Way of the Pastor

Who is the Church for?

2011-07-25T16:28:00.004-05:00

I love this video below. Get's me excited! But it makes me think...who is the Church for? Really. Can we draw this line in the sand? Is Church for the Christian or for the non-Christian? Do we spin our wheels making it so about programs, the latest fads, or transfer church growth and then wrap it up with words like "God is doing amazing things in our church?" Are we to be 100% about seeking and saving the lost or is that just supposed to be part of our programing or purpose statement strategy? 500 giving their lives for the first time in the last five months at Elevation Church...what do you do with that? I love the word Kingdom Multiplication...sounds a lot better than Kingdom Maintenance. Im interested in hearing your thoughts....if the church is not to be about seeking and saving that which is lost...what the heck are we to be about? Chime in Church.

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew (Click on Video below)

Q&A: Francis Chan on Rob Bell and Hell | Christianity Today | A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction

2011-07-14T21:15:00.000-05:00

Q&A: Francis Chan on Rob Bell and Hell | Christianity Today | A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction

"Love Wins" Publisher Responds to Book Reaction

2011-07-10T16:18:00.000-05:00

"Love Wins" Publisher Responds to Book Reaction: "The publisher of Rob Bell's highly controversial book Love Wins has written a letter questioning the strong reactions against the book by conservative Christians." So I am interested in your thoughts on this publisher's response to the criticism that Rob Bell's book has received. I have a few issues with this publisher's reaction towards those who oppose Bell's theological views, but I will wait to see what others have to say first!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

"Go!"

2011-07-07T12:12:00.000-05:00

What Should the Church Teach About Alcohol?

2011-07-05T18:31:00.003-05:00

First of all, I would have to say "What should the church teach about a good many other things..." Gossip, Lust, Lying, Adultery, Overeating...the list goes on. I am not saying we make this a soap box issue, however, I do see the lines blured when it comes to the teaching of what we do with alcohol as Christians! What do you see the Bible saying about this issue? What scripture do you use to justify or abstain from alcohol? Watch this video below with some heavy hitters giving their take on this topic...then leave a comment and let's discuss this!!!

Teaching Your Children about Alcohol from Harvest Bible Chapel on Vimeo.

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Are Altar Calls Even Biblical?

2011-07-04T10:21:00.005-05:00

Once again I am posting on an article I recently came across and it made me think. It made me think because as a Pastor, I give "altar calls" on occassion. Also becuase I just finsihed up with Vacation Bible School and we opended up the altar for the kids each night and many kids made "first time" decisions for Christ...my daughter being one of them. So as I post this article, I am leaning more towards the side of still using "Altar Calls" but appreciate seeing how this practice can be percieved by many! What a great challenge for Pastors to continue to communicate clearly why we do what we do!! I would love to here what your thoughts and what your experience's have been with the "Altar Call!" Enjoy...

I’m sometimes asked by people why we don’t do “altar calls” at our services. Like the people who ask the question, the churches in my personal background pretty much all practiced “altar calls” at the conclusion of a sermon or service. I’ve seen them done in very poor fashion, and I’ve seen some pastors be really clear about the gospel, repentance, faith, and the fact that “coming forward” does not save. I date my own conversion to the preaching of Exodus 32, which concluded with an altar call.

So, why don’t we practice “altar calls”? I don’t think the pastor who practices an “invitation” at the end of a sermon is in sin, but he may not be acting wisely either. This list of reasons, compiled by Pastor Ryan Kelly of Desert Springs Church, is a pretty good summation of some of my thinking (HT: Z).

1. The altar call is simply and completely absent from the pages of the N.T.

2. The altar call is historically absent until the 19th century, and its use at that time (via Charles Finney) was directly based upon bad theology and a man-centered, manipulative methodology.

3. The altar call very easily confuses the physical act of “coming forward” with the spiritual act of “coming to Christ.” These two can happen simultaneously, but too often people believe that coming to Christ is going forward (and vice-versa).

4. The altar call can easily deceive people about the reality of their spiritual state and the biblical basis for assurance. The Bible never offers us assurance on the ground that we “went forward.”

5. The altar call partially replaces baptism as the means of public profession of faith.

6. The altar call can mislead us to think that salvation (or any official response to God’s Word) happens primarily on Sundays, only at the end of the service, and only “up front.”

7. The altar call can confuse people regarding “sacred” things and “sacred” places, as the name “altar call” suggests.

8. The altar call is not sensitive to our cautious and relational age where most people come to faith over a period of time and often with the interaction of a good friend.

9. The altar call is often seen as “the most important part of the service”, and this de-emphasizes the truly more important parts of corporate worship which God has prescribed (preaching, prayer, fellowship, singing).

10. God is glorified to powerfully bless the things He has prescribed (preaching, prayer, fellowship, singing), not the things we have invented. We should always be leery of adding to God’s prescriptions for His corporate worship.

Numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 of Ryan’s list are the most compelling reasons in my opinion. These would seem very serious objections for anyone who takes seriously the idea that our Christian lives and gatherings should conform to what the NT commands, models, and prohibits. Perhaps I would add an 11th: The “altar call” teaches the congregation to evaluate the “success” or “effectiveness” of the ministry on outward, visible actions and results.

Further, the need to be pastorally careful and sensitive with the souls of men needing to repent and believe couldn’t be more urgent. So, anything that obscures the reality of God the Holy Spirit’s work in conversion and the necessity of repentance and faith must be regarded–at best–a practice with potential to undermine the very work we’re giving our lives to.

Do people “respond” to the word of God at our services? They do. And we give them a number of ways they may follow up on what they’ve heard, from talking to an elder or Christian friend after the service, to scheduling an appointment during the week, to letting us know they would like us to visit with them, and so on. One thing I appreciate about our approach is that it allows us to meet, listen, question, encourage, teach and pray in a much more thorough way. By God’s grace we’re seeing people converted and profess their faith in baptism as the Spirit opens their hearts. We’re not perfect by any means. But I do hope we’re being faithful to the scripture’s commands, examples, and restrictions.

What do you think about Kelly’s list? Are you “for” or “against” and why? Would you add anything to or challenge anything on the list?
.......
Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Does Sunday School Have A Future?

2011-06-28T07:04:00.004-05:00

(I found this article on the blod Red Letter Christians)
Sunday school. It was one of the main reasons I enjoyed church as a child. As a young adult, it sometimes still is. But there’s a conversation brewing: Does Sunday school have a future? I think so, though it may not involve Sunday or school.

Sunday school has and will continue to look different for churches across the country. Since its creation in 18th-century England, some congregations have followed Sunday school’s traditional form — to teach children the Bible, protecting them from becoming casualties of social sins.

