Done With the ‘Empty, Back-to-Zero Space’—Hulk Hogan Speaks of His ‘Big God’ and Faith

April 21, 2025

Terry Gene Bollea (a.k.a. Hulk Hogan) is clearly one of the most recognized and awarded American wrestling stars. The five-time WWF Champion has lately been outspoken about his beliefs, returning to the faith he found as a teenager.

“I accepted Christ as my Savior, but it took a while for me to get it,” Hogan recently recalled.

Hulk Hogan ‘Totally Surrendered’ and Makes His Faith a Priority

On a recent episode of “Try That in a Small Town Podcast,” Hogan opened up about his life and career as a professional wrestler. One topic he kept returning to was his faith.

Hulk Hogan began following Christ as a teenager, at the age of 14. He recalled playing guitar at a youth ranch. A couple fellow football players invited him to a Christian youth ranch and recruited him to play guitar for worship.

“I brought my guitar and ended up playing guitar for all the songs,” recalled Hogan. “I accepted Christ as my Savior then, but it took a while for me to get it.”

He admitted that he “didn’t follow the path for many years.” But that all changed after “all the stuff that’s happened.” The professional wrestler had a roller coaster career with incredible success in the 80s.

“All the crashing and burning and getting up and moving forward and starting over—and crashing and burning again after this mistake, after that mistake, I just totally surrendered,” said Hogan.

Hogan was also involved in feuds and legal battles. He returned to wrestling multiple times and is still battling the physical injuries and strain of his career.

“You know, I’ve fought harder than anybody,” Hogan said. “I’ve worked more longer hours than anybody, and I’m just so tired of being in the same empty back-to-zero space.”

He has since returned to church, attending each week. Hogan was also baptized at Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Largo, Florida, in December 2023.

“I just tell my big God about my little problems, and all those people that nip at my heels,” said Hogan. “I just pray for them. I can’t get involved with the drama because I just let God fight those battles. I just let him take over.”

Hogan became friends with many of the wrestlers he competed against. For some, like “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, it took years for the two to set aside their differences.

Ohio Man Dies in Tragic Accident After Bible Study; Pastor Hospitalized

Dale Chamberlain

April 21, 2025

A freak accident has claimed the life of an Ohio man who was on his way home from Bible study. His pastor remains hospitalized.

The incident occurred on Thursday (April 17), when Pastor Andrew Edwards of Northwest Baptist Church in Toledo was driving home Richard Miller after a Bible study at the church. While they were traveling, a nearby tree, along with some power lines, fell onto the vehicle.

Miller was pronounced dead at the scene, and Edwards was transported to the hospital for medical care.

According to an official with Toledo Fire and Rescue, the tree had rotted, causing it to fall.

“It is with great sadness and sorrow of heart that we must pass along this information and update,” the church said in a social media statement on Friday morning. “After the Thursday Night Bible study, Pastor Edwards dropped off Bro Joe at his home and then was taking Richard home. While en route they were involved in a tragic accident. A tree fell on the vehicle while they were waiting at a stop light.”

“As hard as this is to believe and share, Bro Richard was taken home to be with the Lord. Pastor Edwards is in critical care—but he is stable and responsive and has movement in all extremities,” the statement continued. “He suffered fractures to his clavicle, sternum, and a vertebra in his back. The biggest concern is a small brain bleed they are keeping an eye on.

“Please pray for Pastor Edwards’ recovery and the family. Please keep the Miller Family in your prayers as they mourn the sudden loss of a beautiful life,” the church said.

The church has subsequently provided updates on Edwards’ recovery.

“God is certainly answering the many prayers from across the globe! Pastor [Edwards] has been able to be awake this morning and is able to speak with the family. He has been able to recall the names of those present,” the church said on Saturday. “These are all massive answers to prayer! He will be undergoing some more tests this afternoon and through the weekend.”

Pope Francis, Charismatic Reformer and Disruptor, Dies at 88

Claire Giangrave

April 21, 2025

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Pope Francis, who sought to be a bridge maker as he led the Catholic Church in a time of deep polarization, died at 7:35 a.m. on Monday (April 21), at the age of 88, a day after surprising faithful in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.

“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially toward the poorest and most marginalized,” read a Vatican statement by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who is charged with overseeing the papal funeral and the election of the next pope.

The pope had been recovering from double pneumonia, for which he was hospitalized in mid-February and released after five weeks. The aging pontiff was initially treated for bronchitis during his hospital stay, but his doctors later said that he had developed pneumonia and was in critical condition at the time. Part of Francis’ lung had been removed at 21 after a life-threatening pneumonia.

As he aged, he had suffered a number of ailments, from sciatica to cataracts to chronic knee pain, and visitors to the Vatican were accustomed to seeing the pope struggle to walk when not seated in a wheelchair.

