Here are two good posts on the fulfilling the Great Commission, plus two posts on leading funerals:
5 Ways Established Churches Should Think Like Plants – Brandon Levering (via The Gospel Coalition) An experienced friend once commented that planting a church is like trying to build a boat from scratch . . . when you’re already in the water. It’s not just all hands on deck—you don’t even have the deck yet to lay hands on. The context of urgency and camaraderie that comes from working so closely together at those early stages often creates a more pervasive culture of service in a church plant.
The Great Commission Is Bigger Than Your Church – Bobby Jamieson (via 9 Marks)
Because each of our churches is engaged in a mission that is bigger than any of them, we should proactively partner with other churches in order to fulfill it.
7 Tips for Preaching a Stranger’s Funeral – Dustin Neeley (via The Gospel Coalition)
Since I am doing ministry in a fallen world, this won’t be my last funeral. It won’t be yours, either, so stay prepared. Your next call could come this afternoon. Are you ready?
How To Lead an Unbeliever’s Funeral – Jared Wilson (via The Gospel Coalition)
No one has ever asked me, “Is my loved one in heaven?” because they all assume he or she is. In these moments I remind myself that I am an invited guest to this family’s mourning. It is better to speak my piece about the true gospel and rely on the Spirit to work the logic internally against mourners’ assumptions than to directly and personally contradict with a “Well, actually” to people who are sorting out their grief and trying to offer comfort.