Today a wide range of Sunday school practices exist for all ages, including Bible studies, small groups and social gatherings. No matter what Sunday school looks like, it most broadly includes applying Scripture to our lives. For it is through imaginatively considering and applying God’s Word that we begin to love each other, our neighbors and God — which is at the heart of spiritual formation.

So while some call this Sunday school, others call it “Christian education.” No matter the name, it’s spiritual formation. Since modernity’s original creation of Sunday school was premised on a cultural need — to provide school for children — it seems we must likewise reinterpret it in our postmodern, post-Christendom context.

In 21st-century America, we’re in great need of a deeper, broader understanding of the Gospel, an understanding that is countercultural and runs against societal hegemony. At its core, it seems we need a call to conversation — honest dialogue on the world’s biggest spiritual and moral issues. Let’s face it, these conversations might happen more often than just on Sundays or in scholastic settings. In fact, they already are.

**I would love to hear your thoughts on Sunday School...how has it played a role in your life? Is it outdated or underestimated?

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

The Death of Osama Bin Laden

2011-05-09T11:14:00.005-05:00

With so much coverage of this topic in the news these days, I wanted to post a wonderful response I recently read reagarding Osama's death and also give a chance to hear what you have to say...so below I have posted an article by Matt Slick, which brings up some great scripture references as we process these current events.

The death of Osama Bin Laden
by Matt Slick

On May 1st, 2011 U.S. forces killed Osama Bin Laden in a 40 minute attack upon a compound in Pakstan. This ends a ten year hunt for the world's worst terrorist who masterminded the attack on U.S. soil where the Twin Towers in New York were destroyed and 3000 people were killed. But, what should the Christian's attitude be about his death?

The Christian response should be two-fold. First, we should be sad that he has died and entered into his eternal condemnation. This judgment is indeed horrible, and as Christians we should be saddened for any unbeliever who has denied the true God as Bin Laden did in his Islamic beliefs. Second, we should rejoice that justice has been carried out.

On the one had God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked.

•"For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies," declares the Lord God. "Therefore, repent and live," (Ezekiel 18:32).
•"Say to them, ‘As I live!’ declares the Lord God, ‘I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked . . ." (Ezekiel 33:11).
We clearly see that God does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked. That is, it is not his desire that even the wicked die. Yet, on the other hand we find...

•"And it shall come about that as the Lord delighted over you to prosper you, and multiply you, so the Lord will delight over you to make you perish and destroy you. . ." (Deut. 28:63).

◦The word "delight" here is the word "soos" in Hebrew and it means to exult, rejoice, display joy.
•"If one man sins against another, God will mediate for him; but if a man sins against the Lord, who can intercede for him?" But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for the Lord desired to put them to death," (1 Sam. 2:25).

◦The word "desired" here is the same Hebrew word, "chaphets," used in Ezekiel 18:32 and 33:11 ("pleasure") above. It means "to delight in, take pleasure in, desire, be pleased with."
◦ Likewise, the word "chaphets" occurs in Isaiah 53:10 where it says, "But the Lord was pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grief."
In the above verses you can see that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, yet he delighted in destroying wicked people. Is this a contradiction? No. Because God can be saddened by the death of the wicked but also delight in executing his righteous judgment upon them because it is in accordance with the holy Law (do not murder, etc.) which he himself has given us.

If God executes his righteous judgment upon the wicked, then we have an obligation to follow his lead, to carry out righteousness, to deal with the wicked, and to guard the safety of others. We need to do this carefully, with caution, and only after proper laws have been followed.

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Pastor Fired for agreeing with Rob Bell

2011-03-26T12:43:00.005-05:00

With our recent focus on Rob Bell here at this blog...I thought it would be interesting to post a current event peeking in at how a Pastor and a church have recently been impacted with the views advertised in Rob Bell's latest book on bookshelves now, entitled "Love Wins!" So as I was digging around some websites I frequent, I found this article and video clip
at www.churchleaders.com and thought it was worth looking at in light of all the Rob Bell controversy:
FOXNews reported that a United Methodist Church pastor in North Carolina was recently removed from his position because he posted to Facebook that he supported the view of hell described in Rob Bell's new controversial book, Love Wins. Pastor Chad Holtz said he was "shocked" by the decision to fire him, because the post was intended to engage his congregation in discussion, but it ended up angering them. Holtz said congregants complained he wasn't representing their views. Bell's book describes the traditional view of hell as a place of eternal torment "misguided and toxic," and Holtz's Facebook post detailed his personal journey toward "losing the idea of hell." Holtz called the congregation "good decent people ... who are simply feeling a little threatened by a pastor who is asking questions they don't want to ask right now." He admitted that he'd posted other notes on subjects such as gay marriage that had troubled the congregation before, but this recent one seemed to be "the last straw."

I would love to hear everyone's thoughts on this one!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Atheist Debate Wednesday...

2011-03-23T14:19:00.002-05:00

Get ready for the fourth part of the "Atheist Debate!" With Dan Barker and Todd Friel! The debate is getting good! It is good to see guys like Todd Friel who is "always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect..." 1 Peter 3:15 Whether you agree with Todd or not (speaking to believers in Christ) he has a defense...do you? I hope you are living your life in such a way that others would ask you about your Christian hope...but when they do, what will you say? Good time to develop that now instead of off the top of your head later!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Great band: Sons & Daughters

2011-03-21T08:44:00.002-05:00

I got the chance to see "Sons & Daughters" in Chicago last September at the STORY Chicago conference! They do an amazing job of worship and leading us all into the presence of Jesus Christ! I believe they are out of "Willow Creek?" Anyway, enjoy this video and use it as a personal time of worship with a cup of coffee before you start your busy day!

Come to Save Us from Sons & Daughters on Vimeo.

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Weekly Witnessing Watchable

2011-03-18T15:07:00.003-05:00

I love this clip. So encouraging! Even if you think this is weird or radical...remember as Francis Chan says...being weird and radical is normal in the Bible! So then the question is how normal are you?

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Jonathan David Helser | You're Never Giving Up

2011-03-17T16:20:00.002-05:00

This is the most inspirational, moving, spontaneous song of passion I have ever heard! If a person could sing a sermon, this is what it would sound like! Thank God that he promised never to leave us...I need Him/desire Him more today than I did yesterday!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Rob Bell...Seriously part 2

2011-03-16T15:07:00.005-05:00

Here is an interview of Rob Bell concerning his views on Heaven & Hell in light of his new book "Love Wins."

