Anxiety in Children: Helping Kids Cope With Worries

October 8, 2024

Anxiety in children is on the rise. Read on for information about what anxiety is and how to help kids through anxious moments. Also learn what our Father God wants us to remember during anxious times.

Anxiety in Children: A Personal Problem

I remember the exasperated look on her face. This parent of a 6-year-old was baffled by her child’s unwillingness to board the school bus. She didn’t want to attend Sunday school or venture away from the safety and comfort of home much at all.

This once-ambitious toddler had become an anxious grade-schooler who just wouldn’t budge. And no one knew why.

As her children’s pastor, I was puzzled too. My kind smile and small talk didn’t soothe her. Pairing her with a peer buddy didn’t help. Saying we’d miss her or promising to do her favorite things didn’t change her mind. She was not leaving mom and dad. Time passed and, much to her parents’ relief, she seemed to “grow out of it.” I was thrilled to see her sing solos, read Scripture, and love Bible adventures again.

Years later, I personally experienced debilitating anxiety—the kind that made me physically brace myself for undefined harm that could come my way. Anxiety told me that doing things I once loved would hurt me. It made me flee mundane situations that just felt like too much. Once again, anxiety baffled me.

As I worked through this new, unwelcome condition with a therapist, I recalled my young friend and her family from years past. I now have a new level of empathy, compassion, and patience for the children and families in my life who live with it, too.

Anxiety is no longer an issue—it’s personal. It’s not a problem to fix for kids. Anxiety is a valid, though unwanted, condition to acknowledge and work through. Perhaps you regularly work through it, too.

Anxiety in Children Is on the Rise

You may have heard that anxiety in children is increasing. It’s true. According to an article on American Family Physician’s website, “anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric conditions in children and adolescents, affecting nearly 1 in 12 children and 1 in 4 adolescents.”

It’s tempting to become anxious and worried about the anxiety epidemic, isn’t it? But as people who love and care for children today, let’s take a deep breath (really!). Know that anxiety in children is also more treatable than ever. (This article from the American Psychological Association recognizes both the issue and the improvements in care that offer hope and help to families and individuals who now struggle with anxiety.)

Although anxiety impacts 21^st-century life in new ways, it doesn’t change God’s steadfast love and care for his children—including you and me.

Overcoming Anxiety

The first step to overcoming anxiety is understanding it. For me, that came through personal experience and through helpful conversations with licensed therapists, like my friend Mandy.

Mandy Milner is a licensed professional counselor. She’s also a friend of God, a wife, a mom, and one of my closest friends. I wanted to understand anxiety in children better. So I asked her to explain 1) what anxiety is, 2) how parents and caregivers can help children work through anxiety, and 3) what our loving Father God might want to remind those of us who face anxiety with children we love. Here’s what she said:

What is anxiety?

Milner explains:

Anxiety happens when our brains detect danger and move us into survival mode but we’re not actually in a dangerous situation.

Our brain’s ability to detect danger and cue our body to move into fight, flight, or freeze is good and normal and God-given. It’s great that we have a system that kicks into place when we’re in danger and helps us get to safety as quickly as possible!

‘Jesus, Save Me’—7-Year-Old Boy Cried Out to God in Final Moments as He, Grandparents Were Swept Away in Asheville Flood

Jessica Mouser

October 8, 2024

One family navigating unbearable loss because of Hurricane Helene is also glorifying God in the midst of their sorrow. North Carolina resident Megan Drye lost her 7-year-old son, Micah, and her parents, Michael and Nora, to the flood waters that devastated Asheville and other North Carolina communities.

All four family members had taken refuge on the roof of their house before the flood caused the house to collapse. Drye said her son called on Jesus in his final moments and that, later, she heard God’s voice guiding her to safety.

“I’m so proud of my son because in his last moments, he wasn’t screaming for me. He was screaming, ‘Jesus, Jesus save me. Jesus I hear you. Jesus, I’m calling upon you,” Drye told the anchors on FOX Weather four days after the tragedy occurred. Drye’s sister, Heather Kephart, joined her for the interview.

Micah’s “goal in life” was to be a superhero—he had wanted to be Deadpool for Halloween. “Instead, he’s my hero because he reached for something past flesh…past anything that even grown adults I think would reach for,” said Drye, who was wearing one of her son’s shirts. “My son called out to the one God Almighty, and I think at that moment he was rescued. He became my hero.”

Asheville Flooding Sweeps Away Family Taking Refuge on Roof

Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Florida gulf as a Category 4 hurricane on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 26, wreaking havoc across the Southeast, particularly in Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Helene surprised and devastated inland communities unused to dealing with hurricanes.

In a statement to ChurchLeaders, Drye’s sister, Jessica Drye Turner, said of her parents and nephew, “We just keep thanking God that their deaths are bringing so many to Christ. It’s all worth it if even one is brought to Christ. We know they do not remember their fear, suffering and tears. Prayers have certainly sustained us. “

As the catastrophe unfolded, Turner posted a series of updates on her Facebook page, describing what had happened to the family. Michael and Nora Drye, who were in their 70s, Megan Drye, and Megan’s son, Micah, had taken refuge on the roof of their house in Asheville with only “the clothes on their back and one working phone.”

“They are watching 18 wheelers and cars floating by. In addition, part of the house they’re sitting on is in front of them,” said Turner. “They’ve called 911 but they aren’t the only ones needing rescue. This is definitely a moment when faith is all you have.”

Turner’s post includes two photos showing what the flood waters looked like from the roof of the house. Drye told FOX Weather the roof was “their only hope” because “everything else was covered in water.” When she took the photos, she thought the four of them were safe. They still had cell phone service at that point. “I thought we were ok still…until the house broke apart and until everything started to collapse,” she said.

