Month: October 2007

The Gospel in 6-Minutes

/ Dennis Griffith / Leave a comment

Paul, the Apostle, wrote: 

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes…  (Romans 1.16)

The Gospel is a phrase I am fond of, and use frequently.  But from time to time I have to stop and recognize that not everybody immediately understands what I am talking about.   

Some are unclear because, in some church traditions, the word Gospel has been used in so many ways that identifying the core idea is like trying to find your golf ball in murky water (something I’ve had to do too many times!) 

Increasing numbers of people are not only unclear as to the meaning of the word Gospel, they have no idea what it means.  This includes those who grew up outside the church; and it includes many who grew up inside churches that hardly, if ever, used the word at all.  This is increasingly evident, because, whether we like it or not, we live in a post-Christian culture. 

So what exactly is the Gospel? 

John Piper, of Desiring God Ministries, provides a very concise definition, and illustrates the important – though often neglected – principle that we never outgrow the Gospel in our Christian life.  

Watch this powerful (and short) video: 

 

 

 

15 Books on Leadership

/ Dennis Griffith / 5 Comments

The following books are some I highly recommend for those who are in leadership positions, or aspire to grow as leaders.   

While my primary interest is church leadership, I am fascinated by effective leaders in any sphere.  The books listed are not necessarily distinctively Christian.  I believe most, if not all, of these books would be beneficial for leaders in any realm. 

Wooden on Leadership  by John Wooden & Steve Jamison

Transforming Leadership by Leighton Ford

Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders (of OMF)

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

Principle-Centered Leadership by Stephen Covey

First Things First by Stephen Covey

Good to Great by Jim Collins 

(Note Collins has also written a short, but excellent supplement to this book, titled Good to Great in the Social Sectors)

 Leading Change by John Kotter

 Excellence in Leadership by John White

 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell

 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork by John Maxwell

 Agape Leadership by Alexander Strauch & Robert Peterson

 Top Ten Mistakes Leaders Make by Hans Finzel

 Ordering Your Private World by Gordon MacDonald

 Leading With a Limp by Dan Allender

Love Your Neighbor

/ Dennis Griffith / 2 Comments

“What do you want your church to be known for?”, I was asked.   

“I want this community to know that Walnut Hill Church loves them,” I replied.   I want people to know we care about them, and that we are for them, even if they will never darken the doorway of our church. 

I believe that this is what Jesus demonstrated on earth; and I believe that’s what Christ’s church is called to be and do.  (In this way we demonstrate the Gospel that we ourselves need, have received, and that we declare.) 

I have been at Walnut Hill only a short time. But I have already seen that love more thoroughly characterizes this church than any I’ve ever been a part of.  I’ve known wonderfully loving people in our other churches – and been recipient of their gracious affections – but love just seems to permeate Walnut Hill.   So while expressing unconditional love for our community is a tall order, I have hope that by God’s grace at work in us we will be able to both demonstrate & declare the Gospel: the free gift of the Grace of Jesus Christ.   

And we are not alone…My good friend, Don Waltermeyer, just sent me this article that appeared in the local paper in Washington, PA.  It’s such a great example I wanted to share it…

Church Uses Free Food, Football to Spread Gospel