VISION: GOD’S PREFERRED FUTURE

VISION: GOD’S PREFERRED FUTURE

3/3/2021 By Larry Barker Some churches seem to only focus on the past and they tend to worship how things were.  In Rings of Fire Leonard Sweet states, “Never underestimate nostalgia and its power to idolize the past and demonize the future.”  The scriptures...
MISSION IS OUR WHAT

MISSION IS OUR WHAT

By Larry Barker 2/22/21 Your core values are why you do what you do.  Mission is the “what” you are suppose to be doing by obeying the Great Co-Mission in Matthew 28:18-20.  God has commanded every Christian and every church to cooperate by working with Him...

VALUES: ASPIRATIONAL OR ACTUAL?

2/15/21 By Larry Barker There is a time to step back refocus, retool, and re-evaluate.  It is wise to revisit your core values, mission, vision, and strategies every two to three years.  What are your core values and are you practicing them?  It is easy...
A Foundation for Health

A Foundation for Health

2/10/21 By Larry Barker What foundation are you building your church upon to ensure it is healthy? Jesus said He would build His church and the gates of hell would not stand against it.  There are five functions (fellowship, discipleship, worship, ministry,...
Serving Servants

Serving Servants

1/25/21 By Larry and Shelby Barker On a recent podcast Thom Rainer said, “You should treat everyone equally the same.”  That sounds right because church is certainly no place to be showing favoritism.  Paul in Ephesians 4 stresses oneness of body, Spirit,...
Design Determines Direction

Design Determines Direction

1/11/21 By Larry Barker God designed you and He determined your gender, nationality, skin color, personality, etc.  He has a divine purpose for your life.  Self-awareness is crucial in knowing who God made you to be and what He designed you to...