“The measure of a person is faithfulness, not numerical success. The real issue continues to be the kind of people we are producing in our churches. What is the body of Christ like when the lights are out, the doors are locked, and the parking lot is empty?” (Bill Hull, The Disciple-Making Pastor: Leading Others on the Journey of Faith)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! The weekend is here, so it’s time to be blessed by what’s been posted online this week. Enjoy!

• When we think of ministry success, what comes to mind? Large churches? Dynamic speaking? Amazing worship (AKA cool songs)? Caleb Kolstad re-calibrates success according to God, and what He finds worthy of commending. Even if this may be directed at pastors, this is something every member of a church needs to keep in mind, and not have unreal expectations on their leaders. May we all hold onto biblical priorities of success to God’s glory.
• What kind of counsel would you give to a pregnant mom? Loaded question, I’m sure, but Jeanne Harrison’s recent post on giving hope to miserably pregnant moms (her words, not mine) seems like a good place to start.
• What are the criteria for disciplining your children, parents? Kevin DeYoung provides some wise counsel, specifically when you’re tempted to become angry.
• What is it like to raise children with special needs? Andrew and Rachel Wilson were recently interviewed about the many challenges and blessings they have encountered in this crucial stage of life for both them and their kids. This has more to do you than you may realize.
• What do you say when someone tells you concerning a decision, “I have a peace about it?” Pastor Eric Davis has some biblical guidance to direct us to think according to Scripture, rather than our feelings of peace.
• Curious as to how the Intelligent Design movement is doing? Check out a recent interview with one of their leading advocates, William Dembski. Note: This is not a full endorsement of ID, but it is an area that many Christians have an interest in, especially those who have a science background.
• Listen in on the most recent Truth in Love podcast from ACBC, led by Heath Lambert, or read the transcript: “Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, and the Dallas Police Massacre.“
• Jim Newheiser recently moved from CA to NC to become RTS Charlotte’s Counseling Program Director. He gave the convocation address to start off the new school year, speaking on “The Relationship Between Biblical Counseling and Preaching in the Local Church.” This is not something you should miss!
• Justin Brierley from the Unbelievable? radio show in the UK recently traveled to Northridge, CA to record a show between Ryan Bell, the former pastor who took a year off from following God and ended up becoming an atheist, and Sean McDowell, a Christian professor and apologist who had his own doubts before coming to the conviction that Christianity is true. You can either watch or listen to the program here.
• R.C. Sproul answers a hard, but common, question: if God is sovereign, why pray?

That’s all for this week! Remember it’s flocks week, so none of the affinity groups will be meeting tonight. Hope you all can enjoy time getting to know some new people tonight and tomorrow! See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria