Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way ...

Topics:	Christian life, Marriage, Relationships, Sin
Filters:	Discipleship, Family ministry, Pastor, Premarital counseling, Shepherd, Singles ministry
Purpose:	Fellowship
References:	1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
Date Added:	July 30, 2007

Karen spoke enthusiastically as she prepared to exit after a worship service. "Can we get together? I really need to talk to you about my struggle with fear. May I stop by sometime this week?"

"Why don't you call on Tuesday," I replied, "and we'll see about setting up a meeting." Out of a corner of my eye, I noticed a look of disapproval from my wife.

Later at home, my wife said, "I really ...

Topics:	Confrontation, Difficult people, Healing, Leadership, Mentoring, Pastoral care, Shepherding, Spiritual care
Filters:	Counseling, Discipleship, Elder, Pastor, Pastoral care, Shepherd, Small groups, Spiritual director
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, 1 Timothy 5:1-2
Date Added:	July 31, 2007

Charges of abusive conduct in churches are receiving lots of publicity around the world. While it may seem that there is no way to anticipate when such claims could involve your church or by whom they might be made, there are things you can do to prevent them and to prepare to deal with them if they do occur.

Minimize the Risk Think prevention first and always. The best way to prevent claims of sexual ...

Topics:	Administration, Character, Church safety, Insurance, Leadership, Legal issues, Liability, Management
Filters:	Children's ministry, Children's pastor, Church board, Elder, Nursery, Pastor, Youth ministry
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	1 Thessalonians 4:3-7
Date Added:	August 01, 2007

Youth in our congregations face tough issues: How should I handle dating? What are the limits on sexual expression before marriage? How do I know when I'm ready to get married? How do I know if the person I'm attracted to is a good match?

They are getting radically different and opposing answers. It is hard to exaggerate the vast gulf between what our young people are being told by their peers and ...

Topics:	Counseling, Marriage, Weddings, Worship planning
Filters:	Church staff, Counseling, Elder, Pastor, Pastoral care, Worship, Worship leader
Purpose:	Worship
References:	1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
Date Added:	August 01, 2007

Did you know that nearly 9 in 10 pastors are counseling a parishioner on sexual issues once a year or more? Or that 71% of pastors and 49% of laity are "very satisfied" with their marriage? Or how about that lay leaders are more likely to admit adultery to their spouses than pastors? Use this church research report to learn more about Christians attitudes and actions surrounding the subject ...

Topics:	Christian life, Church staff, Controversy, Family, Integrity, Marriage, Sin
Filters:	Family ministry, Men's ministry, Mentoring, Pastor, Premarital counseling, Singles ministry, Spiritual director
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	Proverbs 5, Matthew 5:27-30, 1 Thessalonians 4
Date Added:	September 11, 2007

Randy Alcorn has a keen ability to speak pastorally on a variety of topics. He is the author of nearly 30 books, including The Purity Principle, and hundreds of articles, which can be found at www.epm.org and www.randyalcorn.blogspot.com/. He spoke with Building Church Leaders on the importance of sexual integrity for churches, leaders, and families today.

Topics:	Accountability, Character, Family, Liability, Relationships, Self-control, Sin, Vulnerability
Filters:	Counseling, Elder, Men, Pastor, Pastoral care, Volunteer, Women, Worship leader
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	1 Thessalonians 4:3-7
Date Added:	October 23, 2007