Raising Generous Kids: How to Cultivate an Open-Handed Family This Holiday Season

By

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July 23, 2024

Growing up, my parents always made opportunities for us as kids to be invested in the lives of other people (maybe intentionally or maybe just because that’s who they were). I can still say that to this day, my mom and dad are some of the most servant-hearted and generous people I know.

I can remember going to the rescue mission to help fix meals for the homeless, visiting widows and shut-ins, and serving missionaries and the members of the churches where my dad pastored. Much of our family time growing up included time spent serving others together. And what better way to make memories together than to do it by making a real difference at the same time.

As our children have grown, we have strived to develop within them that same servant’s mindset that our parents naturally instilled into us. If I could try and describe it best, I’d have to say that our parents always taught us how to be open-handed — to live a life characterized by the spirit of generosity.

Jesus Himself lived an open-handed life and operated an open-handed ministry. He came to seek, to save, and to serve.

With these thoughts in mind, here are three ways that your family can stay open-handed and generous during the upcoming seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas:

3 Ways to Foster Generosity and Serve Others as a Family

1. Find Ways to Give (of Your Time and Your Money).

Making your family life about more than just living for yourselves leaves a valuable impression upon the hearts and minds of your children — an impression that will ultimately become a part of their character.

Learn to have fun as a family by saving money to give to special projects (missions, needy families, a widow) and by spending time thinking and planning ways that you can get creative to give of your money and yourselves to meet others’ needs.

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10)

Freely ye have received, freely give. (Matthew 10:8)

A few years ago, our family saved up $100 with the specific intent of going out to eat and finding a family in the restaurant whose meal we could buy. We prayed over the choice of the restaurant and that the right family would be there. And God clearly answered. Seeing the expressions on that families’ faces when complete strangers bought their meal was a priceless lesson I don’t think our kids will ever forget.

2. Find Ways to Serve (Those in Leadership and Those in Need).

One of the most powerful things you can ever do for your kids is developing in them a generous heart toward others. Specifically, teach them ways to love and serve those in leadership and those in need.

Also, when a need is brought to your families’ attention, don’t just sweep it under the rug if you have the wherewithal to meet it. Your kids will take notice.

Leading Well Starts With Your Own Life

By

Dr. James Scott, Jr.

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July 23, 2024

A little observation reveals that it’s often …

… the overweight doctor who’s the one telling you to lose weight …

… the mechanic who spends an inordinate amount of time working on his own broken-down clunker who scolds you about not maintaining your manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for your car …

… the dentist with bad breath who lectures you about flossing …

… the nurse who takes little care of herself is the one who doggedly works long shifts providing great care for others …

… the psychologist who is riddled with anxiety about building his practice who teaches others not to be so stressed out …

… the plumber whose wife is annoyed about the perpetual dripping faucet in their kitchen fixes your leaking faucet in less than a half hour …

… the policeman who seems to always speed who pulls you over for going five miles per hour over the speed limit …

… and the minister in the church who doesn’t manage his own life well who every week teaches an entire congregation of people how they should be living.

That last one might hit a little too close to home for some.

If you’re in vocational ministry, you know there’s a continuous flow of articles about the struggles church leaders face in just keeping their own lives together. But let’s face the truth for a moment:

Leading others well starts by managing well your own life.

The Apostle Paul said basically the same thing in his instruction to Titus: “And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching,” Titus 2:7.

It’s hard to maintain the integrity of your teaching, or to be taken seriously as a leader, if you’re unwilling to practice what you preach.

I know, easier said than done. But whether hard, easy, or something in-between, it’s important that church leaders make a priority managing well their own lives. That doesn’t mean every area of life is constantly in perfect order. Let’s look at seven areas of life leaders need to make their priority to live well, and provide an example of living well:

1. Your relationship with God. What matters most for your personal existence as a human being is the same thing that matters most for your leadership – your personal relationship with God. Put another way, your leadership will never exceed the quality of your followership of Christ. Thus, in both your personal and vocational life, this needs to be your top priority every day of your life. What is the current quality of your personal relationship with God?

2. Your physical health. To live, and to lead, we do both by use of a physical body. When our bodies are weak, unfit, and unhealthy, how we are enabled to live — and lead — is limited. But when we practice a positive stewardship of our body, providing it with what it needs to be strong, vibrant, fit, and free of disease, then we are energized and best enabled to live — and lead — fully and without physical hindrance. How are you currently stewarding your body for fitness and health?

3. Your mental and emotional health. Many church leaders are over-worked, under-paid, often criticized, and not adequately appreciated for all they do. That’s a recipe for struggles with your mental and emotional health. Common struggles include being so busy you don’t take adequate time to both pray and think, resulting in developing patterns of faulty or irrational thinking, and habits of cognitive distortions. MANY church leaders are stressed out over the amount of work to do and too little time to do it all. Anxiety, depression, and other mental and emotional challenges are common among those in ministry, and not handling them well is like not properly caring for a physical ailment. There are many ways to manage your mental and emotional health, from a persistent practice of spiritual disciplines, to engaging a Christian counselor to make sure you’re managing well your own mental and emotional health. What is the current condition of your mental and emotional health?

4. Your marriage. Your spouse is the person on this planet that you’re supposed to love fully, second only to God. Is that how you’re loving your spouse — as being second only to God? Is that how your spouse would say you’re currently loving them?

5. Your family. Few responsibilities in life can compete with God entrusting to you as your own the care of other human beings from His knitting them together in your spouse’s womb to their entry into this world, and on into adulthood. Such a stewardship takes a great investment of love and time. What’s the current status of your relationships with your children?

6. Your friendships. Social media is flooded with memes telling us things like some relationships are for life, others are just for seasons, indicating that people come and go. There’s a little truth to that, but the fact is most relationships that fade from our lives do so from lack of nurture. Even though loneliness and isolation are common complaints among those in vocational ministry, making the commitment and time to nurture friendships is often one of the first things leaders offer on the alter of neglect, often thinking it a matter of expediency in order to get things done. Sometimes, one of the more important things you need to get done is making the time and putting forth the effort to nurture your personal friendships. What’s the current quality of your personal friendships?

7. Your vocational development. Not everyone in vocational ministry goes to a Christian college or university, or attends seminary. If you did, upon your graduation you had not learned everything you need to know, intellectually, theologically, practically, and as skills that you’ll need to know and be capable of in your role as a church leader. That’s why to lead well you need to be a life-long learner who continues to learn as well as continues to attain and sharpen skills so that you can consistently serve well. What are you currently doing for your own vocational development?

