10 Reminders for Every Pastor

December 6, 2017

Three weeks ago, I had the privilege to serve on the ordination council of four young men here at Cross Church that we were considering for Ordination to the Ministry. The council was the culmination of a long process. All four men had clear testimonies of salvation and a later call of God on their lives to the ministry. All four had been previously Licensed to the Ministry by either our church or another church. And all four had been under the supervision and watch care of our staff for a season as we considered their readiness for ordination.

And so, in a meeting room of Cross Church, along with seven fellow pastors, we spent two hours with this group of four going deep, deep, deep, into their readiness for ministry, their commitment to their calling, their theological anchoring to orthodoxy and much more. I am happy to report that all four were unanimously recommended for ordination by the council and all four will be formally ordained this Sunday morning on the Cross Church campus where they serve.

The whole experience for me was a real throwback to my own ordination council, now over 20 years ago. It really took me back to the roots of my own calling and all the reasons why I do everything I do on a day-in and day-out basis. Ministry is hard. Ministry is wonderful. Ministry will take all you have and then some. And ministry will add more to the life of a pastor than could ever be counted. But one thing is certain…in order to survive and thrive in ministry, you must be called. And that is the purpose of the ordination council, to discern the true calling and readiness of the candidate.

With that said, allow me to steer your thoughts today, pastor, back to the moment of your own calling and ordination. As the years progress, it is easy to drift. Not necessarily morally or ethically, but drift by way of why you are doing what you do. And in that vein, allow me to share some of those most basic of basics that I shared with our candidates three weeks ago, that I once again reminded myself of, and of which we all need to never drift.

• Keep your focus on Jesus. Don’t become so focused on ministry that you forget who it’s all about.

• Love the church. The church is people, and this can be hard to do at times, but loving people is the essence of ministry.

• Uphold the Bible as God’s inerrant, infallible Word. Study it, learn to preach it/teach it. It is amazing that some of those who carry the title today of “clergy” deny the truth of God’s Word. The Bible IS the standard of all Truth and this can never be forgotten.

Three Prayer Priorities for America in December 2017

Ronnie Floyd

December 6, 2017

I believe in the power of praying in agreement with other believers about specific things based upon the power of God’s Word. Unify with other Christ followers, churches and ministries with these three prayer priorities for America in December 2017.

We are going to be praying for unity in America for the next several months. Yes, we did reveal in November that Pray for America: UNITY is our 2018 theme for the National Day of Prayer. We chose this theme because we believe strongly this is God’s heart. Therefore, from now until and even beyond our Thursday, May 3, 2018, National Day of Prayer, we are going to call for, forward and pray for unity in America.

Whether you pray daily or weekly for our nation, please join us in praying with the authority of the Scriptures for these three priorities for America:

1. #PRAY4UNITY IN AMERICA

“Making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3

Father in Heaven, You are the only One who can bring unity, harmony and oneness in America. We pray and ask You for unity in America.
Lord, call the churches of America to live in unity within their own church and in unity with churches that are biblically based and Jesus centered.
Jesus, as Your church walks in unity, harmony and oneness, may Your church personify, lead and call America to unity.
Lord Jesus Christ, in this crisis moment in America, it is incumbent upon each of us to come together for the sake of the gospel, the testimony of the gospel and the advancement of the gospel globally; so God may we make EVERY effort.
Father, while our nation is filled with so many challenges and division abounds, we will call for and forward the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 3, 2018, and #PRAY4UNITY in America.
Lord, as UNITY is our theme for the 2018 National Day of Prayer, may You use the thirty- to forty-thousand gatherings across America to call and pray for UNITY. #PRAY4UNITY
God, use each of us to unify our families, our churches, our workplaces, our communities, our region, our state and our nation.
Lord, lead each of us to forward this theme both nationally and globally through our speaking and social media. As testimony and challenge, I encourage each of you to tag it in your social media: #PRAY4UNITY
Father, lead Dr. Ronnie Floyd and the staff team of the National Day of Prayer Task Force as they work toward this pivotal day in our nation, and as they begin to plan for the national observance of the National Day of Prayer in Washington, D.C.
Lord of all Provision, please meet all the financial needs of the National Day of Prayer.

Continue

Don’t Dismiss Abuse: People Matter More than Institutions

Ed Stetzer

December 6, 2017

Unless we’ve been hiding in a box, most of us have started noticing a trend in our twitter feeds and daily news headlines: sexual harassment and assault have been running rampant. And it is far beyond Hollywood and Harvey Weinstein, though he seemed to open the floodgates.

It’s also happening in our nation’s halls of power.

The latest, Congressman John Conyers, is a member of the Democratic Party who chose to step down from his seat on the House Judiciary Committee after being accused of sexually harassing a female member of his staff several years ago.

It’s evident that partisan politics simply don’t matter here. When it comes to the mistreatment of women, men on both sides of the aisle are to blame. Women are trying to speak out against these abuses, but certain politicians seem eager to make this about party allegiance instead of victim protection.

This Sunday on NBC’s Meet the Press, House Minority leader Nancy Pelosi discounted the accusers in a widely-panned interview—an interview from which she quickly backtracked. But in the moment, instead of speaking out against sexual harassment, she decided to remark on the importance of due process and to pay compliments to Congressman Conyers, a member of her party, for all he’s done over the years to “protect women.”

Yes, it’s true. Unfortunately.

And if this sounds familiar, that’s because it is.

Many remember that after Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore was recently accused of child sexual assault, some (even most) Republicans were quick to condemn his alleged behavior.

For that I am thankful.

President Trump recently came to his defense, repeatedly arguing to reporters that Moore was denying all the accusations. He also made a conscious effort to point out that the Senate does not need another “liberal person” like Moore’s opponent, Doug Jones, in office. And it appears that many voters may be swayed by this argument that the most important issue in play is holding onto majority control.

But that’s missing the point of this moment. It’s not about who is in the Senate. It’s about serious and credible allegations of child abuse.

Josh and Sean McDowell: How to Answer Skeptics in a Post-Truth World

Jason Daye

December 6, 2017

Josh McDowell is a Christian apologist, evangelist and writer. During his long ministry he has addressed more than 25 million people worldwide. He is the founder of Josh McDowell Ministries whose goal is to reach young people worldwide with the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is the author of “Evidence that Demands a Verdict.”