With his pastoral style of leadership and his emphasis on mercy, however, Francis restored the credibility of the church in the eyes of Catholics and non-Catholics after decades of bad news about clergy sex abuse, financial scandals and decline in attendance at Catholic churches.

“The pontificate of Pope Francis has been a breath of fresh air for the Catholic Church globally. He was loved for his simplicity, humility, and warmth,” said Sandie Cornish, senior lecturer in theology at the Australian Catholic University and a member of the Vatican Dicaster for Integral Human Development.

“The first Jesuit Pope, the first Latin American Pope, the first Pope from outside Europe since the early church, Francis brought a fresh perspective ‘from below’ or ‘from the ends of the earth’ as he put it when he was elected,” Cornish added.

Francis was known for his commitment to welcoming migrants and refugees, the protection of the environment and support for the poor and marginalized, but he remained a polarizing figure for Catholics who mirror society’s political and ideological divisions. He was elected by his fellow cardinals in 2013 as a reformer who would restore credibility to the church’s troubled finances, restructure the Vatican’s Curial departments and the spiritual reform of the church’s leadership and faithful.

Pope Francis succeeded Pope Benedict XVI as leader of the Catholic Church in 2013, after his predecessor shocked the Catholic world by stepping down as pontiff and took the title of emeritus pope. While Benedict remained silent, he was still regarded as a champion of conservative views in contrast to Francis’ softer approach to Catholic doctrine. His presence weighed on Francis’ tenure, despite joint efforts to present a united papacy, until Benedict’s death in 2022.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio to a family of Italian immigrants in Bueno Aires, Argentina, on Dec. 17, 1936, Francis spent his youth as a chemical technician and took occasional jobs as a bouncer and janitor. At 22 he began to follow a vocation to become a priest, and after two years as a novitiate he entered the Society of Jesus, the order known as the Jesuits, on March 12, 1960.

President Trump Uses Easter Message To Insult Political Enemies

Jesse T. Jackson

April 21, 2025

In a social media post on Sunday (April 20), President Donald Trump wished everyone a Happy Easter. Trump also directed an Easter message at former President Joe Biden, “radical left lunatics,” and MS-13 gang members.

“Melania and I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Easter,” Trump’s first message rang out at 8:40 a.m. “Whether you are heading out to Church or, watching Service from home, may this day be full of Peace and Joy for all who celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. HE IS RISEN!!”

Six minutes later Trump wrote, “Happy Easter to all, including the Radical Left Lunatics who are fighting and scheming so hard to bring Murderers, Drug Lords, Dangerous Prisoners, the Mentally Insane, and well known MS-13 Gang Members and Wife Beaters, back into our Country.”

“Happy Easter also to the WEAK and INEFFECTIVE Judges and Law Enforcement Officials who are allowing this sinister attack on our Nation to continue, an attack so violent that it will never be forgotten!” Trump continued. “Sleepy Joe Biden purposefully allowed Millions of CRIMINALS to enter our Country, totally unvetted and unchecked, through an Open Borders Policy that will go down in history as the single most calamitous act ever perpetrated upon America.”

“He was, by far, our WORST and most Incompetent President, a man who had absolutely no idea what he was doing,” Trump added.

“But to him, and to the person that ran and manipulated the Auto Pen (perhaps our REAL President!),” Trump said, “and to all of the people who CHEATED in the 2020 Presidential Election in order to get this highly destructive Moron Elected, I wish you, with great love, sincerity, and affection, a very Happy Easter!!!”

Trump held a White House Staff Easter Service at the White House on Wednesday (April 16). The event included speeches by Paula White, Franklin Graham, President Trump, and Jentezen Franklin. It also featured worship led by twelve students from Liberty University’s School of Music, Charles Billingsley, and the Marine Corps Band.

Other notable guests included Kenneth Copeland, Robert Jeffress, Greg Laurie, Travis Johnson, Samuel Rodriguez, and Jay Strack.

Trump Adviser and Pastor of First Baptist in Dallas Says IRS Investigated His Church

Bob Smietana and Jack Jenkins

April 21, 2025

Pastor Robert Jeffress of the First Baptist Dallas Church in 2017. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

(RNS) — President Trump told reporters on Thursday (April 17) that multiple pastors who gathered for a White House Easter service this week had complained about being investigated by the IRS over the past four years.

“They said, ‘Sir, I was targeted by the IRS, and the FBI came in, sir, and I’ve been going through Hell for years,’” Trump said in a discussion in the Oval Office about his threat to revoke the tax exempt status of Harvard University.

Religion News Service reached out to the pastors who attended the service to corroborate Trump’s account. Most did not immediately respond, but Pastor Robert Jeffress, pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, confirmed in an email that he told Trump at the event that he had been investigated by the IRS.

“I told the President that our church was the subject of an IRS investigation launched under the Biden administration that spanned several years and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars due to complaints from the Freedom From Religion Foundation,” Jeffress wrote. “The case was ultimately resolved in our favor.”

