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All (130) Mike Winger (130)

Mike Winger idea 2020-08-31

The "fickle crowd" preaching point (same crowd shouts Hosanna then Crucify Him) is likely wrong — the Palm Sunday crowd was Jesus' traveling followers, distinct from the city population.

Correcting a common sermon point about the Triumphal Entry crowds

John 7:8-10 Matthew 21:10-11 Triumphal Entry John 7:8-10 Matthew 21:10-11

Mike Winger idea 2020-10-05

Christians must have spines — courage of conviction — when facing cultural pressure. Not angry Christians, but Christians who speak truth clearly and wisely. The persecuted church's lesson: when you know you're following God's revealed Word, you don't need man's permission.

Application on Christian courage in the face of authority and cultural pressure

Christian courage people-pleasing

Mike Winger idea 2021-01-11

The veneer problem: leaders can portray a greater spirituality than they actually possess. Those who don't notice it reward it, installing fake spiritual leaders who install more. Character must trump stage skills in leadership selection.

The danger of rewarding veneer over substance in church leadership

leadership accountability leadership accountability fake spiritual leadership

Mike Winger idea 2021-05-28

Are man-made Covenants Biblical?: Are man-made covenants for pastoral ordination biblical (specifically, covenants binding oneself to denominational doctrines and principles)? The Salvation Army requires this for their pastors.

Q&A question: Are man-made Covenants Biblical?

salvation pastoral ministry

Mike Winger idea 2021-06-11

Winger walks through 1 Timothy 3 elder qualifications, acknowledging real-life churches (especially small ones) struggle to find people who meet all criteria. Lists: blameless, husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, hospitable, able to teach, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy, gentle, not quarrelsome, rules his own house well, not a novice.

Q&A: How literally should we follow the qualifications for pastors/elders in 1 Timothy and Titus?

1 Timothy 3 1 Timothy 3 elder qualifications 1 Timothy 3 elder qualifications

Mike Winger idea 2021-06-18

About the “5-Fold Ministry”: Have you heard of the "5-Fold Ministry" way of thinking about apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers exercising those gifts today? And if so, what are your thoughts about it?

Q&A question: About the “5-Fold Ministry”

prophecy pastoral ministry Apostles

Mike Winger idea 2021-06-25

About the Greek in Bible Translations: Pastors often say, "what the Greek REALLY says is…" Why don't translators use the Greek that pastors cite in sermons then? (Like how Peter is akin to pebble but is translated as rock.)

Q&A question: About the Greek in Bible Translations

Peter pastoral ministry

Mike Winger idea 2021-07-16

Is Covid God’s Plan, or From the Enemy?: Some pastors say the Coronavirus is God's plan. Others say it's a scourge of the Enemy. How do we rationalize these two views when both come from pastors you trust and admire?

Q&A question: Is Covid God’s Plan, or From the Enemy?

pastoral ministry

Mike Winger idea 2021-08-27

Why Didn’t Jesus Mention Paul?: Hello, I am a Christian, and it's been important to me to understand why the Lord Jesus didn't mention to the apostles or anyone that Paul would be coming to enlighten the Way for His Church. This question hasn't been addressed in any of the studies I've researched, nor by any of the pastors I listen to. But isn't this question a most serious matter, since Paul wrote the majority of our New Testament?

Q&A question: Why Didn’t Jesus Mention Paul?

Jesus pastoral ministry Apostles

Mike Winger idea 2021-12-03

About Pastors Preaching on Certain Sins: How would you respond to a pastor who says “I don't need to teach that a particular practice is a sin”? What dangers do you think are there if someone doesn't recognize certain sins?

Q&A question: About Pastors Preaching on Certain Sins

pastoral ministry

Mike Winger idea 2022-01-14

Do Pastors Have Authority over Believers?: A lot of people in my circle talk about being under the "covering" and authority of their pastor and elders. Is this a thing?

Q&A question: Do Pastors Have Authority over Believers?

elder qualifications pastoral ministry

Mike Winger idea 2022-01-21

Is it Wrong to have Vaxxed & Non-Vaxxed Services?: My church has decided to have 2 different services: one for those who have gotten the vaccine, and one for those who have not. I love my pastors, but I disagree with this approach, and I see it as divisive. Is this something I should leave the church over? I wouldn’t think Jesus would ever be for this option.

Q&A question: Is it Wrong to have Vaxxed & Non-Vaxxed Services?

Jesus pastoral ministry

Mike Winger idea 2022-04-01

Can We Hear the “Still Small Voice” Today?: Pastors have preached about this “still small voice” that approached Elijah when he was distressed in the caves. Is this something we are supposed to be waiting and staying still to listen to today?

Q&A question: Can We Hear the “Still Small Voice” Today?

Elijah pastoral ministry

Mike Winger idea 2022-05-06

About Pastors Purchasing Sermons: What are your thoughts about pastors purchasing sermons and not acknowledging the original author, basically plagiarizing another pastor? It has been a huge problem at our former church.

Q&A question: About Pastors Purchasing Sermons

pastoral ministry

Mike Winger idea 2022-05-20

Should Pastors Preach Using Commentaries?: We just got a new pastor, and he preaches from commentaries in addition to the Bible. Is this something that we should be cautious about? Is there a line where it can become too much?

Q&A question: Should Pastors Preach Using Commentaries?

pastoral ministry

Mike Winger idea 2022-07-01

Must Pastors be Married?: Does 1 Timothy 3:2 mean that I must have a wife to be a pastor? What about a man who doesn’t have a wife?

Q&A question: Must Pastors be Married?

1 Timothy 3:2 1 Timothy 3 Timothy 1 Timothy 3:2 marriage

Mike Winger idea 2022-07-22

Are All Pastors Pro-Life?: What is your view on the many progressive "pastors" coming out against the overturning of Roe v. Wade?

Q&A question: Are All Pastors Pro-Life?

abortion pastoral ministry

Mike Winger idea 2022-10-21

Pastors Teaching Dream Interpretation?: What is your take on Christian pastors practicing and teaching dream interpretation using dream dictionaries, Google, and their own reasoning to interpret?

Q&A question: Pastors Teaching Dream Interpretation?

pastoral ministry

Mike Winger idea 2023-01-27

Should Pastors Discuss Politics?: Should pastors avoid discussing current political issues with their congregation?

Q&A question: Should Pastors Discuss Politics?

pastoral ministry

Mike Winger idea 2023-06-23

The Serious Sin of Blasphemy: Why do so many Christians take the Lord’s name in vain? I know several Christians (even two pastors) who do this often. Should we tell them they’re in sin?

Q&A question: The Serious Sin of Blasphemy

pastoral ministry

Mike Winger idea 2023-11-17

Should Youth Pastors Simplify or Go Deep?: I absolutely love being a new Youth Pastor! However, I often find myself going over my students' heads. A small group of them tell me they're thrilled to "actually learn something." I'm conflicted on whether I should simplify my messages in an effort to hold as many attention spans as possible, or keep going into deeper waters to continue feeding those that seem to be benefiting from it. Thoughts?

Q&A question: Should Youth Pastors Simplify or Go Deep?

pastoral ministry

Mike Winger idea 2024-01-26

Satan’s Guide to The Bible?: There is a dangerous video gaining popularity, called "Satan's Guide to The Bible," that illustrates a pretend children's Sunday school class learning from Satan as their substitute teacher. He claims that pastors keep secrets from their congregants, but that he will reveal those secrets and tell them the truth. Can you please analyze this video and refute its false claims about the Bible?

Q&A question: Satan’s Guide to The Bible?

Satan pastoral ministry

Mike Winger idea 2024-04-12

Home Churches & Pastors’ Pay: Can you address the belief that churches should only meet in homes, that church buildings are unbiblical, and pastors should not be paid? I’m questioning if this is biblical.

Q&A question: Home Churches & Pastors’ Pay

pastoral ministry

Mike Winger idea 2024-04-19

Can a Pastor’s Wife be an Unbeliever?: Do the qualifications for pastors/elders in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 disqualify a man who has an unbelieving wife?

