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Mike Winger idea 2022-07-15

Can Past Sins Disqualify a Man from Leadership?: If a man’s pre-salvation life is especially disgraceful, could he ever truly be “above reproach” (1 Timothy 3:2)? Could old sin, then, even if confessed, disqualify him from being a pastor or elder?

Q&A question: Can Past Sins Disqualify a Man from Leadership?

1 Timothy 3:2 1 Timothy 3 Timothy 1 Timothy 3:2 elder qualifications
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 2022-08-13

Safeguarding Ourselves While Witnessing: I have felt God call me to minister to the JWs, and He has opened doors for me to do so. What should I do to make sure my faith is not endangered when I am doing ministry? I meet with them tonight.

Q&A question: Safeguarding Ourselves While Witnessing

evangelism
Mike Winger idea 2022-08-13

Health/Prayer Update: Pastor Mike, can you give us an update on your personal health and sleep troubles?

Q&A question: Health/Prayer Update

prayer pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2022-09-30

A Young Pastor being Disrespected: I am a young pastor of a church with people mostly in their 60s and 70s. My staff often micromanages me, corrects me in public, and treats me like a grandchild instead of their pastor. Any advice?

Q&A question: A Young Pastor being Disrespected

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 2022-12-09

Has Jesus Always Been God?: Our pastor said on Sunday that Jesus wasn’t God here on Earth until the baptism of John and descending of the Holy Spirit. It sounded really bad to my ears. Can you comment, please?

Q&A question: Has Jesus Always Been God?

Jesus baptism pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2022-12-16

Discerning God’s Voice: How can I tell when the Holy Spirit is talking to me? Ever since hearing a sermon about a pastor's conviction to spend more time with God, I think I’m hearing God ask for more time when I close my Bible.

Q&A question: Discerning God’s Voice

pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2023-01-13

Can We Add Punctuation to Scripture?: A pastor at a local Bible study wants me to add punctuation to a section of Scripture that is just words to see multiple meanings. I feel uncomfortable with this. What are your thoughts on doing this?

Q&A question: Can We Add Punctuation to Scripture?

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 2023-01-27

Is the Senior Pastor Role Biblical?: Why do so many churches have a “head” pastor that does mostly all the teaching when God gives teaching gifts and words to many people?

Q&A question: Is the Senior Pastor Role Biblical?

pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2023-02-17

Galatians 5 – Heaven or Rewards?: In Galatians 5: 19-21, is the “kingdom of God” a reference to Heaven itself, or a reference to rewards? A local pastor says it is about rewards, but I am skeptical.

Q&A question: Galatians 5 – Heaven or Rewards?

Galatians 5 pastoral ministry Galatians 5
Mike Winger idea 2023-02-17

Are Men’s Beards Prideful?: What do you think about beards? I heard a pastor say that it is a prideful thing to wear a beard, and therefore wrong to have one. I don't really agree. I don't think you do either, as you have one.

Q&A question: Are Men’s Beards Prideful?

pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2023-03-03

The Right Age to Evangelize?: When is the right age to evangelize? I'm 15 and I used to evangelize and many believed, but I also got into trouble with the police and at my school. My pastor told me to wait until I’m more mature and I’ve learned more of God’s Word.

Q&A question: The Right Age to Evangelize?

pastoral ministry angels
Mike Winger idea 2023-03-17

Knowing When to Yield: My pastor wants me to obey my husband even when it hurts my mental health, triggers my eating disorder, or my sleep disorder. Is he right or wrong? He says I should “Die like Christ.”

Q&A question: Knowing When to Yield

marriage pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2023-03-17

Should We Call Out Others’ Sins?: Should we call out sin in the lives of other Christian friends? I had a conversation with my pastor about this in regard to cussing, and he told me if we don't have a mutual edification then it might not be my place.

Q&A question: Should We Call Out Others’ Sins?

pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2023-04-07

Is Ordination Necessary?: What are your thoughts on the necessity to be ordained into ministry? Can I turn my home Bible study into a church?

Q&A question: Is Ordination Necessary?

Bible study
Mike Winger idea 2023-04-07

Who Can Baptize People?: Can anyone baptize? Or must one be a pastor?

Q&A question: Who Can Baptize People?

baptism pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2023-04-21

Is Nepotism Sinful?: Is nepotism a sin? My church was founded by my grandpa, my dad is the senior pastor, and my brother is a youth leader. I do believe they legitimately earned these roles, but others at my church don’t.

Q&A question: Is Nepotism Sinful?

pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2023-05-05

Winger examines multiple translations of 1 Cor 11:16 ('if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom') and admits he can't identify the major translational difference the questioner sees. The core debate is whether 'custom' refers to head coverings or to being contentious.

Q: Why does 1 Cor 11:16 seem to have opposite meanings depending on the translation?

1 Corinthians 11:16 complementarianism head coverings complementarianism
Mike Winger idea 2023-05-26

The Biblical Way to Get Married: Why do we have to have an ordained pastor to get married? Is there Scripture to back this up? If two people make a commitment to each other and God, is that enough?

Q&A question: The Biblical Way to Get Married

pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2023-06-09

Christian Creators: Make This Content!: As a YouTube pastor, do you have any suggestions for content you would like to see Christians make? I'm in seminary and I’m thinking about making videos, but I wonder what I should create (if I did).

Q&A question: Christian Creators: Make This Content!

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 2023-07-07

Jesus = Michael the Archangel?: Is Michael the Archangel Jesus? I once heard a pastor give praises and prayers to Michael on the pulpit, and when I asked him about it, he referenced a few Scriptures but I’m just not fully convinced.

Q&A question: Jesus = Michael the Archangel?

