Minister's Toolbox

Dr. Joe Martin is an award-winning international speaker, author, educator, and certified “man builder." His life’s story can be summarized in one simple sentence: “He went from rags to riches to ruined to redemption.” Join me for this powerful testimony to God's goodness in the midst of deep pain. Learn more about his ministry to men @Realmenconnect.com

When most of us hear the word, "prophet" we think of Old Testament figures like Isaiah or Jeremiah. Anyone considering themselves a prophet today is typically viewed as people with behavioral or mental problems. Paul taught that Christ gave this gift to His Church to equip people to do ministry work. Further, he commented that God's ultimate plans for His people will not come to fruition unless prophets, apostles, pastors, teachers, and evangelists work together as a team. Most pastors want nothing to do with prophets or prophetic ministry due largely to the misuse of this God-initiated ministry. Is that a valid excuse for rejecting the life-changing resource? Today, I complete a three-part series on prophecy, the prophetic, and prophets. Join me!

In this second of a three-part series, we delve more deeply into this mysterious yet biblical gift of prophecy. What is the "life" gift of prophecy, and how does it differ from a gift of the Holy Spirit? How can we know if a person possesses the life gift of prophecy? Why is misunderstanding this gift potentially dangerous to a local church? Some important questions I answer during today's show. Be sure to check out my new author page at caseysabella.com.  

The hot topic in the church these days is prophecy. Some believe it only belongs to the first century. Others use it as a mechanism to make a name for themselves or create a following. Today's podcast is the first of three, speaking about prophecy's biblical gift and proper use. There are three levels of prophecy in the New Testament. Today, we will briefly discuss the first. Join us! Check out my new author's website: www.caseysabella.com

Many churches throughout the western world are dying of old age. The average age of many congregations is fifty and above. How can we reverse the trend? Does it mean filling our churches with new lighting and special music? No, says Ryan Sweat, student ministry pastor from Jackson Beach, Florida. Listen as he shares four ways older churches can attract more young people. (Not as hard as you think!) Get the free download.

You and I carry around a treasure (II Corinthians 4:7). Is this treasure confined to a weekly sermon alone? I have shared about publishing in episode 53. Today, we delve a little deeper into the importance of writing. Here are some free resources that will enable you to publish and market books. Few vocations are more suited for publishing than those who work in ministry. Get Your Free Download! Get my latest book! Check out my new website!

"Feet-First" is a term younger people may not be familiar with. Typically, if someone has been injured or died in a tragedy or as the result of a crime, they are carried out of the building feet-first. Feet-First also means nothing will dissuade you from accomplishing the ministry God has entrusted to you. Have you ever been or ever experienced a moment in life when God asked you to do something impossible? Join me today for a challenging podcast. Download my new book, Foundations.

Barna reports that half of Millennials (aged 24-40) do not plan to return to church as normal when the pandemic is lifted. After countless sermons, the research indicates many believers have no concept of what a New Testament church is or what it means. What can be done to stem the tide? Here is the Barna Report Email me at ministerstoolbox@gmail.com for information about my new book, Foundations.

In the past few months, a host of "Prophetic" minister's predicted the outcome of the American election. They were wrong. However, few apologized or acknowledged their error. Instead, they pivoted to a soon coming revival and many in the Christian world said nothing. Why? A few thoughts on the legitimacy of prophecy and its effect on both the Church and the world. I referenced a YouTube video by a young man with a similar heart for integrity within the Body of Christ. https://youtu.be/T4ldKZbkJ1E Leave an honest review of the podcast, here.

Today's interview is with Krish Dhanam who shares his testimony of how God led him from India to be mentored by Zig Ziglar. Listen as we discuss how pastors miss the opportunity for evangelism by not equipping their business leaders how to share their faith. Krish's ministry has spoken at events for the U.S. Army, Christian Dior, Toshiba, Hitachi, Apollo Hospitals, EDS, Texas Instruments, Pepsico, and Energizer Batteries. Uniquely gifted in corporate evangelism, churches throughout the world have engaged Krish to share marketplace ministry to their congregations through his engaging style of preaching, reaching, and teaching the world about the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Connect With Krish. Leave an honest review on iTunes.