‘I’m the Bible That People Read’: Iowa’s Owen Freeman, 19, Lives His Faith on and off the Basketball Court

Stephanie Martin

October 8, 2024

Ahead of his sophomore season at Iowa, 6-foot-10-inch forward Owen Freeman continues to stand tall for Christ. Yesterday (Oct. 7) at the Hawkeyes’ media day, last year’s co-Big Ten freshman of the year spoke candidly about his faith and its influence on and off the basketball court.

When asked why he doesn’t cuss, Freeman said, “I credit a lot of that to my faith. That’s a huge part of who I am.” The hoopster said he’s “a child of God, so I try to represent him as much as I can. I try to let him shine through me.”

Freeman, 19, said he might say, “Dang it!” or throw his hands up in the air when he gets frustrated. The reason he watches his words? “I feel like I’m the Bible that people read,” he said. “Not everyone’s going to open up the Bible, so I’ve got to shine God’s light.”

Iowa’s Owen Freeman: Jesus Is My Cornerstone

Owen Freeman has been talking about Jesus since high school, when he transferred to a new school for his senior year. The Illinois native quickly impressed teammates and coaches with his character and commitment to faith.

“He’s just fully locked in on it, and it’s truly an awesome thing to see,” said Brock Harding, a teammate from both high school and college. “He’s always going to talk to you about God, and it’s just something that’s great to have on your side.”

In a Fellowship of Christian Athletes video from January 2023, high school coach Sean Taylor said Freeman is special because he lives his faith “day to day”—and not just while playing ball. “That’s him, that’s his family,” Taylor said. “He’s not afraid to show it…He lives it, and I think that’s why people respect him so much.”

As a senior in high school, Freeman was already determined to “use my platform as a way to spread the love God has for us, the mission he has for us.” Being in the public eye through sports is “an amazing opportunity,” he said in 2023. “Some unbelievers aren’t going to read the Bible, they’re going to read us.”

“So when we set that example of godly characteristics,” he continued, “they’re going to [notice] ‘Hey, he’s different. Let me go see what all that’s about,’ and that’s our way of being able to witness to people.”

Freeman’s faith was a huge help when he transferred high schools. “There’s been times where I might have felt lonely at first, but I’ve leaned on Jesus,” he said. “He’s that friend that you have when no one else is there…That’s really my stronghold, my cornerstone that I build upon.”

Owen Freeman: ‘I Lean On My Faith’

Last season at Iowa, Freeman was named Big Ten freshman of the week nine times. He averaged 10.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.

To prepare for his sophomore year, Freeman gained 15 pounds over the summer. Being bigger “helps me not get into foul trouble,” he said, “so I can hold my own on the block.”

Russell Brand Continues To Baptize People Following Heavy Criticism for Doing So in His Underwear

Jesse T. Jackson

October 8, 2024

Screengrab via Instagram / @russellbrand

Celebrity and professing Christian Russell Brand has posted another photo of himself baptizing someone. This time he traded his “tighty-whities” for swimwear.

Brand, who started posting about his faith journey late last year—sharing he was reading the Bible and C.S. Lewis and that he needed a personal relationship with God—was sternly criticized for baptizing someone while wearing only underwear less than two weeks ago.

“You know you can wear clothes to baptize people,” one person wrote. Another said, “Am I the only one wondering why the guy getting baptized is in surf gear and the two baptizing them are in their literal underwear???? This is quite odd.”

However, some came to Brand’s defense, including Bobbie Houston, wife of former Hillsong Church global senior pastor, Brian Houston. “The comments are hilarious. Pretty sure we’re all gonna die laughing in heaven about all our lives down here! Jesus: ‘Dude, remember that time…’” Bobbie commented. “I personally love the innocence here.”

The criticism prompted Brand to address his baptismal attire on social media. He asked his followers if his “tighty-whities [were] satanic?”

“I suppose lookin’ at it now it does look a bit immodest, me doin’ a baptism in underpants like that,” Brand said. “But the truth is, I took off my clothes and my underpants is all I’m wearing underneath my clothes. That’s what I’m wearing right now.”

“It wasn’t a planned photo shoot,” he added. “Some of my mates took photos for their friend, actually. Evan was getting baptized.”

Houston and others encouraged Brand to ignore the critics and continue growing in his faith. “Ignore them,” Houston said. “We think your new found faith and enthusiasm is delightful. You’re full of Jesus…hungry, curious, asking questions, reading ya Bible and quoting it…and that’s the most important thing.”

Pastor Released on Bond While Awaiting Trial for Murder of Man Pastor Believed Was in an Affair With His Wife

Dale Chamberlain

October 8, 2024

A former pastor has been released on a $30,000 bond as he continues to await trial for murder. Matthew Dedmon, who was pastor of Heritage Baptist Church in Rogersville, Missouri, is accused of killing Joe Newburn, a man Dedmon believed was having an affair with Dedmon’s wife.

The incident occurred on May 28, 2022. Investigators said Dedmon confronted his wife and Newburn after he discovered them having lunch at a restaurant in Ozark, Missouri. Dedmon allegedly accused his wife and Newburn of having an affair before shooting Newburn in the chest three times with a pistol.

Investigators said that Dedmon then placed the pistol back in his vehicle. Police recovered it when they arrived on the scene.

Newburn was taken to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Dedmon was originally arrested at the scene in May 2022. According to its website, Heritage Baptist Church, which is a KJV-only Independent Baptist congregation, installed David Dossett as its new pastor in September 2022.

For more than two years, Dedmon has been held in jail without bond on charges of first degree murder and armed criminal action. Disputes between the defense and prosecution over discovery account for the delay in going to trial.

According to Law&Crime, Judge Laura Johnson originally denied Dedmon bond because she believed Dedmon potentially presented a “grave danger” to the community.

“The evidence is that Defendant possessed a loaded gun on the square in Ozark outside a busy restaurant, and that gun was discharged three to four times, resulting in the victim’s death,” Johnson wrote in the decision. “This put everyone on the square in grave danger.”

“There was evidence that this conduct was out of character for Defendant, which causes concern about Defendant’s decision-making and judgment,” Johnson added.

