Ministry Today

‘Pastor, We’re Not Having Sex!’

Published on Thursday, 15 November 2012 12:00

Written by Douglas Weis, Ph.D.

How to counsel married couples through bedroom problems.

Terry and Tami seemed like the perfect married couple. They were in their 30s, attractive and successful. They’d known Pastor Phil for several years and one day came to him for counseling. As soon as they all were seated behind closed doors, Tami blurted out: “Pastor—Terry and I aren’t having sex!” Pastor Phil’s mind reeled: Not this couple. No way, he thought.

His mind instantly raced back to his Bible-school training. He could not recall any lessons he might have had on “The Sexless Marriage.” In fact, he couldn’t remember ever counseling a couple who didn’t want sex. In the end, all he could say was: “Terry, Tami—you should fast and pray.”

The article you’re reading would have come in handy for Pastor Phil. Couples like Terry and Tami avoid sex for definite reasons. After counseling for almost 20 years, I know. Let’s look at some of these obstacles.

Foundations for Rock-Solid Lives

Published on Thursday, 15 November 2012 09:00

Written by Dale Evrist

Seven strength-builders can equip believers to withstand life’s stressors and storms

When I was a boy I lived in a community where a tract of affordable houses had been built. From the outside they looked simple, yet attractive. By all appearances it seemed that these families were living the American Dream of home ownership. But this dream eventually became a nightmare.

You see, there was a problem. The foundations these homes were built on were compromised. They simply weren’t strong enough to deal with the stress placed on them. Over time the effects of shifting soil and changing temperatures took their toll and these foundations began to crack. As they cracked, these houses began to come apart. Ceilings separated, cabinets began to pull away from the walls, floors buckled. 

Even though most of these homes were nicely appointed, inside and out, none of that could mask the fact that these homes were built on faulty foundations. Any structure is only as strong as what it is built on.

The Cowboy Church

Published on Friday, 16 November 2012 12:00

Written by Paul Wahl

Barrel racin', bull ridin', boots 'n' hats ... in Jesus' name (with a twang).

Gary Morgan is an iconic cowboy. Tall and lean, clad in jeans, a Western shirt and boots, his look embodies the Code of the West—justice, fairness, honesty. Morgan leads the 1,500-member Cowboy Church of Ellis County in Waxahachie, Texas, the largest such congregation in the world.

Nearly everything about the church has a cowboy connection. "We have something going on pretty near every night," Morgan says with a typical Texas twang. Other churches might build a gymnasium to draw young parishioners; not Cowboy Church. They built a riding arena instead that's open and available for riding after Sunday services. Barrel racing is held Tuesday evening, and team roping practice on Wednesday evening.

Steve Hill Still Winning Souls After Cheating Death

Published on Wednesday, 14 November 2012 16:00

Written by Steve Hill

Steve Hill has been flaming the fires of revival for more than three decades—and battling melanoma for about a third of that time.

Best known for the Brownsville Revival in Pensacola—a move of God that drew more than 4 million people from around the world and saw hundreds of thousands of people saved—in his mission’s work, Hill has witnessed churches grow from 200 to 20,000 in just a few years, the demon-possessed delivered, and the healing power of God manifest.

Now, Hill is walking in a miracle all his own. He’s not yet cancer free, but he’s no longer standing at death’s door, either.