Thank God it’s Friday
This is excerpted from my TGIF column at SOLA Network.
ARTICLES FROM AROUND THE WEB
Johnnie Each, Selah Bang: The Little White Church Is Empty
“While some aging churches pray for revival, other rural communities are planting new churches focused on converting and discipling the next generation.”
Dan Miller: Setting Realistic Expectations for Your Wife’s Ministry in the Church
“Pastors need to be clear about what the Bible does (and doesn’t) say about the role of a pastor’s wife, and they need to guard against unhelpful expectations placed on her by the church. Ultimately, pastors and their wives should fix their eyes on eternal realities as they serve the church in this present age.”
Brian Taab: ‘I Don’t Understand What I Read:’ Bad Reasons We Neglect the Bible
“This article recommends three strategies to help Bible readers overcome discouragement, dryness, and other defeaters to find consistent spiritual benefit from God’s word: Pray for illumination. Ask questions for insight. Consult study tools for instruction.”
NEWSLETTERS, BOOKS, MEDIA, AND MORE
Andrew Hopper: Consider Building Your Family the Way God Builds His
“Have you ever considered building your family the way God builds his? Adoption is not only a response to the needs of children who don’t have a family, but also a profound picture of God’s love for all the children he has adopted into his family.”
“Our circumstances, emotions, and relationships all shape us, but they don't define us. At the center of who we are is something deeper: the heart.”
Aaron Lee: Related Works
Substack: I had a flat tire before my sermon: The Ordinary Life of a Lay Preacher. Book review: Daniel: A Pastoral and Contextual Commentary by Kevin S. Chen. Listen to our TGIF playlist on Spotify. Join my Asian American Worship Leaders Facebook group. Keep in touch on X and Instagram.
FEATURED THIS WEEK ON SOLA NETWORK
SLP EP 24: Reclaiming Evangelicalism: History, Diversity, and Cultural Insights with Walter Kim
“In this episode, Walter Kim shares his inspiring journey from immigrant roots to leading the National Association of Evangelicals. He discusses the importance of cultural understanding, the history of evangelicalism, and the unique role of Asian American leaders in the church.”
James S. Lee: Supporting One Another – Leadership Interviews from AALC 2026
“Perhaps it may be the case that some pastors might not know who to turn toward. Or perhaps others might be a bit hesitant to seek advice because of a fear of how one might be perceived. Regardless of the obstacles that might infringe on one’s ability to seek help, the reality is that help and support for pastors are readily available. Sometimes, all it might take is a willingness to hear from others who have gone further down the road in ministry.”
Hannah Wang: God’s Basis of Love
“The image of God, my Father, picking me up when I stumble is one that has continued to play in my head. But more and more, I’m realizing that while it is good to be grounded in the feeling of God’s love, it is crucial to be cemented in his Word, because it is the Word that repeatedly teaches us of this truth.”
Daniel Han: A Letter from the Leaders You Are Raising – Five Questions We’re Learning to Ask of You
“Whether you serve as a pastor, elder, ministry director, discipler, teacher, or faithful lay leader, your influence matters. The way you see, train, correct, encourage, and entrust younger leaders will shape not only their ministry today, but also the way they lead others tomorrow.”
TGIF: Roundup for July 17, 2026
China Releases House Church Leader After 9 Months / Pastor’s Job Description: Four Essential Responsibilities of a Shepherd / I’m Finding It Harder to Change / What Every Man is Looking For / The Biblical Difference Between Misplaced Shame and Well-Placed Shame
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