Not So Ordinary Pastors - Recap of the Interviews

My interviews are complete. Here are the links to each post.

Dan Rolfe
Jim Upchurch
Justin Nale
Jonathan Brooks
Clif Cummings
Mark Gibson
Chase Bowers
Randy Alston
Rob Tombrella
Justin Childers (Me)

A few reflections:
1. God has blessed me with some great friends. I'm freshly grateful for what a blessing these guys are to me.
2. Did you notice how many times The Supremacy of God in Preaching by John Piper was mentioned?
3. There is some profound wisdom in these interviews. I have been challenged by the example of these pastors. Here are some of the nuggets that I appriciated off the top of my head:
-Dan's answer to the question about leadership ("You must do this Dan. No one else will.").
-Jonathan's answer to the question about counsel regarding preaching (His two points are the two most important points in preaching).
-Mark's honesty regarding discouragement over our own lack of change and growth.
-Mark's answer to the question about the use of time: "No one at the second coming will wish they had spent more time watching TV, playing computer games or chess."
-Rob's side note regarding re-reading books: "When I learned that God was the most joyful being in the universe in his own glory in Christ it ruined me. I seem to measure all books on whether or not they point to the glory of Christ as the ultimate solution to sin."

Any highlights for you?

Meet Me

I was reluctant, but there has been a clamoring for me to answer the questions I've been asking others. So, in spite of the awkwardness of asking myself questions (at least I got the questions from someone else), here it is.

Me, thanks for your (my) time! Please describe your morning devotions. What time do you wake up in the morning? How much time do you spend reading, meditating, praying, etc.? What are you presently reading?
I get up at 6am most mornings and about 5:45am on Sunday mornings. I am currently doing the Discipleship Journal Bible Reading Plan so I’m in Matthew, Romans, Psalms, and Numbers.
I usually write a few paragraphs in my journal when I first get up (reflecting on the previous day). Then, I read each section of Scripture and summarize it in my journal. This helps me make sure I’m not just checking boxes and actually processing what I read. It is designed to help me meditate. I am working on praying as I read and actually using the words of the text to form my prayers. After I read and pray through the Scriptures, I pray for one of my church members and then go over my memory verses. Most mornings, this takes about 45mins to an hour.

What book(s) are you currently reading in these three categories: (a) for your soul, (b) for pastoral ministry, or (c) for personal enjoyment?
(a) Spurgeon’s sermons in Majesty in Misery and The Heart of the Cross.
(b) Bridges' The Christian Ministry
(c) I don’t read anything if its not for personal enjoyment. I enjoy everything I read or I don’t read it. However, I guess I could put Christless Christianity in this category right now.

Apart from Scripture, what book do you most frequently re-read and why?
Bible Doctrine
Desiring God
Supremacy of God in Preaching
Living the Cross-Centered Life
The Deliberate Church
I don’t re-read a lot of books, but I find myself going back to these for particular quotes and life-altering truth.

When you finish a book, what system have you developed in order to remember and reference that book in the future?
3 things: (1) If I find something useful, I blog about it. So, if I need a great quote, I look it up on the blog (and you thought I posted quotes for your benefit!).
(2) I mark helpful things as I read.
(3) I have an extensive filing system with a file for every book of the Bible and most important topics. So, if I read something that relates to a particular passage or topic, I photocopy that page in the book, and file it in the appropriate folder.

If you could study under any theologian in church history (excluding those men in Scripture), who would it be and why?
Charles Spurgeon or John Bunyan – I would want to benefit from their love for Christ and perseverance in suffering.

What single piece of counsel (or constructive criticism) has most improved your preaching?
It’s hard to pick just one. I’ve benefited so much from listening to good preaching. I guess the counsel that is foundational to everything is to preach the main point of the text. The Scripture is sufficient; therefore, just preach what the text says.
Bonus: A piece of counsel that I received from CJ Mahaney that has benefited me greatly is to read Spurgeon sermons on the text I’m preaching. I’ll write a post on this soon.

What books on preaching, or examples of it, have you found most influential in your own preaching?
Piper’s The Supremacy of God in Preaching. Azurdia’s Spirit-Empowered Preaching. Chapell’s Christ-centered Preaching.
Examples abound. Piper’s ability to draw every text into the glory of God. Dever’s ability to apply every text to the local church. Mahaney’s ability to relate every text to the substitutionary atonement.

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your effective use of time?
“Just one life and then its past; only what’s done for Jesus will last.”

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your leadership?
Teach and Pray; Love and Stay.

Where in ministry are you most regularly tempted to discouragement?
In more ways than I can write. If not for the gospel, I would be constantly depressed. The gospel frees me to not focus on results. The gospel gives me solid ground to stand on when I’ve preached a bad sermon. The gospel informs me that I have been accepted by God when I’m not appreciated by others.

Do you exercise? If so, what do you do? If not, why not? (Please be specific.)
I ride my exercise bike mainly so that I can listen to sermons. I might as well be doing something productive while I listen to great preaching. I try to ride it at least 3 or 4 times per week.

Currently, what sport do you like to play and/or watch?
I like to watch baseball when I can. I like to watch highlights of any sport but hockey. I like to play golf a few times per year.

What do you do for leisure?
Read, play with the kids, keep up with the news and sports highlights. I’m starting to enjoy projects around the house (installing bathroom faucets and lights; changing the antifreeze in my car; etc).

If you were not in ministry, what occupational path would you have chosen?
I have no idea.

Meet Rob Tombrella

Rob Tombrella has been my best friend (other than my wife) for the last 10+ years. He is now a pastoral intern at Grace Church in Frisco, Tx (a Sovereign Grace Church).

When Rob came to preach at Christ Baptist in 2007, I mentioned 5 things about Rob I most thank God for in my introduction. I remain grateful for these things and many more.

-Rob, I thank God for your amazing ability to relate to strangers and your evident love for everyone you meet.
-Rob, I thank God for hundreds of hours of wise counsel you have provided over the years.
-Rob, I thank God for the consistent example of your exemplary love for Michelle and your patient example of parenting your boys.
-Rob, I thank God for your humility exemplified in your willingness to lay down your little kingdom for the glory of The Big Kingdom.
-Rob, I thank God for your passionate love for the glory of Christ revealed in the gospel.