It was English philosopher Francis Bacon who said, “It is not what men eat but what they digest that makes them strong; not what we gain but what we save that makes us rich; not what we read but what we remember that makes us learned; not what we preach but what we practice that makes us Christians.” Well, what we preach does matter, but you might say it’s not just what we preach that makes us leaders, it’s what we practice as well.

This article originally appeared here.

10 Ways to Use Social Media To Connect With Parents

By

Dale Hudson

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July 23, 2024

We live in a digital, social media driven culture. Children’s ministries have a great opportunity to incorporate social media into their ministry strategy. With that basic understanding, let’s explore some ways we can use social media to connect with parents.

(Obviously you need to obtain parental permission to post pictures and information about children online.)

10 Ways to Use Social Media To Connect With Parents

1. Use Instagram to share pictures of events, church activities, announcements, etc.

2. Create a private Facebook group for parents.

Studies show that 95% of Millennial moms are on Facebook.

3. Create a blog for your ministry.

Post articles about parenting, relevant topics, insights into the ages and phases children go through, etc.

4. Use social media to get parents’ feedback about the ministry.

5. Twitter is another social media app that many parents use.

You can post short updates, photos, videos, share news and more. Twitter can be used for times when you want to connect with a short message (up to 280 characters).

The Need for Advanced Discipleship

By

J.W. Phillips

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July 23, 2024

Advanced discipleship training serves the most underserved people in the church: people who reach a midway point in their maturity but don’t get to “the other side.” This problem is actually predictable, because, by trying to communicate to a congregation with a wide range of spiritual growth, there is a tendency for leaders to aim for the middle. So that’s where their people end up!

Being in the middle, however, can be dangerous—whether it’s being in the middle of the road during the rush of oncoming traffic, or being in the middle of a lake when suddenly a rising and raging storm appears. Jesus didn’t want his disciples stuck in the middle. His command was for them to go to “the other side.”

Getting to the other side isn’t even a goal in most churches. When it comes to “perfecting the saints,” no serious effort is given to identify the characteristics and competencies of a “perfected saint,” or to formulate a scripturally-consistent strategy that will promote these qualities. Absent this goal, the believer makes significantly less progress than what could have been the case. The applicable rule of thumb being: We tend not to accomplish the goals we never set.

The Need for Advanced Discipleship

Churches are clear about the beginning; they’re not as clear about the end. They focus on Alpha. They don’t focus on Omega. Churches can take believers to a midway point, perhaps, but they don’t take them to the other side. Instead, it is assumed, without examination, that if people hang around the church long enough, they’ll become perfected. The result of this approach is church members meandering in mediocrity, all because leaders didn’t recognize the need for advanced discipleship training.

In his work, “The Complete Book of Discipleship,” Bill Hull writes, “… it’s a huge mistake to think that we can simply learn the basics, flow into the general population and live off that.” Yet many churches have made this mistake. Commenting further, this discipleship leader declared, “The cause of Christ has paid a terrible price because of the mistaken concept that discipleship is only for beginners.”¹ Too often, the care given to converts is soon withdrawn; and thereafter, they are on their own.

One hindering factor that keeps believers from “omega” truth is the quality of teaching the church offers. Churches do say something about selected pursuit-of-God dynamics—a blurb, a brief summary, a small nugget of truth—but omit way too much. There is more bud than bloom in these teachings, and therefore people receive only a pabulum portion of what was supposed to be meaty truth.

LCD (lowest common denominator) teaching may be popular, but it actually stunts people into carnality. What John MacArthur calls “birdbath preaching” can be so shallow it offers only a small puddle of truth—something stagnant, ever evaporating, and noticeably isolated from God’s rivers of living water! This preaching approach, ostensibly taken so no one is left out, remains the same year after year. The preacher goes no higher in year five than he did in year one. Even superb expositional preaching, however, has its limitations. Advanced discipleship has to be topical, and it has to be behavioral. Verse-by-verse, book-by-book preaching fails to draw together, with specificity and comprehension, what advanced discipleship training requires.

In order to set forth the holy habits of faith, the OMEGA Advanced Discipleship ministry is designed to compensate for these deficits by delving deeper. As A.W. Tozer put it, “You can live on froth and bubbles and little wisps of badly understood theology,”² but there is a need for something more substantial. Instead of fill-in-the-blank discipleship, or a discipleship that does little more than identify major themes with bullet points and blurbs, a practical theology needs to be both thoroughly explained and profoundly experienced.

Second, the child of God has also been hindered by an LCD teaching that omits several pursuit-of-God dynamics entirely. The faithful become spiritually stuck, then, because of this one indefensible factor: LCD teaching presents only half a map! Taking to task this restricted itinerary, what may be called the longitude deficit in church teaching, Tozer wrote:

Something within the heart of normal man revolts against motion without progress. Yet this is precisely what we are offered in the vast majority of evangelical churches. Doctrinally these churches are moving around a tight and narrow circle. Their teachers tell them that this circle encompasses all the land of Beulah and warn them of the danger of looking for anything more.³

Learn more about advanced discipleship on page two . . .

¹ Bill Hull, “The Complete Book of Discipleship,” (NAVPress, Colorado Springs, CO., 2006), p.38.
² A.W. Tozer, “Attributes of God,” volume 2, (Camp Hill, PA, Christian Publications, 2001), p.165.
³ A.W. Tozer, “The Warfare of the Spirit,” (Camp Hill, PA., Christian Publications, 1993), p.70.

New Youth Pastor: Learn How to Start Fresh and Find Purpose

By

Scott Talley

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July 22, 2024

Are you a new youth pastor? Or a veteran youth minister craving renewal? Then read on for one youth minister’s story. Discover four valuable insights he’s learned from experience.

I recently began a new season in my life. Student ministry has been a calling since I was 15. At 18, a church took a chance on me. Now I’ve fallen deeply into the calling. I love serving in youth work and investing in Millennials and Gen Z.

In 2018, I left North Carolina and began serving at a church in Orlando. By joining the staff here, God has shown me four key things. So whether you’re a new youth pastor or a long-timer, consider these insights. I hope they resonate with you!

4 Insights for a New Youth Pastor and a Fresh Start

1. God brings youth pastors into students’ lives for a purpose.

First, remember that God brings us into teenagers’ lives for a reason. But what are we doing with our time with students? While starting at a new ministry, I love meeting fellow youth pastors who do amazing things.

