To merely communicate a gospel or a congregation that focuses on being palatable is likely to set the standard too low. Outsiders can easily spot a congregation that is either church-light or Christian-light. Entertainment alone has a way of being spiritually unsatisfying. The exercise of
Over time, praying the Jesus way roots out our tiny, timid and unworthy goals and gradually aligns us with God’s heart and God’s purposes.
Benevolence ministries have been an expression of churches since the first century when congregations assisted other churches, some of them far away on the early mission field. Early Christians looked out for each other with care. Jesus advocated for the needy indiscriminatingly.
For churches interested
A church social justice committee can keep members informed and educated on issues confronting the community and can work with social justice committees of other congregations to have a powerful impact.
Think about all aspects of retirement as you plan. Include giving time and talents, as well as money, to ensure maximum productivity and maximum joy.
No, the title of this column does not imply that your pastor is illiterate. No offense intended. My challenge is that all of us pastors need to read wider — much wider than we normally do.
It has become increasingly clear that the unrest in Ferguson is more than a protest over the killing of a young black man. The community is displaying pent-up anger in a situation where a majority of residents claim to have little to say in the
Sometimes, God will allow the disruptions to remind us that we are not in charge. If things always go our way, we never learn patience. If our human-contrived security is enough, we never learn to trust God.
Take it from me.
The old joke goes, “Baptists believe the Bible; they just don’t know what is says!” In my more mature years, I’ve stopped worrying whether or not people take the Bible literally and started asking if they take it seriously.
Heard any good jokes lately? Early Christians customarily celebrated Easter with joy, laughter and lots of jokes. Someone once said that humor is our response to seeing the proud lord of death step on a banana peel. That proud lord of death (Satan) thought he