T.D. Jakes is one of the most influential pastors in the world, known for his powerful preaching, bestselling books, and global ministry. As the founder and leader of The Potter’s House, a megachurch based in Dallas, Texas, he has reached millions with his messages of faith, empowerment, and personal growth. However, with such a vast public presence, Jakes has also faced his share of controversies and scrutiny.
T.D. Jakes: His Life, Ministry, and Influence
T.D. Jakes’ Estimated Net Worth
T.D. Jakes has built a financial empire that extends beyond his church. As of some recent estimates, his net worth is believed to be between $20 million and $30 million. His wealth comes from various sources, including his pastoral salary, book sales, movie production, and speaking engagements. Jakes has authored numerous bestselling books, such as Woman, Thou Art Loosed! and Destiny: Step into Your Purpose, which have sold millions of copies worldwide.
In addition to his work in ministry, Jakes has ventured into film production. His company, TDJ Enterprises, has produced faith-based movies, including Jumping the Broom and Miracles from Heaven, further contributing to his financial success. Despite criticism from some who question the accumulation of wealth by megachurch pastors, Jakes maintains that his prosperity is a result of his hard work and commitment to spreading the gospel.
T.D. Jakes’ Family: Who Are the Key Figures in His Life?
Family is a central part of T.D. Jakes’ life. He has been married to his wife, Serita Jakes, since 1982, and together they have five children: Sarah, Cora, Jermaine, Jamar, and Thomas Jr. His daughter Sarah Jakes Roberts has followed in his footsteps as a prominent preacher and author, leading the Women Evolve movement and co-pastoring with her husband, Touré Roberts.
Jakes often speaks about the importance of family values and has shared personal struggles and triumphs regarding his marriage and children. His wife, Serita, is actively involved in ministry, working alongside him at The Potter’s House and leading various programs focused on women’s empowerment.
The Potter’s House: T.D. Jakes’ Megachurch and Global Influence
Founded in 1996, The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas, has grown into one of the largest churches in the United States, with over 30,000 members. The church offers a variety of ministries, including youth programs, community outreach, and international humanitarian efforts.
Dr. Steven Lawson has been a prominent figure in the evangelical world for decades. Known for his passionate preaching, strong theological convictions, and extensive writings on Reformed theology, Lawson built a reputation as a stalwart defender of biblical truth. However, his career trajectory, like many before him, has not been without its challenges. The rise and fall of Dr. Steven Lawson is a story that offers lessons on influence, integrity, and the evolving landscape of evangelicalism.
Understanding The Rise and Fall of Dr. Steven Lawson
The Rise of Dr. Steven Lawson
Dr. Steven Lawson’s ascent to prominence began with his deep commitment to biblical preaching and expository teaching. He has served as a pastor, author, and conference speaker, influencing countless individuals with his theological insights. His books on preaching, church history, and Reformed theology have been widely read, and his ability to communicate complex theological concepts in a clear and compelling manner earned him respect within evangelical circles.
Lawson’s role as the founder and president of OnePassion Ministries further solidified his influence. Through this ministry, he sought to equip pastors and laypeople with the tools necessary for faithful, expository preaching. His close association with other well-known theologians and pastors, particularly within the Reformed tradition, positioned him as a leading voice in the resurgence of Reformed theology in modern evangelicalism.
In addition to his writing and ministry work, Lawson has been a regular contributor to such organizations as the OnePassion Ministries and Ligonier Ministries’ events. His messages, often centered on the sovereignty of God and the authority of Scripture, resonated with many who sought a return to doctrinal fidelity in an era of theological compromise.
The Fall of Dr. Steven Lawson
Last Fall (2024) Christian watchdog organization reportedthat Lawson had been “removed” from ministry roles at Trinity Bible Church due to an inappropriate relationship. One key factor in what some might term Lawson’s “fall” is the increasing polarization within evangelical circles. As theological debates have intensified over issues such as social justice, church leadership, and denominational shifts, Lawson’s adherence to traditional Reformed principles has alienated certain groups. While many appreciate his steadfastness, others have viewed his approach as lacking nuance or pastoral sensitivity.
Worship in the local church has always evolved to reflect cultural shifts, technological advancements, and theological insights. As churches seek to engage their congregations more meaningfully, new trends are emerging that will shape how worship is led in the coming years. Leading worship for the local church is no longer just about music; it involves fostering a holistic, immersive, and participatory experience that deepens the congregation’s connection with God.
The Future of Leading Worship for the Local Church
1. Participation Over Performance
One of the biggest shifts in leading worship for the local church is moving away from a performance-driven model toward greater congregational engagement. Many churches are rethinking the role of worship leaders, emphasizing their responsibility to facilitate participation rather than simply perform songs. Worship teams are encouraging more responsive singing, fostering a culture where worship is not just something people watch but actively engage in. This shift includes simpler song arrangements, call-and-response elements, and intentional moments for spontaneous prayer or scripture readings.
2. Technology in Worship
Technology continues to revolutionize worship experiences, making it easier for churches of all sizes to enhance their services. Live streaming and digital worship tools have become essential, allowing churches to reach beyond their physical walls. Worship leaders are also leveraging virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to create immersive experiences that enhance worship engagement. Additionally, AI-assisted worship planning tools are helping teams curate setlists, transcribe music, and generate chord charts, making worship preparation more efficient.
As churches seek depth and theological richness in their worship, there is a growing resurgence of hymns and ancient liturgical elements. Many worship leaders are incorporating modern adaptations of classic hymns, recognizing their timeless lyrical depth. Chanting, guided prayers, and moments of silence are also being integrated into contemporary services, bridging the gap between historical worship traditions and modern expressions.