The key for student pastors? Realize we’re in this ministry setting for a specific purpose. Teens need us to stay faithful to God, God’s Word, and leading them closer to God daily. A veteran or new youth pastor has a daily purpose to invest in. Remember to be part of students’ lives. Teens want you at their schools and sporting events, sharing God’s Word.

2. Share the gospel faithfully.

Next, regularly share the Gospel with students. Staying faithful to Scripture is key to doing ministry. I love asking, “What is your story?” That question opens the door to learn more about teens. But be prepared! This question can and will lead to people following Christ.

After reading this, I know you’ll move on with your day. But consider how you can share the Gospel faithfully in your ministry setting. That approach changed how I do youth work.

Sharing the Gospel With Kids: Keep the Message of Jesus Simple

By

Greg Baird

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July 22, 2024

Sharing the gospel with kids must be a focal point of our ministries. At church, the good news of Jesus should be central to everything we do. Yet sometimes we focus on so many other things—the kidmin environment, safety, recruiting volunteers, teaching methods, and more. Yes, all these are good and necessary. But unless we’re regularly sharing the gospel with kids, we fail in children’s ministry.

Sometimes we, or the people in our programs, simply don’t know the best approach for how to share the gospel with kids. Other times, people feel overwhelmed or intimidated. Evangelism takes practice, but these three tips make it easier.

Sharing the Gospel With Kids: 3 Tips

1. Keep it simple.

First remember: The gospel really is simple. So avoid the tendency to make it complicated.

2. Stay focused.

Next, know that it’s really easy to run down rabbit trails. Plus, kids themselves often provide opportunities to digress. But the gospel is too important for us to get distracted.

3. Learn and practice a technique you feel comfortable with.

Numerous options exist for sharing the gospel with kids. Use tracts, the Wordless book, the Romans Road, Evangicube for kids, or other resources. They’re all effective. So just learn one and use it!

A 10-Word Approach to Child Evangelism

(Okay, you’ll use more than 10 words. But only 10 are important to remember.)

God Loves (Hold hands together outstretched in front of you.)

God loves us and wants to have a relationship with us.
Great news: God wants us to be part of His family and live with Him forever in heaven!

We Sin (Move left hand outstretched to side. Right hand remains outstretched in front of you.)

But we sin (“doing anything God doesn’t want us to do”).
The punishment for sin is death (separation from God…broken relationship).

Jesus Died (Stretch out both hands to the sides.)

Jesus took our punishment for us by dying on the cross.
It’s like your brother or sister taking a timeout or consequence for you.

God Forgives (Move right hand back to be outstretched in front. Left hand remains outstretched to side.)

Because Jesus died for us, our sins can be forgiven.
The Bible calls this a gift (forgiveness and the opportunity to have a relationship with God).

ERLC Removes Brent Leatherwood as President

By

Jesse T. Jackson

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July 22, 2024

Brent Leatherwood ERLC — Brent Leatherwood speaking at 2024 SBC Annual Meeting. Photo credit: ChurchLeaders

Update: The Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of the ERLC has issued a retraction, saying that “Brent Leatherwood remains the President of the ERLC and has our support moving forward.” Executive Committee Chair Kevin Smith has resigned.

On Monday (July 22) the Southern Baptist Convention’s (SBC) Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) removed Brent Leatherwood from his position as president.

In a statement released to its website, the ERLC said, “In accordance with our bylaws, the executive committee has removed Brent Leatherwood as president. Further details, as well as plans for the transition, will be provided at our September board meeting.”

“Until then, the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees will assume directional responsibility for carrying out the ministry assignments for the ERLC,” the statement concluded.

The ERLC’s Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees stated that more information will be provided at the trustee meeting on Sept. 10-11 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Leatherwood’s removal comes just hours after he provided Baptist Press with comments regarding President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential election.

“Not only is this a historic decision, it is the right decision for our nation,” Leatherwood told Baptist Press. “The role of president takes a heavy toll and, based on what has been apparent for some time, it was unrealistic to ask President Biden to endure another four years of the incredible burdens placed on the one who occupies this office.”

“We should all express our appreciation that President Biden has put the needs of the nation above his personal ambition,” said Leatherwood. “Despite what some partisans will say, to walk away from power is a selfless act—the kind that has become all too rare in our culture.”

Leatherwood drew criticism from SBC President Clint Pressley, SBC members, and SBC pastors for saying Biden’s withdrawal was “a selfless act.”

Pressley agreed with Andrew Walker, an associate professor at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS), when Walker posted on social media disagreeing with Leatherwood’s sentiment.

“I dissent from the idea that this was an act of valor by President Biden,” Walker said. “Had he not acted defiantly after the debate or made it clear months ago that he would not run (aided by a compliant press that kept his decline from being more public), that would have been respectable.”

He continued, “But let’s call a spade a spade. The Democrats want power, and democracy is an obstacle to that power if it means forfeiting the ability to rule with an iron woke fist. So, a handful of the ultra-powerful just took control of things.” Walker warned that “very current and future office-holder should fear the precedent set in today’s announcement.”

Pressley reposted Walker’s dissent with the comment, “Sounds right.”

Leatherwood became the ERLC’s president in 2021 following the departure of Russell Moore. He formerly served as the ERLC’s chief of staff.

ERLC’s Brent Leatherwood Criticized for Calling Biden’s Withdrawal From Election ‘A Selfless Act’

By

Jesse T. Jackson

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July 22, 2024

Brent Leatherwood Joe Biden — (L) Brent Leatherwood speaking at 2024 SBC Annual Meeting. Photo credit: ChurchLeaders (R) The White House, CC BY 3.0 US, via Wikimedia Commons

Brent Leatherwood, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC), drew criticism for praising President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential election. Leatherwood called it “a selfless act.”

The ERLC is a part of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). According to its website, the ERLC exists to help churches “understand the moral demands of the gospel, apply Christian principles to moral and social problems and questions of public policy, and to promote religious liberty in cooperation with churches and other Southern Baptist entities.”

“Together, we can bring hope to the public square—for the sake of the gospel,” the ERLC website says.

On Sunday (July 21), Biden announced via social media that he was withdrawing from the presidential election, saying, “My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”

Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president.

“My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made,” he said. “Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats—it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”

After leading the ERLC as acting president following the departure of Russell Moore in 2021, Leatherwood was elected as the permanent leader of the entity in 2022. He formerly served as the ERLC’s chief of staff.