Rob Bell obviously is confused about Hell and who goes there. He makes a statement in this interview, "What about the people who have never heard of Jesus?" Seriously Rob?? No one will go to hell because they haven't heard of Jesus Christ. The heathen will go to hell for murder, rape, adultery, lust, theft, lying. ect. Sin is not FAILING to HEAR the GOSPEL. Rather, sin is the transgression of the Law "Everyone who sins is breaking God's law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God." 1 John 3:4.

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Atheist Debate Wednesday

2011-03-16T12:05:00.003-05:00

Hang on guys, there is a lot of content to process in this portion of the debate! Allow this to sharpen you if you are a believer in Christ as to how you would approach these topics of debate. If you are not a believer think about why you are not and allow some seeds to be planted. As you may have noticed the youtube videos of this debate were created by a non-believer.

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Who Am I? | LeadershipJournal.net

2011-03-15T22:54:00.001-05:00

Our public personas often overshadow our true identity
John Ortberg | posted 3/14/2011

Who Am I? | LeadershipJournal.net

Great article by John Ortberg. So how do you deal with the many "you's" that you have the ability to portray? Most importantly what are your thoughts on John Calvin's statement: "it is impossible to know myself without coming to know God—and impossible to know God without coming to know myself."

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Can Christians Get Tattoos?

2011-03-12T22:10:00.005-06:00

So what are your thoughts? We have heard the answer to the question "Can Christians get tattoos?" But what about the question "Should Christians get tattoos? For those of you who have tattoos..."What made you decide to?" and for those of you who do not have a tattoo..."What keeps you from getting one?" Are there any limits to how many tattoos? Should a pastor get a tattoo? Should I get a tattoo? Well I tell you what if I get "50 comments" on this post I will think about getting a tattoo?

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Being scared of Hell does not save you!

2011-03-12T21:59:00.005-06:00

The fear of hell by itself saves nobody. Use this video to help evaluate your preaching on hell, heaven, and the gospel.

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Weekly Witnessing Watchable

2011-03-11T16:16:00.003-06:00

Hey everyone, it's FRIDAY which means it's time for a weekly witnessing watchable...Sit back and watch this conversation take place and think about how you would respond regardless of which side of the fence you find yourself! Be encouraged my friends to be seed planters and convdersation starters! And remember don't be a jerk, just be Jesus!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Atheist Debate Wednesday- part 2

2011-03-10T10:44:00.002-06:00

Hey everyone I hope your ready for -part 2of the Atheist Debate. Remember for the next 6-7 weeks, every Wednesday, I will be posting portions of the most intense, challenging, edge of your seat atheist debate I have ever heard. Debating on the side of Christianity is Wretched Radio host "Todd Friel" and debating on the side of Atheism is once evangelist/Christian Dan Barker whose website can be found here. I warn you ahead of time, brace yourself. Allow this segment, along with the other segments of this debate, to prepare you for such a conversation in the future. I would pray that it stretches you and takes you outside of your comfort zone.

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

A "Must Listen" video

2011-03-09T11:54:00.004-06:00

What will matter most when you are breaths away from eternity? Enjoy!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Radical by David Platt

2011-03-04T13:30:00.002-06:00

Radical by David Platt from Taylor Robinson on Vimeo.

Go grab this book at your local Christian bookstore or order it online...be challenge and be changed! But don;t sit back as a "Christian" and do nothing!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

More thoughts on Rob Bell...

2011-03-04T12:24:00.004-06:00

Recently I posted Rob Bell's "Love Wins" promo video. I shared with you that in the past I have struggled with what Rob Bell believes and teaches therefore, it is to no suprise to me that He would pull another rabit of bad theology out of his hat. Below I have provided a segment of Wretched Radio with Todd Friel. Sit back and listen to Todd and see if you agree or disagree... However, I would love to hear from some of you as to why you like Rob Bell, what is it that you agree with his proposed theology? Looking for some healthy conversation as iron sharpens iron!
Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

The best 5 minutes of your day...

2011-03-03T14:24:00.003-06:00

Grab the family. Take 5 minutes to sit down and watch.
It's worth your time. Really worth it.

Kimyal New Testament launch in Indonesia from United Bible Societies on Vimeo.

Praise God that you and I have the Word of God in English. My prayer is that we have the same desire as these people to read it...and not just read it, but pass it on!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Atheist Debate Wednesday

2011-03-02T14:41:00.005-06:00

Hey everyone! At least for the next 6-7 weeks, every Wednesday, I will be posting portions of the most intense, challenging, edge of your seat atheist debate I have ever heard. Debating on the side of Christianity is Wretched Radio host "Todd Friel" and debating on the side of Atheism is once evangelist/Christian Dan Barker whose website can be found here. I warn you ahead of time, brace yourself. Allow this segment, along with the other segments of this debate, to prepare you for such a conversation in the future. I would pray that it stretches you and takes you outside of your comfort zone.

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Moral Relativism

2011-03-01T21:23:00.004-06:00

When someone says that morality is person to person relative and that their opinion is of no more value than the next person's opinion they have officially forfeited using words like "should" or "ought" as this assumes there is a way things "should" or "ought" to be. C.S. Lewis would point out that you can't call something crooked unless you what straight is.

The natural consequences of Ben's denial and suppression of God's moral law is futility and irrationally (Rom. 1:18,21). Something within him (Rom. 2:15) tells him that certain act are absolutely wrong, but he can't make sense of it outside of God, which ultimately puts him in a camp where a child molester's moral judgments are admittedly just as valuable as his own!- this video and commentary taken from www.livingwatersonthebox.blogspot.com
So it goes without saying that the idea/concept/belief of moral relativism is around every corner these days on an epidemic level. I will go even as far to say that moral relativism is even found in our churches, our youth groups, and our college age ministries. So what are your thoughts? How do you deal with moral relativism or how have you seen moral relativism displayed in your community? It's all to funny that those who believe in moral relativism don't believe in right or wrong until you steal their wallet! Ha!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

What If Every Church Cared

2011-02-28T13:54:00.002-06:00

As you will see in this video, mighty things can happen by small groups of committed people. The call has gone out, churches...GO into all the world! I think about this conccept just in my town of 80,000 in Decatur, Il...what would look different if the churches got out of their walls, got out of their comfort zones and got into peoples lives of those in need, of those who are hurt, of those... who if they died tonight would burn in hell for eternity...what if every church cared? How might things be different? Pray for change!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Playing to Your Strengths

2011-02-28T13:37:00.003-06:00

Andy Stanley encourages leaders to do less and accomplish more. "At some point along the way you have to begin to play to your strengths and delegate your weaknesses as a leader," Stanley says.

Practical Idea: Share this video with your leadership team and ask them how well you are delegating tasks in your ministry?

posted originally at www.churchleaders.com

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Rob Bell...Seriously?