Q&A question: Can a Pastor’s Wife be an Unbeliever?

Titus 1 Timothy 3:1-7 Titus 1 Timothy Titus 1 Timothy 3:1-7

Mike Winger idea 2024-05-24

Winger rejects the 'covering' argument that a senior male pastor can authorize female elders/pastors under his headship. A husband is the head of his wife — an elder is NOT the head of other elders. 1 Timothy 2 says 'I don't allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man,' period — not 'without a male head.'

Q&A: advice for a member of a church with a male lead elder pastoring alongside ordained female elders who often teach on Sundays.

1 Timothy 3:1-7 1 Timothy 2:12 women in ministry complementarianism headship

Mike Winger idea 2024-08-09

Open vs. Closed Communion: What is your opinion on open vs. closed communion? Should the pastors or elders check who is taking the communion? 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 may support closed communion.

Q&A question: Open vs. Closed Communion

1 Corinthians 5 elder qualifications 1 Corinthians 5 communion

Mike Winger idea 2024-08-16

Bonus Q for Fun!.Why do you and so many other pastors like the LOTR so much?

Q&A question

pastoral ministry

Mike Winger idea 2024-08-30

Learning from Fallen Pastors?: Do you think it's wise to listen to preachers who have "fallen from grace" like Mark Driscoll? I find much of his preaching very life-giving, but I get judgment from other Christians.

Q&A question: Learning from Fallen Pastors?

pastoral ministry

Mike Winger idea 2024-11-15

Can Fallen Leaders Be Restored?: Can fallen pastors who have engaged in egregious sin be restored back to ministry?

Q&A question: Can Fallen Leaders Be Restored?

pastoral ministry

Mike Winger idea 2024-11-15

Jesus’ Ministry – Which Nature?: Do you believe Jesus did His ministry of preaching, teaching, and healing out of His divinity, or out of His humanity empowered by the Holy Spirit, in light of Matthew 3: 16-17, etc.? What about us?

Q&A question: Jesus’ Ministry – Which Nature?

Matthew Jesus Matthew healing

Mike Winger idea 2024-11-15

Being Zealous for God’s Glory: In light of God's zeal for His own glory in all the Earth (see Ezekiel 36: 22-23; Psalm 46: 10; 2 Chronicles 6: 32-33), how can Christians be zealous for His glory among the nations, especially those who cannot go?

Q&A question: Being Zealous for God’s Glory

Ezekiel Ezekiel

Mike Winger idea 2024-11-15

“The River” = Heaven?: Is there a biblical basis for songs about “crossing the river” into Heaven, or is that just Greek mythology? Is the Jordan River a legitimate biblical metaphor for dying and going to the Promised Land/Heaven?

Q&A question: “The River” = Heaven?

heaven

Mike Winger idea 2024-11-15

Thinking Biblically about All Creation: Since all is God’s creation, will God hold us blameworthy for killing insects and other critters like cockroaches, mosquitoes, bees, spiders, mice, etc.?

Q&A question: Thinking Biblically about All Creation

creation

Mike Winger idea 2024-11-15

Can the Unsaved Seek God?: Can people not yet saved seek after God? Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:7 to “…seek and knock and it will be opened,” but in Romans 3: 10 it says “There is no one who understands; There is no one who seeks God.”

Q&A question: Can the Unsaved Seek God?

Matthew Romans 3 Matthew 7 Jesus Matthew Romans 3

Mike Winger idea 2024-11-15

Lazarus’ Resurrection – Missing?: I find the fact that the resurrection of Lazarus is missing from the Synoptics and the epistles to be unsettling. Do you have any insights on why such a massive claim is not in the earliest texts?

Q&A question: Lazarus’ Resurrection – Missing?

resurrection Lazarus

Mike Winger idea 2024-11-15

“By Faith” vs. “Through Faith”: What is the difference between “by faith” and “through faith” in Romans 3: 30?