“Not only is this a historic decision, it is the right decision for our nation,” Leatherwood told Baptist Press. “The role of president takes a heavy toll and, based on what has been apparent for some time, it was unrealistic to ask President Biden to endure another four years of the incredible burdens placed on the one who occupies this office.”

Leatherwood was criticized by SBC pastors, influencers, and recently elected SBC President Clint Pressley for what he said next.

“We should all express our appreciation that President Biden has put the needs of the nation above his personal ambition,” said Leatherwood. “Despite what some partisans will say, to walk away from power is a selfless act—the kind that has become all too rare in our culture.”

Andrew Walker, an associate professor at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS), disagreed with Leatherwood’s sentiment.

“I dissent from the idea that this was an act of valor by President Biden,” Walker posted on social media. “Had he not acted defiantly after the debate or made it clear months ago that he would not run (aided by a compliant press that kept his decline from being more public), that would have been respectable.”

“But let’s call a spade a spade,” he added. “The Democrats want power, and democracy is an obstacle to that power if it means forfeiting the ability to rule with an iron woke fist. So, a handful of the ultra-powerful just took control of things.” Walker warned that “every current and future office-holder should fear the precedent set in today’s announcement.”

Pressley, who succeeded Bart Barber as president of the SBC this past June, reposted Walker’s dissent with the comment, “Sounds right.” A number of other Southern Baptists commented on the post, thanking Pressley and agreeing with Walker.

ChurchLeaders reached out to Pressley for comment, but he was traveling and unavailable for comment.

Megan Basham, a reporter for The Daily Wire and an SBC member, said of Leatherwood’s remarks, “This is one of the most dishonest and cynical political statements I have ever seen. No one believes that Joe Biden dropped out due to selflessness. It’s almost obscene to utter something so discrediting in a moment like this.”

Chick-fil-A No Longer Favorite Fast-Food Chain of USA Today Readers

By

Stephanie Martin

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July 22, 2024

According to a reader-ranked survey from USA Today, Chick-fil-A has been dethroned as America’s top fast-food restaurant. The Atlanta-based chain is a regular favorite of U.S. fast-food consumers. But in a surprise upset, California-based Mexican chain Del Taco knocked Chick-fil-A off its perch, down to number three overall. KFC placed second.

This ranking is different from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), which Chick-fil-A has topped for the past decade.

Del Taco, which has only 600 locations throughout 16 states, didn’t make the top 10 in last year’s USA Today survey. In another upset from the 2024 rankings, Del Taco earned first place in the best fast-food fries category, followed by Jack in the Box and McDonald’s.

Chick-fil-A, which is closed on Sundays and has core values rooted in the Christian faith, has about 3,000 restaurants in 48 states. The chain regularly earns top marks for customer service, despite being known for long waits at its drive-throughs.

Chick-fil-A Is Still ‘A Favorite of Many,’ Survey Says

In its 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for 2024, USA Today noted, “Chick-fil-A is a favorite of many, including their friendly cow mascots who want you to ‘eat mor chikin’.’”

“The restaurant offers a variety of chicken-centric dishes, including nuggets and salads,” USA Today continued, but their classic chicken sandwich has been the most-ordered menu item at Chick-fil-A for (at least) two years running.”

On the publication’s list of best fast-food chicken, Chick-fil-A placed seventh. Jollibee, a Filipino-themed restaurant with 100 locations throughout North America, earned the top position.

For its annual survey, USA Today initially asks editors and fast-food experts to choose top contenders for a range of categories. Then readers cast votes for their favorites in each.

Following Del Taco, KFC, and Chick-fil-A, the rest of the best fast-food chains were, in order, In-N-Out, Hardee’s, Captain D’s, Taco Bell, Popeyes, Zaxby’s, and Arby’s.

Chick-fil-A Fans, Foes Remain Vocal

On social media, fans of Chick-fil-A weren’t buying the new results. “There’s nowhere near enough Del Taco stores for them to be in the running,” someone commented on Reddit. In response, someone else wrote, “It was a USA Today poll. I doubt even 600 people voted.”

Chick-fil-A just has “die-hard fans,” another comment read. “When they can make commercials with testimonials explicitly emphasizing the pickle, you know the ball has dropped.”

Bringing up an ongoing controversy surrounding Chick-fil-A, someone posted, “Maybe bigotry is no longer a winning business strategy.”

Chick-fil-A has received criticism and threats of boycotts for allegedly being anti-gay. Meanwhile, some conservatives have criticized the chain for maintaining a DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) policy.

‘Stand Your Ground’—Anne Wilson Pens New Song Following Trump Assassination Attempt

By

Janna Firestone

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July 22, 2024

After she spoke out following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, Christian artist Anne Wilson is writing a song to express her love of God and country.

“I was raised to stand up for what I believe in. My God, my country, and what is right and true,” Wilson said in a recent Instagram post.

Anne Wilson Posts a New Song in the Making

As K-LOVE Fan Awards 2024 Female Artist of the Year, Anne Wilson is used to the stage and spotlight. Her music points others to Jesus with “the heart of Contemporary Christian Music and the sound of Country,” according to her website.

While Wilson typically commits to not speaking out about “political topics,” she made an exception following former President Trump’s assassination attempt.

“I have my platform to focus on the hope of Jesus and leading others to HIM through music,” Wilson said. “However, sometimes there are moments that call for speaking out.”

She went beyond calling the event “despicable” and “pure evil.” Wilson took to what she knew best—songwriting—and began to pen the words of her heart.

The lyrics include:

Stay quiet, blend in, don’t let them know what you think.
Don’t offend, just give in to what the crowd believes. Yeah, you can always just go with the flow, don’t you dare push back.
Stay low. Don’t you know it’s safer where you’re at.

You can always be the one who ran, or you can stand.
Stand your ground.
Say I won’t back down, even when the whole world is against me.
I’m standing strong ’cause I know who’s with me. Pray in the face of fear. Let ’em know you’re here.

Yeah, we all got a choice in life. You can run, you can hide, you can fall for the lies, or you can stand.

The music artist said she couldn’t wait to share what she had so far, so she posted on Instagram to her nearly 30,000 fans.

“I was raised to stand up for what I believe in. My God, my country, and what is right and true,” Wilson said. “Now more than ever I feel a stirring in my heart to have the courage to not be quiet or worried about following the crowd.”