2011-02-26T15:55:00.003-06:00

Okay, if you have been a part of this blog for the last four years, or know me personally, I have never quite bought into the person or the teachings of "Rob Bell." Okay so I did buy one of his books "Drops like Stars" but I'm taking it off my shelf tomorrow and using it as a door stop. As Rob Bell is coming out with a new book "Love Wins" on March 29th,2011, I want to provide you a short article but a more compelling promo video that Rob Bell gives himself of the material covered in his new book and challenge you to see if what He is saying jives with what has already been said in God's Word. Click on the link Rob Bell...a Universalist? I'm open for discussion on what ROb Bell says as examined to what the Bible says about who goes to Heaven and Hell!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Matt Chandler - Jesus Wants the Rose

2011-02-10T11:16:00.000-06:00

Why is it that Jesus wants the rose and will take the rose but we are so inclined to do just the opposite with the messed up, jacked up, broken roses? Lord forgive us...Lord forgive me! Lord give me the courage and strength to be about the broken roses even when I don't want to, even when I don't agree or even when I may be ashamed to be associated with a mess of such roses. Give me your heart, your eyes, and your grace!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

A Repelling Pastor.

2011-02-04T19:47:00.001-06:00

Okay so this should get some of us talking. What are your thoughts about how we do church sometimes? Or how we do church may be perceived? Are we more "show" than "go"? Didn't Jesus said "go" and make disciples, not "show" and make disciples. Interested in hearing your thoughts. Did this video tick you off or did you find yourself in total agreement? Remember that the views in the videos I post are not always ones I agree with, but instead used as a tool to get us together, talking, thinking, feeling, and sharpening our iron!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

"Zion & Babylon" Josh Garrels 2010

2011-02-04T12:15:00.000-06:00

Bart Millard "I Stand Amazed" Live on Gospel Music Channel

2011-02-04T11:03:00.000-06:00

When atheists backslide...

2011-02-02T19:22:00.003-06:00

I love this video by the Way of the Master folks. So many times as Christians we say we don't believe in something and never explain the "why." We simply take a stance without being able to carry on a conversation or go into detail as to what makes us come to such a belief. This is what makes it look like we just got our "likes" and "dislikes" passed down from our mom's and dad's or worse yet from a "What I'm suppossed to believe as a Christian" starter box. All I am saying is conversations matter and "convinving" conversations matter even more! Sometimes we have to go into a season of "iron sharpening iron" so we can be able to have a defense and a foundation for the claims we make! Just think, your next conversation could quite possible make an athiest question everything they believe?

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

How Normal Are You?

2010-12-03T10:06:00.002-06:00

I love this video. Makes you really think about the question, "How normal am I?" Well that question could be debated on many scales concerning our day to day normalcy! :) But what about when compared to the stories in the Bible? Does our daily living or lifestyle seem normal when matched up to those who answered the call to follow God in the scriputres? Would your story fit in the Bible or would it be sadly out of place? What is keeping your story from being "Biblically Normal?" Have a great week!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

How content are you?

2010-07-15T22:32:00.002-05:00

So White Board Wednesday was another great time of hanging out and learning more about "principle living." Last Wednesday we discussed the principle "ACT your way in to a feeling, when you can't FEEL your way into an act." This was then followed up with Phillipians 4:11 where Paul speaks of being content no matter the circumstance. So how content are you with your circumstances? Do you find at time that your circumstances determine your feelings and in turn determine your bahaviors? In what ways do you find it easiest to ACT your way into a feeling even when you don't feel like it?

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Francis Chan- talking about the middle of the road.

2010-04-29T19:55:00.000-05:00

Make sure you count the cost...

2010-04-29T19:40:00.001-05:00

Paul Baloche- Glorious/testimony

2010-01-08T12:04:00.000-06:00

Paul Baloche | Glorious EPK from Story Chicago on Vimeo.

Fee- Promise Land (Live) Turn it Up!!!

2010-01-08T11:07:00.001-06:00

Real brokeness filmed live on the darkened streets of Nashville, TN

2010-01-08T10:59:00.000-06:00

BROKEN from TK McKamy on Vimeo.

The Open Table

2010-01-08T10:36:00.003-06:00

So I came across this interview with Chris Seay and Donald Miller. I got the opportunity to see both of these guys in Chicago at the Story Conference. They bring up some good points about evangelism, our culture, how we learn and how God relates to us. Refreshing to say the least! So how have small groups worked or not woked in your church or in your experience? Could you see invting someone to a small group like the Open Table?

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Some thoughts on "Consumerism"

2009-12-23T14:49:00.005-06:00

I thought that some thoughts on "Consumerism" with Christmas right around the corner, I thought this would be fitting to challenge us all for the new year!

The Cussing Pastor

2009-08-05T15:17:00.001-05:00

The Cussing Pastor

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Wake Up Church!

2009-08-05T11:56:00.003-05:00

This song was performed way back in 1982, so my question is this: Is the Church still sleeping some 27 years later? Is this song as relevant today in 2009 as it was back in 82'? In what ways? Let me know!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Concerning Alcoholic Beverages

2009-08-03T11:41:00.002-05:00

Concerning Alcoholic Beverages I came across this article and found it to be quite interesting! Did Jesus really drink wine? Should a Christian drink alcohol? Does scripture play anypart in your choice to drink or not to drink? Looking forward to your response.

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

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Church Band plays AC/DC "Highway to Hell?"

2009-07-28T20:25:00.002-05:00

So I just realized that this band didn'teven change the words and make a Christian parody out of this one...they jusy sang AC/DC to open up their worship service...can they do that? Well more importantly was Jesus rockin out to the song or do you think he left the biulding? I did love the scripture provided at the beginning and end of the song...but doesthat give us a license to play whatever the heck we want to if we just tag some scripture to it? In my opinion I am all for Christian Parody (keeping the music but changing the lyrics) but I just pictured Satan sitting back on this one saying "now this is church!"

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

A Call for Discernment Exposing the Word of Faith Movement

2009-07-06T18:00:00.004-05:00

So has anyone heard any of Todd Bentley's stuff? Pretty out there! Anyone had an experience or connected with the Word of Faith Movement? I would be interested to know anyone else's opinion on these teachings! For more of Trisha Ramos who conducted this interview go to www.fishwithtrish.com

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

An Amazing Conversation with Paul Washer

2009-07-05T23:36:00.001-05:00

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

What do you think?