For years, advocates for the separation of church and state have urged the Internal Revenue Service to hold churches that endorse political candidates accountable, saying that such endorsements violate a provision of the U.S. tax code, known as the Johnson amendment, that bars nonprofits from taking sides in electoral campaigns. Little has come of those concerns, as the IRS has long been reluctant to investigate churches.

Asked for documentation proving that the investigation occurred, Jeffress said his church is turning all of the documentation regarding the investigation over to the White House, adding that “any release of that information will come from them.”

The White House did not immediately provide documentation when asked by RNS, saying they were looking into the matter.

Verifying the investigation without documentation may prove difficult. Asked about the alleged investigation, a representative for the IRS said federal employees are barred from disclosing tax return information, “including whether the agency has or has not investigated a particular entity.”

According to the FFRF, the group filed a complaint about First Baptist in July 2020, before the election and while Trump was still president. It focused on a visit by then-Vice President Mike Pence made to First Baptist for a “Celebrate Freedom Sunday.” Jeffress said he was praying that Pence would have a second term as vice president and then be elected president.

“Mr. Vice President, I know I probably should not say this, by my congregation knows that has never stopped me before,” said Jeffress, according to a recording of the service posted on First Baptist’s YouTube channel. He added: “We are praying that when you finish your term in 2024, we don’t want you moving out of the West Wing, we just want you moving down the hall a few doors and continue to build on the legacy of the most faith-friendly president in history.”

The FFRF argued Jeffress’ remarks amounted to an endorsement.

Only one congregation in recent history has lost its exemption for electioneering — namely, an upstate New York church that took out anti-Bill Clinton ads in several large newspapers in 1992. It has not been for lack of trying. For years, secular advocacy groups have complained about events such as “Pulpit Freedom Sunday,” a campaign involving thousands of pastors in which they endorse candidates from the pulpit and send recordings of their sermons to the IRS, hoping to produce a test case to overturn the Johnson amendment.

8 Ways to Make Your Church More Welcoming to Newcomers

Staff

April 21, 2025

A welcoming church doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentionality, creativity, and a heart for people. By implementing these strategies, your church can become a place where newcomers not only feel comfortable but also find a true sense of belonging. Strong church outreach for newcomers begins with empathy and continues with practical steps that make people feel valued from the moment they walk through your doors. Welcoming new faces into your church community is one of the most vital aspects of church growth and ministry. While regular members may feel at home, newcomers often experience uncertainty and anxiety when stepping into an unfamiliar space. That’s why intentional efforts to be welcoming and inclusive are essential.

Improve Church Outreach for Newcomers

If you’re looking for practical ways to enhance your church outreach for newcomers, these eight strategies can help create an environment where guests feel seen, valued, and encouraged to return.

1. Train a Dedicated Welcome Team

First impressions matter. Equip a team of friendly, approachable volunteers to serve as greeters at every entrance. Their job should be more than just handing out bulletins—they should offer a warm smile, answer questions, and help direct guests to the sanctuary, children’s area, or restrooms. Consider rotating team members so that no one becomes too “insider” focused. A strong welcome team is often the first step in successful church outreach for newcomers.

2. Improve Signage and Wayfinding

Walking into a new building can be intimidating if you don’t know where to go. Make sure your church has clear, readable signage directing visitors to key locations: the sanctuary, restrooms, children’s check-in, and information desk. If your church uses digital check-in for kids or online service bulletins, be sure to provide guidance on how it all works. Making logistics easier helps remove barriers that might keep a newcomer from returning.

3. Create a Follow-Up Plan

Following up with guests shows you value their presence. Ask visitors to fill out a connect card, either physically or digitally. Then, within 48 hours, send a brief and personal email or text thanking them for attending. Avoid pressuring them to commit—simply let them know you’re glad they came and offer a next step, like attending a newcomers’ lunch or joining a small group. This is a crucial part of church outreach for newcomers because it shifts the experience from transactional to relational.

How to Lead Worship Using Pre-Recorded Tracks

Staff

April 21, 2025

394681173Worship leaders today have more tools at their disposal than ever before. One of the most helpful, especially for smaller congregations or teams with limited musicians, is the use of pre-recorded tracks. These tracks can help maintain a full, professional sound even when resources are slim. Whether you’re working with a volunteer-based team, launching a new church plant, or navigating the unexpected absence of a key musician, learning to lead worship with pre-recorded tracks can be a game-changer.

This article will walk you through the key steps, tips, and considerations for effectively using pre-recorded tracks in your worship service.

The Benefits and Challenges of Leading Worship with Pre-Recorded Tracks

Why Use Pre-Recorded Tracks?