4. Multicultural and Multilingual Worship
With churches becoming more diverse, leading worship for the local church is increasingly reflecting various cultural influences. Many congregations are incorporating songs in multiple languages, representing the backgrounds of their members. Instruments and musical styles from different cultures are also being blended into worship sets, creating a more inclusive environment where people from diverse backgrounds can worship together authentically.
Trump and Zelenskyy engaged in a shouting match after Vance accused Zelenskyy of not being grateful to the Trump administration for the aid the United States has provided in Ukraine’s war against Russia.
Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, resulting in tens of thousands of civilian deaths. According to Zelenskyy, the war has claimed the lives of over 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers.
ChurchLeaders asked Dr. Glen Duerr, professor of international studies at Cedarville University, why he believes Christians in America should care about what is happening in Ukraine.
“First is Matthew 28, the Great Commission, to make disciples of all nations, and while Ukraine is one of 193 Member States of the United Nations, it’s still one that is on the hearts of many,” Duerr said.
There is also “a long connection point between the American Evangelical Church in Ukraine.” Although Ukraine is predominantly Eastern Orthodox, evangelical seminaries are spread throughout the country.
Duerr said, “So there are many reasons to care, even though it’s not immediately close to us.” Duerr said that Christians share a heavenly citizenship (Philippians 3:20) with Christians in Ukraine and thus should pray for them.
“And also to have a heart for those in Russiaas well. That’s an important point for us,” he added. “There are significant evangelical churches that have been brutalized by Putin as well but [that] still stand firm on the Word of God.”
The conversation then shifted to the spectacle that took place last Friday inside the Oval Office during a meeting in which the press was invited and that involved Trump, Vance, and Zelenskyy.
Referring to the contentious White House meeting, Duerr noted that 40 minutes of the 50-minute meeting were “quite cordial.”
“On the one hand, it’s extraordinary because it was so contentious and public,” Duerr said. “That’s just very different. Oftentimes, when there are contentious phone calls or meetings, they’re generally behind closed doors, out of the view of the public. This one was very public and very animated.”
“The last 10 minutes really descended,” Duerr said. When asked why he thought the argument escalated so quickly, Duerr said:
I’ve met J.D. Vance personally and got along with him very well. He does have this personability, but when you’re in politics, you do have to stand firm on some issues. And he’s long been probably the most critical Senator of Zelenskyy—Zelenskyy’s approach to the United States, the way he comes in and he argues, just basically pushes Americans to give money. And in the United States, we do have our own level of debt, some $36 trillion. And so a lot of this came down, in my view, to worldview and questions surrounding it, because…the United States is $36 trillion in debt, and we have now given, at minimum, $120 billion in terms of military and economic aid to Ukraine. President Trump puts the figure much closer to $300 billion, which is why I think he’s pushing for the minerals deal. I think there’s more to it, but that’s it in part. Why the disparity between the numbers? Well, when you’re giving away military equipment, even if it’s older or mothballed, there’s still research and development, design engineering, support staff, so you do have to give monetary credit, I think, where it’s due.
“If Zelenskyy is not going to sign this mineral deal,” which would provide the United States with rare Earth minerals, Duerr said, “I think that is why [press conference] began to fray as well.”
Duerr added:
The other worldview question is for President Trump. He really wants to avoid WWIII. And there’s a long history of European conflicts that have simmered, even going back to the early 1700s—the War of Spanish Succession, the War of Austrian Succession, the Seven Years War, the Napoleonic wars, WWI, WWII. All of these started in Europe, they simmered, and then they went elsewhere in the world, in the Americas, typically the Caribbean, North Africa, the Middle East into Asia. And Ukraine has now been invaded by Russia—we’ve hit the three-year anniversary, unfortunately.You have North Korean troops. There you have weaponry from a lot of parts of the world. At what point does this become something global in a time where we have very sophisticated weaponry, including nuclear weapons? And I think that’s Trump’s ultimate point. If you’re not willing to make a deal, this is dangerous for us.
Looking at the situation from Zelenskyy’s point of view, Duerr commented:
On the other hand, Zelenskyy is looking at this in terms of his worldview and saying, “Well, I’m the commander-in-chief of Ukraine, and there needs to be a Ukraine. If you’re not willing to give us security guarantees under NATO, or something wider, or give us military aid, that’s really a danger for me.” The other one for Zelenskyy is, well, and I think it’s shared more broadly, if Russia has a deal with Ukraine, and in that deal, Ukraine gives up mineral rights as well as significant territory, what does it teach other aggressive countries around the world, from China to Iran to Azerbaijan to Turkey to Venezuela? All of them have been saber rattling against their neighbors since 2022, and this is where it becomes very dangerous, because, if we have a short-term peace agreement, we could miss the justice element. And that is that Russia invaded first.
“We cannot forget that Russia is the one that punched Ukraine—Russia is the aggressor,” Duerr said, pointing out that in 1994, Russia signed the Budapest Memorandum, which assured Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in exchange for giving up nuclear weapons.
Afghan refugees hold placards during their meeting to discuss situation after President Donald Trump paused the U.S. refugee programs, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)
Numerous Afghans provided crucial assistance to the United States during our 20-year war in Afghanistan, partnering with American troops and the U.S. government in opposing the Taliban. Some of these Afghans are also Christians.
Yet now their lives and livelihoods are at risk because of three executive orders (EO) issued by the Trump administration. These EOs have halted key immigration pipelines, pipelines that were developed after the Biden administration’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Moreover, advocates fear that as soon as next week, Afghanistan will be added to a list of countries whose citizens will be banned from entering the U.S., no matter what visa they hold.
“As people of faith, and particularly in this present cultural and political moment, it’s on us to be the leaders on these issues, particularly because of the support that President Trump has had in the evangelical and faith communities,” said Kami Rice, cofounder of Allied Shepherd, a group that provides humanitarian aid to at-risk Afghans. “If we think this matters, we need to make sure that he hears that, and we need to be leaders on this issue particularly.”
