Todd Wilson

Our culture is awash in phrases like this: "You're so judgmental" or "Who am I to judge?" Oh the horror of being judgmental! A fate worse than death! So given this cultural context, you might not want to title your sermon "When It's Okay to Judge." Pastor Todd Wilson did it anyway—and this is a fabulous sermon based on an example of immoral behavior that the church of Corinth tried to sweep under the rug. Todd provides some great insights into the text of 1 Corinthians 5. He also has some great practical applications for us today. Check out his sermon; it's a prime example of rich theological preaching.

Gerald Hiestand

In our "Pastor as Theologian" series we offer the second of a three-part mini-series titled "Should a Pastor Get a PhD?" Pastor Gerald Hiestand offer his short answer: no, maybe, yes—it kind of all depends on God's calling for your life. Every pastor has different life circumstances, including finances, church setting, family situation, and opportunities to pursue an advanced degree. But if you have the calling and the opportunity to pursue an advance degree, if you feel that that is the best way to grow as a pastor theologian, Hiestand provides some solid coaching advice. Regardless of your life circumstances though, use his article to jumpstart your own thinking about these questions: "What does it mean for me to be a pastor theologian in my setting? And what kind of training do I need so I can consistently feed my people on the riches of God's Word?"

Also, check out these new resources:

• Featured Illustration: First Graders Encourage Distraught NFL Kicker
• Featured Video: Choose Love: Based on 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and 1 John 4:8, this powerful message about love will make a great addition to your Valentine's Day Service.
• Featured Sermon: "When It's Okay to Judge" by Todd Wilson
• Featured Skills Article: "Should a Pastor Get a PhD?" by Gerald Hiestand

Matt Woodley
Editor, PreachingToday.com
mwoodley@christianitytoday.com

Matt Woodley is the pastor of compassion ministries at Church of the Resurrection in Wheaton, Illinois.