There are several compelling reasons why worship leaders turn to pre-recorded tracks:

Consistency: Pre-recorded tracks offer a steady tempo and sound, which can be especially helpful if your team has limited rehearsal time.
Full Band Sound: Even if you only have one or two live musicians, tracks can provide drums, bass, electric guitar, synth pads, and more.
Flexibility: Tracks allow you to tailor the arrangement of a song, repeat sections, or match your church’s unique musical style.

With these benefits come a few challenges, such as syncing live musicians or singers with the track and maintaining a natural, Spirit-led flow. The good news is that with preparation and the right tools, these challenges can be overcome.

Choosing the Right Tracks

Not all pre-recorded tracks are created equal. When selecting your tracks, consider the following:

Quality: Look for tracks from reputable providers such as Multitracks.com, Loop Community, or PraiseCharts. These usually offer studio-quality stems that sound professional and clean.
Customization: Platforms like Prime (from Loop Community) or Playback (from Multitracks.com) allow you to mute, adjust, or solo specific instruments. This helps you blend the track with your live musicians.
Tempo and Key: Make sure you can adjust the tempo and key to match the needs of your vocalists and congregation.

Getting the Right Equipment

Using pre-recorded tracks in worship requires a bit of technical setup. Here’s a basic gear checklist:

Audio Interface: This device connects your playback device (usually a tablet or computer) to the sound system. It allows for multiple outputs—like sending a click track to in-ears and the main mix to the speakers.
In-Ear Monitors (IEMs): To keep everyone in sync, the band will need to hear a click track and possibly a guide track with song cues.
Playback Device: Many churches use iPads or laptops running apps like Prime or Playback. Others use DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) like Ableton Live for greater control.

Proper setup is key to ensuring a seamless experience during live worship.

7 Powerful Ways Pastors Can Prevent Burnout and Stay Spiritually Strong

Staff

April 21, 2025

Burnout among pastors is a growing concern in today’s fast-paced, pressure-filled ministry environment. Pastors often find themselves stretched thin, trying to meet the spiritual, emotional, and practical needs of their congregations while also navigating personal and family responsibilities. Without intentional care, this unrelenting cycle can lead to exhaustion, discouragement, and even a crisis of faith. However, by adopting specific strategies rooted in both spiritual wisdom and practical self-care, pastors can avoid burnout and remain vibrant in their calling. The key to long-term effectiveness in ministry lies in sustainability. Here are seven powerful pastoral burnout prevention strategies.

Practical Strategies for Pastoral Burnout Prevention

1. Prioritize Personal Time with God

One of the most vital safeguards against burnout is maintaining a deep and consistent relationship with God. Pastors can often become so busy preparing sermons and ministering to others that their personal spiritual life suffers. Setting aside time each day for prayer, Scripture meditation, and worship that is not tied to sermon preparation is essential. This time refreshes the soul and reminds pastors of their identity in Christ apart from their ministry role.

2. Establish Healthy Boundaries

A major factor in pastoral burnout prevention is the lines between personal life and ministry. Pastors should create clear boundaries for work hours, availability, and time off. Saying “no” is not a sign of weakness but a recognition of human limitation. Protecting time for family, rest, and personal hobbies allows for a more balanced life and sustained energy for ministry.

3. Seek Out Supportive Relationships

Isolation is a silent contributor to burnout. Pastors need trusted relationships where they can be real, vulnerable, and encouraged. This may include a peer group of pastors, a spiritual director, a counselor, or close friends outside the church. These relationships provide perspective, accountability, and a safe space to process challenges without fear of judgment or misunderstanding.

There are four more strategies for Pastoral Burnout Prevention on Page Two . . .

The 20 Differences of Worship Songs from Psalms

Adrian Warnock

April 18, 2025

There is a major difference between many modern worship songs and the Psalms. Too many modern songs speak only of the love of God, and he is seen only as a gentle and loving friend. But look at the worship songs from Psalms. It’s not that the worship songs are wrong. It’s just that they can almost completely miss a different side of God’s character. Look at the worship songs from Psalms. I want to explore the difference.

20 Differences From Worship Songs from Psalms

Using Worship Songs from Psalms, God is described as someone who:

1. judges (Psalm 1:6)

2. is full of wrath (Psalm 2:5, 12)

3. breaks the teeth of the wicked (Psalm 3:10)

4. is a God of honor and righteousness (Psalm 4:1-2)

5. hates all evildoers and destroys liars (Psalm 5:5)

6. disciplines (Psalm 6:1)

7. feels indignation every day (Psalm 7:11)

8. is majestic and full of glory (Psalm 8:1)

9. rebukes and blots out the wicked (Psalm 9:5)

10. stands far off and hides himself even when someone is in trouble (Psalm 10:1)

11. tests us, and pours burning coals on the wicked (Psalm 11:5-6)

12. cuts off flattering lips and boastful tongues (Psalm 12:3)

13. forgets people (Psalm 13:1)

12 Habits That Lead to Divorce, and How to Avoid Them!

Dave Willis

April 18, 2025

No one intends to develop these habits that lead to divorce. In fact, every married couple has exchanged vows which promise “til death do us part,” but for far too many marriages, their dreams of “forever” are crushed by divorce. According to government stats from the CDC, America averages one divorce every 36 seconds. That’s roughly 2,400 divorces each day, 16,800 divorces every week and 876,000 divorces per year.