Sean McDowell is a gifted communicator with a passion for equipping the church, and in particular young people, to make the case for the Christian faith. Sean is an Associate Professor in the Christian Apologetics program at Biola University. He is also the Resident Scholar for Summit California.

Key Questions:

What was it like for a father and son to write a book together?

What does the new edition of “Evidence that Demands a Verdict” contain that the original does not?

What is the value and role of apologetics in ministry today?

What are the biggest shifts in skepticism since this book was first written?

How do you hope pastors and Christian leaders use this book?

[SUBSCRIBE] For more ChurchLeaders podcasts click here!

Key Quotes:

“This book contains a majority of the questions that you might have about the bible.”

“Truth changes but its critics don’t.”

“Evidence is not argumentative, its neutral. Its how you use it whether it’s good positive or unproductive.”

“Evidence for me is not the gospel, it the support of the gospel.”

“If we really don’t have answers to the touch questions and somebody presses us, we get defensive.”

“Sometimes apologists are not healthy people. Sometime people get into apologetics because they like to argue.”

“The more a christian understands what they believe, they’re much less influenced by the culture around them”

“Ministry today is truth in the context of relationships.”

Mentioned in the Show:

Evidence that Demands a Verdict

Os Guinness

Lee Strobel

How to Lead Better

Kurt Bubna

December 5, 2017

Leadership is influence, and at some level and in some way, you are a leader. In fact, everyone leads someone, and that’s the mystery of influence.

If that’s true (that you are indeed a leader), then whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or a corporate CEO, what are you learning about leadership? Are you intentional about your leadership growth?

I’ve made many mistakes and have learned a lot of my leadership lessons the hard way. But here’s some good news, you can learn from others. I’m all for “failing forward,” but growth through failure is painful and not the only way to develop as a leader.

On a regular basis, I read helpful leadership blogs from guys like Michael Hyatt, Seth Godin, Carey Nieuwhof and Brian Dodd (I especially like Brian’s because he not only writes about leadership, but he pulls from the best blogs each week).

Smart and effective leaders read. Why? Because they know they don’t know everything and believe they can gain knowledge from others.

So, keep reading as I share four leadership lessons I’ve learned over nearly 40 years of leadership.

Four Practices of a Great Leader:

1. Great leaders do.

Some time ago, it became somewhat popular to say, “We are human beings, not human doings.” The idea behind that statement is something I wrote about in my first book, Epic Grace: “We are worth more than the sum of our efforts.” Certainly, being matters more than doing, but make no mistake about it, doing matters too.

James challenged us to be doers of the Word, not just hearers. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22 [NIV]).

Jesus modeled servant leadership, and when He saw a need, He met it (like washing the feet of His disciples). Jesus was a doer.

Godly leaders pick up the towel. Christ-like leaders see a need and act. They don’t hesitate to do something when faced with a legitimate need. And nothing is beneath them; no task is too menial for a leader who leads like Jesus.

Model greatness by doing what needs to be done.

2. Great leaders press on despite abandonment and betrayal.

One of the most common realities of being a leader is that you will be rejected and hurt. Some of your most vocal supporters now may someday become your most vocal critics.

By nature, humans are fickle. We (and I include me in that we) are too often erratic, unfaithful and unreliable. We are emotional beings often driven by our feelings and expectations. And when people have unmet expectations, they can go from being loyal to being betrayers in a relatively short time. (BTW, unmet expectations are at the root of almost all conflict, but that’s another blog.)

Here’s my best advice: Guard your heart and don’t become cynical.

Many years ago, my pastor at the time, Roy Hicks, was asked at a pastor’s gathering, “What do you consider your greatest success?” He was the pastor of a megachurch before there were many megas. He’d also written a worship song that was known worldwide.

I thought he’d point to something amazing. Instead, he said, without hesitation, “My greatest success is that I haven’t grown cynical in my leadership.”

As a 20-something pastor, I thought that was the dumbest answer ever! As a 60-something pastor today, I get it.

When betrayed as a leader: Love. When wounded: Love. When falsely accused and rejected: Love. When a BFF becomes a WPE (Worst Possible Enemy): Love. When everything in you wants to scream and curse and take somebody out: Love.

It may not change your situation. It may not directly affect your circumstances. It won’t be easy. But love nonetheless. Why? Love because love changes you. So press on, stay the course and love people anyway.

Continue

What Is Legit Discipleship?

Mark Dance

December 5, 2017

This post may spark an argument in your next staff or leadership meeting. Hopefully, it will actually prevent one.

I recently found myself pulled into a discussion with some discipleship pastors about what real discipleship is. The guys in that room believe discipleship happens best in the classroom. Many lead pastors I talk to believe that preaching is the primary form of discipleship in a local church, which everything else supports. A couple of books I recently read assert that mentoring is the best form of discipleship.

So who is correct? What is legit discipleship?

Is PREACHING Discipleship?

Most senior/lead pastors will invest at least a dozen hours into a sermon. I have done this for 30 years with the strong conviction that I have been discipling my people. Pastors are not just serving up appetizers or desserts, while the real meal is being shared in smaller groups. The lead pastor should be the lead disciple maker in every church, both on and off the stage.

LifeWay Research asked pastors what they thought was the most effective method of discipleship was, and most said it was through their preaching (Transformational Discipleship). I don’t disagree that preaching is a legitimate form of discipleship, but should it be the primary strategy for your church?

Are GROUPS Discipleship?

What do Sunday School, Small Groups, Life Groups and Discipleship Groups have in common? None of these terms are mentioned in the Bible. I’m not sure why we sweat the terms as much as we do. Secondly, these groups are powerfully being used to make disciples within the context of community.

To know what a pastor believes about small group discipleship, just look on his calendar. It is unfortunate that most pastors are not consistently in small groups that they don’t lead. Our people will be more compelled by what we do than what we say.

I am currently leading a group of three men in our church in what we call a “D-Group.” We meet once a week at Cracker Barrel to give accountability and support on a level that is difficult to achieve in a larger mixed gender class. Additionally, my wife and I started a Life Group for Millennials recently in our church, just like we did in our last church.

Pastor, don’t waste your time preaching about discipleship from your pulpit until you are ready to practice it personally with others. Groups are another legitimate way to make disciples.

