On average, American adults read 12.6 books a year, according to a January 2022 Gallup survey. That’s about a book a month. Reliable data on pastor-readers is harder to come by, but a 2013 Barna study found that pastors bought … Continue reading Books and the Busy Pastor | Influence Podcast
“Every system is perfectly designed to get the results it gets,” observed Paul Batalden. He was talking about healthcare systems, but others have applied his observation to organizations generally. If he’s right, churches need to ask why their systems are … Continue reading Review of ‘Bully Pulpit’ by Michael J. Kruger
Pastors are public intellectuals. We don’t think of ourselves that way, but we should. After all, we stand before congregations and use words to apply Scripture to the various situations our audience members face. That is why Paul exhorted Timothy, … Continue reading Reading Quadrilaterally: What You Should Read in the Coming Year
On behalf of the staff of Influence magazine, I’d like to wish all our readers — especially those who listen to the Influence Podcast — a very happy new year! In this episode of the podcast, the first of many … Continue reading The State of the Fellowship 2023 | Influence Podcast
For many years, I have taken the turning of the calendar as an opportunity for reflection and resolution. I ask myself, What have I learned in the passing year? What do I want to accomplish in the coming one? Perhaps … Continue reading To Manage Time, Manage Attention
Several years ago, I began reading the books of Psalms and Proverbs daily during my devotional time. By following a set schedule of readings, I have been able to read each book completely once a month. This daily immersion into … Continue reading Why You Should Read Psalms and Proverbs Daily
Prayer is a hallmark of Pentecostal spirituality, both in the New Testament and today. Acts 2:42 says of the first generation of believers, “They devoted themselves … to prayer.” According to the Assemblies of God Constitution, “the priority reason for … Continue reading How and Why to Pray in 2023 | Influence Podcast
When the Christmas season begins, you can always count on at least one major media company to publish a story debunking the myths of Christmas. The effect, if not the intent, of such stories is to question the historical value … Continue reading Debunking Christmas Myths | Influence Podcast
Turning Points is a one-volume history of Christianity written for laypeople and students. It tells the Church’s story by describing “decisive moments in the history of Christianity” when the doctrine, character, and institutions of Christianity took a new direction. (The … Continue reading Turning Points, 4th Ed. | Book Recommendation
My favorite national holiday is Thanksgiving. It brings family and friends together around a table laden with food. The fact that my wife is an excellent cook makes it all the more enjoyable. Thanksgiving has a fourth F, though — … Continue reading Goodness and Gratitude | Influence Magazine
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