2009-05-12T13:18:00.007-05:00

So here is a great discussion that I came across over at StreetFishing.Org What transaltion of the Bible do you use? I personally own and preach with a John MacArthur Bible along with a TNIV (Today's New International Version). Therefore this discussion peeked my interest. So watch these videos and get ready to discuss:

The question here is what is more effective for the Kingdom...translating the closest possible word from the original language (even though this culture may not understand it?) or choose a word that is the closest to what the culture would understand while keeping as close as possible to the true word?

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Reflections of my past life as an intern therapist.

2009-04-30T21:26:00.004-05:00

As this day ends, so does a chapter in my life. I was totally overwhelmed today and touched by the kindness of my co-workers at Heritage Behavioral Health Center as it was my last day. As I finished up the longest year and a half of my life as an Intern Therapist, I received much encouragement and love from upper management from fellow therapists and social workers, and also from those ladies at the front desk we call Support Staff! I have made new friends and made new connections. I have invested and been invested into. Outside of the lunches that co-workers have so graciously provided for me throughout the week from Irish Pub's for a Rueben to BBQ and fixings in the group room. I will miss those in rehab who made my group experience the icing on the cake 3 days a week. I was humbled, taught and accepted by individuals who have and still are rising above their addictions and continuing their battle as they slay the dragon one step and one day at a time! I will miss my weekly trip down to the Lincoln Square Lounge every Friday at 1:00p.m. for the best Gyros in Decatur, Il. I will miss the conversations and the company that was kept through one of the most stressful years of my life. I will miss all the free counseling which is what happens when all your friends are counselors! As I end this post, I will miss the investments that I was privelidged to make each day with so many people that I would never have had the chance to meet if I stayed behind my desk at the church as a pastor. I stepped out in faith and God made it so worth my while to journey down the road of obtaining a Masters in Community Counseling. I leave you with a poem that was written for me today by an amazing co-worker:

JOE-
You are the man with the plan.
You try to take people by the hand...
hoping they'll try harder and
maybe take their walk to the promised land...
instead of giving up and finding that they've
ran down the wrong path.
You tell us funny stories and make us laugh,
You pray for us and we pray for you.
Have a blessed future

God's Wrath is Hell

2009-04-14T19:45:00.005-05:00

What do you know about Hell already? Would you say you have a biblical understanding of Hell? Do you ever wonder who goes to Hell and who doesn't? Ever wonder where you will go the minute you take your last breath and step out of this world? What will you do with your current knowledge of Hell after watching this video? Will you turn to Jesus, repent and place your trust in Him? There goes another minute gone forever, come to Jesus while you still can!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THIS VIDEO

Until the nets are full,
Joe Drew

One Nation Under God

2009-03-02T00:11:00.001-06:00

If we are indeed "One Nation Under God" let's act like it and take a stand when a "few" try to determine for the "majority!"

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

You gotta hear "Bone Digger" by Apologetix

2009-02-26T21:30:00.000-06:00

Did You Know? (You have to see this...)

2009-02-22T19:10:00.001-06:00

Did You Know? from Amybeth on Vimeo.
Does more knowledge mean that we are definatly in the "End Times" according to scripture? Da 12:4 "But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase."

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Agree or Disagree

2009-02-21T18:29:00.002-06:00

Hey everyone, I was just listening to "Pirate Christian Radio" which you can find as a widget over to your right of this website. On the radio show they were doing a poll among people at random on the street and they were asking those polled if they agreed or disagreed or were unsure with this statement:
"It's not the content of your theology, it's the direction of your heart."
So looking forward to a wealth of discussion concerning what you think about this statement!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

This is what's passing for "CHURCH" these days...

2009-02-18T17:28:00.000-06:00

Did God Create in 6 Literal Days?

2009-02-17T17:43:00.002-06:00

So what do you think? Does our stance on 6 literal days have anything to do with our salvation? How foundational is Genesis to you?

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Death of a Church

2008-11-29T22:04:00.004-06:00

I was in a historical town today spending time with my wife and daughter. We were having a great time just going from shop to shop browsing mostly but also buying a few items on the spur of the moment. It was then my wife brought up to me if I would like to go by the church in town to pick up some coffee. Now you might be thinking, yeah our church serves coffee too, but here's the thing...the church was no longer a church, it was a coffee house. I had heard about this church before from other people and I must say as a huge fan of coffee and also as a called, ordained, licensed minsiter of the gospel having served in churches for the last 14 years, I was intrigued to step inside this church and take a look inside. This experience was quite bitter/sweet as I approached this building that looked just like a church on the outside with the whole stained glass windows and everything. As I entered the church building, it was full of young people and other individuals hanging out with their lap tops sipping on their prefered latte. I could not help but think "what happened to this church?" "when was it that this church lost it's saltiness?" "Did the church lack these same young poeple and impact on it's community?" As I sat and waited on my hot libation to be prepared, I sat back and thought, "without vision, the people parish." Well the coffee house had vision all right, and they did a good job of creating an environment in which to serve up their vision. Could it be that the church you are in today, could be changed into a coffee shop where the only signs of what Jesus did is a lonley little cross in a dark corner of the room? Or a T-shirt on the wall asking the question, "What Would Jesus Brew?" Let me end with this thought...if we as Christians will not be transformed, our churches will be...into coffee shops, bars and banks!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Have you read THE SHACK???

2008-11-17T22:44:00.022-06:00

I am sure that many of you have heard about the book, THE SHACK. Some of you may even own it and have actually flipped through it or just read the whole thing, thinking to yourself that this is the best Christian book I have ever read! It is no secret that this book has stirred much emotion and change in people as they indulge themselves in the pages of this bestseller. However, as I bought the book and read it, as it was recommended by "another Christian," I found it to be quite an eye opener! But not the kind of eye opening experience you may have had with it! As I read the book, I saw line after line of bad theology, misrepresentation, and flat out heresy within the pages of wht I now call "The Shaft!" And here is the thing that gets me...this stuff is being sold in our Christian book stores (which is a whole other blog post) and it is even being used as a Bible study in churches! You know it is quite ironic that we as Christians, who most of the ones I speak with, don't read their Bibles much or "like they should", or even at all...but when a book comes out like THE SHACK, they eat it up and then they allow such material to shape their theology or worse yet they use the book as a way to study and examine the Bible. Shouldn't it be the other way around? Taking the Bible and using it as a spotlight to examine books that we so quickly label as "Christian." But because of some Christians lack of Biblical knowledge and spiritual discernment due to lack of spiritual growth, they just except books like THE SHACK as gospel truth. The people who I have run into who have the read the book and claim to be Christians, stand silent as I examine the book under scripture! They only whimper with the words, "You have to remember that it is only a fiction book!" Are you kidding me! So now just because it is fiction, we as CHristians can accept such garbage? Take a stand people! How many Christians got upset and even boycotted theaters when The Divinci Code came out? Or the Last Temptation of Christ? So we get mad in the name of fiction when someone writes that Jesus had sex with another woman and they had some kids of which the bloodlines still exist. Where were the Bible studies coming along side the fiction of The Divinci Code? Nowhere, if I remember right all the Bible studies that came out at the time of the Divinci Code were to set straight, the fallacies of the book and the movie! So just know, yes I have read the book and no I do not recommend it! I have provided a PDF link below for those of you who are interested in learning more in detail some of the error and bad theology of the book , THE SHACK! Also see check out other links provided below on this book!