Q&A question: “By Faith” vs. “Through Faith”

Romans 3 Romans 3

Mike Winger idea 2024-11-15

Investing in Rental Properties – Sin?: I would like to start investing in rental homes. Is this flat out a sin and should I be just giving my excess to the needy people, or is it OK to invest to earn more, and just give then?

Q&A question: Investing in Rental Properties – Sin?

generosity

Mike Winger idea 2024-11-15

Are My Dreams from God?: My pastor says you can tell if a dream is from God by whether or not it aligns with Gods Word, but also if it’s very bright, warm, and vivid. He says if you’re afraid in the dream, then it’s not from God. Is that true?

Q&A question: Are My Dreams from God?

pastoral ministry

Mike Winger idea 2025-01-10

The Pastor’s Salary: How MUCH?: How much should pastors be paid for their work in the ministry?

Q&A question: The Pastor’s Salary: How MUCH?

pastoral ministry

Mike Winger idea 2025-01-10

Interpretations for Private Tongues?: When the gift of speaking in tongues is in operation, do the same requirements and standards exist for private/smaller ministry gatherings as they do the corporate gatherings of a church service? For example, if someone in the background is praying in tongues while you are praying for someone at a hospital, does that still demand an interpretation?

Q&A question: Interpretations for Private Tongues?

tongues

Mike Winger idea 2025-01-10

Images of God: Ever Biblical?: Author J.I. Packer states that the 2nd commandment forbids using images of God for worship (such as paintings or statues/icons of God) and that images cannot capture His power & only serve as a crutch when worshiping Him. Thoughts?

Q&A question: Images of God: Ever Biblical?

worship

Mike Winger idea 2025-01-10

Was Jesus Tempted with Unbelief?: As a former atheist, the verse in Hebrews 4: 15 comforts and confuses me; how could the Son of Man be tempted with unbelief in Himself?

Q&A question: Was Jesus Tempted with Unbelief?

Hebrews 4 Jesus atheism Hebrews 4

Mike Winger idea 2025-01-10

Immediate or Messianic Prophecy?: It looks like Isaiah 7: 14 is fulfilled in Isaiah 8:4. The prophecy seems to describe something immediate and not messianic. What do we do with Matthew seemingly saying it is a messianic prophecy?

Q&A question: Immediate or Messianic Prophecy?

Isaiah Matthew Isaiah prophecy Matthew

Mike Winger idea 2025-01-10

How to “Obey the Gospel”: How do we answer those who think “obeying the Gospel” means physical obedience (works)? They cite verses like 1 Peter 1: 22, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9, Romans 10: 16, and Matthew 7: 21.

Q&A question: How to “Obey the Gospel”

1 Peter 1 Romans 10 Matthew Peter 1 Peter 1 Romans 10

Mike Winger idea 2025-01-10

Did The Apostles Misunderstand?: I’m struggling with the apostles believing that Jesus’ return was happening within their lifetime. How can we trust everything else they said to be inspired by God if they got this wrong?

Q&A question: Did The Apostles Misunderstand?

Jesus Apostles

Mike Winger idea 2025-01-10

Not Enough Prayer in Church?: Why do we pray so little collectively during Sunday services? Singing makes up 40%, while praying roughly 1-2%. This does not seem to line up biblically or historically (Acts 2: 42; 1 Timothy 2:1-8).

Q&A question: Not Enough Prayer in Church?

1 Timothy 2 Acts 2 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Acts 2

Mike Winger idea 2025-01-10

Gospel Contradictions?: Is there an irreconcilable contradiction in the Gospels as to whether Jesus instructed The Twelve to take a staff (Matt 10: 10, Mark 6:8)? How should this affect our view on inerrancy?

Q&A question: Gospel Contradictions?

Mark 6 Jesus Mark 6

Mike Winger idea 2025-01-10

Resolving to Follow Christ Amid Doubts: Can you be saved by choosing the Christian life at any moment and hoping it’s real, or do you have to be convinced? What conditions do you need from God or yourself? Do you have to be feeling a certain way?