Rob, please forgive me for posting the picture at the bottom. It's just absolutely wrong of me to get you up at 4am to stand in line at Staples and then take a picture of you napping (with Spiderman) later in the day. Just had to help you cultivate a little humility after posting two positive pictures.

Rob, thanks for your time! Please describe your morning devotions. What time do you wake up in the morning? How much time do you spend reading, meditating, praying, etc.? What are you presently reading?
I usually set my alarm for 4:30am and get up about an hour later! This has been a bad pattern almost always owing to the time I go to bed at night. My wife and I are both using the Discipleship Reading Plan from Navigators (she’s ahead of me). I will spend a short time in prayer and then start reading from my ESV Study Bible. I will occasionally review Scripture memory and journal as well. I will allow myself the freedom to stop and pause over a section of Scripture I feel the Lord wants me to reflect on. I will usually spend 45 min to an hour doing this.

What book(s) are you currently reading in these three categories: (a) for your soul, (b) for pastoral ministry, or (c) for personal enjoyment?
These categories are hard to differentiate in my mind. Books that most affect my soul I read for personal enjoyment and pastoral ministry. It’s hard for me to venture into the category of broad reading (i.e. picking up The Kite Runner etc.) for some reason. I always wonder if the juice is worth the squeeze. I am currently reading too many books and not giving enough time to a few.

However, the books that I am reading that I am getting the most benefit from are:
Communion with the Triune God by John Owen (edited by Taylor and Kapic) *This is the single greatest book on the Trinity and the love of God I’ve ever read.
Five Views on Sanctification edited by Stanley Gundry (a personal passion to understand the Holy Spirit’s role in our sanctification)
Living in the Grip of Relentless Grace by Iain Duguid (a series we are in on the life of Jacob)
Faith Comes by Hearing: A Response to Inclusivism by Morgan and Peterson

On a separate stack that I keep reading from:
Why We’re Not Emergent by DeYoung
Speaking of Jesus by Mack Stiles
Johnathan Edwards Biography by Marsden
How to Bring them to Christ by R.T. Kendall
Next Generation Leader by Andy Stanley

Apart from Scripture, what book do you most frequently re-read and why?
I don’t re-read a book from cover to cover very often, but I do go back to find a reference from a book or an argument very often. The books I seem to return to again and again are..

Desiring God by John Piper
Let the Nations be Glad by Piper
All books by John Piper
Pleasures Evermore by Sam Storms
One Thing by Sam Storms
All books by Sam Storms
Sermons by Edwards
Sermons by Spurgeon
Paul: Apostle of the Heart set Free by F.F. Bruce Getting Things Done by David Allen
Body for Life by Bill Phillips
Our Solar System coffeetable book

When I learned that God was the most joyful being in the universe in his own glory in Christ it ruined me. I seem to measure all books on whether or not they point to the glory of Christ as the ultimate solution to sin.


When you finish a book, what system have you developed in order to remember and reference that book in the future?
I mark in all my books as dramatic as I can. I re-write summaries of points as big as I can on the page I discovered it with stars and phrases like “yes!” and “wow..” and “read and re-read!” I can almost always thumb through a book and find those quickly and remember how that truth jolted me when I read it. This has led me to fear loaning books out lest they see my phrases and awkward glee.

If you could study under any theologian in church history (excluding those men in Scripture), who would it be and why?
I would study under Jonathan Edwards until he got tired of me asking him questions he’s already dealt with in a book or sermon. I would also like to spend time with John Owen and see how similar they he and Edwards are. I’d also love to know Jim Elliot and let him rebuke me for not getting the glory of this gospel out into the harvest.

What single piece of counsel (or constructive criticism) has most improved your preaching?
Can I give three?

“Uhh..mmm…I’m not really sure that’s what Peter means” by Jeff Purswell at the Pastor’s College on a an over-emphasized point I made in my sermon about Peter’s response to Jesus at the miraculous catch of fish in Luke. Those words stay as a low-grade haunt in my mind in sermon prep to not hear those words again. Passion can’t make up for missing the clearest and most manifest meaning of a text.

“Your tendency is to go too Martin Lloyd-Jones” by Craig Cabaniss. He picked up a tendency to zoom out and do systematic on a point rather than drilling down and staying put in a text. Also, “you went a little Piper there” on an attempt of mine to play with words and do what only geniuses do.

“It was good!” by Justin Childers after a sermon in which I was ready to never preach again. Countless times sincere encouragement kept me going.

What books on preaching, or examples of it, have you found most influential in your own preaching?
Supremacy of God in Preaching by Piper
Christ-centered Preaching by Chappell
Between Two Worlds by Stott *Particularly the illustration on turning a point into a screw—and drilling it down into your hearer over and over.

I have learned how to preach by listening and watching mostly. I’ve been most influenced in preaching by Louie Giglio (illustrations and communicating a prop statement), John Piper, Craig Cabaniss, Sam Storms, Jeff Purswell, CJ Mahaney, and Justin Childers and Alan Splawn (my pastor as a teenager where I first fell in love with preaching).

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your effective use of time?
“Being gifted doesn’t just make effective. Many pastors may be gifted in leadership and preaching but don’t know how to steward that gift and administrate it.” A paraphrase when Craig Cabaniss invited me to read “Getting Things Done” with him by David Allen.

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your leadership?
“Only do what only you can do” Andy Stanly in Next Generation Leader. It’s overstated I think but a marvelous argument for being the leader God made you to be and utilizing your gifts rather than pursuing to grow in areas you’ll probably remain weak in.


Where in ministry are you most regularly tempted to discouragement?
Probably when I lack vision. When there doesn’t seem to be clear vision for the future and a clear direction ahead. This can be personally or ministry related. When I don’t see clearly the future picture of the work God wants to do in me and through me to others.


Do you exercise? If so, what do you do? If not, why not? (Please be specific.)

Yes. I work out at 24 Hour Fitness in the morning after my devotion time. I try to follow the Body For Life plan however imperfectly. This means alternating between free weights and cardio.

Currently, what sport do you like to play and/or watch?
I’ve grown in my liking to watch football—but I’m fairly equal in my passion for watching sports. It’s mostly spending time with my wife, boys, and others that I enjoy the most about watching any sports. That and the big bowl of 7-layer.

What do you do for leisure?