13 HERESIES IN THE SHACK

WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE SHACK PDF?

HANK "THE BIBLE ANSWER MAN" SPEAKS OUT ABOUT "THE SHACK."

MARK DRISCOLL, PASTOR OF MARS HILL CHURCH ON THE SHACK

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Veteran's Day Message at Peoples Church of God

2008-11-09T21:45:00.003-06:00

Listen to the above message and see what I think makes a "Veteran of War" spiritually speaking. Also I'm interested in your thoughts and your own experience. Do you consdier yourself to be a spiritual verteran? What kind of battle are you fighting? What do you think makes a "Veteran of War?" or "What makes a spritual "Veteran" honorable? Looking forward to your thoughts!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Check this out moviegoers!

2008-09-30T13:42:00.002-05:00

Article found at Ray Comfort's "Comfort Food"
Los Angeles (E! Online) - Shia LaBeouf has starred in three straight No. 1 movies. Kirk Cameron hasn't seen his face on a multiplex screen in seven years. Guess who's the hottest ticket heading into the weekend? In terms of advance sales, Cameron's Fireproof, an ultra-low-budget marriage-minded family drama opening on about 800 screens, has smoked LaBeouf's $105 million, opening-everywhere thriller Eagle Eye.

Fireproof accounted for a whopping 40 percent of all advance sales this week on Fandango, the ticket service said today. Eagle Eye was a distant second, representing 17 percent of sales. Through Wednesday, Fireproof was leading the week with 23 percent of all advance sales. No other movie, “Eagle Eye” included, was even in double digits.

A 1980s teen idol of Growing Pains fame, Cameron, now 37, has become better known this decade for his work with his ministry and TBN show, The Way of the Master.

An interesting angle on "Joy"

2008-09-29T10:45:00.003-05:00

I was just reading in 1 Thessalonians this morning, where Paul is telling the church that they are his "glory" and "joy" due to their response to the gospel that was preached to them and their continued faithfulness and spiritual growth inspite of severe persecution. I started to think about those who lack joy in their lives. Everday Christians who go day in and day out without really ever experiencing "Joy." Could it be that we sometimes look for "Joy" in places where "Joy" cannot be found? And thn we wonder what is missing form our Christian Walk and our experience with God?? Remember that Paul's "Joy" came from the fruit of sharing his faith and spreading the gospel! Could it be that we need a little nudge to go out and plant those seeds so that our "Joy" may be found in the fruit of other peoples faith in Christ?

Until the nets are full...
Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

New post over at "Go with Joe"

2008-09-21T19:32:00.001-05:00

Hey just wanted to let you know of the new blog post over at "Go with Joe". Enjoy!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

My Band L.T.O. (Limited Time Only) playing Simple Man parody "Sinful Man"

2008-09-08T10:23:00.001-05:00

23 Minutes in Hell

2008-09-05T21:07:00.005-05:00

Okay so a break from facebook right now is in need, so I can get back to my favorite past time next to (making online flairs) and that is blogging on blogspot. Just the other day I was at my local Christian bookstore and I picked up a copy of a book that has caught my eye for so long, but I never thought to give it a read until the other day as I seemed almost drawn to this book by Bill Wiese, "23 Minutes in Hell." Now I know what your thinking that did this guy really spend 23 minutes in hell? I tell you go get the book and be convinced by his experience and multitude of scripture references to back up that experience. I cannot put the book down and even had trouble sleeping last night, but my sleep deprivation comes out of the reality of hell and the brutal fact that poeple are going there everyday, every hour and every minute. This is perhaps one of the most disturbing yet, meaningful books I have ever read! So if your looking for something to read and want to be challenged, broken, enlightened and sent forth, then by all means check this book out. This does bring up the topic of hell and the many views that others may have on the topic. Is hell a real place? Is there real fire? Who will go there? Who is there now? Why was it created? all good questions that can be discussed in this post.

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

NO EXCUSE SUNDAY: DEDICATED TO MISSING CHURCH ATTENDEES!

2008-08-14T11:46:00.001-05:00

To make it possible for everyone to attend church this Sunday, we are going to have a special "No Excuse Sunday": Cots will be placed in the foyer for those who say, "Sunday is my only day to sleep in." There will be a special section with lounge chairs for those who feel that our pews are too hard. Eye drops will be available for those with tired eyes from watching TV late Saturday night. We will have steel helmets for those who say, "The roof would cave in if I ever came to church." Blankets will be furnished for those who think the church is too cold, and fans for those who say it is too hot. Scorecards will be available for those who wish to list the hypocrites present. Relatives and friends will be in attendance for those who can't go to church and cook dinner, too. We will distribute "Stamp Out Stewardship" buttons for those that feel the church is always asking for money. One section will be devoted to trees and grass for those who like to seek God in nature. Doctors and nurses will be in attendance for those who plan to be sick on Sunday. The sanctuary will be decorated with both Christmas poinsettias and Easter lilies for those who never have seen the church without them. We will provide hearing aids for those who can't hear the preacher and cotton wool for those who think he's too loud! Hope to see you there!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

A Must See Movie Coming Soon...

2008-08-04T22:59:00.002-05:00

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE...

Way of the Pastor,
Joe drew

Questions looking for Answers

2008-08-04T22:33:00.003-05:00

Needing something to think about? How about these three questions: What makes God glad? What makes God sad? and you got it...what makes God mad? Have you ever really dealt with these questions and pondered the answer or answers to each? What about looking them up in the Bible? What a journey that would be, to read the scriptures attempting to find the answer to these questions! And for those of you out there who can't find your Bible or don't own a Bible...go ahead...you know you want to..."google" these quesitons and see what you come up with! However, you approach these three questions know that God has provided us with the answers and prompts us to dig for such knowledge like lost jewels! Which question effects you the most? Will it effect you enough to do something about it? I mean if you knew you were doing something that made God sad or mad...would it cause you to reconsider that action, that behavior, that attitude or that addiction? For more on this subject check out the latest sermon series I am currently preaching at www.peopleschurchofgod.com

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Friday Night Moment of Fun

2008-08-01T23:16:00.004-05:00

Hey just thought some of you out there who grew up watching "Back to the Future"
would enjoy seeing what Biff is up to these days! Also any opinions out there as to the best episode or their favorite quote?