It Isn’t About Overcoming Language—It’s About Using It for Good

Stan Jantz

October 8, 2024

Language has always been a centerpiece of God’s plan to have a relationship with us. In fact, God is the ultimate linguist. There are nearly 7,000 languages in the world, and God knows every single one.

We marvel at the variety and complexity of language, but this wasn’t God’s original design. In the beginning, there was just one language. Today, there are more languages than there were even in the time of Jesus—but our opportunities to know and share God’s hope and love have proliferated just as much as the complexity of language has done.

After the fall, there was just one language. Even after the Great Flood, those left on the earth spoke one language.

Time and again, mankind rebelled. In Genesis 11 the story of the tower of Babel stands as a monument to human pride pitted against God’s plan. Rather than obey God’s command, the people stuck together, united by one language and a spirit of boasting. “Come, let us build ourselves a city,” they said, “with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves.”

God looked at their construction project and decided to put an end to it, not by destroying the tower, but by confusing their language. Essentially, God made it impossible for them to work together because they could no longer understand each other. Their work stopped, the people scattered, and the tower they built became known as the tower of “Babel,” a Hebrew word that means “confusion.” Ever since, this confusion of language has been a kind of “curse” on the human race. The “Curse of Babel” has become our curse.

True to his nature of love and compassion, God has not left us helpless and without hope. He offers clarity. Where there is division, he brings unity, not because of anything we have done to deserve his favor, but because of his great love for us.

In effect, God has reversed the curse of Babel by giving us a new language—the language of love expressed in Jesus, the living Word (John 1:1).

The work of evangelization might seem more daunting than ever before, as the “curse of Babel” is stronger today than it was even in Jesus’ time. At that time, there were perhaps 200 million people in the world who spoke a few hundred languages. Today there are 7,000 languages spoken by eight billion people. But rather than attempting to “overcome” these languages, let’s embrace them as a way of inviting the greatest number of people in history to know Jesus and his language of love.

In fact, this is the work I’ve decided to devote myself to—it’s why Come and See exists at all. Our mission is to make it possible for a billion people to experience the authentic Jesus. One of the ways we do this is through translating “The Chosen,” a historical drama based on the life of Jesus and those who knew him.

We see the effectiveness of this strategy from people around the world. Recently a woman wrote us from India to tell us she enjoyed “The Chosen” in English. But when she experienced the same episodes in her native Bengali language, she was overjoyed at the way the story spoke to her. Rather than simply understanding the story and the dialogue, she experienced the authenticity of Jesus. In other words, she found Jesus to be real and relatable, two qualities at the core of authenticity.

Are Your Small Groups a Leadership Development Factory?

Allen White

October 8, 2024

If you need more leaders and even people just to help in your church, you are in good company these days. With low attendance numbers dragging on into the third year since COVID began, the leadership deficit in most churches is bigger than it’s ever been. Small groups are a great catalyst for growing leaders, in fact, they can bvecome a leadership development factory.

Small Groups Are a Leadership Development Factory

1. Every Disciple Can Make a Disciple

Sometimes you can get a little triggered when we hear the word “leader.” It’s a weighty word. Your mind goes to Paul’s qualifications for elders in his epistles to Timothy and Titus. But, as my friend Randal Alquist at Vertical Church in Connecticut says that when it comes to small group leaders, “We’re not recruiting elders here.” You have more knowledgeable and willing people than you give your church credit for. Give them a chance. If they have friends, they can make disciples. But, you don’t want to lower the bar on the title of “leader.”

Paul says, “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands” (1 Timothy 5:22). Keep the leadership bar high. Only call someone a “leader” once they’ve met the requirements and have received training. But also remember that you don’t need a “leader” to make a disciple. You need a disciple to make a disciple.

Youth Inclusion in Church Leadership Is a Smart Move

Mark Oestreicher

October 7, 2024

Youth inclusion in church leadership is essential, according to ministry veteran Mark Oestreicher. Your church needs young people. Discover a developmental reason why any organization—especially churches—needs teens on leadership teams.

Many churches and youth ministries highlight teenagers from time to time (like “Youth Sunday”). Some even include teens and young adults on committees, but for the purpose of “raising up tomorrow’s leaders.”

In a column for Youthwork Magazine (in the U.K.), I argue that a smart church keeps teenagers and young adults on leadership teams because they have something essential to contribute.

Youth Inclusion in Church Leadership: A Must

What if our churches not only moved away from isolating teens and young adults but moved beyond a patronizing atta-boy, “oh, they’re so cute” approach that treats them like junior members? What if churches saw the powerful benefit of including 16- to 25-year-olds in every aspect of congregational leadership, including oversight groups and planning teams? And what if we embraced inclusion not just to raise up future leaders? What if we did it knowing we’re better with young people as part of our process?

For dozens of years, churches with active youth programs have wrong-headedly moved toward isolating teens from the congregation. The thinking? Teenagers will learn best, and be happiest, if they’re with “their own kind.”

I have a somewhat cynical additional reason I think so many churches have moved in this direction. It allows adults to feel like they’re caring for youth without actually needing to be with youth. Everyone wins!

Except: That’s not true. Everyone in your church needs young people. When youth and young adults are siloed, everyone loses.

I could make the case for youth inclusion in church leadership many ways. Not the least of which is that research makes it clear that the faith formation of young people—if we hope for any chance of a faith that lasts beyond their involvement in youth ministry—is highly correlated to engagement with a congregation.

A Developmental Perspective

But I’d like to suggest a developmental reason why any organization—certainly churches included—absolutely need teenagers and young adults on leadership teams, planning committees, and any sort of decision-making group. Brain development is the basis. But we must view it through the less-common lens of “teenagers are wonders to behold,” rather than the more-common lens of “teenagers are problems to be solved.”

We now know that brains don’t fully develop until the mid- to late-20s. One of the most significantly underdeveloped parts of the brain is the frontal lobe. It’s responsible for a handful of fairly helpful critical thinking skills. Those executive functions include decision-making, wisdom, prioritization, impulse control, planning, organization and focus.