I love to go to bookstores. I actually enjoy walking around the mall but hate going into certain stores and hate buying things. But something about getting around people sometimes refreshes me and gives me fresh vision in ministry. I also love to watch thoughtful movies or mind-bending thrillers. I love dates with my wife. I love to go to Dunkin Donuts on Sunday nights with my boys.

If you were not in ministry, what occupational path would you have chosen?
I would probably look at teaching in a public school or some form of sales.

Meet Randy Alston

Randy Alston is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Pulaski, Va. You can read Randy's blog here.
I've known Randy for a few years now and have enjoyed getting to know he and his family. Randy was even a part of my church for a few months while he was in transition.

Randy loves Christ, his church, and his family. And, he is one of the most silly friends I have (Just check Randy's facebook profile pics for proof).

Randy, thanks for your time! Please describe your morning devotions. What time do you wake up in the morning? How much time do you spend reading, meditating, praying, etc.? What are you presently reading?
My goal is to get up around 5:30 in the morning. This takes more discipline than I sometimes exercise since it means going to bed at a decent time the night before. My goal in the morning is to spend time reading through my Bible every year and taking time to meditate on what I’m reading. I also try to spend a significant amount of time in prayer (minimum of 15 minutes, preferably about 30). I also spend some time reading through different books during this time. Right now I’m reading several books on personal holiness such as The Pursuit of Holiness and Holiness Day by Day by Jerry Bridges and Whiter than Snow: Meditations on Sin and Mercy by Paul David Tripp.

What book(s) are you currently reading in these three categories: (a) for your soul, (b) for pastoral ministry, or (c) for personal enjoyment?
The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges
Christ-Centered Preaching by Bryan Chappell
Don’t read much for enjoyment right now since school is in full session

Apart from Scripture, what book do you most frequently re-read and why?
I do not typically re-read books. I have read Desiring God several times because it was a foundational book for my present thinking. I’ve gone back to it several times to meditate on the importance of delighting in God for His glory and my joy.

When you finish a book, what system have you developed in order to remember and reference that book in the future?
I don’t have a good system. I have tried different ways, but haven’t found one I like. I am planning to start writing in the front and back of books different quotes and pages that are significant.

If you could study under any theologian in church history (excluding those men in Scripture), who would it be and why?
John Owen. I’ve heard several times of the importance of picking a theologian from church history and diving in. I’ve tried that with Owen. He is quite challenging to read, but I love the fruit of the labor.

What single piece of counsel (or constructive criticism) has most improved your preaching?
A friend of mine, Wil Owens, once critiqued a sermon of mine when we were serving together. I don’t remember everything that was said, but what I gained from it was that I missed the point of the text. In my pride, I got angry. After cooling down and praying, I realized he was absolutely correct. Since then it has been my goal to make sure I get the point of the passage right before I try to preach on it.

What books on preaching, or examples of it, have you found most influential in your own preaching?
The Supremacy of God in Preaching has been the most influential book. However, I’m presently going through several more for an internship I’m a part of that are helping as well. That may change after this semester. John Piper has been the most influential person in my preaching, but there have been several friends who’ve helped as well: Justin Nale, Justin Childers, Jonathan Brooks, and Wil Owens.

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your effective use of time?
Not sure where it came from, but what helps me is to try to focus on one thing at a time and don’t let the small things pile up. Knock it out and move on. I still need to work in this area better.

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your leadership?
Guard against pride. It’s easy to creep up because it’s a part of everything I do. Reading C. J. Mahaney’s book Humility: True Greatness has been helpful in this. I guess that’s another book I’ve come back to several times.

Where in ministry are you most regularly tempted to discouragement?
I get discouraged a lot actually. I regularly feel like my preaching needs to improve. I often question my decisions. I don’t like to let people down, but I sometimes have to in order to get things done. This brings me discouragement.

Do you exercise? If so, what do you do? If not, why not? (Please be specific.)
I try. I have recently purchased an exercise bike so I can exercise in the mornings before I head out to the office. I have run in the past (thought I don’t like to) and I’ve exercised on the elliptical at the gym quite a bit. I’m not much for weight lifting since I got out of high school (which is distancing itself more and more).

Currently, what sport do you like to play and/or watch?
My favorite sport is UNC TarHeel basketball. I also love watching the Carolina Panthers in the NFL. I’m an Atlanta Braves fan in baseball, though I haven’t watched it much in recent years. I enjoy playing sports, but need to exercise more to do so. I probably spend too much time watching the sport of the season.

What do you do for leisure?
See the above question about sports! I do enjoy my family greatly. I have a wonderful wife and precious daughter and another gift from God in the womb. I like to take my family out for dates.

If you were not in ministry, what occupational path would you have chosen?
I have no idea. When I was young I wanted to be a pediatrician, but I don’t think I would have gone that route. I wasn’t saved until late in life (21) and was installing elevators in Charlotte, NC at that point. I guess I may still be doing that if I wasn’t saved and felt the need to preach.

Meet Chase Bowers

Chase Bowers is the missions pastor of Temple Bible Church in Temple, TX. He also has a preaching ministry that allows him to preach in churches all over the country. You can see his website here.

I met Chase a long time ago when we both did some summer preaching in college. I knew he was a gifted man of God the first time I met him, and have been challenged by his ministry over the years.

Chase has a heart for God's global purposes and often travels around the world doing mission work.

Chase, thanks for your time! Please describe your morning devotions. What time do you wake up in the morning? How much time do you spend reading, meditating, praying, etc.? What are you presently reading?
Thank you for the opportunity to share. I wake up between 5 and 6 depending on the day. My devotions consist of praying, reading, thinking, and praying again. This usually lasts 40 minutes to an hour, again, depending on the day. Right now I am reading in 1 Samuel, Psalms, Matthew, and Colossians.

What book(s) are you currently reading in these three categories: (a) for your soul, (b) for pastoral ministry, or (c) for personal enjoyment?
I am reading (a) When People are Big and God is Small by Ed Welch. (b)I have just ordered How Africa Shaped the Christian Mind: Rediscovering the African Seedbed of Western Christianity by Thomas C. Oden. And I am beginning Same Kind of Different as me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore and Flyfishing the Texas Hill Country by Bud Priddy.

Apart from Scripture, what book do you most frequently re-read and why?
2 Books, Desiring God by John Piper and Live Life on Purpose by Claude Hickman. One makes me delight in God, the other helps me to be about the task the Great Commission.