Q&A question: Resolving to Follow Christ Amid Doubts

doubt and faith

Mike Winger idea 2025-01-10

Bonus! Guitar Time, courtesy of Seth Yoder’s request.

Q&A question

Mike Winger idea 2025-01-31

Disqualifications for Serving?: What disqualifies someone from non-pastoral ministry? Are the rules for pastors the same for sound techs, ushers, etc.?

Q&A question: Disqualifications for Serving?

pastoral ministry

← Prev Page 2 of 3 Next →

The "fickle crowd" preaching point (same crowd shouts Hosanna then Crucify Him) is likely wrong — the Palm Sunday crowd was Jesus' traveling followers, distinct from the city population.

Christians must have spines — courage of conviction — when facing cultural pressure. Not angry Christians, but Christians who speak truth clearly and wisely. The persecuted church's lesson: when you know you're following God's revealed Word, you don't need man's permission.

The veneer problem: leaders can portray a greater spirituality than they actually possess. Those who don't notice it reward it, installing fake spiritual leaders who install more. Character must trump stage skills in leadership selection.

Are man-made Covenants Biblical?: Are man-made covenants for pastoral ordination biblical (specifically, covenants binding oneself to denominational doctrines and principles)? The Salvation Army requires this for their pastors.

About the “5-Fold Ministry”: Have you heard of the "5-Fold Ministry" way of thinking about apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers exercising those gifts today? And if so, what are your thoughts about it?

About the Greek in Bible Translations: Pastors often say, "what the Greek REALLY says is…" Why don't translators use the Greek that pastors cite in sermons then? (Like how Peter is akin to pebble but is translated as rock.)

Is Covid God’s Plan, or From the Enemy?: Some pastors say the Coronavirus is God's plan. Others say it's a scourge of the Enemy. How do we rationalize these two views when both come from pastors you trust and admire?

About Pastors Preaching on Certain Sins: How would you respond to a pastor who says “I don't need to teach that a particular practice is a sin”? What dangers do you think are there if someone doesn't recognize certain sins?

Do Pastors Have Authority over Believers?: A lot of people in my circle talk about being under the "covering" and authority of their pastor and elders. Is this a thing?

Can We Hear the “Still Small Voice” Today?: Pastors have preached about this “still small voice” that approached Elijah when he was distressed in the caves. Is this something we are supposed to be waiting and staying still to listen to today?

About Pastors Purchasing Sermons: What are your thoughts about pastors purchasing sermons and not acknowledging the original author, basically plagiarizing another pastor? It has been a huge problem at our former church.

Should Pastors Preach Using Commentaries?: We just got a new pastor, and he preaches from commentaries in addition to the Bible. Is this something that we should be cautious about? Is there a line where it can become too much?

Must Pastors be Married?: Does 1 Timothy 3:2 mean that I must have a wife to be a pastor? What about a man who doesn’t have a wife?

Are All Pastors Pro-Life?: What is your view on the many progressive "pastors" coming out against the overturning of Roe v. Wade?

Pastors Teaching Dream Interpretation?: What is your take on Christian pastors practicing and teaching dream interpretation using dream dictionaries, Google, and their own reasoning to interpret?

Should Pastors Discuss Politics?: Should pastors avoid discussing current political issues with their congregation?

The Serious Sin of Blasphemy: Why do so many Christians take the Lord’s name in vain? I know several Christians (even two pastors) who do this often. Should we tell them they’re in sin?

Home Churches & Pastors’ Pay: Can you address the belief that churches should only meet in homes, that church buildings are unbiblical, and pastors should not be paid? I’m questioning if this is biblical.

Can a Pastor’s Wife be an Unbeliever?: Do the qualifications for pastors/elders in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 disqualify a man who has an unbelieving wife?

Open vs. Closed Communion: What is your opinion on open vs. closed communion? Should the pastors or elders check who is taking the communion? 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 may support closed communion.

Bonus Q for Fun!.Why do you and so many other pastors like the LOTR so much?

Learning from Fallen Pastors?: Do you think it's wise to listen to preachers who have "fallen from grace" like Mark Driscoll? I find much of his preaching very life-giving, but I get judgment from other Christians.