Through a negative lens (the most common way of viewing young people), that underdevelopment quickly leads to the reaction: What a subhuman, broken mess! No wonder they’re such a nightmare!

But through a positive lens (most common for scientists studying teenage brains; and most aligned with a Christian commitment to consider God’s creation intention), the resulting response should be: Wow! These people are perfectly tuned, specialized for particular contributions that older folk struggle with. This is the perspective a smart church will take.

Christian Trunk or Treat Ideas: 27 Creative Themes for Harvest Events

Stephanie Martin

October 7, 2024

Are you brainstorming Christian Trunk or Treat ideas for church? Halloween can be “tricky” for children’s ministries. Some pastors and churchgoers consider Halloween evil or dangerous, so they avoid marking the occasion. But fun alternatives such as harvest parties, carnivals, Bible-character costume contests, and Trunk-or-Treat nights are great community outreach events.

Trunk or Treat is vehicle-based trick-or-treating in the church parking lot. Cars are decorated, sometimes according to a predetermined theme. Their owners (often in costume) hand out goodies to kids as they walk by.

Some churches also set up booths and hand out welcome materials, Christian tracts, stickers and more. Others collect nonperishable food for a local pantry or toys for Operation Christmas Child boxes. As with any event for kids, safety must be a priority at your Trunk or Treat.

So whether you’re a newbie or seasoned veteran, check out all these Christian Trunk or Treat ideas:

27 Christian Trunk or Treat Ideas

1. Bible characters

First, shine the spotlight on Bible people. Ideas include heroes of the faith, Jesus’ disciples, and angels.

2. Bible stories

Next, find Scripture-themed Trunk or Treat ideas in both the Old and New Testaments. Re-create Noah’s Ark, a Bible-times marketplace, miracles and parables.

3. Christmas!

Scramble the holidays a bit with a festive Ho-Ho-Ho-lloween Trunk or Treat. Decorate vehicles with Christmas lights and play holiday tunes to prepare people for the upcoming yuletide deluge.

4. Fruit of the Spirit

Throw a fruit-themed Trunk or Treat party. Or focus on one of those Christian characteristics from Galatians 5:22-23, such as kindness.

5. Game Shows

Each vehicle can represent a different game show. Or everyone can work together to re-enact a favorite, from Let’s Make a Deal to The Price Is Right.

6. Board Games

Trunk or Treat ideas related to board games include Monopoly, Candyland, Clue, chess, and Hungry Hungry Hippos.

7. Movies

Next, choose a kid-friendly film or series. Then ask participants to dress and decorate accordingly. Bonus tip: Check out this great idea for a concession stand, complete with popcorn and snacks!

‘God Perfectly Orchestrated My Career’—Forrest Frank Shares How He Balances Faith and Success

Jesse T. Jackson

October 7, 2024

Christian artist Forrest Frank had no words to describe how he felt when he received the news that he had been nominated for two Dove Awards, including for the Gospel Music Association’s (GMA) New Artist of the Year.

“Anything beyond people, even listening to my music…I can’t even fathom,” Frank told ChurchLeaders on the Dove Awards’ red carpet. “So this is just in the ‘I can’t fathom it’ realm. God gets all the glory.”

Frank, who started his music career in 2017 as one-half of the surf-pop group Surfaces, has taken Christian music listeners by storm after releasing his solo album, “Child of God,” earlier this summer.

The 29-year-old singer-songwriter witnessed his latest album peak at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart this past August. Frank’s singles “UP!” featuring Connor Price, “Good Day,” “Never Get Used to This” featuring Jvke, and “God Is Good” have all been widely accepted by Christian radio and streaming listeners.

ChurchLeaders asked Frank how he stays focused on Christ in the midst of success.

“I think that God perfectly orchestrated my career to set me up to be where I’m at right now,” he said. “Where he actually gave me a very successful song earlier in my career, and I actually I got to feel it. I got to let it kind of puff me up a little bit.”

“Later in that career, we started turning down offers, started saying no to stuff, and I started to actually run away from the success and run away from it all,” Frank continued. “And in the peace and quiet of that, then this success came. And so now I just stay ground level. This entire time, I’ve stayed ground level.”

“All glory to Jesus,” he added. “And so anything up it’s just all to him.”

Frank encouraged other aspiring artists who “got it” to not give up. Success doesn’t happen overnight, Frank expressed, saying, “It took me seven years before I had any real traction, and I’m now eleven years into it.”

Dr. Phil Praises Samaritan’s Purse and Elon Musk for Hurricane Relief Efforts

Janna Firestone

October 7, 2024

Dr. Phil Samaritans Purse Hurricane Relief — Screengrab via X / @DrPhil

After Category 4 Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across multiple states, residents, even in remote areas, are receiving help. The outpouring of kindness is “inspiring,” said Dr. Phil McGraw, while the ruin is still astonishing.

“While the devastation in these areas affected by the hurricane is absolutely heartbreaking,” explained McGraw, “the unity I am seeing amongst these Americans through help being offered and help being taken is so inspiring.”

Dr. Phil Provides Updates on Hurricane Relief Efforts and Works of Samaritan’s Purse and Elon Musk

On Thursday, Sept. 26, Helene hit the coast of Florida. Helene was downgraded to a tropical storm the very next day—but the storm continued its rampage.

The number of power outages peaked at 4.5 million people without electricity, according to USA Today. Thankfully, that number continues to improve, but hundreds of thousands are still waiting for power to be restored.

While hurricanes are to be expected for coastal communities, Helene’s strength and devastation were felt inland—in communities rarely prepared for nor affected by hurricanes.

The widespread devastation has been overwhelming for relief organizations and local communities. The number of people affected, the wide range of basic needs that aren’t being met, and the great geographic space have presented such obstacles for those who want to help.