So, how do we stop this epidemic of broken marriages? To bring it even closer to home, how should YOU protect YOUR marriage? I’m convinced that if you’ll avoid these 12 common bad “habits,” you’ll be well on your way to beating the divorce statistics and creating a healthy and happy marriage that will endure through every season of life. If you believe your marriage might be heading for divorce, please don’t lose hope! Please check out our program designed to save struggling marriages at FightingForMyMarriage.com

The 12 habits that lead to divorce

1. Constant Criticism Can Lead to Divorce.

When you get a warning light on your car’s dashboard, it means there’s something wrong under the hood that needs immediate attention. One of the biggest “warning lights” in a marriage is a tone of constant criticism. When a husband and wife start being each other’s biggest critics instead of the biggest encouragers and when they start focusing only on the negative instead of the positive, it creates a downward spiral that often is one of the habits that lead to divorce.

#2 is something many couples do as soon as they get married, but they don’t realize they’re just preparing themselves for divorce…

2. Dividing Everything Into “His” and “Hers” Can Lead to Divorce.

When a husband and wife have separate bank accounts, separate hobbies, separate friends and separate dreams, they’re running the risk of creating completely separate lives. Marriage is about combining; divorce is about dividing. The more you can share together, the stronger your marriage will be.

If your marriage is struggling right now, please check out our new online program at FightingForMyMarriage.com.

#3 is the reason there’s an epidemic of divorce among couples who have been married for 20 years or more…

3. Putting the Marriage “On Hold” While Raising Kids Can Lead to Divorce.

I’ve seen too many marriages fall apart because two well-meaning people put so much focus on their kids that they forgot to keep investing in the marriage. Some couples reduce their relationship to a partnership in co-parenting, and when the kids finally grow up, they discover that they have created an empty nest and an empty marriage. Give your children the gift that comes from seeing their parents in a loving, thriving marriage. Model the kind of marriage that will make your kids excited to be married someday.

#4 might be the most common (and one of the most dangerous) habits that lead to divorce on the list…

Francis Chan: Should Christians Fear Death?

Francis Chan

April 18, 2025

should Christians fear death — Adobestock #45307321

I visited a man on his death bed yesterday. I left confused. This man had no relationship with Jesus, no interest in the gospel, yet no fear of death. His only desire was to ease his physical pain and die without a struggle. I couldn’t understand it. Really? No fear of death at all? It led me to consider: should Christians fear death?

The first time I remember seeing a dead body was when I was eight. I was terrified! It was my stepmother’s body in a casket. My mother died giving birth to me, so this was the woman that I knew as mom. Seeing her lifeless body scared me. The whole concept of death confused me and gave me a sick feeling. There was nothing casual about it.

Seeing my dad in a casket four years later brought the same kind of fear and sobriety. Forty years later, I still get deeply disturbed at funerals. Whenever I see a dead body, I inevitably think, “That will be me soon.” Then all sorts of uncomfortable thoughts follow. Uncomfortable thoughts, yes: but should Christians fear death?

RELATED: Fear of Death

Should Christians Fear Death?

Wisdom Ponders Death

I understand that Christians should not fear death. Jesus died and rose from the grave, therefore death has lost its “sting” (1 Corinthians 15:55 –56). But just because the fear subsides, it doesn’t mean we are left feeling indifferent. Death has a way of jolting us into seriousness. Don’t you still get an eerie or maybe even sick feeling when you think about your own death?

Some of it is just trying to grasp something so foreign to us: the separation of the soul from the body. We are unable to fathom existing apart from the only body we’ve known. The other troubling mystery is trying to imagine what we will first see and experience after death. What will it be like when we first see a heavenly being or God himself?

Death is not an easy thing to meditate on, but the wise person will think about death often.

Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

When was the last time you prayed that prayer? A wise man thinks about his death often, and the fool ignores it. This is why the enemy keeps us from thinking and talking about death. And this is why we must work to keep the brevity of life on the forefront of our minds.

Next week, one of my friends is going to court. There is a chance that he will be sentenced to several years in prison. As you can imagine, it is hard for him to think about anything else. As much as he will try to have a “normal” week, I’m pretty sure his mind will be preoccupied with what the judge is going to say.

Shouldn’t we also be preoccupied with our upcoming day in God’s court? The Bible says that one day we will stand before a Judge who is referred to as a “Consuming Fire” (Hebrews 12:29). Unbelievably, some will go their whole lives without ever considering what this moment will be like.

