Mother’s Day sermons, at least in certain circles, can be a bit controversial. After all, Mother’s Day is not a liturgical holiday, an official part of the Church calendar. So, should you preach Mother’s Day sermons? In a word, yes. (For all of our Anglican Compass content on preaching, go here.) Why You Should Preach Mother’s Day…
12 Challenges of the Christmas Eve Service
Even if your shopping is complete and the gifts are wrapped, the pastor knows that there is one more thing to do before Christmas morning. Hold Christmas Eve Services. Whether you are preaching, celebrating the Eucharist, leading the prayers, singing the carols, handing out bulletins, or greeting people at the door, it is a big…
End The Year Strong! Resources to Help Your Church
I do not remember exactly what I was saying on Saturday when the picture above was taken, but I was clearly animated! (Please no caption contests!) In any event, I had a great time speaking at the Anglican Diocese of the South Mission Matters 2019 Conference and Synod this past weekend. I spoke with numerous…
What They are Saying about Pentecost
“Since the days of Pentecost, has the whole church ever put aside every other work and waited upon Him for ten days, that the Spirit’s power might be manifested? We give too much attention to method and machinery and resources, and too little to the source of power.” – J. Hudson Taylor “It is the…
Ten Thoughts for the Mother’s Day Sermon
Motherhood is one of the most fundamental human roles, given by God and knit into our DNA. Hallmark’s calendar doesn’t dictate our preaching, but this particular holiday seems worth some attention. Some Mother’s Day Sermon tips are listed below and can be developed into whole sermons; others are just words of advice. Use this list to…
Pastors, Come to England this Spring! (April 22 – May 1, 2019)
“A week to experience England? Right after Easter? In 2019? Are you kidding me? Perfect! I’m in!” Those were about the words I spoke late last year when the travel agency called me. I loved the idea…especially for clergy. It is perfect! Why? Because so many of our new clergy do not come from Anglican…
What They Are Saying About Advent
No doubt, you have plenty of resources for your church during Advent. Still, I thought you might benefit from this little quote collection I compiled during sermon preparation and study over the years. I wish you a blessed beginning to this season of expectancy. Enjoy! (Note: To learn more about Advent and how to observe…
A Story of Faithfulness from the Bayou: A Presbyterian/Anglican Church Merger
Here’s the incredible end of the story: A Presbyterian church merges with an Anglican church. When I came to Lafayette, Louisiana to talk to the leadership of Trinity Anglican Church about strategy and mission, I only knew a few details of the remarkable work that God had been doing in and for these people. I…
How Much Should We Pay the Pastor? (Awkward Church Questions, pt. 2)
These are the awkward questions during any board or Vestry meeting. You can feel a quiet come over the room. Everyone is hoping the subject will pass. But there are five awkward questions that your church needs to be able to discuss. Previously, we tackled the question of access to giving records. Hopefully, I’ve given…
3 Prayers to Pray During the Election
Because it’s election season here in the United States, I thought I’d share the following prayer I composed for the election: Lord God, Almighty Father: Watch over our nation in these times. Casting a ballot is a privilege given to us by our Constitution and secured for us by citizens and patriots, past and present….