Wilson posted just a portion of the song she was writing and invited fans’ comments. “I’ve been working on a song about standing up for what I believe in,” she wrote, “and in light of the events that took place last week with @realdonaldtrump I want to share what I’ve got so far with you. Let me know in the comments what you think and if I should finish it?”

With nearly 30,000 likes, many fans have responded with support and encouragement for the young star.

“Yessssss!!!” one person exclaimed. “Be BOLD!! Be an Esther! This country and this world needs our young people to stand bold in their faith and in truth and righteousness!”

The word “stand” especially resonated with another commenter. “Absolutely love this!! I have been hearing & seeing ‘STAND’ over the last several weeks in different verses while preparing for a Bible study. The Spirit is definitely moving. It has become my word in the face of adversity in all areas of life,” she wrote. “We all need to stand & be bold! I can’t wait until you finish this!”

Other fans, however, either voiced that Wilson should remain publicly impartial or their own views on specific candidates. “And you went political,” said one.

Another commenter observed Wilson supporting one political candidate over another. “I love your music and the good news you bring about Jesus,” she said. “Please keep your platform on Jesus.”

“I really love your songs ’cause they’ve brought me closer to Jesus,” said someone else. “But please, PLEASE don’t mix music and politics.”

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A post shared by Anne Wilson (@annewilsonmusic)

Satan Won’t ‘Have the Last Word’—Pastor Robert Jeffress Pledges That First Baptist Dallas Will Rebuild After Fire

By

Stephanie Martin

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July 22, 2024

Following a four-alarm fire in the historic sanctuary of First Baptist Dallas on July 19, Senior Pastor Dr. Robert Jeffress promised, “We’re going to re-create [the church] as a standing symbol of the truth.” Jeffress, who leads the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) megachurch, shared words of thanks and hope with congregants yesterday (July 21). About 3,000 worshipers gathered at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in Dallas, while the investigation into the blaze continues.

“We cannot allow Satan to have the last word,” said Jeffress. “If we allow that [church building] to remain in ruins, it will look to the whole world like we have been defeated by the evil one. So we are going to rebuild.”

The cause of last Friday’s fire hasn’t been determined, and damage is still being assessed. Jeffress said he doesn’t believe arson was involved.

No injuries were reported from the fire, which occurred soon after the church’s annual vacation Bible school program had wrapped up. The historic sanctuary, built in 1890, serves as a secondary chapel, hosting events such as funerals, weddings, and vacation Bible school. On-campus activities at First Baptist Dallas have been suspended during the fire investigation and cleanup.

WE WILL REBUILD!! pic.twitter.com/SUwKbYoE6a

— Dr. Robert Jeffress (@robertjeffress) July 21, 2024

Pastor Robert Jeffress: Satan Won’t Win

Jeffress thanked the “100 firefighters” who fought the blaze, plus local and national government leaders who have reached out since Friday to offer support. The pastor also mentioned a tweet from SBC president Clint Pressley, who wrote, “If the SBC had a Notre Dame it would be FBC Dallas.”

Then Jeffress, 68, described the emotions he experienced while watching the church burn. It wasn’t just due to memories, he said, because “I’ve got a lot of memories about Six Flags Over Texas, but I don’t fall apart every time I go through the turnstile.” In addition to memories, he said, the spiritual milestones that have occurred at First Baptist Dallas are what matter.

“It’s like those flames represented the flames of hell, and they were destroying the truth that I had banked my life and eternity [on],” Jeffress said. He recalled Jesus’ words to his disciples before his death, that he would destroy this temple and rebuild it in three days. “The disciples had the same feeling we did Friday, a feeling of despair, discouragement,” noted the pastor. “But three days later Jesus arose from the dead, and the story changed.”

Although Friday’s fire made it look “like the gates of hell were prevailing, that Satan was going to win, it is Sunday morning,” Jeffress told congregants. “It is a day of resurrection; it’s not a day of death. And I am pledging to you we’re going to rebuild that sanctuary.”

‘We Need To Recommit Ourselves to God’s Mission,’ Says Robert Jeffress

Leaders at First Baptist Dallas will explore how to rebuild and “honor” the historic sanctuary, Jeffress said, pointing out that the insurance company will fund the rebuilding. But he urged congregants to “recommit ourselves to God’s mission,” saying, “that’s what we need to be doing to defeat the plan of the devil.”

An ‘Honor’ and a ‘Cost’–‘The Chosen’ Cast Reflects on the Final Scene From Season 4

By

Jessica Mouser

-

July 22, 2024

the chosen cast — From L to R: Amber Shana Williams, Elizabeth Tabish, Jordan Walker Ross, and Noah James. Screengrab from YouTube / @TheChosenSeries

There is a cost and honor to bringing the story of Jesus and his followers to life, agreed Elizabeth Tabish and Noah James, as they reflected on the final scene of “The Chosen,” Season 4. Tabish, who plays Mary Magdalene, and James, who plays Andrew, were joined by six other cast members to share their thoughts on the most recent season’s finale.

“Just being friends with Jonathan [Roumie] and knowing what he’s going to have to go through, performing this, and seeing the weight of this role on him,” said Tabish, “is just like devastating, you know?” Roumie plays the starring role of Jesus Christ.

“It does take a toll on our hearts in a lot of ways,” Tabish continued. “But to get to do it with wonderful people that take care of each other is everything. It’s wonderful.”

“There’s like an honor in doing it and a cost,” James agreed. “You can’t forget the cost, but it is an honor to be able to bring this to life.”

Editor’s note: This article contains spoilers for “The Chosen,” Season 4.

‘The Chosen’ Cast on the Final Scene of Season 4

“The Chosen” cast and crew are currently in the midst of filming Season 5, which covers Holy Week. Season 4 concludes with an emotional scene showing Jesus mounting a donkey as he and his followers head towards Jerusalem. Tabish said it was “one of my favorite scenes to film because we were all together, and we didn’t have to do very much.”

The scene depicts the heaviness that Jesus and his followers, including his mother, feel as his death draws near. Joey Vahedi, who plays Thomas, pointed out the music tells viewers “you just know they’re headed towards doom.”

“It’s so incredibly sad to think of a mother knowing where she’s leading her son to,” said Amber Shana Williams, who plays Tamar. Alaa Safi, who plays Simon the Zealot, shared that the moment Jesus puts the bridle on the donkey (which Tabish said was “the sweetest” donkey) “was a one-take thing.”