From Boone, North Carolina, where Samaritan’s Purse is headquartered, McGraw gave an update on the hurricane relief efforts. He said he is connected with “hundreds of people” who have been directly affected by the storm and are working to help others in need. McGraw reported that he has participated with relief teams from Samaritan’s Purse and Starlink to deliver “generators, food, water, supplies.”

“We’re so thankful for an army of volunteers who have shown up to help as we respond to Hurricane Helene—and when I say an army—this is God’s army,” posted Samaritan’s Purse President Franklin Graham.

Some of those he spoke with live in extremely remote areas “completely cut off from civilization,” said McGraw. “You can’t get there by rail, road—the only way you can get there is by helicopter.”

“These people have lost everything. Some have lost their homes,” he continued. “They have no power—they’re not going to have any for four to six months.”

McGraw “didn’t hear one person talk about being a victim. Didn’t hear one person talk about whether the people they were helping as neighbors or being helped by neighbors [who] were Democrats or Republicans. Didn’t care about pronouns. Didn’t care about politics.”

“All they cared about was that they were all Americans,” explained McGraw. “Their neighbors needed help, and they were giving it. They needed help and they were accepting it.”

While the devastation in these areas affected by the hurricane is absolutely heartbreaking, the unity I am seeing amongst these Americans through help being offered and help being taken is so inspiring. More coverage to come.#NorthCarolina pic.twitter.com/DgMCf5Tvou

— Dr. Phil (@DrPhil) October 6, 2024

Andy Crouch: Flourishing in Ministry—Taking Action & Taking Risks

Jason Daye

October 7, 2024

As pastors and ministry leaders, how can we honestly assess our life and leadership and move toward greater flourishing? In this week’s conversation on FrontStage BackStage, host Jason Daye is joined by Andy Crouch. Andy is a lifelong minister of the gospel. He currently serves as Partner for Theology and Culture at Praxis. He has served as the InterVarsity Campus Pastor at Harvard University, as well as in a number of other ministry roles. His writings have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Time, and a number of other publications. Andy has written several books, including the award-winning “Strong and Weak: Embracing a Life of Love, Risk, and True Flourishing.” Together, Andy and Jason explore the idea of flourishing in both life and leadership. Andy shares how we can take action and take risks that will help lead us from grasping for control or withdrawing and lead us into greater flourishing and greater impact in our ministry.

FrontStage BackStage Podcast With Andy Crouch

View the entire podcast here.

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Is Clarity Better Than Kindness?

Garry Ingraham

October 7, 2024

Biblical kindness — Image courtesy of Love & Truth

I recall a former pastor of mine (a pastor who was most impactful in discipling and leading me into greater emotional and spiritual maturity) often stating, “Clarity is better than kindness.” I felt conflicted when I first heard this and could see by the confused expressions of others that they were wrestling as well. It was the kind of pronouncement that caused people to stop short and consider whether or not this was actually a valid statement. It felt both true and false all at the same moment—at first, mostly false. I thought, “Isn’t it actually the other way around? Isn’t kindness better than clarity?”

Over many decades, we have been influenced to be accommodating and unquestioning regarding the choices of others—“Don’t judge” is a common phrase in our culture. Truth and clarity feel like major affronts to be avoided at all costs, no matter how gently or lovingly they are expressed.

Fast-forward to the past few years. As I equip and teach all around the country, I am hearing a desperate refrain of similar statements/questions:

“I have a family in my church with a 9-year-old daughter who told her parents she’s trans. We have two kids in our youth group who openly identify as gay, and another girl who wants to be called Jack and wants us to use they/them pronouns, and those are just the ones I know about. How do I pastor these individuals and my church through these situations?”
“My son is in 2nd grade with a little boy who came back after summer break claiming to be a girl, and his mother supports it. Everyone is expected to celebrate and use she/her pronouns”.
“There’s a girl in our public school who identifies as a cat. How do I pastor our families (especially our young people) through this kind of confusion?”
“My friend who teaches at our rural public school was reprimanded by the administration because one of his students who identifies as a cat meowed at him and he didn’t meow back.”
“Our son is in his third year of college. He came home for Christmas break. I was surprised to see a young woman when I opened the door. It was our son. How do we love without affirming?”

Of course, my pastor from years ago believed that Christians need to be both clear regarding truth and kind in our messaging and methods. In his statement and emphasis on the need for clarity, he was addressing a growing weakness, even within many evangelical churches. He was witnessing a drift away from clear, unadulterated truth being preached and taught as the solid and immoveable foundation upon which every other aspect of our life and witness are built—drifting towards a more “nuanced” and gentler approach, sometimes referred to as “seeker sensitive”.

If subjective and shifting ideas of kindness are the framework through which we understand truth, it’s no wonder that truth is now viewed as situational. It’s the reason we hear phrases like “my truth”, “your truth”, and “her truth.” As if truth were utterly malleable, with no single point of reference or source.

As I travel around the country, teaching at conferences, preaching, and equipping leadership teams on topics of authentic community, stewarding our sexuality, and biblical identity, I witness the erosion of truth being replaced with something called “kindness” or “love” (but it is actually neither).

Common catchphrases we hear are “love is love” and “love your neighbor”. However, when boiled down to their intended meaning and logical end, they are simply slogans for “don’t question anything I’m doing,” “don’t judge,” and “unless you’re celebrating my decision, don’t speak.” Following that line of reasoning, then, of course, there would be no such thing as absolute truth, and every opinion is equal to another, even if untrue. But that isn’t the message of the Bible. Far from it!

From my vantage point, nowhere do we see an erosion of truth and compromise more than in the arena of human sexuality and identity. While some within the Church point to those who identify as LGBTQ+ as somehow nearly exclusively responsible for the erosion of societal norms, I believe hidden sexual sin, hookup culture, and pornography addiction among heterosexuals within the Church are much more insidious and damaging issues.

This isn’t to say that LGBTQ+ sin should be ignored or given a pass. Genuine biblical love says otherwise. These behaviors are destructive, and the ideology has become a powerful driving force everywhere within society, as well as in many churches. These sins must be addressed because of love and concern for those who have not surrendered their lives to Jesus, but certainly not to the exclusion of other sinful practices.

