Opinion

For most people, the day of thanksgiving may bear little resemblance to the earliest days of gratitude for a good harvest celebrated almost as long as times of harvest in rural settings in cultures that long predated America itself.

Is your congregation receiving all its spiritual vitamins and minerals? We all know how crucial a balanced physical diet is; our spirits also need a healthy mixture of “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). But before you stop reading this column because you think it is for pastors only, be assured that everyone can do something to assure that our Sunday worship services offer a variety of spiritual food.

While the Missouri Baptist Convention annual meeting was light on business, this year's rendition praised longtime worker -- Raymond R. "Bob" Kenison for his 36 years of dedicated service to children and youth through the Missouri Baptist Children's Home.

Word & Way is officially a Baptist newspaper covering Baptist life not only in Missouri but the adjacent Midwest. It tells Baptist stories originating in places like Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Iowa and Illinois in the spirit of finding common ground among cooperating Baptists.

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 faith is meaningful, and it should never be cast otherwise, even to attract outsiders.

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 in meeting human needs around them and beyond, here are three guidelines.

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.