Is MENTORING Discipleship?

I have been discipled from good preaching and teaching, but mentoring is where I can attribute most of my personal spiritual growth.

I have written several blog posts on mentoring, but pastors need to start with this one: Every Pastor Needs a Mentor Like Paul. I have always had at least one pastor speaking into my life with 10 more birthdays than me. I also have a handful of ministry mentees I am pouring into as well. Well, maybe two handfuls, but my position at LifeWay affords me those opportunities.

Jesus made disciples in groups of hundreds, handfuls and one-on-one, so why wouldn’t we? At the end of the day, if somebody is helping someone else grow in their love for Jesus and His Word, does is really matter whether it is done in an auditorium, classroom or coffee shop? Preaching, teaching and mentoring are all legitimate and complementary modes of disciple-making.

I would be interested to hear about other discipleship models that would you recommend.

This article originally appeared here.

3 Ways to Love Women Without Children in Your Church

Allyson Todd

December 5, 2017

I am thankful for the mothers at my church and all that I have learned from them. One thing I’ve learned is that women without children need relationships with those with children. As one who does not have children, I hope to equip moms to love those who are not moms. Here are three ways to love women, like me, without children in your church.

1. Pursue Real Friendship

Women who don’t have children want to hear about their friends’ kids. But more than that, they want substantial friendships with mothers.

We all long for deep friendships, so when you find yourself in conversation with a woman who does not have children, make it your goal to intimately know her. Ask her questions about her walk with Jesus and how you can pray for her.

I’ve known moms who care more to talk about their children’s sleeping pattern than they care to talk about their sin, struggles and joys. This communicated to me that they did not care to know me or find ways to relate to me. I knew about their children, but I never knew them. And that made me want to withdraw.

Love your friends who don’t have children enough to know and be known by them.

2. Remind Them That They Are Whole

The world spews lies at women without children, but so can the church. Women who don’t have children are told they need a husband and children to become a true woman. I have been asked, “Have you tried online dating?” and, “Are you being too picky?” I’ve also heard people ask married women, “Will you ever have kids?” and, “Maybe you should try this method to get pregnant.” These questions, though not intended to do so, diminish the personhood of single or childless women. They imply that women are not whole unless they marry and mother.

I would argue that combating these lies with the truth is the most loving thing you can do for a woman without children. Remind women without children that they have everything they need for life and godliness in Christ (2 Peter 1:3).

3. Invite Them All the Way In

We were all adopted into the family of God (Romans 8:15), so welcome those without children into your family. Welcome them into the deep belonging of Christian fellowship.

Strive to make childless women feel like family even when doing so is uncomfortable. Weaving your friend into the weekly rhythms of your family is one way to invite them all the way in. Give her the opportunity to care for your kids. When someone who doesn’t have kids is able to love and be known by your own children, she will feel like she belongs to your family. Also, let her build intimate friendships with you and your husband (if you’re married), as fellow sisters and brothers in Christ.

Move beyond ways you can use your friend without children and toward ways you can bless them. When a mother invites someone into her home, she may be tempted to think only of ways this person can help her. Asking someone to babysit is a legitimate way to invite others into your home. But don’t let it be your only means of welcoming them.

Here are a few practical suggestions for blessing, not using, someone without children:

Let her see unpolished parts of your life (don’t present your home in perfect condition all the time).
Invite her to dinner and let her see the way you discipline your kids, the hardships of family dynamics and other parts of your daily life.
Ask her to come over when the kids are napping, or after they have gone to bed, so the two of you can talk.
If she babysits for you, don’t miss the opportunity to ask her how she is doing while she’s there.

I pray that these three encouragements will help you seek real, intimate friendships with those without children in your church.

This article originally appeared here.

The Perfect Christmas Gift: Christian Alexa

Jesse T. Jackson

December 5, 2017

With all of the technology devices out there, choosing the right one can be confusing and difficult.

John Crist proposes the perfect gift for any Christian just in time for the Christmas. Introducing the Christian Alexa. This little device will help you fight the daily war of the flesh by reminding you of the spiritual commitments you’ve made before you stumble.

For Example:

– When you ask Alexa to play music you shouldn’t be listening to, she suggests an more worshipful alternative.

– When you ask Alexa to send a romantic text to someone, she makes sure God would approve.

– When you sit down to eat she reminds you to pray first.

Christian Alexa is the perfect gift for those new to the faith, long-time believers or anytime a legalist is not around.

*Disclaimer: Everything you read above is a joke. The Christian Alexa device doesn’t exist. Although Crist’s video will make you laugh, may this remind us that the concept is real. No, not in the form of a plastic electronic device, but in the eternal Holy Spirit that is living inside of you. The Holy Spirit helps us love one another and stay faithful to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ until the day that we can worship our King face to face.

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. – Hebrews 10:19-25

11 Ways to Strengthen Your Church’s Children’s Ministry

Chuck Lawless

December 4, 2017

More than one person has said, “Our students and children are the future of the church.” That statement is true, but it’s also insufficient. Children and students are part of the church now, and we’ll lose them if we don’t minister well to them today. Here are 11 ways to strengthen your children’s ministry:

1. Enlist your best workers for this ministry. Don’t allow just anyone to work with children; find your absolute best, even if it means pulling them out of adult classes.

2. Train the workers well. Willingness to serve does not automatically equal ability to serve. Enlist your best, and then continually train them. Help them know how to lead children in 2017. The strategies aren’t the same as in the 1980s …

3. Establish clear security protocols. The bottom line: Nobody who hasn’t passed a background check should be working with minors, and wandering through your church’s children’s ministry area without clearance should be almost impossible. Take all steps necessary to protect your children.

4. Upgrade your facilities for children. Provide sufficient space for them. Make sure every door has a window for security purposes. Purchase furniture that’s appropriate for children. Paint the walls bright colors. Get rid of the clutter. Make your children’s areas a place to which children want to come.

5. Don’t lower the bar when teaching children. Find the best material, and teach it well. Assume your children want to learn about God. They’re probably more open to it than many of your adults are.