During the scene, Jesus tells his followers, “The time has come. I must do the will of my Father in heaven.”

“No matter what happens this week,” he says, “no matter what you see or feel or think or do, I want you to know that in this world I loved you as my own. And I will love you till the end.”

Alabama Church Mourns As Pastor’s Grandson Accused of Murdering Wife, 4 Children

By

Dale Chamberlain

-

July 22, 2024

An Alabama pastor reportedly wrestled a gun away from his grandson after the grandson allegedly shot five people, including four children and his wife. Brandon Kendrick II (32) has been arrested and charged with five counts of capital murder.

Among the victims were Brandon Kendrick’s wife, Kelsey Kendrick (24), and his own children, Kaleb Kendrick (6) and Kynli Kendrick (2). The other two victims were relatives Haley Daniels (6) and Colton Daniels, who would have turned nine on Tuesday.

Brandon Kendrick had been living in a garage apartment of his grandfather, Allan Kendrick (71), who is the pastor of Oasis of Praise Church in Bessemer, Alabama, a suburb of Birmingham.

Police responded to a call at Allan Kendrick’s residence in West Blocton, a town roughly 30 miles south of Bessemer, on Thursday (July 18) around 10 p.m. Brandon Kendrick was taken into custody without incident.

According to Daily Mail, Allan Kendrick was watching television in the main house of his property when he heard the sound of gunfire and went to investigate. When he encountered his grandson, he wrestled a handgun away from him.

Allan Kendrick found four of the five victims were dead. Haley was still breathing and was rushed to the hospital but did not survive.

Brandon Kendrick reportedly suffers from schizophrenia, and his condition had been worsening in recent months. According to family members, he had a history of not taking his medication.

“It’s absolutely horrible. It’s unimaginable what the family is going through, what the friends of the family are experiencing, what the community is feeling right now,” said Bibb County Sheriff Jody Wade. “It was just a horrific scene that even seasoned officers told me it is the worst thing they’ve ever seen.”

The shooting came as a shock to the surrounding community.

“It’s heartbreaking all the way around,” Bibb County resident Haley Smitherman told WIAT-TV. “I mean my prayers are with the families.”

Kenyan Youth Protesters Hold Christian Leaders to Account as They Force Economic Changes

By

Fredrick Nzwili

-

July 22, 2024

Kenyan protesters — Police fire water canons during a protest in Nairobi, Kenya, Tuesday, July 16, 2024. Police in Kenya hurled tear gas canisters to break up protests on Tuesday in Nairobi, and other major cities, while protesters accuse the president of poor governance and call for his resignation despite his dismissal of nearly the entire Cabinet last week. (AP Photo/Ed Ram)

NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — Five weeks after young Kenyans poured into the streets under the banner of “Gen Z,” forcing changes in the government, they have also called Christian churches to account for how denominations relate with politicians.

Rejecting a controversial finance bill floated by the government in June, the teenagers and young adults protesting have demanded wide-ranging reforms from President William Ruto, whom they have nicknamed Zacchaeus, after the diminutive chief tax collector who appears in the New Testament’s Gospel of Luke. For the protesters, reducing taxes is analogous to Zacchaeus climbing down the sycamore tree and meeting Jesus, as he does in the gospel.

Ruto withdrew the bill on June 26, a day after the youth stormed parliament, but the youth have continued to press for change, publishing a list of demands, including tackling corruption, ending impunity and unemployment and taming the rising cost of living.

“The young people have come out to protest because of the difficult life they are going through,” the Rev. Jackie Makena Mutuma, a young Methodist Church in Kenya cleric, told Religion News Service. “Many of them are unable to cope economically due to some government policies and the many burdening taxes.”

Though some of Kenya’s clergy have protested alongside the young people, some of the generation’s anger toward faith leaders arises from a view that some of the clerics and denominations were too close to the state, according to the Rev. Joseph Njakai, an Anglican priest in the Diocese of Mt. Kenya West.

“It is a wakeup call for the churches,” he said. “The churches should remain independent, and I think the youth are angry that this is not the case. They are trying to cleanse the churches, already caught up in an unhealthy relationship with the political class.”

Among the social media hashtags that have cropped up during the protests, such as #OccupyParliament and #OccupyEverywhere, is #OccupyChurches.

“The young people felt the church was silent … as it was understood (during) the 2022 elections that it is ‘in bed’ with the government,” said Mutuma, who participated in some marches. “This is another challenge. The church has to be proactive not reactive.”

Some 85% of Kenya’s 54 million population profess a Christian faith. About 11% are Muslims, while Baha’i, Hindu, Buddhism and African traditional religions constitute 2%. People under the age of 35, meanwhile, constitute 79% of the population.

Kevin Maina, a young Christian leader, pointed to the church leaders’ greed, saying that politicians have been accused of looting cash from the government and donating it at church fundraisers, known as harambees, to which they’ve been invited.

“Widespread corruption and the misappropriation of funds by government officials meant for various development projects have eroded trust in the system,” said Maina.

But more often, the church is seen as an ally of those officials. “This undermines the church’s moral authority and its ability to speak truth to power,” said Maina. “The church’s frequent visits to the State House (the Kenyan president’s official residence) and perceived exclusive consultations with the president, while neglecting direct engagement with the broader populace, particularly the youth, has amplified doubts about the church’s impartiality and independence.”

What I Learned About Spiritual Discipline From a Dry-Land Farmer

By

Michael Kelley

-

July 22, 2024

spiritual discipline — Adobestock #355530993

Some time ago, I was driving through an area of West Texas with my dad. It’s one of those areas where you can still see for literally miles in every direction, your view across the vast fields only obstructed by the occasional windmill or central pivot irrigation system.

We were driving, and we were talking, which is always a great thing to do with my dad because he’s one of these guys that are rapidly disappearing who has a great amount of knowledge in a tremendously wide array of subjects. He was the son of farmers, who were the children of farmers who were the children of farmers. So my dad grew up learning how to fix just about anything he could put his hands to, and then only later decided to become a statistics professor which he has been for the last 35 or so years.

So we were talking. This time, about farming. And my dad was pointing out different tracts of land, who they belonged to, and what kind of farming they did, when he pointed out one area that was dry land.

So I asked the most logical question of a guy who didn’t grow up on a farm: “What does that mean?” And that’s when my dad explained that dry land is exactly what it sounds like—it’s land that it intentionally not irrigated.

