Command and Teach (1 Timothy 4:11)
Well, it’s Christmastime. That means extra joy and extra demands. You have your family festivities and a crowded church calendar of Advent activities ahead of you. With all of this going on, it’s easy to get distracted from your noble task. So let’s get back into 1 Timothy and consider our responsibilities to command and […]
Train Yourself for Godliness (1 Timothy 4:7-10)
We’ve been thinking about putting God’s word in front of God’s people, and the effect that sort of ministry will have on us as we are trained up in the word as a byproduct of our work. Today we’ll continue Paul’s train of thought and consider something to avoid and something to seek after aggressively. […]
Being Trained in the Words (1 Timothy 4:6b)
You think a lot about what effect your ministry has on your people. Let’s ask a different question: What effect is your ministry having on you?
Be a Good Servant of Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 4:6a)
How do you know if you’re doing a good job as a pastor? By measuring church growth? Altar calls? Sermon complements? Building projects? Pastor appreciation gifts? It’s hard to know, isn’t it? This is why pastors like mowing. You do the work and, behold, a mowed yard. Ministry just isn’t like this. You study, teach, […]
Some Will Depart (1 Timothy 4:1-5)
Pastor, there’s no way around it. Some will leave your church. Some will withdraw. Some will remove themselves. Some will fall away. It was happening in Ephesus under Timothy’s ministry and it’s likely to happen in your ministry too. Let’s listen to what Paul says to Timothy about it. It’ll help us better understand how […]
Why Do We Gather? Rediscovering the Purpose of Church
(A summary of Andy Addis’ teaching at the 2025 AC Leaders’ Conference.) Why Do We Gather? Rediscovering the Purpose of Church Many pastors feel immense pressure to perfect the weekend gathering. But is that what Scripture emphasizes, or is it just man-made pragmatism? Instead of focusing solely on what we do—preaching, singing, praying, giving—let’s focus […]
The Joy-Filled Pastor: Finding Strength in Every Circumstance
(A summary of Andy Addis’ teaching at the 2025 AC Leaders’ Conference.) The Joy-Filled Pastor: Finding Strength in Every Circumstance Joy is greater than happiness. Happiness depends on circumstances, but joy is rooted in eternity. No matter what happens, one day, it’s going to be okay. The Brutal & Beautiful Reality of Ministry Ministry is […]
Ministry Rhythms: Finding Rest in a Culture of Overwork
(A summary of Andy Addis’ teaching at the 2025 AC Leaders’ Conference.) Ministry Rhythms: Finding Rest in a Culture of Overwork IntroductionIf the grass looks greener elsewhere, maybe it’s time to water your own. Modern church culture often exalts the bride (the church) while sidelining the groom (Christ). Combine this with the relentless Protestant work […]