When you finish a book, what system have you developed in order to remember and reference that book in the future?

I make notes in the margins along the way and make an outline form of key points throughout the book. I know and respect many who make their notes (with page numbers) in the beginning of a book. I think this could be very helpful as well, it is just not my method of choice.

If you could study under any theologian in church history (excluding those men in Scripture), who would it be and why?
Tough to pick just one. Perhaps John Bunyan because he was a common man who studied God, and because he suffered for the Gospel at the hand of a “Christian” state.

What single piece of counsel (or constructive criticism) has most improved your preaching?

“You are a truth proclaimer, not a response manager. Exhortation is your job, application is the Holy Spirit’s job.” Neil McClendon

What books on preaching, or examples of it, have you found most influential in your own preaching?
Feed My Sheep, The Supremacy of Christ in Preaching, Excerpts from Preachers and Preaching.

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your effective use of time?

Everything belongs to God.

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your leadership?
Over-communication is better than under-communication. God communicates many things He has no obligation to communicate.

Where in ministry are you most regularly tempted to discouragement?

When I see the depth of my own personal sin, as well as the apathy toward holiness in the western Church, I get discouraged. When I forget about God’s character and abilities, I get discouraged. When I see families broken I get discouraged, in part because of the Scripture, and in part because as a child I experienced a broken family and continue to with the effects of this 22 years later.

Do you exercise? If so, what do you do? If not, why not? (Please be specific.)

When I exercise, I walk 30 minutes, do pushups and sit ups. When I do not it is because I am lazy and have not managed time well. For me, exercise is the first thing to go.

Currently, what sport do you like to play and/or watch?

I like playing basketball and watching football and golf.

What do you do for leisure?
Spend time with my wife and kids, and wade fish in clear creeks.

If you were not in ministry, what occupational path would you have chosen?Teacher, Realtor, Fishing Guide, but woe is me if I do not preach the Gospel!

Meet Mark Gibson

Mark Gibson is the pastor of Reformed Presbyterian Church in Beaumont, TX. You can read Mark's blog here. I was introduced to Mark by Clif Cummings and am extremely thankful to consider him a friend. Mark and I have gone to several conferences together and I genuinely look forward to each time I get to hang out with him. Mark is the most generous man I know. I wish I had kept track of all the books he has given me over the past five years (dozens!). It is rare that I see Mark and don't walk away with additions to my library.

I will never forget the blessing of having Mark attend and participate in my ordination service. He was present during my "examination" and threw me a nice alley-oop with a Luther question about justification by faith. I'm not sure anyone else got it, but he was giving me the opportunity to clarify and stand on the gospel. He was the first one in line to lay hands on me and pray for me.

A few words of caution: Don't fly with Mark, you may not get to your desitnation. And, be sure to bring ear plugs if you are rooming with him at a conference :).

Mark, thanks for your time! Please describe your morning devotions. What time do you wake up in the morning? How much time do you spend reading, meditating, praying, etc.? What are you presently reading?
I currently use M’Cheyne’s calendar of readings to read the Bible in a year. It ends up being about 4 chapters a day from different parts of the Bible. My wake up time varies with appointments, helping my wife get kids to Mother’s Day out, etc. I usually have my devotional time after I get to the office in the morning, but since I am the only in the building it is quiet and ideal for reading, meditation and prayer. I usually pray before I begin reading, while I am reading and after I am done reading. I also pause and meditate while I read and then again afterwards. This morning’s readings were from Exodus, Luke, Job and 1 Corinthians.

What book(s) are you currently reading in these three categories: (a) for your soul, (b) for pastoral ministry, or (c) for personal enjoyment?
I must admit that my reading is not this structured, though I need to think along these lines. I am currently reading a couple of books by Cornelius Hunter (Darwin’s God and Science’s Blind Spot: the unseen religion of Scientific Naturalism), Outrageous Mercy by Farley, Transforming Grace by Bridges, Jesus Keep me Near the Cross (edited by Guthrie), and Finally Alive by John Piper. I find that all of the current books I am reading are good for all the categories above, I enjoy them, they feed my soul and have immense practical application to pastor ministry.

Apart from Scripture, what book do you most frequently re-read and why?
Pilgrim’s Progress. My spiritual Hero (Spurgeon) reread it all the time and often used it for sermon illustrations (which I do as well). I really like this book and come away from it encouraged and refreshed spiritually.
I also often return to Knowing God. In my opinion it is Packer’s best book and I find it helpful and edifying (especially the critical distinction between merely knowing ABOUT God and truly, experientially KNOWING God.)

When you finish a book, what system have you developed in order to remember and reference that book in the future?
I sadly must admit that I have no “System”, and probably need to think along these lines. Basically, what I do now is dog-ear pages and underline and make notes in the margin and then list page numbers with short notes in the front of the book. I rely too much on my memory which has worked well in the past, but with the growth of my library is getting more difficult.

If you could study under any theologian in church history (excluding those men in Scripture), who would it be and why?
What a difficult question to narrow it down to just one. I would enjoy studying under Puritan Matthew Henry, Theologian Jonathan Edwards, Missionary John G. Patton, Preacher Charles Spurgeon, Pastor J.C. Ryle, and to learn gracious perseverance Charles Simeon.

What single piece of counsel (or constructive criticism) has most improved your preaching?
Be yourself. Like Lloyd-Jones says, it is truth through your personality. Don’t be one person in the pulpit and another out of it. And if I can take the liberty of going outside the “single” limit above, I would say Owen’s admonition that “if the word do not dwell with power in us it will not pass with power from us”. I must preach the text to myself and feel the power of it in my own heart before I can deliver it to others.

What books on preaching, or examples of it, have you found most influential in your own preaching?
Lloyd-Jones Preaching and Preachers, Piper’s Supremacy of God in Preaching.

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your effective use of time?
I must admit that I need to narrow the gap in this category between what I preach and what I practice.
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today! Redeem the time, for the days are evil.
No one at the second coming will wish they had spent more time watching TV, playing computer games or chess.

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your leadership?
Being Presbyterian, being a team player, submitting to my fellow elders, has helped me a great deal. I lead, but I do it with a team, we get the elders all on the same page and the church follows.