Should Christians Fear Death? Francis Chan considers two more points on page two:

Team-Building Activities for Youth Retreats: 10 Ways To Build Unity

Staff

April 17, 2025

Team-building activities for youth retreats strengthen friendships and cooperation. Stepping away from daily routines lets teens reflect on their faith and engage with Scripture. In the process, your group will grow closer and stronger.

A well-planned youth retreat fosters trust and unity. So keep reading for ways to help students experience the love of Christ and the fellowship of peers!

Keys to a Successful Youth Group Retreat

Begin by considering these factors to maximize the impact of youth retreats:

Set clear goals. Define spiritual and relational objectives.
Create a balance. Mix structured activities with free time.
Encourage participation. Ensure every youth has a role.
Keep it Christ-centered. Integrate Scripture, prayer, and worship.
Reflect and discuss. Debrief each activity with meaningful conversations.
Focus on teamwork! Add to the schedule some team-building activities for youth retreats.

10 Team-Building Activities for Youth Retreats

Here are 10 Bible-based teamwork ideas to try with teens!

1. Human Knot (Easy, Indoor/Outdoor)

How to Play: Kids stand in a circle and reach across to grab two different hands. Then they must work together to untangle themselves.

Bible Connection: 1 Corinthians 12:12 – Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.

Discussion Questions:

What was most challenging about this?
How does this activity reflect the need to work together in the body of Christ?

2. Blindfolded Obstacle Course (Medium, Outdoor/Indoor)

How to Play: Blindfold one person. Then have teammates guide them through an obstacle course, using only verbal instructions.

Bible Connection: Psalm 119:105 – Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Discussion Questions:

How did it feel to rely on others for guidance?
How can we trust God to lead us in life?

3. Trust Fall (Medium, Indoor/Outdoor)

How to Play: One person falls backward, trusting teammates to catch them.

Bible Connection: Proverbs 3:5 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

Discussion Questions:

Was it tough to totally trust your team? Why or why not?
How can we develop trust in God and in others?

4. Bible Verse Scramble (Easy, Indoor)

How to Play: Teams receive cut-up words from a Bible verse. Then they must piece them together in the correct order.

Bible Connection: 2 Timothy 3:16 – All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.

Discussion Questions:

How did your team approach this challenge?
Why is it important to understand Scripture as a group?

5. Cross the River (Medium, Outdoor/Indoor)

How to Play: Teams use stepping stones (paper plates or boards) to cross a designated space. No touching the ground!

Bible Connection: Isaiah 43:2 – “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. And when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.”

Discussion Questions:

What made this challenge difficult?
How does this relate to overcoming obstacles in life with faith?

Mother’s Day Activities for Children’s Ministry: 5 Ways To Honor Moms

ChildrensMinistry.com

April 17, 2025

Need some creative, Bible-based Mother’s Day activities for Sunday school? Then engage students with these fun, exciting ideas. Help kids honor their moms and other special women with heartfelt children’s ministry ideas for Mother’s Day.

5 Mother’s Day Activities That Kids & Moms Will Love

Here are 5 lovely Mother’s Day crafts for church:

1. Mother’s Day Card: Bearing Fruit

Give each child a packet of fruit or vegetable seeds and a sheet of construction paper. Ask a child to read aloud Galatians 5:22-23 about the fruit of the Spirit. Talk about these Scriptures as children fold their papers in half to make cards.

On the front of the cards, have children write, “Mom, you plant the seeds…” Inside the cards on the right-hand side, have children glue their seed packets and write, “…that’ll help me bear fruit for Jesus.” On the inside left-hand page, have kids write the words from Galatians 5:22-23. Then have children sign their cards. Mothers will treasure this encouraging card.

2. Mother’s Day Song: My Mother Is So Special

Teach children this song to the tune of Oscar Mayer’s “The Bologna Song.” Have children sing it to their moms during your worship service.

My mother is so special, she means so much to me.

She’s patient, understanding, and as gentle as can be.

She’s lots of fun to be with and she’s always there for me.

That’s why she’s a great example of J-E-S-U-S to me.

3. Give Mom a Hand

Theme: Mother’s Day text: Proverbs 31:28-31

Preparation: In a box or paper sack, place different kinds of gloves. You’ll also need a Bible.

The Message: Read the Scripture.

Say: What does this Bible verse tell us to do? God tells us to praise our moms and say great things about them so everyone will know how terrific they are! Today, we’ll give our moms a special hand. Gloves are good for lots of things. Let’s see how these gloves help us.

Give each child at least one glove.

Then say: Hold up your glove and tell how it reminds you of things your mom does. Our moms sure do lots of different things!

Collect the gloves.

Say: Let’s pray. Dear God, thanks for our moms and other special women who work, play, clean, cook, and love us with their hands. Show us how to honor them every day. Amen.

Say: Now, let’s use our hands to praise our moms!

Lead kids in applauding for their mothers.