We need the clarity of God’s truth and his design for our sexuality and identity—both for those who are opposite-sex attracted, as well as those who experience same-sex attraction, identity confusion, or gender dysphoria. We also need God’s mercy and love. In Romans 2:4, Paul says that “it is the kindness of God that leads to repentance.”

Biblical kindness does not affirm sin, false identity, or what separates a person from God. Rather, genuine kindness loves a person too much to stay silent, or speak untrue affirmations.

Philadelphia Church Leader Recovering After Being Attacked; Police Seek Suspect

Stephanie Martin

October 7, 2024

After being attacked last week during a home invasion, a Maronite Catholic priest in South Philadelphia is recovering and urging people to “love each other and be kind.”

Father Andrawos El-Tabchi, 40, told police that an unknown man banged on and kicked at his door last Wednesday morning (Oct. 2). After damaging the screen and door frame, the man managed to barge into the house, where he allegedly punched and slapped the priest.

The suspect fled, police said, after El-Tabchi was able to push him out of the house. As police continue to investigate, they’re asking for the public’s help to identify and locate the suspect.

Maronite Catholic Priest Lives Across the Street From Church

El-Tabchi, who is now walking with a cane due to back pain from the attack, lives across the street from his church. Saint Maron Maronite Catholic Church serves parishioners of Lebanese descent, as well as people who’ve “been attracted to the spirituality and traditions of [the] Maronite Rite,” its website states. The church has been described as a “diverse haven for Middle East immigrants.”

El-Tabchi, a second-career priest, has been in America since 2019. A neighbor told a local reporter that the priest is a “young, vibrant, nice man.” Another neighbor, who called the assault on El-Tabchi “insane,” said, “The world we live in today is sad.”

“I would like to make it clear to everyone. South Philadelphia is very safe. It’s a safe area,” El-Tabchi said, speaking to a reporter. “This incident was targeted, and it’s in the capable hands of the police department. And I am sure that justice will be served.”

Despite the frightening incident, the priest appeared calm and was encouraging. “Stay positive,” El-Tabchi told residents. “Love each other and be kind.”

Philadelphia police are searching for a suspect described as a male with a stocky build and gray hair. He was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and brown shoes. Anyone with tips can provide them anonymously at (215) 686-8477.

Priest Who Was Attacked Is From Lebanon

On Saint Maron’s Facebook page, people posted well wishes for the priest’s quick recovery.

El-Tabchi has previously addressed the suffering of people in Lebanon. For example, he led liturgy and prayers for victims of the August 2020 Beirut port explosion that killed more than 200 and left 300,000 people homeless. Back then, he described Lebanon as being “in total chaos,” with no food, water, or medical supplies.

Rick Warren Asks for Prayer After Brush Fire Near Saddleback Church; One Suspect Arrested

Dale Chamberlain

October 7, 2024

Saddleback Church fire — FILE - Congregants arrive at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022. (AP Photo/Allison Dinner, File)

One suspect has been arrested after a brush fire broke out near Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California.

According to the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), firefighters responded to reports of the fire around 1 p.m. on Sunday (Oct. 6) and “quickly extinguished” the fire, limiting its impact to 2.81 acres.

The OCFA later disclosed, “After a thorough scene examination, the cause was determined to be intentional, and one suspect is in custody with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.”

“Please pray,” Rick Warren, the church’s founding pastor, said in a social media post on Sunday. “[Two] acres of Saddleback Church have already been consumed by wildfire as of this moment. It’s our main campus (out of 20) in Lake Forest.”

“A few weeks ago, we had a week of wildfires in our backyard, now this,” Warren added. “So far, no buildings have been in danger. The Lake Forest campus is 120 acres – about half [is] our parking lots.”

Warren’s reference was to one of three wildfires that plagued Southern California last month.

The fire in Orange County, referred to as the Airport Fire, was finally contained over the weekend after burning for 26 days, torching more than 23,000 acres, destroying 160 structures, and injuring 22 firefighters and civilians.

Warren retired as Saddleback’s senior pastor in 2022 but remains an active member of the church. He represented the congregation in an appeal to remain in the Southern Baptist Convention in 2023 after Saddleback was disfellowshipped for ordaining women to the pastorate.

No injuries or structural damages were reported as a result of the fire near Saddleback Church.

Where Is the ‘Child in the Midst’? A Response to L4’s Children-at-Risk Report

Susan Greener

October 7, 2024

children-at-risk — Adobestock #980134263

Editor’s note: This article is part of forum discussing the fourth Lausanne Congress. It is not an official Lausanne Movement forum but an opportunity for Lausanne delegates to share their thoughts about the fourth Lausanne Congress, the Seoul Statement, and the future of the mission. You can read the entire series, from diverse voices around the world here.

The Lausanne Cape Town Commitment (CTC 2010) contains a strong mandate in support of children, asking the church to:

Take children seriously, through fresh biblical and theological enquiry that reflects on God’s love and purpose for them and through them, and by rediscovering the profound significance for theology and mission of Jesus’ provocative action in placing “a child in the midst.”
Seek to train people and provide resources to meet the needs of children worldwide, wherever possible working with their families and communities, in the conviction that holistic ministry to and through each next generation of children and young people is a vital component of world mission.
Expose, resist, and take action against all abuse of children, including violence, exploitation, slavery, trafficking, prostitution, gender and ethnic discrimination, commercial targeting, and willful neglect.

In response to the CTC, the Children-at-Risk Issue Group (C@R)¹ was formed to address the directives above, equipping church and para-church organizations to bring the whole gospel to children-at-risk, advocate on their behalf, and invite them into meaningful participation on mission. The collaborative contributions of the issue group are commendable, reflecting a high view of children as vulnerable agents on God’s mission. Despite 14 years’ effort, the church-at-large and the Lausanne Movement have yet to embrace full integration of children in the Church and on mission.