Where in ministry are you most regularly tempted to discouragement?
Not seeing as much change in myself and others as I would like to see. My own ongoing struggles with sin and the temptation to want to measure God’s blessing by nickels, noses and noise in the life of the church (attendance, giving, and activities).

Do you exercise? If so, what do you do? If not, why not? (Please be specific.)
I do not currently, formally exercise (why not? I am a slothful slug and know that I need to do something but have not yet done what is necessary to address this). I have committed to walking and light weight lifting this year to change this situation. I must say I was strongly tempted to quote 1 Timothy 4:8 in the KJV for this question, but knew it wrong to use spiritual things as a cover for my laziness. :^)
1 Timothy 4:8 (King James Version)
8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

Currently, what sport do you like to play and/or watch?
I like to play and watch golf.

What do you do for leisure?
Read, play with my kids, watch tv with my wife, play golf, go to the gun range, play chess.

If you were not in ministry, what occupational path would you have chosen?
Hard to say, but probably teaching.

Meet Clif Cummings

Clif Cummings is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Duncan, OK. You can read Clif's blog here. Clif was my pastor when I graduated from seminary and went to FBC Beaumont in 2004. I thank God for Clif's encouragement and partnership over these last 5 years. God was kind to allow me to observe Clif's courage and humility during some tough days of ministry. He is a man of integrity who serves his church with passion and love.

And, Clif has killed more wildlife than anyone else I know.

Clif, thanks for your time! Please describe your morning devotions. What time do you wake up in the morning? How much time do you spend reading, meditating, praying, etc.? What are you presently reading?

I am usually awake between 5:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Beginning January 01 of this year, I renewed my discipline of exercising first thing in the morning. This usually involves 30 – 45 minutes of running on a treadmill on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays – then weight lifting on M,W,F. I have found (at least for me) that my physical disciplines and spiritual disciplines are connected and I do best at both when I am working at both. (side note – I have lost 22 lbs. so far! And have as a goal to lose another 25 – 30.)
Then when I get to my office, I usually read the Scripture and praying over it for about an hour. Currently I am using the “every thirtieth Psalm and a Proverb method” which corresponds with the day of the month. For example, today I read Psalm 23, 53, 83, 113, 143 and Proverbs 23. I have to have some method that is totally separate of my sermon and teaching preparation to refresh and replenish my own soul. I also have returned to the discipline of journaling my prayers!
Notice the theme – “I have returned”. Praise God for His grace!

What book(s) are you currently reading in these three categories: (a) for your soul, (b) for pastoral ministry, or (c) for personal enjoyment?
I find it hard to separate reading for my soul and reading for pastoral ministry. I recently read this quote on another blog and it has convicted me deeply: "Preaching is the art of making a sermon and delivering it. Why no, that is not preaching. Preaching is the art of making a preacher, and delivering that. Preaching is the outrush of soul in speech. Therefore, the elemental business in preaching is not with the preaching but with the preacher. It is no trouble to preach, but a vast trouble to construct a preacher. What then, in the light of this is the task of a preacher? (or of anyone sharing his or her faith). Mainly this, the amassing of a great soul so as to have something worthwhile to give. The sermon is the preacher up to date." Bishop Alfred Quayle, (1860-1925).

So to answer the question: I am currently reading Living with Less by Mark Tabb (great internationally unknown author who is also a personal friend) and Money, Possessions and Eternity by Randy Alcorn. I have waiting on my desk The Reason for God by Tim Keller. For personal enjoyment – I read a lot of different hunting magazines. (I enjoy hunting – a lot!)

Apart from Scripture, what book do you most frequently re-read and why?
I find myself returning to specific authors more often than specific books, especially Piper and C.J. Mahaney. These two men speak to my soul as no other “living authors.” (I also read Spurgeon and D.Martyn-Lloyd Jones). Piper challenges me by his depth of knowledge and C.J. challenges me by keeping it so real.

When you finish a book, what system have you developed in order to remember and reference that book in the future?
As I am reading a book – I highlight (a lot) and index what I have highlighted in the front and back of the book with a short quote and page number. This way, when the Holy Spirit reminds me of something I read – I usually can go to the book and find it pretty easily.

If you could study under any theologian in church history (excluding those men in Scripture), who would it be and why?
Wow – so many to choose from. I think I would choose C.H. Spurgeon. He stood and defended the Gospel of Grace in an age similar to ours. The true Gospel had become diluted and downgraded in England and Spurgeon made a difference by his preaching, his writing and his life.

What single piece of counsel (or constructive criticism) has most improved your preaching?
Many years ago, while I was still serving as a youth pastor, the pastor whom I was serving with challenged me with some very good “constructive criticism”. Unknown to me, one evening he stood outside the room and listened to me teach our students. The following week he sat down and said: “Clif, quit performing. Be real, be authentic, be transparent...” I debated him – to no avail. God uses those words in my life to this day.

What books on preaching, or examples of it, have you found most influential in your own preaching?
Having never studied “preaching” in seminary (my Master’s degree is in Education) – I basically learned to preach by “doing.” However, I have served under three great pastors who each had their own strengths that I have tried to incorporate into my life. One was a passionate evangelist, another very authentic and transparent and the third was a student of the Word like none other I had known until that time. I would like to think that I am a composite of those three examples.

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your effective use of time?
I believe it is from John Maxwell that I heard “If another person can do something 80% as well as you can – then delegate the job to them and give yourself to the task that you alone are 100% responsible for. (Which for me is preparation and preaching).

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your leadership?
“You can’t please all the people, all the time. So quit trying.” At one time I honestly thought I could! But, Moses couldn’t, and neither did Jesus.
The second “bit” of counsel is to remember that as Pastor – I am called to be the “chief servant”, not simply the chief.

Where in ministry are you most regularly tempted to discouragement?
When my sheep wander off to another flock. I used to struggle with this A LOT because I took it very personal. Again, thinking that I was capable of keeping everybody happy. I am not as bad as I used to be – but it still hurts when someone chooses to join another church across town.

Do you exercise? If so, what do you do? If not, why not? (Please be specific.)

See answer to first question.

Currently, what sport do you like to play and/or watch?

I don’t play any sport regularly. I get a chance to embarrass myself on the golf course occasionally. I watch college football and basketball – especially THE University of Oklahoma SOONERS! ( I know, I know! But name another college football team that has even made it to that many BCS bowls in the last 10 years!!)