Five Key Sources for Sermon Illustrations and Why They Are Important

Sam Rainer

December 4, 2017

Preaching is a grind I welcome every week. Expositing God’s Word is one of the toughest but most rewarding aspects of being a pastor. You can’t treat preaching like a sprint, rushing to get a response on Sundays. It’s more like a marathon, a paced lope in which long strides are made over time.

Illustrations are not the most important part of a sermon. The meat is the exposition of the text—always. The illustrations add spice and flavor. Nobody wants to eat just spices for dinner. But then, meat without flavoring is bland. In most cases, sermons need a little flavor.

Illustrations also help the listener to understand your points, especially the more abstract or theological ones. You know those technical manuals that “help” you put together cheap furniture? That’s your sermon without any illustrations. They may get the job done, but nobody will enjoy them.

Where do I get my sermon illustrations? I have five key sources.

1. Real life. About half of my sermons begin with a personal illustration, preferably a recent one. It’s good for your guests and new members to hear a little about who you are and what’s happening in your life. Additionally, your members are more likely to relate to you if you open up about your own life.

2. History. I utilize historical examples in about every other sermon, typically in the middle of my sermon. These illustrations help teach church history, historical theology and local history. More importantly, history can connect generations. An example from the 1960s can unite Boomers and Gen Z. An example from the 1940s can connect Millennials and Builders. I intentionally pull from different eras of history in order to relate to different generations. An additional benefit is that I learn historical details I did not know from my research.

3. Current News. Everyone is watching it, so you have to go there. Otherwise, you’ll appear out-of-touch and detached. I’ll often address major occurrences from the prior week. But be careful here—not every news story is worthy of sermon time. In our era of 24/7 sensational news, it can be hard to discern the true newsworthy events from selections made by media conglomerates who sell news. Everything is BREAKING NEWS according to them.

4. Pop culture: Don’t dismiss this one. While the latest fad, gadget or hit music may not appeal to you, they do apply to the younger generations. It’s popular in the culture for a reason. I’m not advocating you take on every one of latest fashions. I certainly don’t. However, I want remain knowledgeable about the current culture. If I can’t talk their language, then why would they listen to me? If you can’t, why would they listen to you?

How to Fight Busyness During the Holidays

Michael Guyer

December 4, 2017

Life can be busy and stressful, especially during the holidays. School is stressful for your children, which stresses you out. Sickness levels the house, which is followed by unexpected bills. You’re stressed out that you’re stressed out and not enjoying time with your family. Christmas parties start to pile up, along with all the white elephant gifts you need to buy. You need to work out before you eat too much over the holidays, but you can’t seem to find time for going to the gym. Travel plans need to be made for seeing family, which means the oil has to be changed on the car (and the windshield wiper fluid along with two new tires). All the while, Christmas shopping weighs on the back of your mind. But that brings you back to finances, which has you stressed out again.

This struggle is particularly felt during the holidays between late November and early January. For the Christian, this should be a season marked by gratitude, reflection and rest. This, of course, clashes with the culture of consumerism in which we live. One invites us to go, do and get. The other invites us to stop, rest and remember. The sad reality of the holiday season for many Christians is we are so busy we end up missing the wonder of Immanuel—God with us.

I recently returned to a book Kevin DeYoung wrote a few years ago—Crazy Busy: A (Mercifully) Short Book About a (Really) Big Problem. I would highly recommend it to you. His conclusion especially speaks to our busyness during the holiday season. It’s simple—it almost sounds too simple. DeYoung suggests, “Making consistent time for the Word of God and prayer is the place to start because being with Jesus is the only thing strong enough to pull us away from busyness.” Like Mary, we need to choose “the good portion” and sit at the Lord’s feet and listen to his teaching (Luke 10:38-42). We need to hear Jesus’ words to Martha, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary” (Luke 10:41-42). Even more poignantly, DeYoung challenges us with these words: “It’s not wrong to be tired. It’s not wrong to feel overwhelmed. It’s not wrong to go through seasons of complete chaos. What is wrong—and heartbreakingly foolish and wonderfully avoidable—is to live a life with more craziness than we want because we have less Jesus than we need.”

Let that sink in…we do not have to live a life with more craziness than we want because we have less Jesus than we need. That’s the key to fighting our busyness—more Jesus. We get more Jesus by being in God’s Word and with God’s people. Let me suggest three avenues you can pursue this during the holidays:

1. Individually: Make time to be in God’s Word and prayer. The daily rhythm of spending time with the Lord is the surest way to prepare ourselves to navigate our busy lives. God does not command us to have daily devotions, He calls us to dwell on His truth day and night. God does not demand a quiet time; He calls us to entrust all of our time into His hands. Devotions and quiet times will never last if we guilt ourselves into doing them. It is God’s grace and empowering Spirit that sustains our daily time in God’s Word and prayer. We cannot afford to neglect it. But if we have, return to Him tomorrow with confidence that His mercies are new every morning.

The Real Reasons Our Society Is So Divided

J.D. Greear

December 4, 2017

Paul wrote to the Galatian church to show them, among other things, that a lot of barriers between people exist because we try to justify ourselves—to declare ourselves righteous and good—through something about us.

Jews did this through the law. They had a whole system of rules that distinguished them from the world. The Old Testament alone contains 613 laws, and, in addition to those, Jews made a “hedge about the law,” rules to keep them from even approaching breaking the rules—and that list got up into the thousands.

Having a list of things to do for acceptance is not unique to Judaism, of course. All religions have lists like this. It’s instinctive to who we humans are. We are always trying to justify ourselves, to set ourselves apart from others. Life is like one big episode of Survivor, and we’re trying to convince everyone else we’re not the ones that should be thrown off the island. (I may be dating myself a bit with that reference, but I think you still get the idea.)

Our lives are eaten up with pride. And so, we’re in constant competition with others, because the essence of pride is competitiveness, and this fuels division. We have to protect and defend our distinctives because they give us value and worth above others.

Charles Spurgeon, the 19^th-century British pastor, said he saw three of these divisions in his society, and it’s amazing how evident these are still in our society today.

1. The pride of race

For many, their ethnic identity becomes a way of distinguishing themselves above others. They take pride in their white-ness, their black-ness, their Indian-ness or their Asian-ness. A racial distinctive makes them who they are and forms their identity.

Our cultures are beautiful things, created by God like a many-sided diamond to reflect his glory. But when culture becomes our primary, distinguishing identity, it causes division.

