Been reading Preaching Through A Storm by H. Beecher Hicks, Jr. who at one time pastored in the Washington, DC area.  Great read, recommended by a friend and has ministered to me in several ways.  Since many of you who frequently read here are involved in spiritual leadership and formation in the local church, I thought you might like to reflect on Pastor Hicks 4 characteristics of churches heading to a storm!

1. Churches which do not invest in a serious, responsible, systematic proram of Bibly study are heading for stormy weather.
2. Churches which adopt the standards of corporate America as a toll of administration and governance are headed for trouble.
3. Pastors who tailor their preaching to suit their audience are courting disaster.
4. Churches which do not insist on a compassionate but firm basis of church discipline and decorum are storm-bound.

The book details the various sermons he preached during stormy seasons in his pastorate in this church.  It is an excellent read for pastors and church leaders.

Your thoughts?