What do you do for leisure?

I am passionate about hunting. Primarily duck hunting, then deer hunting, then pheasant hunting, then turkey hunting. When it’s not one of those hunting seasons – I fish. I like to think that I am simply following the command of our Lord who told Peter to “Arise, kill and eat…” (Acts 11:7). :)

If you were not in ministry, what occupational path would you have chosen?

Having been in either part-time or full time vocational ministry for 33 years – that’s hard to imagine. But most likely a school teacher and/or coach.

Meet Jonathan Brooks

Jonathan Brooks is the Associate Pastor and a fellow elder with me at Christ Baptist Church in Wilson, NC. Jonathan is also director of the Imagination Station, a children's science museum in downtown Wilson.

My gratefulness for Jonathan runs deep. He is a fantastic friend and humble partner in ministry. He is a man who treasures Christ, cares for the church, and loves his family.

A few things that stand out about Jonathan to me:
-Jonathan has an incredible ability to live in the framework of his priorities. He orders his life and affections around what is most important. He doesn't let secondary issues side-track him from what God has called him to do.
-Jonathan is one of my favorite teachers of God's Word. His insights into the text of Scripture continue to amaze me.
-Jonathan has a deep and broad view of the atonement of Jesus Christ. He explains every subject and every text in its relationship to what Christ has accomplished for us.

Jonathan is also a world-class occassional blogger and expert dish-washer installer!


Jonathan, thanks for your time! Please describe your morning devotions. What time do you wake up in the morning? How much time do you spend reading, meditating, praying, etc.? What are you presently reading?
Wake up time varies depending on a number of circumstances (late nights working, meetings, etc.). It could be anywhere from 6:00 – 7:30. I try to set aside an hour to read the Bible using the Discipleship Journal Plan, work on memorizing verses and passages of Scripture, and for prayer. If I have time at the end before leaving for work I try to read a chapter of a helpful book as well.


What book(s) are you currently reading in these three categories: (a) for your soul, (b) for pastoral ministry, or (c) for personal enjoyment?
A. Worldliness, edited by Mahaney
B. Instrument’s in the Redeemer’s Hands, Tripp
C. John Adams, McCollough

Apart from Scripture, what book do you most frequently re-read and why?
I don’t reread a lot of books, but I have reread the Chronicles of Narnia and I intend to re-read Lord of the Rings. I think it’s because I appreciate the work of Lewis and Tolkien creating another world and I find it engaging to be in their worlds.

When you finish a book, what system have you developed in order to remember and reference that book in the future?
I mark up my books, but I don’t really have an indexing system of any kind, other than my photographic memory (that doesn’t really exist).

If you could study under any theologian in church history (excluding those men in Scripture), who would it be and why?
This is a tough question to answer because I haven’t had the privilege, as of yet, of walking deeply with any particular historical figure by reading a majority of their writings. So, to pick one would be based on the opinions of others. That being said, I find what I have read of John Owen engaging. It seems that he thought deeply and walked closely with the Savior. I also admire many of the men that admire him.

What single piece of counsel (or constructive criticism) has most improved your preaching?

I know the question asks for a single piece of counsel, but I think I have to include two. I don’t know where I first heard either one of them, but I think of them every time I prepare to preach. First, always be sure to preach the gospel. Second, make sure that the point of the sermon is also the point of the text.

What books on preaching, or examples of it, have you found most influential in your own preaching?

The Supremacy of God in Preaching was a helpful book for me. I guess I should have listed it above as a book I have re-read. Examples of preaching that have been influential for me would be John Piper, John McArthur, and Andy Davis.

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your effective use of time?
Not sure if this would be most significant but the only one that comes to mind would be from Getting Things Done which is if something can be done in less than 2 minutes, do it immediately. I could tell you what page that was on if I had an indexing system.

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your leadership?

Again, I don’t know where I first heard it, but it’s a popular understanding of leadership. A leader has to find the balance between being out in front and not leaving those following behind. Always being aware of that balance helps prevent either extreme, laziness and only doing what those following want vs. asking people to do things you haven’t prepared them for and they don’t fully understand.

Where in ministry are you most regularly tempted to discouragement?

Probably the moment I get done preaching. I often feel like I failed to communicate the Scripture clearly and people were not helped in their understanding of the passage or its application to their lives.

Do you exercise? If so, what do you do? If not, why not? (Please be specific.)

I currently do not exercise regularly. I would leave it at that because everything following will sound like excuses, but the question asks why not, so I will explain. I love to play sports and preparing to play sports, specifically basketball. My schedule since moving to Wilson has not allowed me to play basketball regularly. So, I am having to adjust my philosophy on exercise and be willing to do it for the sake of exercising and not the enjoyment of playing a sport. That being said, when I am disciplined and schedule my time accordingly, I enjoy riding my bike and lifting weights. I run because I have to, I don’t really enjoy it.

Currently, what sport do you like to play and/or watch?

I love both to play basketball and watch basketball; although, watching has waned in the last few years. There just doesn’t seem to be as much time as there used to be. Of course, anytime the mighty Gamecocks play football, I’m tuned in. An unfortunate part of living in ACC country is not getting to see all of the games. I also like to play golf, though I am not very good. I used to enjoy playing tennis as well, but again, I never was very good at that either.

What do you do for leisure?
I enjoy hanging out with my family and playing with my daughters. I enjoy reading. I like playing board games. And, when the opportunity arises, I like to play basketball. Also, if it’s the right project I enjoying working on things around the house.

If you were not in ministry, what occupational path would you have chosen?
I really don’t know. I enjoy working on computers, web design, etc, but I don’t think I could do that all day. I enjoy teaching, so perhaps I would have done that in some capacity, high school or college. I would not have chosen to be a science museum director, which shows God’s strange and kind providence.

Meet Justin Nale

Justin Nale is the pastor of Mount Hermon Missionary Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, NC. You can read Justin's blog here. I've known Justin for a few years and have been helped and challenged by his friendship. JN (as I refer to him) has a deep love for the local church, evangelism, and the person and work of Jesus Christ.

I don't personally know anyone more passionate about getting pastors together for fellowship and encouragement than JN. In many ways he reminds me of Mark Dever (only Dever has elder-led congregationalism right - insert smiley face here). JN is also an expert on all things relating to Satan and demons.
I once wrote a post called, "5 Reasons I'm Thankful for Justin Nale."

