. One of the senior editors of this series is Sean Lucas, my new friend and partner in the Gospel at First Pres. in Hattiesburg. I'm so thankful for Sean and this series of biographies. Nothing moves me like the stories of the redeemed. Speaking of new biographies, I'm looking forward to reading Piper's new book on three saints: Tyndale, Judson, and Paton.

We are spending the week at the beach with family, including my sister's five kids. You can read about the adventure at Kimberly's blog.

I'm looking forward to Sunday as I tackle the subject of "the poor." I've learned a lot this week, and been stirred personally to greater faithfulness in serving those in need.

On Monday night, I will be preaching at Michael Memorial Church.

In a few weeks, I will be back in NM, for national collegiate week. This crowd is always hungry and eager. I feel as though I could preach for 8 hours at this event. I'm praying that these messages would have a ripple effect for years to come - f0r the good of the nations and the glory of God. As always, I feel out of my league for such an event.