On Jan. 20, President Trump signed an EO suspending the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), an EO pausing foreign aid, and an EO requiring the secretary of State, secretary of Homeland Security, and director of National Intelligence to create a report identifying countries that have an inadequate vetting processes.
Reuters reported yesterday (March 6) that insiders say Afghanistan will likely be added to this list and that all Afghans will therefore be banned from entering the U.S.
Rice is a journalist, as well as editor-in-chief of Anthrow Circus. The organization she cofounded, Allied Shepherd, is a member of the Afghan Evac Coalition. Rice explained two situations by which Afghans make it to the U.S., emphasizing that for Afghans who do not have the option to get visas via other situations, such work or marriage, it is not possible for anyone to simply apply for entry into our country.
One pathway is that Afghans can apply for a special immigrant visa (SIV). An Afghan who wishes to apply for such a visa has to have worked for the U.S. government for a year.
What that work entailed could be “a range of things,” said Rice. It could be anything from Afghans working as electricians on a military base to Afghans risking their lives by going ahead of Green Berets to remove land mines.
Some Afghans worked as interpreters and went into combat with American troops. “Different people were in different levels of danger,” said Rice. However, “all of those people had to be vetted in order to be on the bases and work for the U.S. government,” and they were “necessary” for the work the U.S. was doing in Afghanistan.
Therefore, when qualifying Afghans apply for an SIV, they have already been vetted for their work for the American government; they subsequently go through additional vetting in the visa application process.
Growing in faith requires intentionality. Just as physical exercise strengthens the body, spiritual disciplines strengthen the soul. These time-tested practices help believers draw closer to God, cultivate a deeper relationship with Him, and align their lives with His will. Whether you’re new to faith or have been walking with God for years, engaging in spiritual disciplines can transform your spiritual journey.
The Importance of Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual disciplines are not rules or rituals that earn God’s favor. Instead, they are opportunities to position ourselves before Him, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts and lives. When practiced consistently, these disciplines nurture spiritual growth, increase our awareness of God’s presence, and help us become more like Christ.
Some key benefits of practicing spiritual disciplines include:
Strengthened faith and deeper trust in God
Greater peace and joy in daily life
Increased resistance to temptation and sin
Enhanced understanding of Scripture
A more intimate and personal relationship with God
A clearer sense of purpose and direction in life
Key Spiritual Disciplines to Strengthen Your Faith
1. Prayer
Prayer is the foundation of a strong spiritual life. It is our direct line of communication with God, allowing us to express gratitude, seek guidance, confess sins, and intercede for others.
To develop a consistent prayer life:
Set aside dedicated time each day for prayer.
Use a prayer journal to track prayers and answers.
Pray Scripture to align your heart with God’s Word.
Practice listening prayer, allowing God to speak to you.
Join a prayer group to experience corporate prayer and encouragement.
2. Bible Study and Meditation
Reading and studying the Bible is essential for spiritual growth. God’s Word provides wisdom, encouragement, and instruction for daily living.
Ways to engage in Bible study:
Follow a structured reading plan.
Use a study Bible or commentary for deeper understanding.
Memorize key verses to recall in times of need.
Meditate on Scripture, reflecting on how it applies to your life.
Participate in a Bible study group for shared insights and accountability.
3. Worship
Worship is more than singing songs; it is a lifestyle of honoring God. Whether through music, prayer, or acts of service, worship refocuses our hearts on God’s greatness and love.
Ways to incorporate worship:
Sing praises during personal devotion time.
Attend church regularly and participate in corporate worship.
Express gratitude to God throughout the day.
Worship through acts of service and obedience.
Reflect on God’s attributes and faithfulness in moments of stillness.
4. Fasting
Fasting is the practice of abstaining from food or other distractions to focus on God. It helps us develop spiritual discipline, rely on God’s strength, and seek His will.
To start fasting:
Begin with a short fast, such as skipping one meal.
Use fasting time to pray and read Scripture.
Choose a non-food fast, like social media, to remove distractions.
Seek God’s guidance before starting an extended fast.
Reflect on the deeper purpose of fasting and align it with spiritual growth.
5. Solitude and Silence
In a world filled with noise and busyness, taking time for solitude and silence allows us to hear God’s voice more clearly.
To practice solitude and silence:
Set aside daily quiet time to be alone with God.
Unplug from technology to eliminate distractions.
Spend time in nature, reflecting on God’s creation.
Journal thoughts and prayers during silent reflection.
Use moments of stillness to rest in God’s presence and listen for His guidance.
Moral Theology shapes how Christians live out their faith in everyday life. It provides a framework for making ethical decisions rooted in Scripture, tradition, and reason. Whether you’re deepening your faith or seeking clarity on moral issues, understanding these core principles will strengthen your spiritual journey.
10 Principles of Moral Theology
1. The Dignity of the Human Person
At the heart of Moral Theology is the belief that every person is made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). This principle calls Christians to respect all human life, from conception to natural death. It influences moral stances on issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and human rights.
This respect for human dignity also extends to social interactions, workplace ethics, and the fair treatment of individuals regardless of their background. Every act of kindness and justice is a reflection of the divine image within each person.
2. The Call to Holiness and Virtue
Moral Theology emphasizes the pursuit of holiness through the practice of virtue. Key virtues include:
Faith – Trusting in God’s revelation.
Hope – Confidence in God’s promises.
Charity (Love) – Loving God and others selflessly.
Prudence – Making wise moral decisions.
Justice – Giving each person their due.
Fortitude – Standing firm in faith and morality.
Temperance – Exercising self-control.
Virtue is not merely about avoiding sin but actively seeking good. Practicing virtue strengthens one’s character and fosters a moral lifestyle that influences family, work, and social relationships.
