Communion between Christians and Muslims takes shape under the mantle of Our Lady of Africa. Here, in #Algeria, the maternal love of Lalla Meryem gathers everyone as children, within our rich diversity, in our shared aspiration for dignity, love, justice, and peace. In a world where division and wars sow pain and death, living in unity and peace is a compelling sign. #ApostolicJourney
12 Rules for Preachers. Take them or leave them.
1. Don’t Respond to Critics
You will be misunderstood. You will be slandered. Some won't like you. You can't waste your time answering every critic. Preach Christ. Live faithfully. Let your life and doctrine do the talking.
2. Don’t Be a Celebrity
Platforms, applause, recognition, leave it all behind. If these things happen, so be it, but don't chase it & don't think too much of it. The same crowd that loves you today will devour you tomorrow. Seek to please Christ, not crowds. “He must increase, but I must decrease."
3. Don’t Be a Church Killer
Guard the unity of Christ’s flock. Do not undermine your elders or your fellow laborers in public. Do everything you can (short of compromise) to keep & strengthen unity.
4. Don’t Point Fingers
If the ministry struggles, own it. Don’t blame the culture. Don’t blame the times. Don't blame the people. Go back to your knees & the Word and see where YOU can be more effective.
5. Don’t Be a Statistic Freak
The measure of your work is not attendance, downloads, or likes. The measure is faithfulness. “It is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Cor. 4:2).
6. Don’t Lose Your Poise
If you panic, the church will panic. If you sulk, the church will sulk. If you explode, etc. Be steady. Be unmoved.
7. It’s About the Church
Your current ministry is not a stepping stone to greater things. It's not a means to an end. It is the end. You are here to carry out the duty in front of you.
8. Don't Be a Clown
The pulpit is not a stage. Preach and live with gravity. Pursue holiness. It's difficult to respect and follow a man who is immature.
9. Be Diligent
Do not trifle away your time. Study. Pray. Visit. Preach. Evangelize. Redeem the time because the days are evil.
10. Avoid Useless Conversation & Gossip
Stay out of empty chatter and vain disputes. Enough said.
11. Be Punctual
Keep your word. Honor your appointments. Be early. Do everything at the time appointed. Disorder in you will bring reproach on the ministry.
12. Preach Plainly
Avoid lofty speech. Don't be an egg head. Speak so the simplest hearer understands. “We use great plainness of speech."
Making it illegal to practice Islam anywhere in the USA should be common sense. And imprecatory prayers against Islam is a good thing, actually. What a wicked religion.
@HwsEleutheroi He has engaged countless Muslims during open air preaching and always calls them to Christ. Strange of you to assume.
https://t.co/4JvGPdkWIC