This is the purest kind of farming, where you plow the fields, plant the crops, and wait for the rain. While it takes certainly a greater risk, because you truly are operating in the realm of faith, dry land farming can also be very lucrative.

He recounted something my grandfather used to say about the subject, that because of the huge cost of irrigation, a farmer really only needed the dry land to produce a good crop once every 10 years in order to get by. It struck me, both then and now, that there is a relatable point here for spiritual discipline.

You know as well as I do that some mornings—maybe many mornings—that your time with the Lord just feels dry. So dry that you wonder if the rain is ever going to come again. So dry that you wonder if the time you put into prayer and studying and memorizing the Word of God is even worth it.

So what do you do? On the one hand, you could simply determine that it’s not in fact worth it. You could cash it in. You could close that book and leave it there beside you on the table, and instead look for something else that’s a little more emotionally gratifying in the moment. Or, you can continue to plow.

You can continue to do the hard work, day after day—and maybe year after year. You can continue to sweat and toil, but most of all, you can continue to believe. You can choose the road of faith that, eventually, your feelings will catch up to what you know to be true. You can continue to break up the hard ground of your heart and sow the seed of the word inside those cracked and parched places.

Because you know, that even in this dry land, the rain will eventually fall. And you will be ready when it does.

This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.

Preach Grace Until It Feels Dangerous

By

Peter Mead

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July 22, 2024

I wonder what proportion of gospel preachers really preach the radical message of God’s grace, and how many feel the need to qualify it and augment it and protect it? When we preach grace, how do we over-qualify it?

When I preached a series on Galatians I realized Paul pulled no punches. I reflected that somewhat in my message. I also pondered this quote from Andy Stanley:

“The church, or I should say, church people, must quit adding the word “but” to the end of our sentences about grace. Grace plus is no longer grace. Grace minus is no longer grace. We are afraid people will abuse grace if presented in its purest form. We need not fear that, we should assume that. Religious people crucified grace personified. Of course grace will be abused. But grace is a powerful dynamic. Grace wins out in the end. It is not our responsibility to qualify it. It is our responsibility to proclaim it and model it.”

Why Preaching Grace Feels Dangerous

1. We preach grace, but insist on human commitment

It’s so easy to preach of God’s wonderful, amazing, life-transforming, gaze-transfixing, heart-captivating grace. And then in the same breath speak of our need to make a personal commitment, to be diligent, to conform to standards, etc. Either God’s grace is as good as we say it is, or it is lacking and needs human supply.

20 Things Pastors and Worship Leaders Should Say to Each Other More Often

By

David Manner

-

July 22, 2024

It’s easy for a church staff to fall into “silos,” where each one does their work and steers clear of other staff members. We might even do a good job within that silo, but the church deserves better. Pastors and worship leaders need to communicate, often–and with encouragement.

20 things pastors and worship leaders should say to each other:

I’m glad we’re in this together.
If we don’t get along, our church members won’t get along.
I’m praying for you—sincerely.
Let’s plan the service together.
I’m not threatened when you get the credit.
I need your help.
If we blow it up, someone will have to pick up the pieces.
I’ve got your back.
Let’s go get a cup of coffee.
I value our friendship.
Tell me about what you are reading.
I am interested in what you think.
I’ll take care of that so you can spend time with your family.
I apologize.
Feel free to disagree.
I trust your leadership.
I’m never too busy to meet with you.
Let’s attend that conference together.
If it will threaten our relationship let’s not do it.
I love you, my friend.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

This article on pastors and worship leaders and how they should relate to one another originally appeared here, and is used by permission.

The Unseen Side of Success: It’s Not Just About the Results

By

Gavin Adams

-

July 22, 2024

success and results — Adobestock #575737153

Most people evaluate success from results. Whether you’re a pastor gauging the success of your service, a speaker measuring the impact of your sermon, or a team leader assessing the outcome of a recruitment drive, it’s natural to focus on results. I’m a results kinda guy myself. Successful leaders tend to be results-oriented. After all, isn’t that a primary point of leadership? But my years in leadership have taught me a vital lesson: success isn’t only about results. There is an unseen side of success.

Beyond Results: A Broader Definition of Success

If you lead a team or work with others, success can’t be only about results. It isn’t just about the final deliverable. Yes, a great outcome is critical to success. Without a successful outcome, there is no success. But how should we view a flawed process that produces a good result?

This question has sparked many discussions and arguments in my leadership journey. “If the results are good, isn’t that all that matters?” The answer is a resounding no.

The Unseen Side of Success

A lousy process that produces an acceptable result isn’t a success. Here’s why:

Repeatability: A flawed process may occasionally yield successful results, but its success cannot be consistently replicated.
Efficiency: A process may lead to a successful outcome but at the cost of being wasteful, expensive, or time-consuming. A successful process is streamlined and efficient, conserving resources.
Scalability: An unsuccessful process might work on a small scale or short term but may fail when scaling up or over time. A successful process should be scalable.
Risk Management: An unsuccessful process can bring hidden risks that surface over time. Even if the result appears successful initially, these risks can cause problems in the future.
Morale and Satisfaction: An unsuccessful process can lead to employee dissatisfaction, burnout, or high turnover, negatively impacting a team or organization in the long term.
Learning and Improvement: If you attribute a successful outcome to a flawed process, you might miss opportunities to learn and improve. Prioritizing the process allows for continuous learning and improvement.

Every evaluation should consider the outcome and the process of achieving that outcome. Without a repeatable and sustainable approach, success becomes accidental, making the win counterfeit.

Let’s look at an example that happens every Sunday across churches.

The Sunday Sermon: A Team Effort

Every church (I think) dedicates time during its Sunday service for a sermon. While the pastor typically develops and delivers the sermon, many other people may contribute to its success, including:

The production people work to create graphics and display scriptures or phrases on video screens.
Someone creates and inputs content for sermon notes in your bulletin or digital source.
The person helping craft small group questions from the message.
The worship leader or music team tries to select a worship set that supports your message direction.

Charles Spurgeon’s Passion for His City

By

Michael Reed

-

July 22, 2024

Life is too short, hell is too real, and eternity is too long not to live with a relentless passion for God’s global mission. Charles H. Spurgeon had this passion, and he challenged Christ-followers to have this passion as well:

The world is dying! The graves are filling! Hell is boasting, and yet you have the gospel! Can it be that you do not care to win souls, do not care whether men are damned or saved? The Lord wake us from this stony-hearted barbarity to our fellow men, and make us yearn over them, care about them, pray about them, and work for them till the Lord shall arise and send forth laborers into His harvest!