3. The Role of Conscience
The conscience is God’s voice within, guiding individuals to distinguish right from wrong. However, Moral Theology teaches that conscience must be well-formed through prayer, Scripture, and Church teachings. A poorly formed conscience can lead to moral errors, so continuous learning and reflection are essential.
A well-formed conscience also requires humility. Being open to correction, seeking guidance from spiritual leaders, and participating in the Sacraments help sharpen moral discernment.
4. The Principle of Double Effect
Some moral decisions involve unintended negative consequences. The Principle of Double Effect helps determine if an action is morally permissible by evaluating:
The moral nature of the act (it must be good or neutral).
The intention behind the act.
Whether the good effect outweighs the bad.
This principle applies to complex ethical issues such as self-defense and medical treatments that may have harmful side effects. It encourages careful moral reasoning and prevents rash decision-making based solely on outcomes rather than intent.
5. The Common Good
Christian morality extends beyond personal ethics to the welfare of society. The common good means creating conditions where all people can flourish. This includes:
Protecting human rights.
Promoting social justice.
Upholding family and community values.
Acts of mercy, such as feeding the hungry, advocating for the oppressed, and contributing to the well-being of society, embody this principle. It challenges Christians to think beyond personal gain and seek ways to contribute to the betterment of all.
Moral Theology upholds marriage as a sacred covenant between a man and a woman. The family is the foundation of society, and Christian ethics emphasize:
Fidelity and commitment in marriage.
Openness to life and responsible parenthood.
The moral upbringing of children in faith.
Strong families create strong communities. Upholding the sanctity of marriage and family ensures that children are nurtured in an environment of faith, love, and moral discipline, preparing them to live virtuously.
It is likely that Americans will file more than 160 million federal income tax returns this year.
As April 15 approaches, and ministers and employees nationwide prepare to send their filings, they may be surprised to learn they owe more taxes than expected.
Here’s what it means: Absent an accountable reimbursement arrangement, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) views any reimbursed business expenses paid by an employer to an employee as nonaccountable. And this creates taxable income for the employee.
This may seem unfair. After all, ministers and employees may use their personal vehicles for church-related matters and deserve reimbursements for their miles. Or they may incur charges on personal credit cards for meals or other purchases officially tied to church business.
So, if they get reimbursed for these common church-related expenses, why should they then owe the government taxes on those reimbursements?
A Common Mistake
As unfair as it may seem, the rationale makes sense.
Legitimate as the expense—and the corresponding reimbursement—may be, if the church doesn’t adopt and follow a recognized method for handling it, the IRS views it as taxable because it hasn’t been verified as a true business expense.
In theory, this approach helps cut down on misuses of reimbursements for personal gain.
Attorney and CPA Richard Hammar, senior editor of Church Law & Tax, explained to me the seven common tax mistakes that churches and ministers make—and not adopting an accountable reimbursement arrangement is near the top of the list.
(To go deeper, Chapter 7 of Hammar’s 2025 Church & Clergy Tax Guide offers more details, explanations, and illustrations.)
Furthermore, because of a provision in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, taxpayers cannot itemize business expense deductions on their returns at this time. That makes the adoption of an accountable reimbursement arrangement even more important (although some speculate the provision, set to expire at the end of 2025, will not be renewed as part of larger tax reform in 2025).
An Easy Fix
Fortunately, churches can easily fix this problem now by adopting an accountable reimbursement arrangement.
An arrangement is accountable when it meets these requirements:
Only business expenses are reimbursed and include documentation (receipts) and explanations (business justifications);
Reimbursement requests are submitted within 60 days;
Any excess reimbursements inadvertently paid to the minister or employee are paid back to the church within 120 days; and,
The employer pays reimbursements out of its funds, not by reducing the minister or employee’s salary.
Such a plan means the minister or employee reports and documents the business expenses in a timely way—and they’re verified—with the church. The reimbursements are not reported as income to the employee.
Accountable reimbursement arrangements are the best way for churches to handle business expense reimbursements for ministers and employees.
The multi-Grammy and 20-time Dove Award-winning artist, whose real name is Toby McKeehan, described “Heaven on My Mind” as a “journey of going from total ashes to crawling to walking to standing up. It was me figuring out how to relate to God again, leading to all these questions, and ultimately something beautiful.”
“I have a deeper relationship with God than I’ve ever had, because I walked through the valley with Him, and I decided I trusted Him,” TobyMac said.
The McKeehan family tragically lost their 21-year-old son, Truett, to an accidental drug overdose on Oct. 23, 2019.
The DC Talk alum has been open about the loss of his son. During an interview with Joy FM in 2023, TobyMac said that he never knew what grief was before Truett’s death. “I just felt like everything was beautiful and perfect until the last few years,” he said. “And then when we lost Truett and everything changed…I met grief in the fiercest way.”
“God doesn’t promise us He will take away the cold. He promises He will be right there in it with us,” TobyMac shared. “That’s what I held on to, and I found Him there, or He found me there.”
During a 2023 tour stop in Dayton, Ohio, TobyMac told the crowd his son’s death brought his Bible reading to a complete stop for a couple of weeks.
Being real with his struggles, TobyMac explained that he told God, “I’m going to give you a chance.” He then joked, “Imagine telling the God of all creation, ‘I’m gonna give you a chance.’”
“See, to have a relationship with anyone, you gotta be talking to them, and they gotta be talking to you. You gotta be listening to them, and they gotta be listening to you,” McKeehan said. “The way God talks to us is through his Word. And the way we talk to him is through prayer. So the way I see it, if I ain’t talking to God, he’s not talking to me. Do I really have a relationship with him at all?”
