Litmus Test for True Repentance
No one could have listened to John the Baptist’s preaching and left wondering what they were to do. John had a one-word message: Repent! John’s purpose was to prepare the way for Jesus’ ministry. Repentance—true, heart-plowing repentance—is the key to making room for...
Make Your Priorities a Priority—Be a Clutter Buster, part 3
I’m going to postulate about your weekly schedule: it is too full. And I’m going to make another assumption: there is something you are regularly doing that can be removed. Am I accurate? If I was accurate on the first point, I can guarantee you that I’m accurate on...
10 Qualities to Instill in the Hearts of Students
If repetition is the key to learning, then, when it comes to working with young people, keeping a big picture focus is the key to sanity. It’s so easy to get into a rut in which we tire of the repetition necessary to develop students. If you’re a parent, you perhaps...
Integrity and the Name of Christ: Grace and Truth for Balanced Ministry, part 2
In part 1 of this post, we saw ten indicators of imbalanced ministry. We noted that our ultimate goal is to serve like Christ—full of grace and truth. As we walk in humble sincerity before the Lord, we will insist on godly integrity. Our purpose in ministry is to...
The Myth of Multi-Tasking—Be a Clutter Buster, part 2
As I confessed in the last post on decluttering, I tend toward OCD. I think constantly, rapidly, and in many different directions all at the same time. Sometimes I think multi-level and multi-directional thinking is a strength. It helps me quickly assess what needs to...
Humility in Baptist Churches: Grace and Truth for Balanced Ministry, part 1
Being an independent Baptist in the 1970s was exciting. Elmer Towns published The Ten Largest Sunday Schools in America in 1969, and we occupied a majority of the spots. People were being saved, and churches were growing exponentially through aggressive soulwinning...Growth Points 26: Leading with an Attitude
Everything we do begins with an attitude. We can approach ministry in the new year with an attitude of faith and expectancy, or we can approach it with an attitude of defeat. As a pastor, I want to always respond to Jesus’ direction in willing faith. And, just as...
Announcing Declutter Month—Be a Clutter Buster, part 1
My family thinks I’m a neat freak. I think I’m just orderly. (Well, maybe it is a little over the top to look forward to a day off so I can clean out my closet.) But in all seriousness, whatever your personality type or personal level of clutter comfort,...Growth Points 25: Opportunity in Hostility
If there is one word that describes a new year, it is opportunity. Here at the beginning of January, we look forward to a year of unused days to fill for God’s glory. And yet, if there is one word that describes the landscape in America right now, it is hostility. Our...
The Resilient Life
Overcome the Crises and Anxieties of Life through Christ
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Pastor Paul Chappell
Dr. Paul Chappell is the senior pastor of the Lancaster Baptist Church and president of West Coast Baptist College in Lancaster, California. His biblical vision has led the church to become one of the most dynamic independent Baptist churches in the nation. He has been married to his wife, Terrie, for over forty years and is the father of four married children all serving in Christian ministry.
