In the Margins - 3/18/26

Things I Read 

The staff is reading Brothers, We Are Not Professionals by John Piper. One of my favorite books on pastoral ministry.

Things I Listened To 

I love the Beatles, and I really enjoyed this cover.

Things I Watched 

My nephew (Tae Simmons) plays basketball at San Diego State University, and we watched them lose last week to Utah State, eliminating them from the March Madness men's basketball tournament. Bummer.

Things I Thought 

Jesus loves his church, no matter how small or insignificant by the world's standards. Jesus loves the saints of La Sierra Baptist Church, and he wants them to be cared for. This is one of the highest privileges of church revitalization. We get to be the hands of Christ's loving compassion to the "least of these."

Quotes to Ponder 

"Is biblical congregationalism a democracy? No, it is a mixed government - part monarchy (rule of the one), part oligarchy (rule of the few), part democracy (rule of the many). Jesus is King through his Word; the elders or pastors lead; and the congregation has final (human) say on certain crucial matters. And it is precisely the dynamic between the one, the few, and the many that cultivates a culture of discipleship, and that guides immature church members toward maturity."

Jonathan Leeman, Understanding the Congregation's Authority