Progress Over the Past 14 Years

The State of the Great Commission Report is a window into the influence the C@R issue group has had on the broader Lausanne community and global evangelical church. We rejoice in how the Analysis of Lausanne 4 Listening Calls demonstrates widespread interest in younger generations. The analysis states that the following terms are frequent and consistently mentioned in global input: youth, the young, younger generation, Gen Z, etc.
“Listening to the younger generation” emerged as an important theme, although many mentions in the report exceeded mere listening to include “involvement,” reflecting recognition of the need for embodied participation of younger generations. Participants appear to understand the importance of child participation; however, the integration of that understanding is missing from the final Lausanne 4 agenda.

The term “children” is used far less often and the risks, particularly that of poverty, which is the foundation of nearly all serious risk for children and their caregivers, is mentioned only once. Even that one mention refers to a lack of church engagement with the serious issues facing the “outside world,” implying that children “inside” the church are somehow immune to poverty, injustice, and many other risks, which is regrettably a falsehood.

In preparation for the Fourth Lausanne Congress, The Next Generation is listed as Gap 3 in the list of 25. The driving question for the collaboration group is: How might Christians in the church, para-church, and workplace collaborate to reach and disciple emerging generations where many see traditional Christianity as implausible and irrelevant? We believe that answering that question requires a deeper look at the last collaboration sub-question: What areas of broader culture do Christians need to effectively engage to increase the plausibility of the gospel for the next generation?

The Young Remain Marginalized in Lausanne

Yet, that question does not go far enough. It is not merely the plausibility of the gospel that is at issue, it is also the relevance of the institutional church to the young. The Great Commission report over-emphasizes proclamation at the general exclusion of the broader witness of integral mission of “life, word, deed, and sign“ (Bryant Myers, Walking with the Poor, 2011).

The most difficult question of all is: “What is good about the news the church is communicating to younger generations?”

They witness a church that is:

Focused on expanding wealth and power by exploiting God’s good creation, leading to more and increasingly serious floods, droughts, storms, killer heat waves, food insecurity, population dislocation, and other global ills.

Focused on celebrity, monetization of ministry, numerical growth, and strategies at the expense of depth; a church aping capitalistic business practices over the upside-down Kingdom values of our Lord Jesus.
Rife with financial impropriety, moral failings, child sexual abuse scandals in church leadership and Christian institutions.
Tolerant of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse and exploitation of children within Christian families and in society at large.
Tolerant and participatory in divisiveness, verbal abuse, and violence expressed and acted upon by “Christians” toward those who are different or hold differing opinions.
More invested in culture war issues than in loving neighbors and ensuring the well-being of the poor, imprisoned, ill, and all who live on the margins of life.

¹ Children-at-risk are persons under 18 who experience an intense and/or chronic risk factor, or a combination of risk factors in personal, environmental, and/or relational domains that prevent them from pursuing and fulfilling their God-given potential. https://lausanne.org/statement/children-at-risk-missional-definition

Lausanne 4: Together in Christ, Yet Diverse

Allan Varghese Meloottu

October 7, 2024

As a young intercultural studies scholar from India who lives in the USA and serves in theological higher education, attending Lausanne Four (4) in Seoul-Incheon was an exciting experience.

In the last decade, as I moved my residence to three countries—India, England, and the USA, I see myself at the intersection of globalization, migration, and transnationalism, embodying the “in-between” space of urban India and the Indian diaspora community in America. At Lausanne 4, all my worlds seem to converge. Therefore, my reflections are from such a perspective of converging diversities.

Together in Christ, Yet Diverse

Within the broader umbrella of evangelization, the fourth Lausanne congress met in Seoul under the theme, “Let the Church Declare and Display Christ Together.” Lausanne 4 might have been the most diverse (ethnic, racial, and regional) global evangelical gathering, with over 5000 leaders from around 200 countries coming together to engage in various discourses on evangelization. The diverse lineup of Bible expositors, plenary speakers, and emcees brought an eclectic glimpse of the global evangelical space.

Most importantly, the regional and racial diversity around our discussion tables was probably more formative to all the delegates. However, a few instances during the week made me think of the complexity in our pursuit of togetherness amid global diversity. I list two of them as follows.

1. Togetherness of the Global South and North:

Due to my diasporic nature of “in-between” cultural existence, I attended both the North American and South Asian regional gatherings. My contrasting experiences in these gatherings were a clear example of the diversity present within the global evangelical community. On one end, the North American session, led by Ed Stetzer, seemed like an intellectual engagement with mini TED-talks where four speakers from North America expounded on various cultural realities that need to be addressed as we mobilize the North American church for the Mission. The session ended with a prayer and an appeal to join the Amplify conference in Wheaton.

On the other hand, the South Asian session, led by Chadwick Mohan, felt more like a communal affair in which all the country representatives were named and recognized with applause. There was a common acknowledgment of gratitude in the room, having overcome the visa-related challenge of attending the congress. Furthermore, time was spent in table discussion reflecting on the question, “What are the greatest hindrances of advancing the gospel in your locality?” The session concluded with a surprising yet deeply moving segment of reconciliation prayer between Indian and Pakistani delegates, considering the historic political tension between India and Pakistan.

Ironically, the South Asian region that is much affected by social ill found it essential to speak, act, and spiritually integrate prayers of reconciliation in their discourses of evangelization, while the North American region that remains in relative social stability chose to focus on a more intellectual manner of discourse and neglected such spiritual practices in their gathering.

To condense my experience in the anthropological verbiage, one opted for an “experience-near” engagement while the other opted for an “experience-distant” engagement. In the South Asian gathering, there was a communal sense of reckoning while we prayed for peace and reconciliation. While in the North American gathering, there was a sense of distance: intellectually stimulating but distant in heart. This is not to say that the North American delegation did not practice acts of social reconciliation or any such social engagements; instead, such practices did not take priority. Or perhaps we forgot to listen to the socially marginalized Christian brothers and sisters in North America?