Demi-Leigh and Tim Tebow celebrate their baby girl. Screengrab from X/ @DemiTebow
Two months after announcing they are pregnant with their first child, Tim Tebow and Demi-Leigh Tebow found out the baby is a girl. On Wednesday (March 5), the couple shared a creative video reveal on social media.
Standing in front of a large canvas, Tim and Demi-Leigh blindfolded each other and then began painting. The video footage, which was black and white as they painted, returned to color when they opened their eyes to a pink canvas.
“Tim’s a girl dad!” Demi-Leigh exclaimed as the couple embraced. The video ends with a pink image that says “Baby Girl Tebow,” plus the words to Psalm 24:4-5.
On social media, Demi-Leigh explained, “To create a meaningful piece of art for the nursery, we decided to find out the gender through painting! We chose two Bible verses—one for a boy and one for a girl—to add to the canvas once it was complete.”
Demi-Leigh Tebow: ‘Bring on the Pink Bows’
Tim Tebow, a former NFL player, is now a college football analyst, motivational speaker, and philanthropist. In 2020, he married Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, a South African model who was named Miss Universe 2017. The outspoken Christians shared in January that they’re “over the moon to step into parenthood together.” Baby Tebow is due this summer.
Even before this week’s reveal, Tim, 37, and Demi-Leigh, 29, both thought the baby was a girl. After sharing the news, Demi-Leigh posted, “We pray that she always finds her identity in Christ and places her hope in His love and truth. Now, let’s get this nursery in order! Bring on the pink bows, ruffles, and all things sweet.”
In a repost of the video announcement, Tim wrote to his wife, “Can’t believe we get to do this life together @DemiTebow!! Baby girl will have an amazing example in you to follow.”
Last month, the parents-to-be traveled to South Africa for a baby shower. While sharing photos of the special event, Demi-Leigh posted:
Baby Tebow is in bloom. Spending most of my time in the U.S., one of the hardest things is not being able to share some of life’s special moments with my friends and family back home in South Africa. I’m especially grateful for this time to celebrate Baby Tebow with some of the people that have been in my life since I was little!
The Tebows Prepare for Parenthood
In an interview with E! News, Tim and Demi-Leigh Tebow said, “We can’t wait to meet our baby girl and are excited for all the big milestones and little moments in between. Getting to watch her grow each day and become the person God created her to be will be such a gift.”
Actor Chris Pratt recently shared about how his son’s health challenges shaped his faith, describing how his prayers that God would save his son were a defining moment for him.
Pratt, who first rose to fame playing Andy Dwyer in the NBC sitcom “Parks and Recreation,” is a star in several franchises, including “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Jurassic World,” “The Lego Movie,” and “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.”
Through the years, Pratt has been vocal about his faith, sometimes drawing backlash. In 2022, a campaign to have him removed from his role in “Guardians of the Galaxy” began circulating online, with critics accusing Pratt of beinghomophobic.
Nevertheless, Pratt has remained open about his Christian faith, discussing his belief that God has a plan for his life and sharing positively about his experiences attending church.
In a recent interview with FOX & Friends, Pratt shared about a pivotal moment in his faith. Pratt said, “The most impactful moment was when my son was born.”
Pratt’s son, Jack, was born in 2012. Jack was born nine weeks premature and weighed less than four pounds. He also suffered from brain bleeding, and his prognosis was uncertain.
“He was born early and had some health scares,” Pratt continued. “And in that moment, [I] really made some deals with God, as you do when you’re praying. And I felt like, ‘If you save my son, I will give you everything. I’ll give you my life. I’ll give you my platform. I won’t be ashamed to talk to you, talk about you.’”
“And he did save my son,” Pratt said, “and I’ve been trying to make good on that promise ever since.”
Christianity, one of the world’s most diverse religions, encompasses a wide range of beliefs, practices, and traditions. The faith has evolved into numerous denominations over centuries, each offering unique interpretations of Christian teachings, worship styles, and community life. As a result, understanding these differences and similarities is essential for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Christian faith. In this blog post, we’ll provide denominational overviews to help you explore the distinct branches of Christianity, their core beliefs, and their commonalities.
The Broad Spectrum of Christian Denominations
Christianity is divided into three major branches: Catholicism, Protestantism, and Eastern Orthodoxy. Within these branches, there are numerous denominations, each with their own interpretations of the Bible, traditions, and practices. The term “denomination” refers to a distinct religious body within Christianity, and each denomination has developed its own theological perspectives.
While there are significant theological differences, denominational overviews reveal that all Christian groups share a fundamental belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, as well as common teachings from the Bible. Below are some of the key denominations within the broader categories of Catholicism, Protestantism, and Eastern Orthodoxy.
Catholicism: A Tradition Rooted in History
Catholicism is the largest Christian denomination, with over a billion adherents worldwide. The Catholic Church traces its origins to the apostolic leadership of St. Peter, and it has a rich tradition that includes a strong emphasis on sacraments, rituals, and the authority of the Pope.
Key beliefs and practices in Catholicism include:
The Pope’s Authority: Catholics believe the Pope is the earthly representative of Christ, the Vicar of Christ, and the spiritual leader of the Church.
Seven Sacraments: Catholics observe seven sacraments, which include Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.
Tradition and Scripture: Catholic theology teaches that both the Bible and Sacred Tradition are sources of divine revelation.
The Communion of Saints: Catholics venerate saints and believe in their intercession with God.
Despite differences with other Christian denominations, denominational overviews of Catholicism reveal that it remains committed to the core Christian tenets of faith in Jesus Christ, salvation, and the afterlife.
Protestantism: A Movement of Reformation
Protestantism emerged in the 16th century as a result of the Reformation, a movement that sought to reform the practices and beliefs of the Catholic Church. Led by figures such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, and others, Protestants broke away from Catholicism and developed distinct theological perspectives.