Charles H. Spurgeon Loved His City

Next to prayer for more workers (Luke 10:2), the greatest need in the world today is surrendered, sold-out followers of Jesus who have an intense passion for the mission of God. What does it look like to have this kind of passion? According to Spurgeon, it’s a willingness to do whatever it takes to reach people for Christ:

“If sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them perish with our arms around their knees, imploring them to stay. If hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for.”

Passion for the mission of God led Spurgeon and his church to saturate the city of London with the life-changing gospel of Jesus. To Spurgeon, London was “in some respects the very heart of the world,” and a city in desperate need of more laborers and new churches. His passion was to see kingdom growth in his great city:

For our own part we cannot live if Christ’s kingdom does not grow. We hunger and thirst to see men saved. How can they hear without a preacher? The preacher must be sent among them, and they must be evangelized, and then churches will be formed, from which the light will be yet further spread.

9 Practical Ways To Increase Generosity in Your Church

By

Dan Reiland

-

July 21, 2024

Giving financially to Kingdom work is a profound and deeply personal process for each person in your church.

From every leader, it requires artful and prayerful leadership to inspire a congregation to give consistently and generously out of a love for God.

Candidly, I’ve hesitated to write a post like this because I don’t like the potential risk of “trivializing” giving by making a simple list.

Personal stewardship, especially in the financial realm, is a deeply spiritual issue.

Keep in mind that many in your congregation are in debt, some struggle with spending, and others have anxiety about how to make ends meet in this climate of inflation. Even the expense of basics like groceries can be overwhelming.

Further, pastors and church leaders carry stress about church finances like the weekly pressure of making budget.

No matter how you slice it, money is a sensitive subject. So, I hope this “simple” list is helpful, encouraging, easily accessible, and therefore worth the risk.

1. Never Make Money About Expenses, Make It About Vision.

People can smell desperation in a leader.

When you allow your financial pressures to leak into your teaching and general announcements from the platform, you receive less in offerings, not more.

Vision is what moves people to contribute financially, trust is what allows it to actually be given.

People work hard for their income and want to know it’s going to a Kingdom purpose greater than they can produce on their own.

2. Practice Generosity Personally and Share Your Story as God Prompts.

Your level of personal generosity is inherently connected to your leadership.

It’s good for people you serve to occasionally hear a story that reveals your heart about giving. Not specific numbers, but your passion, obedience and commitment.

In essence you are modeling the way and encouraging others by your story.

Generosity isn’t only about financial giving, it’s also about a generous heart with your time, kindness, encouragement, ideas and use of spiritual gifts.

If we are honest, generosity is a reflection of who we are. It’s not a guilt-driven score card, but as leaders we do set the pace.

When giving to others is as natural as breathing, that finds its way into the DNA of your leadership, and people respond accordingly. You behave differently, and the congregation responds in kind.

3. Offer an Online Giving Option That Is Supported by Consistent Technology.

Online giving has caught tremendous traction in the local church. The pandemic four years ago elevated it from an option to a necessity and it remains the leading option for giving. I highly recommend you set up online giving if you haven’t already.

Online giving aligns with the normal practices and patterns of your people for much of their personal finances.

In short, it’s easier than remembering to write a check and carry it to church.

Receiving a physical offering is still important because it’s a reminder of an offering’s (bringing to God) place in worship. And, of course, there are those who are unable to embrace online giving.

4. Teach a Series on Generosity Each Year.

If you talk about money too much, your congregation will become anesthetized to what you are saying. In general, people know they are “supposed to give,” especially if they see the offering being received.

The leadership principle is to help people mature spiritually from “supposed to give,” to understanding the biblical standard, and finally to a love of personal Kingdom-oriented generosity.

Merely asking the congregation to give the same way over and over again doesn’t encourage or inspire anyone. Keep your offering moment creative, different, authentic, full of heart and spirit, and well planned and prayed for.

3 Ways to Foster Generosity and Serve Others as a Family

1. Find Ways to Give (of Your Time and Your Money).

2. Find Ways to Serve (Those in Leadership and Those in Need).

10 Ways to Use Social Media To Connect With Parents

The Need for Advanced Discipleship

Learn more about advanced discipleship on page two . . .

4 Insights for a New Youth Pastor and a Fresh Start

1. God brings youth pastors into students’ lives for a purpose.

2. Share the gospel faithfully.

Sharing the Gospel With Kids: 3 Tips

1. Keep it simple.

2. Stay focused.

3. Learn and practice a technique you feel comfortable with.

A 10-Word Approach to Child Evangelism

God Loves (Hold hands together outstretched in front of you.)

We Sin (Move left hand outstretched to side. Right hand remains outstretched in front of you.)

Jesus Died (Stretch out both hands to the sides.)

God Forgives (Move right hand back to be outstretched in front. Left hand remains outstretched to side.)

Chick-fil-A Is Still ‘A Favorite of Many,’ Survey Says

Chick-fil-A Fans, Foes Remain Vocal

Anne Wilson Posts a New Song in the Making

Pastor Robert Jeffress: Satan Won’t Win

‘We Need To Recommit Ourselves to God’s Mission,’ Says Robert Jeffress

‘The Chosen’ Cast on the Final Scene of Season 4

Why Preaching Grace Feels Dangerous

1. We preach grace, but insist on human commitment

20 things pastors and worship leaders should say to each other:

I’m glad we’re in this together.

If we don’t get along, our church members won’t get along.

I’m praying for you—sincerely.

Let’s plan the service together.

I’m not threatened when you get the credit.

I need your help.

If we blow it up, someone will have to pick up the pieces.

I’ve got your back.

Let’s go get a cup of coffee.

I value our friendship.

Tell me about what you are reading.

I am interested in what you think.

I’ll take care of that so you can spend time with your family.

I apologize.

Feel free to disagree.

I trust your leadership.

I’m never too busy to meet with you.

Let’s attend that conference together.

If it will threaten our relationship let’s not do it.

I love you, my friend.

Beyond Results: A Broader Definition of Success

The Unseen Side of Success

The Sunday Sermon: A Team Effort

Charles H. Spurgeon Loved His City

1. Never Make Money About Expenses, Make It About Vision.

2. Practice Generosity Personally and Share Your Story as God Prompts.

3. Offer an Online Giving Option That Is Supported by Consistent Technology.

4. Teach a Series on Generosity Each Year.

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