Meanwhile, Elsewhere (29/2/12)

Give Up the Gimmicks, Youth Pastors - Brian Cosby

'With all my heart, I plead with you to not be tempted with "success," professionalism, or the fading fads of our entertainment-driven culture. Rather, pursue Jesus as the all-satisfying Treasure that he is and feed his young sheep with the means God has provided.'

The Kingdom of God in the Middle of Nowhere - Trevin Wax

'But as I listened to the joyful voices of the church members, believers remaining faithful even as their way of life crumbled around them, I came to see the power of God’s kingdom in a unique way. The presence of the Lord seemed palpable in that little village church in the middle of nowhere. Somehow, serving in the place of powerlessness stirred up within me a powerful sense of hope and joy. I then felt sorry for my pastor friend. He was missing out on such a blessing!'

8 Ways to Pray in Preparing to Lead Worship - Matt Boswell

An adaptation of Mike McKinley's '8 Ways to Pray During Sermon Preparation' (see Saturday's Meanwhile, Elsewhere) for worship leaders.

Is "God Inhabits the Praises of His People" Really Biblical? - Zac Hicks

'Ultimately, it comes down to integrity. Will I approach the Scriptures as honestly as possible, and will I model that honesty thoroughly before the people I lead, even when it eliminates what I considered a major tool in my “worship theology shorthand” arsenal? Sometimes (and I am guilty of this, too), we allow a little mis-exegesis to slide because “it’s just too good.” But if we desire to be trustworthy as pastors, teachers, and leaders, we need to try to be as exegetically honest as possible, even as Christ forgives and washes His blood over all our shoddy best efforts.'