People can and should honor their culture. But the moment they start vesting their culture with pride, they’ll begin to protect and defend that culture, because their culture gives them a sense of identity and sets them apart.

But do they not understand the gospel?

There’s only one race of people: the sons and daughters of Adam and Eve. We have one core problem: sin. We have one hope: the blood of Jesus that cleanses us all alike. Paul says in Romans 10:12, “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him” (ESV).

Sometimes the root of racial division is that our ethnic identity has become too large. If we hope to overcome any division among us, a crucial step is that our identity in Christ become greater—much greater—than any other identity we possess.

2. The pride of face and place

We tend to see people in categories—the successful and the unsuccessful, the intelligent and the dull, the beautiful and the ugly, the fit and the fat, the rich and the poor. We look down on those who are less than we are in these areas and feel intimidated by those who are more so. We think some personal accomplishment or characteristic sets us apart and justifies us before others.

I know I recognize myself in that. Perhaps you do, too. But do we not understand the gospel?

First, do we realize how little of our talents we can actually take credit for? Our parents gave us our genes, and God gave us the health and opportunity to pursue them. Do we really think if we’d been born as orphans in a village in Somalia, we’d have succeeded like we have? All that we have is a gift.

Second, do we realize how worthless our talents are when it comes to the things that really matter? Our SAT scores and bank accounts and promotions cannot justify us before God. Before God, there is only one kind of sinner: hopeless.

This is good news for those of us on the bottom of the heap. It doesn’t matter if I am not that intelligent now, because I am promised I will inherit the mind of Christ. It doesn’t matter if I’m not beautiful now, because I am clothed in the righteousness of Christ. It doesn’t matter if I am not successful now, because I have all the promises of God in Christ Jesus. It doesn’t matter if someone doesn’t appreciate me, because in Christ I have the undying love of the eternal Father.

If we could have saved ourselves by our merit or good works or beauty, God would have let us do that. But we couldn’t do it! What we have now in Jesus is worth infinitely more than any of those things.

Keeping Christ in Christians

Rich Villodas

December 4, 2017

Over the years we have witnessed an intensification of Christians campaigning for Christ to be kept in Christmas. This issue brings to the surface many different important discussion points, namely, the place of faith in the public square, the continued waning influence of Christendom, pluralism and the like.

All of these issues are worth discussing and engaging on some level or another. This Advent season however, I’m more concerned with a different issue.

I get the idea of keeping Christ in Christmas, but I’m more concerned about keeping Christ in Christians. What difference does it make if we keep Christ in Christmas, but our lives are not reflecting Christ in us?

The Season of Recalibrating

Advent is the season to refocus our energies to create margin and space for the life of Christ to dwell in and flow through us. One of the fundamental contradictions of Christian spirituality (at least in the United States) is our deep desire to have Christianity pervade our culture but not have Christ permeate our being.

Advent is the time, however, to recalibrate our lives and embrace the way of Christ. This is what fueled the Apostle Paul’s ministry. Paul clearly understood that it is possible to be fully in Christ but not have the life of Christ fully formed in you. Paul wrote,

“My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you…” (Galatians 4:19).

At the core of Paul’s anguish is the reality that the way to a flourishing life that bears witness to God’s kingdom comes through people formed by Christ. This is what is critical for followers of Christ to focus on. However, it’s easier to focus on a slogan than it is to focus on our souls.

Nothing to Fear

It seems to me that the widespread concern about keeping Christ in Christmas springs from fear. Christians have long enjoyed the privilege of framing the dominant cultural narrative through Christian symbols and values. Many Christians are holding on for dear life to maintain a place in society that is rapidly changing. But there’s nothing to fear.

Historically, Christianity has flourished when it’s been on the margins. When pushed to the margins, God’s power has been available in fresh ways. The early church experienced this. So did the Desert Mothers and Fathers, the Confessing Church, the Black Church and many others through the centuries.

This is why Advent is so important. Our primary task is the creation of interior space for Christ to be born in us afresh. This is the most effective witness we have.

When our focus is on maintaining control over the cultural landscape, Christ is often not “kept in us.” The need for cultural power and influence often drives Christ from our lives. There is an appropriate place for the symbols and values of Christianity to inform and influence public discourse and the common good. The problem becomes when our lives are oriented around dominating that conversation.

This is why spiritual formation matters so much to me as a pastor. I’m aware of the many insidious ways that Christ is not kept in us.

Christ is not kept in us when we take on the pace of our culture, living without any margin for reflection and prayer. Christ is not kept in us when we adopt the consumer driven mentality that bases identity on accumulation of stuff. Christ is not kept in us when we settle for the superficial definitions of happiness and disregard the joy that comes only from God. Christ is not kept in us when we spend our energy worrying about our cultural power and influence.

Continue

A Test for Christian Leaders

Chuck Lawless

December 4, 2017

Christian leader, I invite you to take this test as you begin this week. Consider these characteristics of Christian leadership, and then answer the accompanying question for yourself.

Christian leaders are sinners before we’re leaders. We’re all fallen men and women destined for hell apart from the grace of God. That means that we Christian leaders have no grounds for ego.

Do I think of myself as a leader before I seriously think about my sinfulness?

Christian leaders are not in charge. That sounds contradictory, but that’s one reason Christian leadership is unique. We serve alongside others and are accountable to them, but the churches we lead are not ours. God is in charge. Period.

Do I so see myself in charge that I consider too little the truth that the church belongs to Christ?

Christian leaders are leading toward a throne that is not ours. The world’s leaders strive for their own kingdom; Christian leaders seek a kingdom we do not build. We lead so the name of another—Jesus—is magnified, and our name is forgotten.

Am I living for my recognition or Jesus’ recognition?

Christian leaders lead first from our homes. The Bible does not allow us to claim to be leaders in any place if we aren’t first leading well in our homes.

Would my family say I’m leading first in my home?

Christian leaders do not dichotomize character and competency. A Christlike character is non-negotiable for leaders who call themselves “Christian,” and competency matters because we must do all for the glory of God.

How Christlike is my character, and do I glorify God by my competency?

Christian leaders lead from our knees. Prayer is a cry for relationship with God and an expression of dependence on Him. Prayer says, “I seriously can’t lead without Your help.”