Can Fallen Leaders Be Restored?: Can fallen pastors who have engaged in egregious sin be restored back to ministry?

Jesus’ Ministry – Which Nature?: Do you believe Jesus did His ministry of preaching, teaching, and healing out of His divinity, or out of His humanity empowered by the Holy Spirit, in light of Matthew 3: 16-17, etc.? What about us?

Being Zealous for God’s Glory: In light of God's zeal for His own glory in all the Earth (see Ezekiel 36: 22-23; Psalm 46: 10; 2 Chronicles 6: 32-33), how can Christians be zealous for His glory among the nations, especially those who cannot go?

“The River” = Heaven?: Is there a biblical basis for songs about “crossing the river” into Heaven, or is that just Greek mythology? Is the Jordan River a legitimate biblical metaphor for dying and going to the Promised Land/Heaven?

Thinking Biblically about All Creation: Since all is God’s creation, will God hold us blameworthy for killing insects and other critters like cockroaches, mosquitoes, bees, spiders, mice, etc.?

Can the Unsaved Seek God?: Can people not yet saved seek after God? Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:7 to “…seek and knock and it will be opened,” but in Romans 3: 10 it says “There is no one who understands; There is no one who seeks God.”

Lazarus’ Resurrection – Missing?: I find the fact that the resurrection of Lazarus is missing from the Synoptics and the epistles to be unsettling. Do you have any insights on why such a massive claim is not in the earliest texts?

“By Faith” vs. “Through Faith”: What is the difference between “by faith” and “through faith” in Romans 3: 30?

Investing in Rental Properties – Sin?: I would like to start investing in rental homes. Is this flat out a sin and should I be just giving my excess to the needy people, or is it OK to invest to earn more, and just give then?

Are My Dreams from God?: My pastor says you can tell if a dream is from God by whether or not it aligns with Gods Word, but also if it’s very bright, warm, and vivid. He says if you’re afraid in the dream, then it’s not from God. Is that true?

The Pastor’s Salary: How MUCH?: How much should pastors be paid for their work in the ministry?

Images of God: Ever Biblical?: Author J.I. Packer states that the 2nd commandment forbids using images of God for worship (such as paintings or statues/icons of God) and that images cannot capture His power & only serve as a crutch when worshiping Him. Thoughts?

Was Jesus Tempted with Unbelief?: As a former atheist, the verse in Hebrews 4: 15 comforts and confuses me; how could the Son of Man be tempted with unbelief in Himself?

Immediate or Messianic Prophecy?: It looks like Isaiah 7: 14 is fulfilled in Isaiah 8:4. The prophecy seems to describe something immediate and not messianic. What do we do with Matthew seemingly saying it is a messianic prophecy?

How to “Obey the Gospel”: How do we answer those who think “obeying the Gospel” means physical obedience (works)? They cite verses like 1 Peter 1: 22, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9, Romans 10: 16, and Matthew 7: 21.

Did The Apostles Misunderstand?: I’m struggling with the apostles believing that Jesus’ return was happening within their lifetime. How can we trust everything else they said to be inspired by God if they got this wrong?

Not Enough Prayer in Church?: Why do we pray so little collectively during Sunday services? Singing makes up 40%, while praying roughly 1-2%. This does not seem to line up biblically or historically (Acts 2: 42; 1 Timothy 2:1-8).

Gospel Contradictions?: Is there an irreconcilable contradiction in the Gospels as to whether Jesus instructed The Twelve to take a staff (Matt 10: 10, Mark 6:8)? How should this affect our view on inerrancy?

Resolving to Follow Christ Amid Doubts: Can you be saved by choosing the Christian life at any moment and hoping it’s real, or do you have to be convinced? What conditions do you need from God or yourself? Do you have to be feeling a certain way?

Bonus! Guitar Time, courtesy of Seth Yoder’s request.

Disqualifications for Serving?: What disqualifies someone from non-pastoral ministry? Are the rules for pastors the same for sound techs, ushers, etc.?

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