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by Anthony Baker | January 5, 2016 · 6:30 am

Random Advice for Preachers

The fact that I am still preaching after all these years is a miracle and a testament to God’s grace and mercy…grace in that He called me and continues to use me; mercy in that He hasn’t zapped me with lightning.

Therefore, before I do something totally stupid and end up being forced to take an early flaming chariot ride beyond the clouds, you might want to pay attention.

You may not be a preacher or a pastor, but if you are, or know someone who is, I want here are seven (7) random, unsolicited, out-of-the-blue words of advice. Take them for what they are worth while I am still around to offer them.

Take the time to learn how to pronounce the names of ancient places and people before you stand up to read your text or selected Scripture. This even applies to extra-biblical names. Not only will you appear more intelligent, but you will avoid the risk of pronouncing something not meant to be uttered from the pulpit.
Always make sure your wireless mic is turned off before you kneel at the altar to pray with someone. The congregation doesn’t need to hear someone confess something over the main speakers.
For heaven’s sake, turn off your wireless mic BEFORE you make a last minute trip to the men’s room before the service or during the choir special.
Never assume sugar plums are a safe illustration during a Christmas sermon when you have in your congregation elderly people who have a penchant to talk loud enough to be heard…and like to point out there were other “things” sugar was added to in order to make children latch on.
Never confess from the pulpit that you are yourself and may never be “another Billy Graham.” Someone will ALWAYS say, “Amen!”
Never use your wife in a sermon illustration unless you want to become an illustration for what not to do in a sermon.
Never make ministry about success, wealth, health, the good life, or yourself; preach Christ crucified. You may come across as a fool to some, but the message of the cross is the power and wisdom of God to those who will believe (1 Cor. 1:23-31).

There’s more I could tell you, but what are your thoughts? Do you have any words of advice for up-and-coming preachers?

Gratuitous Cute Pet Photo

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by Anthony Baker | May 22, 2014 · 8:49 pm

Thursday Thoughts (Strange Sayings)

Howdy!

Hey, everybody! It seems like it has been forever since I last wrote anything. Hopefully you enjoyed the repeats I posted, but nothing is like writing something fresh.

However, I must admit something: when I read the blogs of others I get a little intimidated. Seriously, all it takes is reading some of the stuff to which I’m subscribed to make me want to turn off my computer and go eat Twinkies. At the very least I feel like I should be qualifying every post with disclaimer like, “The following post was written by a gifted toddler.”

So, let me apologize in advance.

A Strange Saying

Have you ever repeated a phrase, some axiom or expression, without ever stopping to think about what you were really saying? Consider the following:

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

Really? Is that so? Is that an absolute statement, or just a generalization? Honestly, it doesn’t make much sense to me. Am I supposed to believe that as long as I survive something I will be stronger because of it?

Let’s consider some possibilities.

A 50-foot fall from a Ferris wheel. Would you really be stronger if you survived? I’d say a broken back might make it much less likely you’d be lifting heavier boxes.
An attack by a grizzly bear. Let’s see, a crushed skull, deep gashes, missing body parts, and a limp: yep, that would make me stronger.
Nearly drowning after falling through the ice. Hmmm, I didn’t know that several minutes without oxygen was a good thing, but evidently it is – as long as you survive.

Warning

Seriously, a hard, over-the-top workout in the gym could kill you. However, with a little common sense and the help of a trainer, you could could become stronger than you were before.

The breakup of a relationship (like the supposed one in Kelly Clarkson’s song) could cause a lot of pain and sadness in the short-term, but strengthen character in the long-run. On the other hand, the results of poor judgment when entering into a relationship could result in life-long scars and emotional baggage destined to weaken future relationships.

But here’s the thing: what might not kill one person could still collaterally hurt others.