Although they are my personal experiences, they are also the microcosmic display of diverse Christianity practiced in both these regions. In the global space of Lausanne 4, I am unsure if we created enough spaces to be impacted in our hearts by the global churches, especially from the churches in the Global South. The predominant Western musical arrangements of the worship set is one segment that warrants such critical reflection. In summation, at Lausanne 4, there was the togetherness of the Global North and South, but they point towards a much-needed mutual learning process to be effective in our growing globalized and transnational world.

2. Togetherness of Social Action and Evangelism in Integral Mission

The State of the Great Commission Report, the various plenary talks, and the 25 Gaps discussions during the congress reflect Lausanne’s heart to engage in the diverse nature of social evils from various world contexts as we bring the good news of the Gospel to all. They are in-line with the Lausanne Covenant. Therefore, it is apt to uphold the continuous need for “holistic/integral mission”—the togetherness of social action and evangelism. However, there is no Lausanne Congress without a bit of tension on integral mission!

4 Resources Small Churches Can Put Toward Discipleship—Today

Darrell Stetler II

October 7, 2024

What if I told you that your discipleship problem was not just spiritual, it was structural?

What if it wasn’t, “People just aren’t serious about discipleship,” and instead was, “I need a system in my week to put resources toward discipleship.”

Now, as small church pastors, we’re used to using phrases like, “We just don’t have the resources.” The truth is, when it comes to building a strong discipleship culture, resources are exactly what you have—more than you realize.

I know the feeling all too well. Pastoring a small church for over 20 years has taught me that we don’t need megachurch budgets to create disciples. We just need to be strategic with what we do have. Whether you’ve got 25 people or 250, these four resources are within reach right now—and you can start using them today.

Resource #1: Time

You might be thinking, “I barely have time to get my sermon done—how am I supposed to have time for discipleship?” I get it. Time is tight. But here’s a powerful truth: Even a small investment of time can yield big results when you’re intentional about it.

If all you have is 10 minutes a day, start there. Set a timer on your phone, pick a specific time (like your lunch break or your commute), and dedicate those 10 minutes to discipling others. Text someone you’re mentoring, pray for your disciples, or even call someone to check in on their spiritual journey.

You’ve just created a structural solution to your discipleship problem: a small, scheduled commitment that adds up over time.

I once interviewed a time management expert who had traveled across the country teaching large crowds about how to manage their time. I asked, “What’s the most powerful time management principle in the world?” He said, “There is always time for the thing you do first.”

There you go. Do small things, and do them first.

One pro tip: Combine time slots. You’ve got to eat, right? Why not use that time for discipleship? Grab coffee with someone you’re mentoring. Or use your daily commute to pray for specific discipleship needs in your church.

Resource #2: Money

I know what you’re thinking: “No, we’re a small church. We don’t have money!” But let me ask you this—does your church have a line item for mowing the lawn or buying toilet paper?

I’m sure you do. Yet, none of those things is the actual mission of your church from Christ!

Are You Looking for a New Church Home?

PowerPoint Ministries

October 7, 2024

Each week at PowerPoint Ministries, we hear from people seeking a new church home. Some have moved to another city or state. Others hope a new church home will reignite their faith. Many are looking for the perfect church. The trouble is, a perfect church doesn’t exist. And as one old preacher used to say, “If you ever find one, don’t join it or you’ll ruin it!”

But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a body of believers you can grow with, worship with and serve with for God’s glory.

Are You Looking for a New Church Home?

If you seek God’s will and pray for guidance, you’ll find a church home that offers what you need, especially the teaching, programs and activities that will keep you and your family growing in your faith. And you’ll be more inspired to invite unsaved friends along.

But first, let’s consider what a church should be. Indoor play areas and super-cool coffee bars are great; but remember, they aren’t core functions of the church.

Instead, focus on the foundation, particularly how the church views Scripture. Does it believe the Bible is the inerrant and inspired Word of God? Is the preaching filled with feel-good platitudes, or is there a strong commitment to solid biblical teaching? Are visitors welcomed as brothers and sisters in Christ?

Surviving Feedback From Friends

Michael Voll

October 7, 2024

Are you really prepared for feedback from friends? I made a very big mistake. Tired, ready for bed and grateful that my sermon for Sunday was finished after hours of concentrated prep, I asked for my wife’s honest input on the sermon. (OK, I really didn’t want honest feedback.) I just wanted her stamp of approval, a pat of the head and an enthusiastic “Good job Michael!”

Her reaction? “Meh.” (OK, she didn’t say that, but that’s all I heard.)

Instantly electricity flowed through me. I bit my tongue before I asked why she thought it was just “OK?” My mild defense was that it was theologically accurate, engaged a wide swath of the potential audience, and even had a few laughs inserted in areas to keep the listener’s attention.

“Well, it just doesn’t pop, and it isn’t specific enough. It’s kind of general.” Then she recommended a few books I should read to help me craft a better sermon on parenting.

*Not only did she recommend books, she pulled four from various shelves around the house and handed them to me. I felt like I was back in seminary. I was bruised, but not broken. Melissa loves me and is my biggest fan. If she holds up the yield sign on my sermon, I should proceed with caution.

So I took her advice.

And three hours later, into the wee hours of Friday, I had a message that was much better than Version 1.0.

Surviving Feedback From Friends

1. Don’t ask for feedback unless you intend to receive it with humility and openness.

Too often we ask for feedback when all we really want is praise. This gets old really fast, and doesn’t promote growth and development. Ask Siri to tell you that you look good today and she will say, “I am not one to dwell on appearances.” (I have no idea how I know this…). If your electronic assistant won’t prop you up with platitudes, why should your spouse or closest friend? If you ask, be ready to receive. And do it with grace, not defense.

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1. Togetherness of the Global South and North:

2. Togetherness of Social Action and Evangelism in Integral Mission

Resource #1: Time

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1. Don’t ask for feedback unless you intend to receive it with humility and openness.

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