Thom Rainer observes that "over two thirds of American churches have a worship attendance under 100" (The New Very Large Church). In another post, Rainer shows that numbers indicate, "more pastors and staff will become bi-vocational and co-vocational" in 2023 (Ten Major Trends for Local Churches in America in 2023). The terms he uses in … Continue reading The Growing Need for Church Consultants and Coaches
2 Questions Christians Should Ask about the Respect for Marriage Act
My Life among the Deathworks by Philip Reiff Philip Reiff, an American sociologist who passed away in 2006, wrote a fascinating book titled, My Life among the Deathworks. In the book, he discusses a concept, which he calls "anti-cultures." "Anti-cultures," Reiff stated, "translate no sacred order into social" (p. 6). Reiff elaborated, "[Anti-cultures] propose an … Continue reading 2 Questions Christians Should Ask about the Respect for Marriage Act
How to Use Social Media in Ministry
The Fear When I teach or share about the dangers of social media among ministry leaders, I am often confronted with a hesitant smile, a subtle eye roll, or the polite head nod. The reasons are multitudinous, but I think that many people in ministry have an underlying fear that prevents them from deleting their … Continue reading How to Use Social Media in Ministry
Ministry Leader, Consider Deleting Your Instagram Account Today
The Defeat and Reality of Sin My demeanor changed. My heart sank. My disposition became gloomy. The moment I was notified that another mega church pastor was being removed--albeit temporarily--from a ministry position broke my heart. My theological commitments acknowledge that we still live in a fallen world. Yes, sin has been defeated by Jesus, … Continue reading Ministry Leader, Consider Deleting Your Instagram Account Today
The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: A Review and Brief Analysis
Introduction Carl R. Trueman is professor of biblical and religious studies at Grove City College and earned his Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Aberdeen. He is a renown church historian and wrote The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to the Sexual Revolution with this … Continue reading The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: A Review and Brief Analysis
5 Ways to Encourage Christians Now that Roe v. Wade Has Been Overturned
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 As Christians, we should believe that every person--no matter their stage of life or what type of capabilities they do or do not have--is made in the image of God. This … Continue reading 5 Ways to Encourage Christians Now that Roe v. Wade Has Been Overturned
A Prayer for the Parents of Uvalde, Texas
Many of us are experiencing a variety of emotions as we reflect on the tragedy that occurred at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas on May 24, 2022. Some of us are experiencing grief or pain, while others feel anger or uncertainty. To be sure, many of us have a variety of emotions as we … Continue reading A Prayer for the Parents of Uvalde, Texas
3 Reasons to Make Your Disciples Write
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to … Continue reading 3 Reasons to Make Your Disciples Write
The Elevation of Self: Social Media’s Underlying Motive
The Hypothetical Scenario Join me in a thought experiment. You and I are meeting for coffee--perhaps we know each other or this is our first time meeting. We sit down at a table with coffee in hand, and I open the conversation with who I am, where I live, and all the great things I … Continue reading The Elevation of Self: Social Media’s Underlying Motive
How to Prepare for Easter Sunday (April 17, 2022)
Mark 11-16 record the final week of our Lord's earthly life. Mark devotes more than one-third of his Gospel to "Passion Week."Daniel L. Akin, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary: Exalting Jesus in Mark, p. 242 The Lord's sovereignty never ceases to amaze me even in the seemingly small details of life. Akin's quote above shows us that … Continue reading How to Prepare for Easter Sunday (April 17, 2022)
Be Imitators 