JN, thanks for your time! Please describe your morning devotions. What time do you wake up in the morning? How much time do you spend reading, meditating, praying, etc.? What are you presently reading?
My wife and I are seeking to maintain an “in bed by 11, up at 7” sleeping schedule. This isn’t easy for me since I’ve always loved reading till the wee hours of the morning and then sleeping till 8 or 9. My devotions are seldom done early in the morning. Instead, I try and get menial tasks done during the AM hours and do my more important things (Bible Study, prayer, sermon preparation, etc.) during the PM hours. This isn’t best for everybody, but it definitely works better for me. My devotional time is spent largely on straight Bible reading, as much as I can get in (often 5, 10, or more chapters), interspersed with short prayers about the things I’m reading. I’m currently back in Exodus – getting ready to get into all those repetitive latter chapters about the tabernacle. This time is supplemented by regular walks around the neighborhood in which I spend time in prayer, Scripture memorization, and listening to audio sermons (Andy Davis, recently) or good thoughtful music (Andrew Peterson, almost always). These walks have contained some of the most precious moments of my life.

What book(s) are you currently reading in these three categories: (a) for your soul, (b) for pastoral ministry, or (c) for personal enjoyment?

My deacons and I all get Ligonier’s Tabletalk Devotional. I usually try and devour the whole magazine in a day or two when it comes in the mail (not exactly the way you are supposed to use it.) I’ve done similar things lately with the new Jerry Bridges devotional book. My reading right now is mostly composed of Bavinck’s Reformed Dogmatics, books on ancient Israel (preparing for an Old Testament sermon series), and a book on Alexander the Great.

Apart from Scripture, what book do you most frequently re-read and why?

Henry Scudder’s The Christian’s Daily Walk. It never fails to humble or convict.

When you finish a book, what system have you developed in order to remember and reference that book in the future?
I used to write page numbers and the Scripture passages they deal with in the front covers of the books, keeping a database of these on my computer. I’ve slackened off in recent days – I found that I seldom made use of the system. I don’t use a lot of illustrations or quotes in my sermons, and when I do, they tend to be things that have freshly affected me in recent days.

If you could study under any theologian in church history (excluding those men in Scripture), who would it be and why?

Not an easy question. Maybe Edwards or Owen.

What single piece of counsel (or constructive criticism) has most improved your preaching?
John Owen’s counsel that a preacher only preaches a sermon well when that sermon has first been preached to his own soul. If I haven’t been freshly affected and challenged by the passage I’m preaching on, I probably shouldn’t preach on it.

What books on preaching, or examples of it, have you found most influential in your own preaching?
The Supremacy of God in Preaching (Piper), Preaching and Preachers (Lloyd-Jones), Feed My Sheep (edited by Kistler).

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your effective use of time?
A professor in college gave to me the oft-repeated advice to focus on the depth of my ministry and let God deal with the breadth of the ministry. This has taught me to focus my time more on the essentials of preaching, pasturing, and praying and less on promoting, programming, etc.

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your leadership?

This wasn’t counsel I received but a realization I came to about a year and a half ago. Basically, it suddenly occurred to me that God will sanctify and mature His Church. Therefore, I don’t need to push and shove and hurry my flock into biblical changes that they are not ready for. Rather, I should preach, pray, love, and enjoy the journey, trusting that God will bring about the appropriate changes in His own time. No matter how much is accomplished in my lifetime, my church will never be perfect until Christ comes and does in one second what I could never do had I lived a thousand years. That has become a very helpful perspective for me.

Where in ministry are you most regularly tempted to discouragement?
Taking things too personally.

Do you exercise? If so, what do you do? If not, why not? (Please be specific.)

Mainly walking. I have some weights, but my back has made those exercises somewhat troublesome. I try and have three or four substantial walks a week – more in the warmer months.

Currently, what sport do you like to play and/or watch?
Not baseball. I can’t stand watching baseball. I enjoy NFL football the most, college basketball 2nd. I don’t actively play any sports. Unless bass fishing counts.

What do you do for leisure?
reading, Wii golf, fishing, walking

If you were not in ministry, what occupational path would you have chosen?
I was an English minor. I think I would have enjoyed journalism or something similar.

Meet Jim Upchurch

Jim Upchurch is the associate pastor of Red Oak Baptist Church in Red Oak, NC. You can read Jim's blog here. I've known Jim for a few years now and have found him to be one of the most kind and gentle men I know. Jim's love for Christ and the people he serves is evident each time I get to be around him.

I have avoided playing any sports with Jim thus far because I'm positive he would take me to school.

Jim, thanks for your time! Please describe your morning devotions. What time do you wake up in the morning? How much time do you spend reading, meditating, praying, etc.? What are you presently reading?
I have evening devotions. I spend some time reading Scripture, meditating, and praying. The time varies... from as little to 10 minutes to as much as an hour or so. I'm currently reading Judges and Ruth, as I make my way through a 3-year Bible reading program.

What book(s) are you currently reading in these three categories: (a) for your soul, (b) for pastoral ministry, or (c) for personal enjoyment?

a) just finished Death By Love by Mark Driscoll,

b) The Christian Ministry by Charles Bridges,

c) Prologema by Herman Bavinck (I guess you can call it for personal enjoyment if you like).

Apart from Scripture, what book do you most frequently re-read and why?

I've only re-read a few books. Here are two: 1) Mere Christianity by CS Lewis because it was so influential in strengthening my spiritual life and faith in Christ. 2) The Great Divorce by CS Lewis because it makes me long for heaven.

When you finish a book, what system have you developed in order to remember and reference that book in the future?
While reading a book, I make notes in the back few pages (publishers... please leave a few blank pages back there!), along with a page number. I started doing this after I read JD Greear on the subject: and it's been very helpful.

If you could study under any theologian in church history (excluding those men in Scripture), who would it be and why?

I don't know. In some ways, we get to study under all (or at least many) of the theologians throughout church history. Yet, we also get to avoid some of their mistakes or blind-spots. Perhaps I would choose B.B. Warfield because he was committed to Christ and His Word; because he applied his theology to issues in his culture; and because he faithfully cared for his wife for many years while she was ill.

What single piece of counsel (or constructive criticism) has most improved your preaching?