Key Protestant denominations include:
Lutheranism: Founded by Martin Luther, Lutherans believe in salvation by faith alone, the authority of Scripture, and the presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
Reformed/Calvinism: Influenced by John Calvin, Reformed churches emphasize God’s sovereignty, predestination, and the importance of living a godly life.
Anglicanism: The Anglican Church, also known as the Church of England, is a branch of Protestantism that combines elements of both Catholic and Reformation traditions.
Baptists: Baptists believe in baptism by immersion and hold to the principle of “sola scriptura,” the belief that Scripture alone is the ultimate authority.
Pentecostalism: Known for its emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit, Pentecostals practice speaking in tongues, healing, and prophetic ministry.
While these denominations differ in certain practices, they share a commitment to the idea of sola scriptura (Scripture alone), the priesthood of all believers, and the belief in salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
Eastern Orthodoxy: Ancient Traditions and Rich Liturgy
Eastern Orthodoxy is one of the oldest branches of Christianity, with a history dating back to the early centuries of the Church. The Orthodox Church is not a single institution but rather a group of autocephalous (independent) churches that share a common tradition, liturgy, and theology.
Key features of Eastern Orthodoxy include:
The Holy Trinity: Eastern Orthodox Christians emphasize the unity and co-equal nature of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Sacramental Life: Like Catholics, Orthodox Christians observe seven sacraments, including Baptism, Eucharist, and Confession.
The Importance of Icons: Icons (religious images) play a central role in Orthodox worship, serving as windows into the divine.
Liturgy and Worship: The Divine Liturgy is the central act of worship, marked by elaborate rituals, prayers, and the veneration of saints.
While the Eastern Orthodox Church differs from Catholicism and Protestantism in its understanding of authority (rejecting papal supremacy), denominational overviews of the Orthodox tradition reveal many shared Christian beliefs and practices, such as the centrality of Christ’s resurrection and the importance of the sacraments.
It’s odd to me that so many assume our loved ones in Heaven are completely ignorant of what’s going on here on Earth where the great drama of redemption is unfolding—wouldn’t we think they’d be more enlightened, not less? I addressed this question in a video a few years ago:
Here are some related thoughts:
Can Our Loved Ones in Heaven See Us?
From what we see in Scripture, it appears people in Heaven have at least some idea of what’s happening here. Now, I’m not making the claim that they know or pay attention to everything that’s going on. But take, for example, the martyrs in Revelation 6, who knew that God hadn’t yet brought judgment on those who killed them. It’s likely that they knew many other things about what’s happening on Earth:
“I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. They called out in a loud voice, ‘How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?’ Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed.” (Revelation 6:9-11)
This passage demonstrates that our loved ones in Heaven are the same people—only relocated. There’s continuity of identity from this life to the next. Those we love who are there now are part of what Hebrews 12:23 calls the “righteous men made perfect.”
Notice that the martyrs are aware of what happens on earth when they ask God, “How long… until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” They know those who killed them haven’t yet been judged. That means the martyrs remember their lives on Earth, even that they were murdered. Some say people in Heaven can’t remember or see life on earth because knowing of evil would diminish Heaven’s happiness. But that’s not true. The key to Heaven’s joy isn’t ignorance, but perspective.
In the realm of the theological sciences, no subject is as difficult to navigate as that of Old and New Testament textual criticism. Especially textual criticism in preaching. Textual criticism involves a vast amount of linguistic consideration, transmission theory, historiographical data, philosophical reasoning, archeological discovery, and intertextual comparison. The number of factors at play makes textual criticism a specialist rather than a generalist science.
Textual Criticism in Preaching Variant Texts In The Bible
Perhaps the most important factor in textual criticism in preaching is understanding how to approach textual variants in preaching. Since most pastors are generalists rather than specialists, it is important for them to know how to approach variants in their exposition of books of the Bible.
How much should a pastor talk about textual criticism in preaching through books of the Bible? How should ministers address a textual variant when it is a more questionable reading of the text of the book through which he is preaching? These and many other questions are important for the simple reason that any minister preaching faithfully through the books of the Bible will inevitably be confronted with the difficult task of navigating the variants.
One of the first things we have to recognize in this discussion is the distinction between the inspiration of the original text of Scripture, given by God in Hebrew in the Old Testament and in Greek in the New Testament, and the preservation of the original manuscripts. John H. Skilton has rightly explains,
According to the [Westminster Confession of Faith], the canonical books were given by inspiration of God (I.ii). The Old Testament in the Hebrew and the New Testament in the Greek — the Scriptures in the languages in which they were given — were immediately inspired by God (I.viii). Quite distinct from the inspiration of the original manuscripts have been the care and providence whereby the Scriptures have been kept pure. It is by virtue of these two separate considerations — the immediate inspiration of the sacred writings in their original form and the singular divine care and providence — that the Old Testament in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek are to be regarded as authentical (I.viii). Indeed, far from confusing these two matters, conservative scholars would insist on making a very sharp distinction between them.”1
We both recognize the divine inspiration of the original writing of Scripture and God’s preservation of it. However, these are two different things. In the inspiration of the originals, God gave the church an inspired and infallible written revelation. In the preservation of His word, God has not given us a single manuscript collection for either the Old or New Testament texts. Some have erroneously tried to argue that Textus Receptus, or common Greek text of the New Testament, represents the ipsissima verba, written by the inspired men throughout. The problem with such an argument is that the Textus Receptusis essentially a copy of Erasmus’ Fifth Basle Edition of the Greek New Testament drawn primarily from a few manuscripts in the Constantinopolitan family. It does not take into account the many other manuscripts and variants that lend substantial support to the work of textual criticism. In textual criticism in preaching we should confidently affirm that God has preserved His inspired and inerrant revelation in the original Greek manuscripts, but we cannot simply appeal to one single source. God has preserved His inspired revelation in transcribed manuscripts, just not in the original manuscripts in which it was written by “men. . .as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet. 1:21).
