Posts tagged pastoring

“I just don’t have time to read widely,” says the modern pastor. Between preparing multiple sermons, planning outreaches, discipling believers, and so many other worthy …

We prefer to skip the long, hard road of daily discipleship for the quick jolt of a transformational experience. I call it Defibrillator Discipleship.

Beginning with a monthly Bible study in the home of ministry partner Drew Bedics, Heston Blake started Centerpointe Baptist Church in Huntersville, NC on November 6th, 2011. Over the past two and a half years, the Lord has faithfully blessed Pastor Heston’s efforts. We want to share with you Heston’s story and burden for church planting, with the hopes and prayers that many other young men would catch the vision for establishing Christ-honoring, Bible-preaching local churches.

It’s tempting for us to think that, if only we could sit at the feet of David Platt or John Piper or Chuck Swindoll, we would be more spiritual. But the Bible tells us that God’s Word yields fruit, not when it pours through the lips of a renowned expositor or a dynamic Christian leader, but when it takes root in the fertile soil of an obedient heart (Matthew 13:18). In order to produce a bumper crop, great preaching needs great listening.