Leader Study: What Is A Healthy Church Member?

Beginning next week, the leaders of First Baptist Church (Brookings) will be reading, studying and discussing Thabiti Anyabwile's newest book,"What Is A Healthy Church Member?" (from 9 Marks Ministries, published by Crossway).

In the following video, Thabiti shares a bit about the purpose of the book, and Ligon Duncan shares the reason why he is using this book in his church as part of an evangelism class.

Perhaps the best thing about this video is that, for the first time ever, I heard Thabiti's full name pronounced - I had no idea how to pronounce his name!

Mark Dever: How Were Old Testament Saints Saved?

This is a question that I have been asked from time to time, particularly by young folks who are beginning to grapple with some of the tough questions for the first time.

This answer comes from Mark Dever, senior pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., executive director for 9 Marks Ministries, and trustee of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Mark gave this answer through the media ministry of The Gospel Coalition, a ministry near and dear to my heart...

Six Study Essentials

Mark Driscoll and the Resurgence share with us six study essentials for the Christian (for more explanation and a fair bit of links under each header, visit their post):

1. Have a good Bible.

2. Have some good Christian books.

3. Have some good (free) online study resources.

4. Have some good Bible software.

5. Have some good websites.

6. Have some good community.

Mark Driscoll Interviews John Piper about Life, Marriage, Parenting and Ministry

John Piper sits down with Mark Driscoll to talk about his life: Growing up as the son of an evangelist, the godly relationship of his parents, a very real look at his marriage, and the adoption of his daughter.

80% of Pastors Will Leave the Ministry Within Five Years

Thanks to the "Said at Southern" blog for this sober reminder today:

80% of seminary and Bible school graduates who enter the ministry will leave the ministry within the first five years.

The failure point seem to be “people skills” and more specifically dealing with sinful people.

85% of pastors said their greatest problem is they are sick and tired of dealing with problem people, such as disgruntled elders, deacons, worship leaders, worship teams, board members, and associate pastors.

90% said the hardest thing about ministry is dealing with uncooperative people.