Jesus prayer pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2023-07-21

Clarifying a Difficult Passage: A local UMC pastor preached on Matthew 18: 21-35. She said scholars say that Matthew added verses 34-35 and that the master does not represent God. I've never heard this take and it sounds concerning. Any insight?

Q&A question: Clarifying a Difficult Passage

Matthew 18 Matthew Matthew 18 pastoral ministry Matthew
Mike Winger idea 2023-09-01

Deliverance & the “Spirit of Jezebel”: How do we lovingly correct someone who believes the deliverance ministry doctrine (people saying they have a “spirit of Jezebel” that needs to be prayed away)?

Q&A question: Deliverance & the “Spirit of Jezebel”

Jezebel
Mike Winger idea 2023-09-15

How to Prepare Large Study Projects: How do you go about a project like the Women in Ministry series? I want to do something similar with Genesis 1-2 but I don't even know where to begin or what tools to use (other than Logos, of course).

Q&A question: How to Prepare Large Study Projects

Genesis Genesis 1 Genesis women in ministry Genesis 1
Mike Winger idea 2023-09-29

Can A False Prophet Glorify God?: My parents sit under a pastor who claims to have a prophecy from God almost weekly. He preaches in Jesus’ name and glorifies God, but his prophecies are always totally wrong or incredibly vague. Can a man who glorifies God also prophesy falsely?

Q&A question: Can A False Prophet Glorify God?

Jesus prophecy pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2023-10-17

Teaching Convictions as Truth: How should we deal with a pastor who is unwilling to receive correction on anything against his own convictions? It wouldn’t be as big of an issue, but he preaches his ideas as truth (i.e., no alcohol).

Q&A question: Teaching Convictions as Truth

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 2023-12-16

Rejecting the Message due to Credentials: Any advice for lay people doing public ministry that get attacked by non-believers on the basis of their credentials? I feel I am capable of interpretation and ministry despite never having been to seminary.

Q&A question: Rejecting the Message due to Credentials

hermeneutics
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 2024-02-16

Is Charity Meaningless Apart from the Church?: A pastor I listen to says that any community service/charity work that is not done through the Church or a Christian organization is meaningless to God. What are your thoughts on this?

Q&A question: Is Charity Meaningless Apart from the Church?

pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2024-03-08

What to Do if Your Pastor is Female: I've watched your Women in Ministry series and come to basically the same conclusions you have. However, I'm part of a church with a female lead pastor. How do I handle this?

Q&A question: What to Do if Your Pastor is Female

women in ministry pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2024-03-15

Winger defends his call for egalitarians to repent, distinguishing it from Calvinism disagreements because egalitarianism directly harms marriages and church leadership structure. He also calls patriarchalists to repent for teaching women are inherently more easily deceived.

Q&A question from someone who agrees egalitarians should repent but asks if the same applies to Calvinism as a secondary issue.

women in ministry complementarianism egalitarianism
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 2024-04-12

Can Prophecies be given “On-Demand”?: A couple with a prophetic ministry came to my church and gave a word of knowledge to all who asked. I don’t see prophecy-on-demand in Scripture. Is this a proper use of the gift of prophecy?

Q&A question: Can Prophecies be given “On-Demand”?

prophecy
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 2024-05-03

Too Much Theology & Doctrine?: My pastor says that theology is “just someone’s opinion” and that “we shouldn’t get hooked on theology and doctrine.” How would you respond?

Q&A question: Too Much Theology & Doctrine?

pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2024-05-03

Did Peter & Other Disciples Quit?: Did Peter and the others "quit the ministry" when they went fishing in John 21:3? It seems that Peter had already seen the risen Christ 2 or 3 times before this event.

Q&A question: Did Peter & Other Disciples Quit?

John 21 Peter John 21
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 2024-06-21

Does Refusal of Sex Justify Divorce?: Does 1 Corinthians 7 really mean we can never say no to sex except for a season of fasting and prayer? My pastor told my husband that if I deny him for too long then he has biblical grounds for divorce.

Q&A question: Does Refusal of Sex Justify Divorce?

1 Corinthians 7 1 Corinthians 7 marriage prayer
Mike Winger idea 2024-06-28

Winger says a wife co-teaching an adult Sunday school Bible study IS an elder-type role and would be wrong under his complementarian view. However, co-teaching a topical class (like parenting) is NOT eldership and he'd be fine with it. He warns against creating Pharisaic rules but draws the line at verse-by-verse Bible teaching.

Bonus Q after viewer watched WIM series: Is a woman helping her husband teach a co-ed adult Sunday school class an elder-type role?

1 Timothy 2:12 women in ministry complementarianism egalitarianism
Mike Winger idea 2024-07-05

Healing = the Children’s Bread?: "Healing is the children's bread" is taught by a pastor friend when he prays for the sick. He uses Mark 7: 24-30 as the proof text. What is the “bread” in v. 27?

Q&A question: Healing = the Children’s Bread?

pastoral ministry healing
Mike Winger idea 2024-07-26

Chuck Missler & the Hologram Theory: Have you heard of Pastor Chuck Missler and his endorsement of the Hologram Theory (the idea that there is no gravity beyond our solar system, a holographic representation of God’s Creation)?

Q&A question: Chuck Missler & the Hologram Theory

creation pastoral ministry
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 2024-08-23

Evangelism for the Ineloquent: Everyone seems to have their way of sharing the Gospel: street-preaching, pastoring, etc. How do I know how God has called me to share the Gospel? I'm not good socially, but I want to reach people.

Q&A question: Evangelism for the Ineloquent

pastoral ministry angels
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 2024-10-11

Advice for a New Youth Pastor: I just started into youth ministry. Jesus saved me in college; I never had a youth minister, and the position didn’t come with a manual. Any resources, recommendations, wisdom, etc.?

Q&A question: Advice for a New Youth Pastor

Jesus pastoral ministry