Tools of the Trade for the Week of January 4, 2021

Happy New Year!. Let’s start the new year off by looking at a number of helpful articles from the last week or two:

YOUNG PASTOR ALERT: Jason Allen provides some sound advice for beginning preachers. His experience as a new preacher is described this way: “In hindsight, that sermon was an absolute train wreck. Even now, I pray it was not recorded and that it does not someday surface in my life. My feeble attempt to preach was earnest, but the finished product was no doubt laughable.” Here’s some help in avoiding that.

Your people may ask if our prayers change God’s mind. Nathan Bingham answers this question.

ANOTHER YOUNG PASTOR ALERT: Here’s four minutes of counsel from Jared Wilson dealing with new pastors who want to quit. Have you felt that way? Listen to what Jared says.

Peter Mead makes what seems to be a weekly appearance on this site with this post about our books. Good stuff.

Paul Tripp tells us how to pray for 2021.

David Mathis reflects on John Piper’s first sermon at Bethlehem Baptist over 40 years ago. His message is for preachers as well as those who hear them.

Jared Wilson shares “3 Ways the Gospel Encourages Weary Christians.” Read it for yourself and then share it with your people.

Here’s another helpful article by Peter Mead titled “Spiritual Warfare and Pulpit Ministry.”

Finally, here’s a piece by Michael Kelly on what the COVID situation has shown us about the church. This is a good read.