Advice that I heard from Tim Keller (not personally) that young preachers shouldn't expect their preaching to be good until preaching several hundred sermons... and that they wouldn't "find their voice" until at least a few years of preaching.

What books on preaching, or examples of it, have you found most influential in your own preaching?

1) Preaching and Preachers by Lloyd-Jones.

2) I've been challenged by the preaching of John Piper, especially in regards to expositing the text and applying it to the people (getting down to real-life details).

3) The lectures by Tim Keller and Ed Clowney on Preaching Christ in a Postmodern World.

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your effective use of time?

Write it down, review it, and do it. Reading Getting Things Done by David Allen really helped me.

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your leadership?

Advice to lead with my own leadership style. I'm generally quiet and reserved, rather than boisterous and outgoing. I was told by some that I would need to change that to be an effective pastor and leader. Thankfully, others have told me that I could lead without necessarily being loud.

Where in ministry are you most regularly tempted to discouragement?

By my sinful nature, I am very much tempted toward self-pity... to think that others don't recognize my worth and work as a pastor. With the help of others, I have realized that this is the subtle form of pride which must be fiercely resisted.

Do you exercise? If so, what do you do? If not, why not? (Please be specific.)

I occasionally jog, take walks with the family, play in the yard with my son, and play basketball or softball.

Currently, what sport do you like to play and/or watch?

There is no greater sport than college basketball. There is no greater team than the UNC Tarheels. In my opinion, the passion, emotion, reward, and loss can't be matched in any other sport.

What do you do for leisure?

Read, watch television (Am I allowed to say that?), take walks with the family, roll around on the floor with my son.

If you were not in ministry, what occupational path would you have chosen?

It's hard to say what I would have chosen, but I have a few ideas of what I'd be interested in and good at. Probably, I would have been a computer geek or a high school history teacher.

Meet Dan Rolfe

Dan Rolfe is the pastor of Servants Heart Fellowship in Rocky Mount, NC. You can read his blog here. I've known Dan for a little over a year now and have benefited from his helpful encouragement and and firm grasp of the gospel.

If and when I get sick, Dan is one of my friends that I hope comes to pray for me in the hospital. He is also an expert regarding all things Benny Hinn (man, that is funny stuff).

Dan, thanks for your time. Please describe your morning devotions. What time do you wake up in the morning? How much time do you spend reading, meditating, praying, etc.? What are you presently reading?

I get up at 5:30 and read the Scriptures from the daily office - a reading from the psalms, an OT reading, a NT epistle reading, and a gospel reading. I then spend anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes praying and meditating before waking up my children to start the day.

I’m presently reading Finally Alive by John Piper.

What book(s) are you currently reading in these three categories: (a) for your soul, (b) for pastoral ministry, or (c) for personal enjoyment?

a. I am re-reading Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges. I’ve also been reading Charity and Its Fruits by Jonathan Edwards a few pages at a time for the past year. I’ll pick it up, read a chapter, and spend a month digesting it.
b. A Workman Approved by God, a wonderful transcript of the 2008 Sovereign Grace Pastors College Preaching Conference.
c. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, A. Conan Doyle and I just started On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson.

Apart from Scripture, what book do you most frequently re-read and why?
Recently it has been A Gospel Primer for Christians by Milton Vincent. This gospel-saturated little book has stopped me dead in my tracks at times. It has an impact much larger than its size. Before I got the primer I would say Knowing God by JI Packer. I first read this in college and keep coming back to it.

When you finish a book, what system have you developed in order to remember and reference that book in the future?
I write in my books. But I don’t have a system in place so I’m always saying, “Now, where did I read that…?” I need to improve here.

If you could study under any theologian in church history (excluding those men in Scripture), who would it be and why?
Probably Martin Luther. I did a major college research project on Luther and I’ve always been fascinated with his life. I still occasionally use his small catechism for devotional purposes. From the way he wrote (especially to other pastors), I’m certain studying under him would be anything but boring.


What single piece of counsel (or constructive criticism) has most improved your preaching?

I have a good friend (an older, wiser pastor) who listened to some of my sermons and was caring (and bold) enough to tell me that I sometimes sound self-righteous when I preach. This has helped me improve.

What books on preaching, or examples of it, have you found most influential in your own preaching?
Christ Centered Preaching by Bryan Chapell



What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your effective use of time?

CJ Mahaney said that single-staff pastors should devote most of their time preparing for the Sunday morning meeting. He said this is the most effective way to serve the entire church. This has helped me prioritize how I spend my time.

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your leadership?
An experienced pastor once told me to stop trying to please everyone and to simply lead the church. While at lunch together, he leaned across the table and said, “You must do this Dan. No one else will.” This has been huge for me.

Where in ministry are you most regularly tempted to discouragement?

Everywhere. But I do recognize this as a subtle form of pride and I fight against it. Probably in my preaching, but again, I recognize this as my own sin. I was helped while attending T4G when several speakers shared the difference between being dissatisfied with my preaching (a good thing) and being discouraged with my preaching (a bad thing).



Do you exercise? If so, what do you do? If not, why not? (Please be specific.)

I lift weights three times a week. Two sets each of arm curls, French curls, military presses, butterfly presses, and bench presses. Can you tell?

Currently, what sport do you like to play and/or watch?

I enjoy professional football and baseball (watch, not play). I occasionally play tennis.

What do you do for leisure?
Spend time with my family - I have a wonderful family.

If you were not in ministry, what occupational path would you have chosen?
Prior to attending Bible College I had landed a decent state job as a contractor guard (my actual title was “Escort”) at a psychiatric prison in NY. I’d probably still be there, escorting construction workers in and out of the prison. I know, I can already hear the jokes…

Meet Some Ordinary Pastors

By now, I hope all of my readers are familiar with CJ Mahaney's series of posts where he is interviewing some of his friends like Piper, Dever, Grudem, and Thabiti. Well, I have been served by these interviews and the questions Mahaney has asked. There is only one thing missing so far in his interviews: regular pastors who also serve as secretaries, janitors, and other humble roles they rarely get credit for.

So, I've asked a few of my friends to answer the same set of questions (I hope CJ doesn't mind me using his fantastic questions). You'll soon learn that they are anything but ordinary pastors. These are men who love their churches and serve in ways that please their Savior. I genuinely want to learn from these brothers and think their examples will be helpful to us all as we pursue Christ.

It should be fun.