Noting that there is not a single manuscript collection in which the word of God has been infallibly preserved does not undermine our confidence in the preservation of the word of God. When we approach this subject, we must remember that we can be confident that the majority of variants—in both the Old and the New Testament—are scribal errors of nothing more than a single letter. Robert Dick Wilson, in his Scientific Investigation of the Old Testament, has helpfully noted that the majority of textual variants in the Masoretic Hebrew manuscripts are merely variants involving the vowels w and y. He wrote,
An examination of the Hebrew manuscripts now in existence shows that in the whole Old Testament there are scarcely any variants supported by more than one manuscript out of 200 to 400, in which each book is found, except in the use of the full and defective writing of the vowels. This full, or defective, writing of the vowels has no effect either on the sound or the sense of the word.2
Can you recognize the characteristics of dying churches? I have the awesome privilege of serving a church that has been around for over 80 years. In those 80 years, the church has only had four senior pastors. While our congregation has had its share of struggles over the years, we are pleased that we have survived!
Considering the staggering statistics on church mortality in America, we are grateful to God for still standing strong. Some researchers suggest that between 3,500-4,500 churches close their doors (or die) each year. That means that in the time since our congregation was founded over 80 years ago, over 300,000 churches have died! I suspect that most church “deaths” occur for a few simple (and oftentimes avoidable) reasons, the common characteristics of dying churches.
Recently, one of the senior members of our congregation—who has been there for all 80 plus years—handed me a church newsletter that was written in 1959. As I delicately flipped through the tattered pages of this precious document, one article in the newsletter pricked my attention. The title, which I have borrowed for this blog post, was simply “10 Ways to Kill a Church.” The thing that interested me the most is how this list of “church killers” written in 1959 looks so much like the usual suspects in many church deaths today.
Characteristics of Dying Churches
Here is my slightly paraphrased version of the 1959 list of “10 Ways to Kill a Church”. Today’s characteristics of dying churches are:
#1. Don’t come.
One of the biggest characteristics of dying churches is waning attendance. Many people simply can’t find the time to spend an hour or two in the Lord’s house. We find excuse after excuse as to why we can’t come to church.
I wonder what our lives would look like if God only showed up at our house as often as we showed up at His. The Bible is clear about the importance of assembling or coming together (Hebrews 10:25).
I believe in the importance of going to church, which is why I do a weekly Twitter hashtag called #Go2Church. If we don’t go to church, we just might be playing a part in tthese characteristics of dying churches.
#2. If you do come, make sure it’s late.
So many of today’s worshipers (and apparently those of 1959) have a lackadaisical attitude toward worship. We have an “I’ll get there when I get there” attitude when it comes to church attendance.
I wonder, however, if we showed up to our job the way we show up to our church, how many of us would still be employed?
We say that God is an “on time” God, but can He say the same about us? A lack of punctuality when it comes to worship is a microcosm of our overall view of God. It says that whatever else we are doing is more important, and God can just wait until we get there. This type of attitude is a major church killer.
#3. Only show up when the weather is good.
Ever been to church in a driving rainstorm? Neither have most of the other people in your church! Some people only go to church when the sun is out and there are no clouds in the sky.
Discover more characteristics of dying churches on Page Two . . .
Easter is a time of renewal, joy, and reflection. Whether you’re celebrating with family, sharing a message of hope, or looking for the perfect words to post on social media, short Easter quotes can capture the spirit of the season. These uplifting words remind us of faith, new beginnings, and the victory of light over darkness.
Here are 25 short Easter quotes that will inspire you and those you share them with.
Uplifting Easter Quotes About Faith
“Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life.” – S.D. Gordon
“He is not here; He has risen!” – Luke 24:6
“Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.” – Martin Luther
“The very first Easter taught us this: that life never ends and love never dies.” – Kate McGahan
“Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.” – Pope John Paul II
Use this St. Patrick’s Day kidmin craft to explain the difference between luck and blessings. Teach Sunday school students that with God, we don’t need luck.
Say: When we think about St. Patrick’s Day, we often think about good luck.
Ask:
What trinkets or items do people sometimes believe can bring good luck?
Say: One symbol of luck associated with St. Patrick’s Day is a four-leaf clover. Let’s make some four-leaf clovers as we learn about the difference between luck and blessings from God.
Color and spray coffee filters.
First have kids each color four coffee filters with blue and yellow washable markers, using more yellow than blue. Place the filters on newspaper or a tarp, and spray them with water. The colors will blend together. Then place the filters on a cooling rack to dry.
Read a Bible verse.
Form eight groups if possible, but keep at least two kids per group. If you can’t make eight groups, then assign groups additional verses. Have groups each look up one verse of Matthew 5:3-11. Invite willing students from each group to read aloud their verses in order so everyone can hear all verses.
Ask:
Explain whether the situation in your verse sounds lucky.
What’s the difference between blessed and lucky?
Say: Let’s finish our four-leaf clovers. But rather than use them as a sign of good luck, let’s use them to thank God for his blessings.
Do your preteens bring a friend to church often? Does your preteen ministry have a culture of invitation? Read on for five ways to create an inviting ministry for middle schoolers, aka tweens.
A huge part of leading preteen ministry is encouraging kids to bring a friend. Anticipating and welcoming preteens’ friends into church is vital. Our youth ministry wants to be ready for guests. And we can intentionally equip and empower preteens to be an integral part of the process.
No matter where preteens are in their faith journey, we strive to point them to a relationship with Jesus. Here’s how we do that with guests.
