I just posted a new article on my teaching website (gordonferguson.org) entitled, "When is a Person Ready to be Baptized?" In it I examine all of the conversion accounts in Acts (or nearly so), and also address the question whether we need to use a series of studies, and if yes, when? Here is a paragraph from the article to hopefully prick your interest:
I have found that using a series is helpful in most cases, since many of those with whom we study are fairly illiterate biblically and often confused with the myriad of false teachings in our American society. Along with this, many are reluctant to make Jesus the Lord of their lives quickly, once they understand what this actually means in their lives. Thus, the answer to this question depends on the person with whom we are studying, their understanding and their heart openness. As we deal more and more with the younger generations, we will discover that their questions, concerns and possible obstacles are going to be different than those we dealt with in the past. We need to continue to re-examine our approaches and adapt to sharing the gospel in ways that will be most effective. ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago  ·  

I just posted the 3rd article in a series of 4 on my blogsite (blacktaxandwhitebenefits.com). The series is entitled, "Some White Church Leaders Are Listening." In this one, we are dealing with what listening really should include, along with some exciting news about an upcoming Diversity Workshop in my home church. It too will be the third in a series. Please not only read the article, but re-post it to your FB Friends list. Here is a brief excerpt from the article:
"Being a loving listener not only means that you are willing to listen when approached; it also means that you approach others first because you are interested in knowing them and their story. Church leaders, of all people, should exemplify the fine art of listening -- listening to their members and listening for their members. The idea of listening to them is easy to understand, but listening for them is a broader topic. This concept means that we listen to anything that might be of help to them. In other words, how can we serve them better? Leaders are, after all, to be the greatest servants of all according to Jesus (Matthew 20:20-28)." ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago  ·  

I just updated the Introduction to the Home Page of my teaching ministry website (gordonferguson.org). I tried to include some personal facts that many people who know me might not be aware of -- just to keep it interesting! Here is the first paragraph of the updated introduction -- check it out!
The idea of being a teacher of one kind or another is now a very old idea for me. Shortly after entering my seventh grade year in junior high school, I decided (at my musical mother’s urging) to start taking band as a subject. By the next year, I had decided to become a band director, a teacher of music. I never wavered from that decision once I made it, at least until the “preaching bug” bit me after I was married and started seeking God in a serious way. I recall taking the Kuder Occupational Interest Survey in the eighth grade and testing very high in music. (It’s odd that I remember the name of a test I took 60 years ago!) I already knew what my interests were, so the test results offered no surprises. ... See MoreSee Less

4 weeks ago  ·  

I just posted another article on my blog (blacktaxandwhitebenefits.com), entitled: "Some White Church Leaders Are Listening (Part 2) Blog 26" Please post to your FB friends and let others know of the blogsite and the article. Thanks so much! Here's the first paragraph from this post:
As promised in the last blog post, I am continuing a series about white church leaders who are listening to the issues faced by our racially diverse membership. This series will likely consist of at least three articles, and perhaps more. As with the first one in the series, some backstory information will help us understand the needs more fully and show us how to listen and then act upon listening. These lessons are not just about getting more in touch with our members of color about racial issues; they fit other important subjects as well. We will discuss how leaders can really hear what their members are thinking in different areas, even if they are not saying it initially. We must give them an opportunity to speak, within an atmosphere that encourages it. ... See MoreSee Less

1 month ago  ·  

As you may have noticed, I've been writing a lot more lately -- articles for my website (gordonferguson.org) and for my blogsite (blacktaxandwhitebenefits.com). What I have written has increased the communication others have been prompted to have with me. Some of the communication has been in person; some on the phone; and some via email. Many of these communications coming my way are accompanied with rather strong emotions. Some responses have produced empathy in me; some have produced sympathy; others have produced concerns. I try to address all three types in my writing, but the concerns I am feeling right now are the most burdensome to me. These concerns are theological in one sense and yet extremely practical in another. For that reason, I have just written an article entitled, "The Problem of Pain." You can find it on my web site. I urge you to read it. I have the sense from the communications sent my way that it involves a rather urgent matter in the lives of many. Thank you. ... See MoreSee Less

1 month ago  ·