We seldom associate our computers with Satanic activity (unless we're speaking with tech support!), but technology currently spies on us 24/7. Are there ways to reduce our digital footprint in a quest to reach people with the gospel of Christ? What are the consequences if we don't? An important discussion on today's podcast. During the podcast, I offer a free guide to alternative social media companies to avoid censoring and increase privacy.

In these challenging times for churches, you need to clarify which Kingdom matters. Many leaders invest most of their time into building what they think is God's Kingdom, only to discover too late, they spent their labors in the wrong place. A frank discussion about the mission for every church leader. Would you consider writing an honest review for my new book, Foundations, in exchange for an audiobook version when published? I was hoping you could email me at ministerstoolbox@gmail.com for details.    

Ravi Zacharias are leaders who have had tremendous impact on society and the church. Due to sexual indiscretions, their reputations have brought scandal to Christ's Church. Are they any different than the average, local pastor? No. All fell victim to something basic that we need to talk about on today's podcast. Join me for a heart-to-heart discussion. During the podcast, I reference an article in Christianity Today. I also mention my book dealing with Spiritual Abuse. Don't go it alone in ministry! The cost will be everything you labored to achieve!

In this second of a two-part interview, I speak with Brad Brandon, pastor of First Bible Baptist Church in Plainville, CT. Hear how his life changed after a visit to the ICU and how God led him to reach thousands in a far away land among a people antagonistic toward the gospel. It will blow your mind to hear how God transformed an entire region when Brad learned to obey the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit. Connect with Brad's Ministry Outreach. To receive my manuscript and offer an honest review of my upcoming book, Foundations, email your request to ministerstoolbox@gmail.com.  

In this first of a two-part interview, I speak with Brad Brandon, pastor of First Bible Baptist Church in Plainville, CT who experienced an extraordinary miracle which changed his life. Listen to how God led him to participate in a miracle that eventually lead thousands to Christ in a most unlikely place. Learn more about Brad. To read the manuscript of Foundations and offer an honest review, email me at ministerstoolbox@gmail.com. 

Many pastors have allowed the current pandemic to limit or even destroy their mission. Today I interview Dr. Walter Sims whose enthusiasm and encouragement will help you get back to your calling. Listen as he shares his inspiring testimony, or watch on YouTube. Connect with Dr. Sims Join me on Facebook.

Nearly every pastor has compiled enough material over the course of their ministry to write one or several books. During this pandemic, pastors are limited by who they can visit, where they can go and even if they can meet as a church. Why not take this extended "time off" to write a book? It is not as difficult or expensive as you once believed. Let me show you how. Get the Free Download

It doesn't take a brain surgeon to realize that Christ is the one thing we offer you cannot find anywhere else, but that is not what I want to speak with you about today. Your church offers more than you think. Oftentimes, we forget the unique privileges every Christian can access by being properly related to God. What can we learn from C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien that will help the church reach the lost? During the podcast, I asked if you would like to be one of the first people to review my upcoming book, Foundations? If so, email me at ministerstoolbox@gmail.com. I will send you the manuscript, and after you write an honest review on Amazon, I will send you a copy of the book when it is published.   

Paul warned the Ephesian elders about vicious wolves who would not spare the flock of God. Like it or not, part of a pastor's job is to identify and deal with spiritual wolves that threaten the welfare of people in our congregations. How do you spot them? What is an effective way to deal with them. Tune in to an important session.

COVID, elections, rioting, churches closing, masks...where does it all end? Jesus warned his followers that in the last days, the hearts of many would "wax" cold. That doesn't sound good. Many church leaders struggle to keep their passion from slipping into depression and despair as they consider the state of our world right now. How can you avoid becoming someone whose heart for ministry dies a passionless death. Allow me a few moments to share a personal experience that will encourage you.