by Dr. Paul Chappell | Dec 16, 2019 | Christian Life, Ministry Leadership
Isn’t it a bit of an inconsistency that in the season we most emphasize the reality of Emmanuel—God with us—we spend so little time with Him? To be sure, the Christmas season is full. And it is often full of good activities—even special opportunities for outreach. ...
by Dr. Paul Chappell | Dec 13, 2019 | Ministry Leadership, Spiritual Leadership Podcast
Servant leadership is often discussed today, but it is not natural to any of us. In fact, this topic is one that I have had to learn over the years and still find myself needing to grow in. Yet, this is the model that Jesus gave us and wants for His church. As...
by Dr. Paul Chappell | Dec 9, 2019 | Ministry Leadership
One of the first discoveries I made as a pastor is that Sunday’s always coming. If you’re a pastor, you know exactly what I mean. In one sense, Sunday is a repeated deadline—for sermon preparation, ministry details, and administrative obligations. And as soon as you...
by Dr. Paul Chappell | Dec 2, 2019 | Ministry News
As we celebrated Thanksgiving last week, I thought often of West Coast Baptist College alumni serving in gospel ministry around the world. Indeed, it’s humbling to think about all that God has done through the graduates of West Coast Baptist College in these past...
by Dr. Paul Chappell | Nov 27, 2019 | Christian Life, Family
One of the great desires of my life is to finish well. At the end of my race, I want to be able to say with Paul, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). There are many aspects to lifelong faithfulness, but I...
by Dr. Paul Chappell | Nov 25, 2019 | Christian Life, Media/Resources
It is an interesting fact that the people we give thanks for today were often hated in their own lifetimes. More interesting still, is that they are often forgotten in our lifetime. For instance, what do you know about Peter Waldo? Felix Manz? Patrick Hamilton?...
by Dr. Paul Chappell | Nov 18, 2019 | Ministry Leadership, Spiritual Leadership Podcast
When I first met Don Sisk nearly thirty years ago, our church was supporting two missionaries and giving a relatively small amount to missions annually. Over the past years, it’s been an amazing journey to see God’s grace work through our church family—and in a large...
by Dr. Paul Chappell | Nov 12, 2019 | Ministry Leadership
Without a doubt, our greatest resources for Christian servant leaders are the indwelling Holy Spirit and the Word of God. But a leader’s greatest commodity (something useful that when in plentiful supply diminishes the importance of other factors) is influence....
by Dr. Paul Chappell | Oct 25, 2019 | Christian Life, Ministry Leadership
The Great Commission of Christ is, in fact, the mission of the local church. As Christians, and especially as local churches, Christ’s last command must be our first priority. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and...
by Dr. Paul Chappell | Oct 7, 2019 | Christian Life, Ministry Leadership
An echo chamber is a lousy place to serve. Isolating ourselves to hear only an echo of our own opinions keeps us from growth. This is because part of the process of growth is for our thinking to be challenged. When we discuss truth or ideas with people with whom we...