An Inviting Culture for Preteen Ministry
1. We train regular attenders.
Reaching people who don’t know Jesus is very relational. So we consistently weave three D’s into our teaching. We train preteens to:
Develop friendships. (Get to know people who don’t know Jesus.)
Discover stories. (Don’t talk only about yourself. Ask questions and listen.)
Discern the next steps. (Don’t follow a formula. Look for opportunities in the conversation to share the truth you know about Jesus.)
2. We pray.
We’re focused on prayer. We pray for our kids, those who’ve already visited our church, and those who’ll come in the future.
3. We have a greeting room.
When preteens bring a friend, they introduce the person to volunteers in a greeting room. We call this the “candy room” because guests get to choose some assorted treats. This is a fun surprise for kids. Plus, it lets us welcome preteens, learn their names, and make them feel comfortable.
Over 1.4 million people have joined a 40-day Lent prayer challenge on the Hallow app as of Thursday, March 6. CEO and cofounder Alex Jones celebrated the app’s achievement—as well as Hallow’s rise to the No. 2 position among the free apps in Apple’s App Store.
“1.3 million as of today!” said Jones early Thursday. “Insane. Christ is King.”
Hallow App Achieves Milestone on Ash Wednesday
On March 5, Christians across the world observed Ash Wednesday and marked the beginning of Lent, a season in the Christian liturgical calendar that anticipates Jesus’ resurrection.
Lent goes for 40 days and ends during Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter Sunday. Other seasons in the Christian calendar include Advent, Easter, and Ordinary Time.
The roots of Lent go back to the practices of Christian converts in the early church, who would fast in preparation for being baptized on Easter morning. Eventually, Lent became associated with Jesus’ 40-day fast in the wilderness.
Hallow is a Catholic prayer and meditation app that routinely offers prayer challenges to users. The app partners with celebrities, including Jonathan Roumie, who stars as Jesus in “The Chosen,” and actors Mark Wahlberg and Jim Caviezel. The Advent 2024 prayer challenge featured partners including Bear Grylls, Gwen Stefani, Kevin James, Lauren Daigle, Jonathan Roumie, and Francis Chan.
This Lent, Hallow’s prayer challenge focuses on the writings of St. Josemaría Escrivá, author of “The Way.” Those facilitating the challenge include Roumie, Wahlberg and actor Chris Pratt.
In the realm of mental health and spiritual growth, Neuroscience Informed Christian Counseling® (NICC) offers a transformative approach that seamlessly integrates psychological insights with deep spiritual truths. One strategy of NICC is the innovative use of guided imagery techniques, specifically tailored to foster a profound connection with Jesus Christ.
This article delves into the intricacies of NICC’s unique practices, such as Immanuel Imagery, Immanuel Space, and Immanuel Memory. These methods not only facilitate emotional healing but also enhance the participant’s spiritual journey by cultivating a vivid awareness of Jesus’ presence in both memories and imagined safe havens.
Through the exploration of these techniques, we will uncover how NICC equips individuals with emotional and spiritual tools to navigate life’s challenges, deepening their faith and emotional resilience.
NICC Active Ingredient #8 Imagery
Imagery, as an active ingredient in Neuroscience Informed Christian Counseling® (NICC), is a powerful therapeutic tool used to access and transform deeply ingrained emotional memories and patterns. This approach leverages the neuroscience concept of memory reconsolidation, which is the process by which existing memories are recalled and potentially altered when new, mismatching information is introduced during a vulnerable phase of recall.
In NICC, imagery involves the use of vivid, controlled visualizations to create healing scenarios that contradict maladaptive beliefs or painful memories. By engaging the imaginal channel, clients can envision scenes where they receive compassion, understanding, or protection—experiences that might not have occurred in their actual past but that can significantly alter their emotional landscape. In this way, what was always needed in the past is now supplied in the present allowing unresolved trauma to process to completion.
This process often involves guided imagery where the therapist helps the client to imagine scenes in which they are cared for or loved, or where they might respond differently to past traumatic events.
The therapeutic use of imagery in NICC is grounded in the integration of spiritual truths and psychological insights. This is not merely about creating positive thoughts but about entering deeply into the emotional textures of these new experiences, thereby allowing the brain to begin incorporating these into the existing memory networks in ways that are healing and transformative.
For instance, a client might be guided to imagine a scenario where they are shown unconditional love and acceptance by Christ, which directly counters feelings of shame or unworthiness. This not only helps in reprocessing emotional memories but also reinforces the individual’s identity in Christ, aligning with both psychological health and spiritual maturity.
The process of engaging with imagery in NICC serves as a bridge, connecting the client’s psychological and spiritual experiences to foster deep healing and transformation, ultimately guiding them towards thriving as defined by both their faith and psychological well-being.
#8 Imagery Competency Markers
Evocative Imagery (8.1)
This involves using imagery to evoke powerful emotions and insights. Imagery in this context is used to activate parts of the brain associated with emotional and visual processing, helping clients to engage with and transform emotional experiences more deeply. This technique leverages the brain’s ability to simulate experiences as if they are happening in the present, which can be a potent tool for emotional healing and insight.
Imagery Naming (8.2)
Imagery Naming involves using imagery to articulate experience. This process helps clients to crystallize their experiences and emotions, making them more accessible for examination and transformation. It ties into the linguistic processing areas of the brain, facilitating a deeper understanding and integration of the therapy work.
Resource Development (8.3)
This marker focuses on developing internal resources through imagery. Clients are guided to imagine scenarios where they access strength, comfort, or other positive qualities. This practice helps build resilience and a sense of internal support, tapping into the brain’s capacity for adaptive neuroplasticity—where positive, resourceful states can be strengthened through focused attention and practice.
Joby Martin joins “The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast” to discuss what happens when a church leader has truly been run over by the “grace train" and understands the profound love and grace of God.
In the realm of 
