John Markum

Preacher Mistakes

Preacher Mistakes

Unfortunately, this is a subject that causes a certain amount of regret on my part, as I’m certainly guilty of many of these from time to time. There are statistics out there about the rate of pastors and church leaders who fall out of ministry due to immorality or discouragement. I’m not talking about those mistakes, per se. Rather, what are some of the more root mistakes that lead to pastors and church leaders getting frustrated, fruitless, discouraged, or even disqualified? You may not find this list mentioned by any leadership stats. But the things that make a lot of preachers become a statistic often begin with some of these. And even if you don’t work for a church, these are probably common traps we all have tendencies to step into. Continue reading “Preacher Mistakes”

Evangelism vs. Discipleship

E vs D

This is a debate that, quite honestly, I’m sort of sick of listening to. If you’re in ministry, you know where I’m going with this. It’s the popular notion that somehow evangelism and discipleship are competing dynamics within the church, and that as leaders, we must somehow choose a side and base our entire philosophy of ministry around that paradigm. Continue reading “Evangelism vs. Discipleship”

Critics are awesome!

Words I thought I would never say… Before you use this outrageous statement as a reason to justify your critical spirit, first allow me to elaborate on a few important details:

  • Criticism is in contrast to edifying; Edifying builds, Criticizing tears down.
  • Criticism requires zero talent. Anyone can be a critic. They’re not special.
  • Criticism is not a spiritual gift, calling, or “ministry”. Period.
  • Almost every critic has accomplished minimally in their area of criticism.
  • Critics usually point out flaws with no intentions of doing anything about it.

So if I clearly dislike critics, why would I say they’re awesome? Because…

  • They stand in stark contrast to those actually accomplishing something.
  • They often give us GREAT ideas when they say, “You can’t _______”
  • Jesus had critics too, so we’re in great company when we get criticized!

If you have someone criticizing you for following God’s calling over your life, don’t stress. No one remembers a critic. I choose to take my criticism from the people who love me and are invest in my life, family, and ministry. Anyone else, doesn’t really get why you’re doing it anyway. Those “doing” will always be misunderstood by those who are not. Consider the source, take useful feedback, and leave the rest. Choose to see the potential… even in a critic.

Blessings,

Pastor John

The phrase no pain, no gain has been a mantra for athletes and fitness junkies for years. And what they understand about physical pain needs to be broadened to a much more general use in all of our lives. Pain hurts. That's the whole problem. No one enjoys it, and if someone does, we rightfully

The Premium of Pain