Based on my prayer life, do I lead from my dependence or my independence?

Christian leaders lead so others can do greater things than we do. Our calling is to serve God and others so that others can spread the gospel and extend God’s kingdom beyond what we’ve done. His glory is the goal—not ours.

Am I OK with others doing greater things than I’ve done?

Christian leaders lead out of weakness, not out of strength. God reduces our strength when we’d claim the glory (Judg. 7) and gives us thorns to keep us humble (2 Cor. 12). In our profound weakness, God is our strength.

Do I lead out of my strength or my weakness?

Christian leaders are willing to die for the cause. That’s because the cause is not about us; it’s about giving ourselves up for the sake of Christ.

Am I willing to die if that’s the cost I must pay as a Christian leader?

Christian leaders work for reward beyond this world. The world’s leaders may work for dollars and stuff, but we work for rewards received in eternity. In fact, we work for rewards we’ll give back to the Redeemer who saved us.

Am I seeking rewards and recognition in this world or the next?

Readers, please pray that I will be a Christ-honoring leader. Let us know how we might pray for you, too.

This article originally appeared here.

One Simple but Huge Way to Better Empower a Team

Ron Edmondson

December 4, 2017

Leader, let me share one of the best things you can do to better empower your team.

And, in full disclosure, I’m the worst at this, but it’s something I continually strive to do better.

You want to fully empower your team?

Here’s what you do:

Release them from responsibility.

Whenever you can.

Often as leaders we handle a lot of information. Sometimes we do that with our team. Sometimes we dispense a lot of new ideas. If we are growing and learning personally, the team is often where we process our thoughts.

If it’s not their responsibility—let them know it’s not.

It sounds simple—but it’s huge.

You see, the team is always wondering.

What is the leader thinking here—as it relates to me?

What do you want me to do with that new idea?

How do you want me to help?

What’s my role going to be in this?

Are you going to hold me accountable for this?

Do you expect something from me here?

As leaders, we often process and present a lot of ideas, but sometimes we are just “thinking.” Sometimes we aren’t assigning anything—we are just exploring.

The more we can release the people trying to follow us the more they can focus on things for which they are being held accountable. And, the more willing they will be to process new ideas with us.

Just tell them what you expect—or don’t expect. Say the words, “You are not responsible for this.” “I don’t expect anything from you on this.” “This is just for information.” And, mean it.

And, even better—create a healthy enough environment so people feel freedom to ask or challenge you when they don’t understand. Thanks.

Sounds simple. It’s huge.

This article originally appeared here.

Perry Noble: God Called Me to Launch New Church

Bob Ditmer

December 4, 2017

A popular saying among pastors and seminarians is, “I don’t work for the elders, I work for God.” It’s an adage that is often invoked when a dispute arises in the local church but the reality or error of the statement goes much deeper.

And it’s being tested by Perry Noble.

Perry Noble was fired last year from the multisite NewSpring Church in South Carolina for a reliance on alcohol and other unbiblical behaviors. In August, the executive elders determined their founding pastor is unfit to return to the pulpit.

WHO CALLS? GOD OR MAN?

So yesterday on Facebook, Noble announced the digital launch of Second Chance Church, soon to be followed by a church with a building somewhere in South Carolina. At the time of this writing the video had 44,000 views.

The message that accompanied the announcement was based on the Old Testament story of Jonah, a prophet who ran away from God and was swallowed by a great fish.

Noble said of Jonah’s situation, “God didn’t change his circumstances, he changed his perspective,” adding, “I know from personal experience, even in the midst of incredible circumstances…we can still find hope.”

Noble’s hope came from the counsel he received from a friend who quoted Romans 11:29, “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable [for He does not withdraw what He has given, nor does He change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call].”

PERRY NOBLE: WHO’S IN CHARGE OF THE CHURCH?

The announced launch of Second Chance Church raises the question “Does a pastor need the blessing of a group of elders to start a church or does it come from God alone?”

Noble appears to be following the long-held view of pastor-elder relationships. In an op-ed exploring the relationship between elders and pastors for bible.org, Stephen J. Cole wrote, “Thus the answer to ‘who is in charge of the church?’ is, Jesus Christ is! He exercises His headship in the local church through elders who are spiritually mature men, selected by God and recognized by the church, who through example and servant-hood shepherd His flock.”

It’s a question NewSpring Teaching Pastor Clayton King answered in part regarding Noble’s many speaking engagements since his ouster last summer, “We have been asked why Perry can preach at other churches but not at NewSpring. We cannot speak for other churches and how they make decisions. For us, Perry currently does not meet the biblical qualifications of a pastor, teacher, shepherd.”

King is echoing the belief that the local church is best able to discern the qualifications and restoration of one of its own. A view shared by R. Kent Hughes and John Armstrong.

“The fallen minister who confesses sin, seeks God’s grace, and desires to remain in fellowship with the church of Christ, must be welcomed and received as any fallen Christian. He must be forgiven as Jesus commands (Matt. 18:22). But forgiveness and restoration to the fellowship of the church does not mean the former minister now meets the qualifications for holding the office of pastor/elder.

The church is not to punish the repenting man who has fallen. But refusing to return him to the role of pastoral ministry is not punishment. To remove a fallen minister is to honor Christ’s holy standards; it is to follow the wise counsel and pattern of leaders over the centuries; it is to protect the man himself and his family; and it is to guard the church body, loved so dearly by the Chief Shepherd.”

A GROWING ISSUE FOR THE CHURCH?

Noble’s story is similar to that of Ted Haggard, who was removed from Colorado Springs’ New Life church in 2006 after a sex and drugs scandal. Haggard was the founder of the megachurch and agreed to counseling but left prematurely.

H.B. London, part of restoration team, told ABC News, “It was Ted, unfortunately, who walked away from the restoration process he agreed to before it was completed. Those of us who joined together to help him in that process were disappointed by that decision, but we certainly wish him and his family well and keep them in our prayers.”

Haggard also founded another church following his scandal in the same town, St. James Church. It has a similar theme to Second Chance Church. He calls it “a church with resurrection power.”

It’s a powerful theme but one that causes problems for church polity.

One comment that Noble made in his Facebook message contains a truth that neither side in this debate will deny. He said, “God has the ability to take an ugly mess and turn it into a miracle.”

