What happens when a pastor and spouse “age out?” Too often there is no smooth plan to move to another season of service. This blog poses a question without providing an adequate solution. Thought-provoking
Can a Person Read too Much? Even too much of the Bible? It would be folly to make that statement. So I won't. Perhaps the question should be set up better. Imagine this scenario. You, read five chapters today. Done daily,...
I’ve been a pastor for almost 30 years and in ministry for nearly five decades. There have been more ups than downs, but in the down-times, when stress was high, there’s one thing I never did. Quit. Dealing with selfish...
Discouragement is one of Satan's best used tools. And often discouragement comes through the words and behavior of others. (Defeating Discouragement continued - to read Blog #1) But there are other causes. #2 Discouragement - The Way of Life Life...
An old story told of the devil once advertising his tools for sale at public auction. When the buyers assembled, there was one odd shaped tool labeled “Not for Sale”. When asked to explain why this particular tool was not...
The three chapters of Habakkuk are interesting. They contain a discussion between the prophet and the Lord. There is not much in Habakkuk that is prophetic. It is a faithful servant of God having a one-on-one conversation with the Almighty....
Daily Things of Christian Living CarltonCoon.com Review Chapter - Daily Purpose In the late ‘90s, two books took the Christian world by storm. Decades later, The Purpose Driven Church and The Purpose Driven Life, authored by Rick Warren continue selling...
In an earlier blog, discipleship was defined. One who learns and then does. An oft overlooked element: there is no final graduation from Christian discipleship. The followers of Christ set themselves to continually learn and then increase their capability to do...
A disciple is one who learns. In Christian life the knowledge is not abstract information. Instead, a disciple is one who learns and applies. Every saved person is to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are to...
There are days when "thank you" seems appropriate. Whose hand was on the shaping of you? I'd love to hear the names of the unknown and unheralded who made you what you are.
What is it like to be depressed. Obviously that varies from one person to another. But this one chapter from the book Light in a Dark Place - Encountering Depression captures the essence of the experience from several vantage points.
Pastoral Hack #6 – Create a You’re Terrific File & Use It A hack is anything that provides a shortcut toward being effective. Using pastoral hacks is working smart even while you work hard. This pastoral hack may seem self-serving....
Pastor, I appreciate you as my leader. Leading is not fun, nor is it easy. There is too much responsibility. You lead people. Longtime pastor, Ron Mullins' book title captures it: People are a Mess, and We are all People....
Depression is real. Depression destroys. To overcome depression requires deciding to fight. This blog is written from experience. I encourage you to join me in fighting back. Learn to pray the psalms.
There is a Life in Brief version and a second much longer version. Carlton L. Coon Sr. Life in Brief No longer in my 40s. Married to Norma for several decades. Two sons, daughter-in-law, two grandsons, and one granddaughter Preaching...
Anthony Mangun and I are not great friends. I'm not sure either of us have the time or temperament to have many "great friends." Pastor Mangun is someone I admire, and from whom I have learned a lot. What...
Inquisitive people win the day and show the way. Inventions happen when someone questions what others perceive as certain. Jesus and Questions Jesus asked 307 questions and was asked over 180 questions. Interesting the one who knew the most asked...
When Gideon defeated the Midianites with a rather absurd battle plan. He did not start celebrating. Instead, Gideon and his 300 pursued the Midianites toward the Jordan River. A battle had been won, but lasting victory had not been secured....
What is powerful preaching? Is it preaching that brings people to their feet? Is it preaching that hits the “hot buttons” an audience will heartily respond to? Is it loud? Does the preacher need to seem as though he just...
If you or a family member are battling depression, let me be blunt, your struggle is quite real. Like heart disease or diabetes, depression is a condition that ranges in degrees of ferocity. For some their depression is mild and...
Are you effective with growing a church, winning the lost, and turning converts into disciples? If so, your effectiveness on behalf of the Lord Jesus Christ did not happen by accident. You made some intentional decisions. The concepts presented here are...