John Michael Finley Is ‘Really Excited’ To Reprise His Role as Bart Millard in ‘I Can Only Imagine 2’

Jessica Lea

April 17, 2025

I Can Only Imagine 2 — John Michael Finley. Screengrab from YouTube / @Churchleaders

Actor John Michael Finley played MercyMe frontman Bart Millard in the hit 2018 film “I Can Only Imagine,” titled after MercyMe’s song of the same name. Now, Finley is set to reprise his role in the movie’s sequel, “I Can Only Imagine 2,” and he is thrilled about it.

“I’m really excited,” he said in an interview with ChurchLeaders. “I’m getting excited for everybody else to get excited, you know, because I’m kind of on the inside. I’ve read the script and we’ve got kind of a game plan, and I think people are going to be really excited.”

‘I Can Only Imagine 2’ Continues Bart Millard’s Story

“I Can Only Imagine” was a hit at the box office, opening in third place behind “Black Panther” and “Tomb Raider.” It grossed over $83 million domestically and over $86 million worldwide. The film told the true story of Bart Millard, lead singer of the Christian band MercyMe, and his struggles with an abusive father, played by Dennis Quaid (“Reagan,” “Frequency”).

Finley told ChurchLeaders, “I’ve kind of fallen in love with telling true stories.” Finley’s latest film is “Faith of Angels,” which is premiering on Great American Family Saturday, April 18. That film tells the true story of Joshua Dennis, who as a boy in the 1980s became lost in an abandoned mine for five days but whose community persisted in faith that he would be found alive.

In that movie, Finley plays John Skinner, the man whose detailed knowledge of the mine led to Dennis’ rescue. “I think people love true stories,” Finley said. “I think people love stories that they can get wrapped up in.”

“I Can Only Imagine 2” is set to be released in March 2026 and continues Millard’s story. Dennis Quaid is returning, and other cast members include Milo Ventimiglia (“This Is Us,” “Gilmore Girls”), Joshua Bassett (“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”), Trace Adkins (“Old Henry,” “Deepwater Horizon”), Sophie Skelton, and Arielle Kebbel (“John Tucker Must Die,” “The Grudge 2”).

When he appeared in “I Can Only Imagine,” Finley said, “I had never really played a real person. And this is the second time now, with ‘Faith of Angels,’ that not only have I gotten to do a true story, but I’ve gotten to play a real person and that person is still alive, and I can kind of fellowship and chat with that person.”

‘I Learned a Lot About Faith’—Actor John Michael Finley Speaks to ChurchLeaders About His Film ‘Faith of Angels’

Jessica Lea

April 17, 2025

John Michael Finley (center) as John Skinner in "Faith of Angels." Image courtesy of 130 Agency

Actor John Michael Finley, who is known for portraying MercyMe frontman Bart Millard in the film “I Can Only Imagine,” spoke to ChurchLeaders about what he learned about faith while filming his latest movie, “Faith of Angels.”

The movie, which premieres on Great American Family Saturday, April 19, is based on the true story of Joshua Dennis, who as a boy in the 1980s became lost in an abandoned mine for five days.

“I learned a lot about faith with this particular film,” Finley said. He plays John Skinner, the man whose detailed knowledge of the mine led to Dennis’ rescue.

“In general, I think faith is always kind of like this direction, up and down, and I think this almost enhanced my faith horizontally. You know what I mean?” said Finley. “Like, really leaning on your people and trusting your community, or, in general, finding that community so that if you were ever lost in a mine, you’d have people praying for you and hoping for your safe return.”

‘Faith of Angels’ Is a ‘Powerful True Story,’ Says John Michael Finley

In 1989, Joshua Dennis got lost in a mine in Utah with no food, water, or flashlight. On his website, Dennis said, “A massive search began. Hours turned into days and there seemed to be no explanation for [my] disappearance. Time was running out and little hope remained for [my] survival.”

“But there were a few who wouldn’t give up hope,” said Dennis. “Communities, families and individuals were united in prayer, and strengthened by the efforts to rescue one small boy.”

In the movie, Dennis and his father are camping with a group of other boys and men near Hidden Treasure Mine. As they are exploring the mine, Dennis becomes separated from everyone else, and the group soon realizes they have a crisis on their hands.

A local sheriff and rescue teams get involved in searching for Dennis but are unable to find him. As days pass, it grows increasingly likely that the young boy will not be found or that he will not be alive when he is. The community, however, refuses to give up and perseveres in trusting God with their prayers that Dennis will make it out alive. The film shows Dennis leaning on his faith in Jesus, trusting for a miracle as he waits in the mine to be rescued.

Meanwhile, a man named John Skinner has been hearing a mysterious voice tell him, “Help them see,” and feeling divine promptings to help with the search. It so happens that no one knows the abandoned mine like he does.