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Friday Nights with Paul Washer

2008-07-25T17:02:00.001-05:00

THE WRATH OF GOD IS COMING...

Until the nets are full,
Way of the Pastor

Todd Bentley's Violent "Ministry" (WOTMR) [1of2]

2008-07-14T20:57:00.001-05:00

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Worst Thing to Happen to a Preacher [Part 1] (Ravenhill)

2008-07-14T20:54:00.001-05:00

Friday Night's with Paul Washer

2008-07-12T01:03:00.002-05:00

THE TRUE PROSPERITY GOSPEL (PAUL WASHER)

Have a great weekend...

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

You Must Listen Now...it will change everything!

2008-07-10T22:41:00.003-05:00

Hey this goes out to everyone...please if you have not heard of Hell's Best Kept Secret by Ray Comfort, or if you need a great reminder of this message CLICK HERE You have the choice to watch it, listen to it, download it, preach it and live it out! Find out what Hell wants to keep a secret!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

People Fishing for People

2008-07-10T22:05:00.003-05:00

What a week. I can only say that because God is a good God. God is worthy and holy. The God who calms your fears. The God who equips you to do His work. The God who opens doors. Finally, it has started..."Fishing!" No, not just fishing for fish, but real fishing, the kind of fishing that brings in people! For the last couple of weeks I have been taking some guys out by Decatur Lake to have some conversations with complete strangers! Conversations that start out with the weather or the fishing and end up talking about Sin, Hell, Judgement, and Jesus! Wow. All I can say is that people are hungry for Jesus and yes the light does shine brighter in the dark. As of now we have 5 individuals who have signed up to be "Fishing Captains" at our church. These "captains" will be trained in sharing their faith and also be equipped to train others as well. The conversaionts that have taken place have already planted seeds with poeple, watered already planted seeds with people and watched other seeds grow right before us as one individual the other night gave his life to Jesus right there on the docks! So what bait are we using? Good conversation, the ability to swing a conversation from the natural to the spiritual, the 10 Commandments (which the Bible tells us is perfect in converting the soul) and last of all, topping it off with telling people what God did some 2000 years ago so we don't have to go to Hell...Jesus Christ! I have asked each individual that I have talked with 2 questions before I depart: Did I offend you with talking about subjects like Sin, Judgement, and Hell. All of which have answered no I was quite comfortable! And secondly, Are you glad I came by to talk with you? All of which said "Yes"! Remember there is no gift of sharing your faith...it is simply an issue of obedience or _______________ yeah...you get the picture! Be looking for more "Fishing Stories" from our little fishing team. And know that there are people all around you everyday who would love to have a conversation that would change their eternity! DO you care? Do you care enough to do something about it?

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Sunday Nights with Paul Washer

2008-07-06T23:07:00.002-05:00

Hey guys...I missed posting on Friday Night's with Paul Washer so I changed it to Sunday Nights with Paul Washer. Anyway hope you enjoy this Q&A time that Paul is having with a congregation. Very good stuff!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Friday Nights with Paul Washer

2008-06-27T21:36:00.001-05:00

How Many Times Have You "Got Saved"? (Paul Washer)

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

New episode on Way of the Pastor Radio

2008-06-25T13:15:00.003-05:00

Remember you can listen to Episode 6 of Way of the Pastor Radio over to your left where you see a "talk shoe" call series badge. Just click, play and listen! In this episode, I introduce to you Mark Cahill. He has a wonderful message and a heart for seeking and saving those who Jesus called "Lost!" Listen to his message entitled "No Crossing Over" and leave us your comments. For more about Mark Cahill Ministries you can go to www.markcahill.org

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

How did Jesus really evangelize?

2008-06-24T11:15:00.003-05:00

2008-06-20T23:02:00.000-05:00

Friday Nights with Paul Washer

2008-06-20T20:13:00.002-05:00

Yes it is that time again...time for our weekly spiritual kidney punch from Paul Washer!

Have a great weekend...

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

No Such Thing As Retirement

2008-06-20T20:07:00.003-05:00

Check out Alvin. He's from Phoenix, is 91 years old, and wears hearing aids. He signed up for a One Day Crash Course and then went onto the streets. He would say, "They're going by too fast--I'm missing some of them." When he gave a tract to someone, he would say, "Now be sure to read this--it's got a real good message--it asks what you think will happen when you die--it's real important." People were so endeared to him that one even gave him flowers.

Article taken from www.livingwaters.com

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Osteen Said What?

2008-06-19T17:34:00.002-05:00

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Where it all began here at Way of the Pastor

2008-06-16T23:39:00.003-05:00

January 6th, 2006 is when I took my first step into the blogging world and Way of the Pastor Blogspot was created. I posted anew on this blog some 2 1/2 years ago from my heart and my innermost passion. SO as I was looking for what to say in a new post "today" June 16th, 2008, I found myself with the same buring passion of yesterday! So in the words of that guy in the dark helmet..."the circle is now complete." My first post resurrected from the blog vault. FYI When I fisrt posted this in 2006 it got just one comment and it wasn't even about the post? Enjoy:

"It embarasses me to even ask the question: Do the majority of Christians care if people are going to hell when they die. What causes us to pass people everyday without exposing them to the disease of sin and the answer to that disease...Jesus Christ? Do we really believe that we are who we say we are when it no longer bothers us that a man or women may spend an eternity in the fires of HELL? It seems that everyone else in the Christian world is so preoccupied with "keeping the aquarium" or spinning their wheels on meaningless events and discussion. This blog is and was created to help those who consider themselves followers of Jesus Christ to step up to bat and equip ourselves with sharing the gospel message to those we come in contact with everyday. So I leave you with this...Who's job is it anyway? The pastor? The missionary? Yourself?"

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

A look into the book "unChristian!"

2008-06-14T12:54:00.003-05:00

Hey for those of you who are joining our first ever "Book Blog," I wanted to just give you an excerpt from the book that I thought as well could spark some preliminary discussion before engaging in our main discussion of "unChristian." This excerpt is taken from pg. 60 of Chapter 3:

Philip Yancey, in his book What's So Amazing About Grace? makes his own candid conclusion: "Having spent time around "sinners" and also around purported saints, I have a hunch as to why Jesus spent so much time with the former group: I think he preferred their company. Becasue the sinners were honest about themselves and had so pretense, Jesus could deal with them. In contrast, the saints put on airs, judged him, and sought to catch him in a moral trap. In the end it was the saints, not the sinners, who arrested Jesus."