Ravi Zacharias Pulls Lawsuit and Responds to Sexting Allegations

Megan Briggs

December 4, 2017

Editor’s Note: After the publishing of this article, an independent investigation found allegations implicating Ravi Zacharias of sexual abuse to be credible. Prior to this report, ChurchLeaders had published multiple articles about Ravi Zacharias and his ministry. Although our editorial team believes his work still has value since it involved articulating the truths of God’s Word, we would be remiss not to disclose the painful truth of Mr. Zacharias’ personal actions that have come to light following his death. For further reading, please see:
Sexting, Spiritual Abuse, Rape: Devastating Full Report on Ravi Zacharias Released
The Story Behind the Ravi Zacharias Allegations (Part 1): Lawsuits, NDAs, and Email Threads
The Story Behind the Ravi Zacharias Allegations (Part 2): ‘Cursory’ Investigations and More Accusations

Update March 13, 2018

The Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA), the organization through which Ravi Zacharias holds licensing credentials, released a statement concerning this incident. Concerning the accusations against Ravi, the C&MA had this to say:

The C&MA recently completed a thorough inquiry of these accusations, including interviews with those involved and a review of all available documentation and records. While it is not appropriate to publicly discuss the nuances of these allegations, the available evidence does not provide a basis for formal discipline under the C&MA policy.

In November 2017, Ravi Zacharias privately settled allegations leveled against him involving a sexting scandal. A husband and wife accused Zacharias of soliciting nude photos of the wife after an extended period of correspondence over email.

The Correspondence

In a statement released Sunday, December 3, 2017, Zacharias says he first met the couple in October 2014 while he was speaking at a conference in Canada. An honored apologist and well-known speaker, this was nothing out of the ordinary for him. According to Zacharias, the wife asked him to follow up with her husband, who apparently was questioning the Christian faith. This was the beginning of a correspondence which Zacharias claims was initiated by the wife. When the wife surprisingly sent nude photos of herself in 2016, Zacharias says he “clearly instructed her to stop contacting me in any form; I blocked her messages, and I resolved to terminate all contact with her.”

According to the couple, however, the correspondence looked more like Zacharias grooming the wife for sexual exploitation. Christianity Today (CT) reports in April 2017 the couple sent a demand letter through their attorney, asking for $5 million in exchange for keeping silent about the correspondence. In the demand letter, the couple state Zacharias exercised “controlling influence over [the wife] as one with spiritual authority.”

Zacharias’s Federal Lawsuit

Zacharias filed a federal lawsuit against the couple in August 2017, stating the husband and wife conspired together to damage Zacharias and to extract “an exorbitant sum of money” from him. Also stated in the lawsuit is the fact that the couple previously sued a pastor in Ontario, Canada, for allegedly coercing them into unadvisable loans and investments. The couple asked for $1 million in damages, but the lawsuit was ultimately dropped.

Zacharias dropped his federal lawsuit against the couple on November 9, 2017, after the couple requested mediation in lieu of going to trial. Since then, the two parties have reached a private settlement. While Zacharias has published a statement addressing the settlement, he told CT he is “legally prevented from answering or even discussing the questions and claims being made by some…” He did wish to assure the supporters of his ministry, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, that no ministry funds were used to pay legal expenses.

The Hard Lesson Zacharias Learned

Although Zacharias claims he did not do anything to sexually exploit the wife or mislead the couple, he does admit he “failed to exercise wise caution and to protect myself from even the appearance of impropriety.” In the statement, he says he is “profoundly sorry” and that he has acknowledged this “to my Lord, my wife, my children, our ministry board and my colleagues.”

“The question is not whether I solicited or sent any illicit photos or messages to another woman—I did not, and there is no evidence to the contrary—but rather, whether I should have been a willing participant in any extended communication with a woman not my wife,” Zacharias explains in his statement.

He also outlines the physical boundaries he observes with women who are not his wife of 45 years, which go above and beyond what many men in leadership do. However, he admits “the physical safeguards I have long practiced to protect my integrity should have extended to include digital communications safeguards.”

Zacharias is no stranger to allegations being leveled against him. An ongoing criticism of the apologist and his ministry claims that he uses the honorary doctorate he was given to deceive people into lending him greater credibility. However, Zacharias “routinely asks not to be referred to as ‘Dr. Zacharias’—even by employees,” according to a statement released by RZIM on the topic.

Even still, this has been a hard lesson to learn for Zacharias, the burden of which you can hear in this sentence: “In all my correspondence with thousands of people in 45 years of ministry, I have never been confronted with a situation such as this, and God and my family and close friends know how grieved I have been.”

5 Grave Dangers for Any Local Church

Dan Reiland

December 3, 2017

One of my favorite movies is the 1992 modern classic A Few Good Men. It starred Tom Cruise as Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee, Jack Nicolson as Colonel Nathan Jessop, and Demi Moore as Lieutenant Commander Joanne Calloway. It’s a great leadership movie, and illustrates a point I want to make about working in local churches.

You probably remember the famous “You can’t handle the truth!” dialogue, but do you remember this scene?

Kaffee: Yes, Sir. Colonel, at the time of this meeting, you gave Lt. Kendrick an order, is that right?
Jessep: I told Kendrick to tell his men that Santiago wasn’t to be touched.
Kaffee: And did you give an order to Colonel Markinson as well?
Jessep: I ordered Markinson to have Santiago transferred off the base immediately.
Kaffee: Why?
Jessep: I felt his life might be in danger once word of the letter got out.
Kaffee: Grave danger?
Jessep: Is there another kind?

Grave danger…is there any other kind?

That may seem over-the-top or a bit dramatic for a blog post intro. Most of us who are leaders in the church are not nearly as intense as Kaffee or Jessep, our work doesn’t require us to carry weapons, and we aren’t often in a courtroom.

But as I think about the gospel story, it is dramatic. It is about life and death. When it comes to the local church, the stakes are high and we do stand post for the Kingdom!

We don’t have to get weird about it, but there are grave dangers that we face as we do our part of leading the mission forward. It’s easy for work in local churches to become “business as usual.” Therefore, it’s wise and helpful to reflect on the depth of five dangers that can really hurt your church.

5 Grave Dangers for Local Churches

1) When systems take the lead over the Holy Spirit.

