Using your social media for God's grace
http://www.coachandequip.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=236414&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
By charlie worley
During 2020, the use of social media has been the source of way too much division and negativity. Virtually everyone using Facebook or Twitter has lost friends over differing opinions and viewpoints, especially political ones, or they have chosen to "defriend" people who were on their friends or peeps list. How sad all this is. For my last ministry blog of 2020, let me share with you how we can get back to using social media to build up rather than tear down relationships.
During 2020, the use of social media has been the source of way too much division and negativity. Virtually everyone using Facebook or Twitter has lost friends over differing opinions and viewpoints, especially political ones, or they have chosen to "defriend" people who were on their friends or peeps list. How sad all this is. For my last ministry blog of 2020, let me share with you how we can get back to using social media to build up rather than tear down relationships.
Let me encourage you and me to use social media as a reminder to pray for others who have posted messages or Tweets. As you read something, why not stop and pray for that person. If a need is mentioned, pray that God will intervene and meet that person's need according to His will and the best for your friend. Give thanks for that friend. You might even reply with an encouraging note. It may just come at an opportune time.
Post prayers and Bible verses that might be encouraging to others. You might discover that God the Holy Spirit delights in giving you the words to share with others just when they need it. God always honors His Word and promises to bear fruit as it is shared. And He loves for you to pray for others.
Share encouraging links to good words of witness of the grace and love of Jesus. Share with others those special songs of worship, encouragement, and inspiration that can be found on the internet.
Send a note of thanks to your friends and peeps for being your friend during 2020. Let them know you appreciate them.
Ask God how you can best use social media to be an encourager and friend and do it.
And if you do not use social media, use old fashioned media such as the telephone or pen and paper to do the above. These media have no Covid restrictions.
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
(1 Thes. 5:11)
[Photo by SCREEN POST on Unsplash]
http://www.coachandequip.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=How-to-Discern-if-You-Might-Be-Called-to-Plant-a-Church&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Maybe you are considering planting a new church and would like to know if this is a calling from God. Or, maybe you have an interest in becoming a church planter and want to know if you should take the next step in that direction. If your answer is yes to one of the above statements, read this blog for some advice or encouragement as you seek discernment from God and others.
http://www.coachandequip.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=Training-the-Church-to-Be-the-Church&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
What does your church offer for training or equipping the saints for the work of ministry (Eph. 4:12 ESV)? Have you ever asked that question as a church leader or pastor? Here are some ideas about who needs regular training and about what.
http://www.coachandequip.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=Planning-a-Healthy-Sabbatical-for-the-Pastor-Part-2&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
If you want your pastor, whether serving in a lead role or another pastoral role, to be successful, stay healthy, last longer, and grow in ministry maturity, make sure he takes a sabbatical. But what does a sabbatical look like for the pastor and the church? Read on to find out more.