The latest episode of the Cold Case Christianity podcast is a must-listen, especially from about 9:20 to 30:33. I listened to it twice, and shared it with a friend who I am mentoring. She liked it as well, and it caused both of us to think deeply.
In this podcast, J. Warner talks about the importance of leadership for those of us who hope to share the truth about Jesus. When most of us think about evangelism, we think of the importance of apologetics or understanding how to articulate the Gospel. We often overlook the role of good leadership. But if you hope to lead someone to Christ, you’ll need to become a good leader.
Topics:
Excellence at what you do is the minimum requirement for being a good leader, but it’s not enough
First thing: you need to have the respect of the people you are trying to lead (e.g. – good character, courage, concern for others, etc.)
Second thing: you need to gain the trust of the people you are trying to lead, and that means performing consistently over time
Third thing: you need to gain a hearing from the people you are trying to lead, but that means being willing to speak to them, too
An example of good leadership: Jim’s father leading everyone to a cabin in the woods
The key insight I pulled out of this is that in order to lead someone, you have to gain their respect, gain their trust, and gain their ear. The podcast features a very practical application of the principles he describes.
Join us as we celebrate 20 years of Stand to Reason and clear thinking Christianity. The event kicks off Friday night with stimulating apologetics lectures and a celebration! Join us for the full conference on Saturday featuring lectures from the Stand to Reason speakers and friends. Can’t make it to Biola? This event will be available via live stream online.
Conference Schedule:
Friday Night, May 10 (7:00 – 9:30 pm)
6:15 pm – Doors Opens 7:00 – 8:05 pm – Lectures from J.P. Moreland, Sean McDowell, Mary Jo Sharp, and Craig Hazen 8:05 – 8:25 pm – Break 8:15 – 9:30 pm – Panel featuring Stand to Reason’s Speakers Greg Koukl, Brett Kunkle, Alan Shlemon, and J. Warner Wallace 9:30 pm – Cake & Book Signing in the Courtyard
Saturday, May 11 (9:00 am – 12:30 pm)
8:00 am – Registration Opens 8:30 am – Doors Opens 9:00 – 9:50 am – Session 1: “Who’s Waiting for Your Kids?”
Lecture by Stand to Reason’s Brett Kunkle 9:50 – 10:00 am – Break 10:00 – 10:40 am – Session 2: “Compromise Is Not an Option”
Lecture by Stand to Reason’s Alan Shlemon 10:40 – 10:50 am – Break 10:50 – 11:30 am – Session 3: “Cold-case Christianity”
Lecture by Stand to Reason’s J. Warner Wallace 11:30 – 11:40 am – Break 11:40 am – 12:30 pm – Session 4: “Still Standing”
Lecture by Stand to Reason’s Greg Koukl
Conference Location:
Sutherland Auditorium
Biola University
13800 Biola Avenue
La Mirada, CA 90639 View Map
If you are in the South California area, you can attend in person. Otherwise, you can watch it online.
Earlier, I wrote a post about the evidence for the divinity of Jesus in the earliest New Testament documents. And now I’ve found a wonderful follow-up to that post from J. Warner Wallace, author of “Cold-Case Christianity“, the book I am currently reading. I am on chapter 14.
He lists quotations from all of these early church fathers about the divinity of Jesus:
Barnabas, companion of Paul (c. 70-130AD)
Ignatius, Bishop of the Church at Antioch (c. 110AD)
Clement of Rome, Bishop of the Church at Rome (c. 120AD)
Irenaeus, Bishop of the Church at Lyons, Modern Day France (c. 180AD)
Clement of Alexandria, Renowned Christian Teacher in Egypt (c. 195AD)
Hippolytus, Leading Presbyter at the Church in Rome (c. 205AD)
Tertullian, Passionate Christian Apologist in Carthage, North Africa (c. 207AD)
Origen, Famous Pupil of Clement of Alexandria (c. 225AD)
This post is actually very similar to material in chapter 13 of Wallace’s book. Have you read it yet?
One of the most thorough reviews that I’ve seen of the book was on Luke Nix’s blog, in case you want to take a closer look.
WINTERY KNIGHT 