Top 10 Websites Most Helpful to Pastors by Scott Cole, pastor, West Side Baptist, Bessemer

pastor's page

Related to the Revised Common Lectionary:
www.textweek.com - This has got to be one of the best resources available for folks who use the RCL. It is a monster site of links, with good resources for preaching and planning. I still can't believe it is free, I feel guilty sometimes. Highly recommended for RCL users.

http://divinity.lib.vanderbilt.edu/lectionary - Vanderbilt has served us pastors greatly by allowing us to look ahead at RCL texts without the bulk of books. All three years and the texts for each Sunday are available. I use this in worship and sermon planning. Very helpful.

News and Current Affairs:
www.ethicsdaily.com - If you haven't visited the web site for the Baptist Center for Ethics since they have reformatted, then you sin against yourself. Quality columns and thought provoking content. Visit often and enjoy.

www.christianethicstoday.com - Quite possibly my favorite publication, including Bassmasters. This site is absolutely no frills or whistles; and the only bells that are rung are yours as you are challenged from quality contributions to the field of Christian ethics. You can access every article in their fledgling but superb history. Subscribe to the hard copy online.

Books and shopping, etc.:
I browse in bookstores but buy online. Better prices and you can't beat the conveniences. The two I most often use are www.amazon.com and www.christianbook.com.

www.ebay.com - Quite honestly it is just fun to see all the junk we accumulate. I have even sold some of mine at this site. Watch the time, you can lose track of it here.

www.grassrootsmusic.com - Cool music site for those seeking something different, listen online and buy at great prices. I wouldn't advise searching for Elvis' last gospel album here however.

www.time.gov - If you do lose track of time when searching the web, you can check it within 0.8 seconds of accuracy. BEWARE THE COMPUTER CLOCK, for it deceives. This is the official government time and we all know we can trust the government.

The Emerging/ Postmodern/ Alternative/ Gen X Church
www.theooze.com - Community of postmoderns struggling, writing, creating dialogue for the next generation of Christians. They are restructuring the site a little, but it is arranged nicely and the content is good.

www.faithmaps.org - As stated on the site, this page provides "tools for navigating theology, leadership, discipleship and church life in postmodernity." This is a great start for those interested in postmodern Christian reflection. Highly recommended.