I’m an advocate of church systems. Good stewardship requires efficiency of time, energy and money.

However, if we ever begin to lean into systems over the power of the Holy Spirit, we are skating on thin ice. Under the demands of a seven day turn around, 52 times a year to “produce” the next service, it’s easier to do than you might think. The machine can take over the mission.

The idea is not to ignore your systems or get rid of them. In fact, you may need to develop them better. It’s more about keeping them in the right priority and knowing how to keep them subject to the Holy Spirit. That’s not easy when you have deadlines.

The Holy Spirit can’t be a tag on at the end if the leaders still expect divine power. We must let Him lead the way, and the systems help us unleash that power to reach even more people.

2) When your church name is lifted above Jesus’ name.

The name of your church matters and a good reputation in your community is important. But there is a subtle and all the more dangerous potential to talk more about your church than about Jesus.

How to Disciple Millennials

Chris Martin

December 3, 2017

A lot of churches have a hard time reaching Millennials in their communities. Sometimes, it just feels like church culture doesn’t jive with Millennial culture.

Church culture is supposed to be about service, and many Millennials seem selfish. Church culture is based on belief in God, and many Millennials don’t believe in God (the Christian one, anyway).

I’m a Millennial, and as I’ve spent much of my life actively participating in the local church, I have been blessed by a number of wise people who have taken me by the hand and shown me the way to rightly understand God and become more like Jesus.

In these people, I have noticed at least two common denominators, and I wanted to make note of them for any of you who may be trying to lead Millennials spiritually.

Here are two brief tips to be a bit more effective at reaching and leading Millennials:

1. Coach before you condemn.

This is not to say it is wrong to convict someone of sin. Obviously, if you’re discipling someone or leading them spiritually in another way, an important part of that relationship is going to be recognizing and repenting of sin.

What I mean to say is this: Instead of approaching sin with a condemnatory tone, try a tone with less contempt, perhaps a “coaching” tone. Consider yourself a “supporter” rather than an “accuser.”

Inherent in the idea of a coach or a supporter is the desire for the person you are leading to succeed. Such is not the case for one who is an accuser, condemning others because of their sin.

As you lead a Millennial toward trusting in Christ or becoming more like him, do so with a tone that reminds him or her that you want the best for them.

2. Ask before you tell.

As you’re leading someone to believe in or become more like Christ, you will necessarily have to provide some clear, direct instruction.

For instance, if you’re discipling a young man who has made an idol of his work, you would be wise to direct him toward finding his worth in Christ, not his paycheck or his prestige on the org chart.

However, as you recognize the idolatry in the young man’s heart, you may be more effective if you approach the situation inquisitively rather than commandingly.

For example, perhaps the young man was denied a promotion and was subsequently cursing his employer he was so angry.

Leading questions to approach the heart of the issue such as, “Why do you think you responded the way you did?” may be more effective than, “Being angry because you didn’t get the promotion is a sin and you need to repent.” You may need to say that second statement at some point, but it may be best to first try to lead the person you’re leading to that conclusion him- or herself.

These are simple thoughts, not profound by any means, that may help you better connect with Millennials as they live, work and play in your communities.

This article originally appeared here.

The Conversation That Saved My Ministry

Paul David Tripp

December 3, 2017

I was discouraged and defeated. I had moved to Scranton, Pennsylvania, to help launch a gospel-centered church, but I had no idea what a spiritually stony place Scranton would prove to be.

There was a cultural malaise that enveloped the region. It had once been the epicenter of the old Northeastern coal belt, but its boom days were long ago over. In fact, you could argue that the American dream had died in 1950 in Scranton. People in this rusting mountain city felt like they had been failed: the schools had failed them, politicians had failed them, corporations had failed them and so had the church.

The city had been built on top of the deep coal mines where everyone worked, and when the mines were abandoned, not only did everyone lose their job, but everyone’s property was at risk. Quite often the earth would open up and a parking lot or a backyard or someone’s house would disappear into the great, bottomless void that was once the mines.

The precarious physical state of the city defined its psychology. People in Scranton no longer believed that anything good could happen there, and they also didn’t believe that anyone cared. As a student in Philadelphia, long before our move, I heard regular jokes about Scranton, like, “You know who ran for mayor of Scranton? No one…and he won!”

DIFFICULTY AND IMMATURITY

I was 27 years old, full of energy and expectation, in one of the toughest places in the United States to plant a church. When we moved, I had no idea what I would face, but it didn’t take long for the reality to set in.

We were a little struggling group of believers, trying to be a light in a city that was hurt, depressed and cynical. The families we sought to serve struggled relationally and financially. There was one period of time when the unemployment figure in Scranton was 17 percent!

Sure, there were good things that happened. We were able to form a little community of love and provide a safe haven for people who had been hurt by the church. We started a Christian school as an alternative to the broken city schools. But ministry in Scranton was burdensome, and I was unseasoned, proud and immature.

I was an honors graduate from seminary. I had won a variety of student awards, and I left seminary thinking I was ready to take on the unbelieving world. But as a young and inexperienced pastor, I wasn’t ready for ministry, and my immaturity was quickly exposed. On occasion, I look back at my early sermons in Scranton, and whenever I do, I want to send a letter of apology to all the poor people who had to sit through them. I once preached a sermon on pride, and I thought it was the best sermon ever preached on the topic (an assessment that ironically lacked humility!).

Key Questions:

Key Quotes:

Mentioned in the Show:

Is PREACHING Discipleship?

Are GROUPS Discipleship?

Is MENTORING Discipleship?

For Example:

1. The pride of race

2. The pride of face and place

The Season of Recalibrating

Nothing to Fear

Release them from responsibility.

WHO CALLS? GOD OR MAN?

PERRY NOBLE: WHO’S IN CHARGE OF THE CHURCH?

A GROWING ISSUE FOR THE CHURCH?

The Correspondence

Zacharias’s Federal Lawsuit

The Hard Lesson Zacharias Learned

5 Grave Dangers for Local Churches

1) When systems take the lead over the Holy Spirit.

2) When your church name is lifted above Jesus’ name.

1. Coach before you condemn.

2. Ask before you tell.

DIFFICULTY AND IMMATURITY

New Articles

New Podcasts