If only our view of outsiders were more like that of Jesus. And if only we condemned hypocrites the way he did: "They crsush people with impossible religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden" (Matt. 23:4).

Think of the overwhelming perception among young outsiders that we are merely hypocrites. Does your life point people to a life in Chirst that bursts with freedom to love, restoration, purity, and transparency?

Or are you burying poeple- insiders and outsiders -under the weight of a slef-righteous life? Do you lift a finger to help?

As a Christian, it's my duty to ask: are you lifting a finger now?

Which one?

Friday Nights with Paul Washer

2008-06-13T23:34:00.003-05:00

"Jesus Christ is Not a Yuppie's Accessory." (Paul Washer)

I promise you...listening to Paul Washer can be like taking a drink from a fire hydrant! However, his message is true and one to be heard! Enjoy as I will be posting a different Paul Washer message every week!

Way of the Pastor, (where else would you hear it?)
Joe Drew

New Feature "Enter the Blog Circle"

2008-06-11T00:26:00.003-05:00

Hey guys,
Just wanted to take a sec to inform you of the newest feature over to the upper left hand corner of the blog. "Enter the Blog Circle" will be an easy access way for you to check in on each other's blogs and post comments on one anothers posts. Remember to get comments you must post often and post thought provoking/challenging/engaging/resoursful material! Or just your rambling thoughts! If you would like to "Enter" into the Blog Circle...email me at wayofthepastor@comcast.net or just post a comment a whole bunch of times and we will give you an honorary membership into the BC (blog circle). Remember also guys that this is a great way to get each other to think and provide different opinions and angles to a wide variety of topics. Use this blog as a way to grow, build, strengthen, and support one another through fellowship, accountability, and blogability....? IS that a word? One of the worst things a Christian can do is sit on the bench with no backbone and with no defense as to why they believe what they believe! As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another! Throwing another log on the blog fire!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

New Episode of Way of the Pastor Radio

2008-06-10T19:52:00.003-05:00

Listen to the newest episode of Way of the Pastor Radio over to your left through the Talkshoe widget and then start the discussion or join the discussion as we get ready to read and discuss the book "Unchristian" by David Kinnaman. GO get the book and join the first ever "Book Blog!"

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

You have to go check this out!

2008-06-06T13:51:00.004-05:00

Hey everyone. Just wanted to direct your attention to another blog that has something to say: Think Biblically Radio . Our fellow blogger over at this blogspot which is also featured on this blog down below, has just posted on the subject of "Christians Who Use Porn." These two videos I believe are taken from Todd Friel's new T.V. program called wretched. Remember Todd Friel is the guy who gave us "The Bullhorn Guy Response!" SO go over there and let the guy over at www.thinkbiblicallyradio.com what you thoughtby leaving a comment- just tell him that Way of the Pastor sent ya! Also if you know someone struggeling with porn...get their attention before it's too late! And if you are a blogger out there I will be frequently checking your blog so if you want or just need a little spotlight shed on a topic you are discussing...email me at wayofthepastor@comcast.net

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

John Piper- War

2008-06-02T20:23:00.001-05:00

XXX Church Video

2008-05-31T21:33:00.005-05:00

Hey this conversation came up in the last post so I thought it would make sense to address the issue of pornography in this new post. If you have never heard of the XXX CHurch before and you are in need of it...stop reading this post and go to www.xxxchurch.com now! There is free downloadable accountability software called (X3 Watch)that you can use to allow others chosen by you to be fully aware of your internet activity! If you need to fill in an email address for an accountability partner feel free to use wayofthepastor@comcast.net Believe me I will be watching! Hope this video and conversation helps someone out there who feels like there is no help!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Hey Bullwhip Guy

2008-05-27T22:31:00.002-05:00

Hey hope everyone had a great Memorial Day Weekend. So here is the icing on the cake. The Bullwhip Guy! Wow! Makes sense though...think about it! When you do think about it...let me know what you think. For kicks go back and watch all three video posts of Rob Bell's Bullhorn Guy, Todd Friel's Bullhorn Guy response 1&2 and finally Bullwhip Guy! Have fun with this one!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

New Episode of Way of the Pastor Radio

2008-05-22T15:57:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone go over to your left of this blog site, you will see a Talk Shoe Badge with my newest installment of Way of the Pastor Radio. Sit back for 10 minutes and listen as I comment on this blog and what we are currently discussing!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Todd Friel's _ Bullhorn Guy Response parts 1 & 2

2008-05-22T13:43:00.002-05:00

Bullhorn Guy Response prt. 1

Bullhorn Guy Response prt. 2

New Way of the Pastor Radio Podcast

2008-05-20T21:26:00.005-05:00

Enjoy a new feature here at Way of the Pastor Blog Spot. I have posted a new podcast which doubles as "your" weekly challenge and "my" weekly soapbox. Give a post and leave a question or comment about Episode 1 of the WOTP podcast and I will read them on Episode 2.

Way of the Podcast,
Joe Drew

Hey Bullhorn Guy- by Rob Bell

2008-05-19T17:27:00.003-05:00

So what do you think? Do you agree or disagree with Rob Bell on this issue? Any scriptures come to mind when you see this video? What comment do you think Jesus would leave for this post? Throw your thoughts up against the wall and we'll see if they stick!

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Louie Giglio- Does God care about me?

2008-05-16T17:07:00.002-05:00

Where is it most difficult to be a Christian?

2008-05-14T16:19:00.003-05:00

Listen to John Piper discuss the question "Where is it most difficult to be a Christian?" Click here, and enjoy! Go ahead and post your thoughts and let us know what you think. This link from www.desiringgod.org

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew

Pastor Joe's Discover, Develop, Do Challenge #1

2008-05-13T21:10:00.003-05:00

It is so easy to consume your mind with what others are thinking of you? This breeds fear and idleness. We end up being a people who are too afriad to do anything, as we might offend or be rejected. So we abandon practices like tough love, disagrement, confrontation, or simply speaking the truth. This effects how we teach, preach, live, talk, converse, and engage with society! In Acts chapter 4 we see Peter and John combat this temptation to pipe down and quit rocking the boat! I wonder what would have happened if they would have taken the advice of those around them and wallowed in the mindset of "well...we tried?" Instead they voiced a prayer like no other in Acts 4:24-30 After this prayer the Bible tells us that the ground shook, the Holy Spirit arrived and Peter and John went out with a fresh sense of boldness. So to you I ask what is keeping you from shaking the ground where you live? What is keeping you from speaking the word of God boldly? What prayer do you need to pray to end the paralysis of fear, doubt, or worry- in order to become the person God created you to be?

Way of the Pastor,
Joe Drew