birthday – John Markum

I can’t believe I’ve been blogging now for a whole year! And I can’t believe you’re still reading!?!?

I started this blog as a means to express my thoughts and to better share my life, family, and ministry with the many people out there who call us “friend” and “family.” Along the way, many more have joined in following everything I’ve had to share from simple thoughts to spiritual insights.

In one year’s time this blog has had over 7,100 hits, averaging over 500 hits per month! I can’t express enough to you how much it means to me to receive the kind of support I’ve gotten from so many of you. People from my church family, community, college and high school, family members nationwide, and brothers and sisters in ministry around the world, thank you – not only for visiting my blog and reading some posts, but for taking interest in my life.

Thank you for the encouraging words. This blog is for you! And I look forward to continuing to share with you for many more years to come.

Blessings,

John

I donated my birthday last year to this cause and was excited about the people who gave to fund clean drinking water around the world through charity: water. Jesus said that He is the living water, and that every act of kindness that we did to “the least of these” was as if we were doing it directly to Him. By providing clean drinking water through this faith-based charity organization, we are demonstrating the love of Christ to our world, and taking action in the single greatest need in our world outside of the Gospel itself. And certainly these two causes are not only compatible with each other,… they are complementary.

Watch this video below and do your part to help meet the global water crisis. We are the change the world is waiting for!

Blessings,

John

Leadership Podcast

6 Decisions BEFORE becoming a Lead Pastor

00:00 / 27:10

6 Decisions BEFORE becoming a Lead Pastor

Jan 13, 2017 • 27:10

Most of being a first-time lead pastor is learning as you go. While this was (and is) definitely true of me, there were six decisions I had made prior to stepping into this role, that I think other pastors and leaders could benefit from.
Creating Church Culture

Jan 19, 2017 • 25:36

In this podcast, John talks about branding, values, language, and celebrating as pieces to creating a healthy church culture.
Separation of Church and State

Feb 10, 2017 • 29:52

In this podcast, I talk about the Immigration Ban, and how the church should be approaching such issues regarding our response to government, and proclamation of the gospel.
Advice to those in Bible College

Feb 24, 2017 • 22:45

Here I give advice on what students preparing for vocational ministry should be doing now to get the most of what is waiting for them after graduation.
Live the Word

Mar 8, 2017 • 15:48

Not going to lie. I smell fake from a mile away. My guess is, you probably do to. And people who know the Bible, but don’t actually want to live it cuts me the deepest. In this podcast, I talk about the difference between knowing God’s Word and actually living…
Preaching, episode 1: What is Preaching

Aug 28, 2017 • 31:33

In this podcast, Pastor John unpacks the first of a handful of episodes intended to coach you in your growth as a preacher. Download the Handout for this episode.
Preaching, episode 2: Writing a sermon

Sep 2, 2017 • 17:50

How does one go about writing a sermon? In this podcast episode, Pastor John gets into the cadence of a good sermon, and how to lead people toward a compelling application. Click here for the outline
Preaching, episode 3: Sermon Delivery

Nov 29, 2017 • 41:45

In episode three, we look at HOW we preach and deliver our sermons. A “must listen” for the new preacher, and a great fresh perspective for the seasoned preaching veterans.
Bivocational Ministry

Jun 3, 2019 • 26:49

Bivocational Ministry is becoming more valuable than ever. Enjoy this episode as we been to discuss the needs, challenges, and advantages of being in bivocational ministry. To support this podcast and other resources from Pastor John, visit www.patreon.com/johnmarkum – thank you for your support.