When asked what drew him to “Faith of Angels,” Finley said, “Another powerful true story. I’ve kind of fallen in love with telling true stories…someone sent me the script, and I read it, and I thought it was clever and moving and powerful. And I said, ‘I want to be a part of this.’”

Helping Friends Heal: Guide to Support & Growth

Josh Spurlock

April 17, 2025

Helping Friends Heal — Source: Lightstock #211696

Witnessing a friend endure an emotionally painful situation can leave you feeling helpless, eager to offer support but uncertain about the best way to do so. Understanding how to help your friends metabolize their pain, process their grief, and prevent the experience from solidifying into trauma is not only a profound act of friendship but also a powerful way to contribute to their journey towards resilience, growth, and maturity. This article explores how you, as a supportive friend, can play a crucial role in your friends’ healing process.

Acknowledge and Validate Their Feelings

Begin by acknowledging your friends’ pain and validating their feelings. It’s important for them to know that what they’re going through is real and that it’s okay to feel whatever they’re feeling. Avoid minimizing their emotions or offering cliché reassurances. Instead, offer a simple, “I’m here for you, and I’m truly sorry you’re going through this.” This acknowledgment can be the first step towards healing.

Be Present and Listen

Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is simply be there. Offer your presence, whether physically or virtually, and give your friends the space to express their emotions and thoughts. Active listening, without the urge to fix their problems, allows your friends to feel seen and heard, which is invaluable during times of emotional turmoil.

Encourage Expression in Comfortable Ways

Encourage your friends to express their feelings in ways they find comfortable, whether through talking, writing, art, or another form of expression. If they’re open to it, suggest journaling or engaging in creative activities like painting or music, which can serve as therapeutic outlets for their emotions.

Offer To Be Their ‘Wise Supportive Other’

Position yourself as a “wise other”—someone who offers empathy, understanding, and, when appropriate, guidance. You don’t have to have all the answers, but offering a perspective based on care, concern, and genuine desire to help can be incredibly beneficial. Remember, the goal isn’t to solve their problems but to support them in navigating their feelings and finding their path to healing.

Suggest Professional Help When Necessary

If you feel that your friends’ pain is overwhelming and they’re struggling to cope, gently suggest seeking professional help. A therapist or counselor can provide the support and tools needed to process grief healthily and prevent the experience from developing into trauma.

Encourage Building a Support Network

While your support is invaluable, encouraging your friends to build or lean on a broader support network can also be beneficial. This could mean connecting with other friends, family members, or support groups where they can share their experiences and feelings with those who understand or have gone through similar situations.

Promote Self-Care and Healthy Routines

Gently encourage your friends to engage in self-care practices and maintain healthy routines. Physical activity, adequate sleep, healthy eating, and mindfulness practices like meditation can significantly impact emotional well-being and resilience.

Be Patient and Give Them Time

Healing from emotional pain is a process that takes time. Be patient with your friends and understand that everyone’s journey to recovery is unique. There might be good days and bad days, and what they need from you can change over time. Continue to offer your support, understanding, and patience as they navigate their path towards healing.

Neuroscience–Dyadic Regulation & Meaning Making

Dyadic regulation and the process of engaging with a “wise other” (a person who can offer empathy, understanding, and guidance) play crucial roles in the processing of painful experiences and in preventing these experiences from becoming traumatic. These concepts are deeply rooted in psychological theories related to attachment, trauma, and emotional regulation. Here’s how they work together to facilitate healthy processing of pain and prevent overwhelm.

Dyadic Regulation

Emotional Co-Regulation

Dyadic regulation involves a shared emotional experience where one person helps another to regulate his or her emotional state. This process is critical in early childhood development but remains important throughout life. When faced with painful experiences, being in the presence of a trusted and emotionally regulated other can help to modulate one’s own emotional responses, preventing the nervous system from becoming overwhelmed.

Franklin Graham, Paula White, and Jentezen Franklin Join President Trump at White House Easter Event

Stephanie Martin

April 17, 2025

At a White House Easter event on Wednesday (April 16), President Trump spoke about “the miracles of Holy Week” and recapped the ways his administration is defending Christians. “There’s so much to celebrate this Easter,” the president told the gathering of faith leaders. “And we’ll not forget the true source of our joy and our strength. America has put our trust in God.”

The event, organized by the White House Faith Office, followed Trump’s Holy Week proclamation on Sunday (April 13). In it, the president said he and the first lady “join in prayer with Christians celebrating the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—the living Son of God, who conquered death, freed us from sin, and unlocked the gates of heaven for all of humanity.”

Musical performers at Wednesday’s event included a Liberty University chorus, the Marine Corps Band, and Charles Billingsley. Speakers included Paula White, Franklin Graham, President Trump, and Jentezen Franklin.

Franklin Graham: ‘Spiritual Drought’ in DC Now Over

Paula White, who heads the White House Faith Office, welcomed attendees. She noted, “We’ve actually had over a thousand faith leaders in through the White House in just this short time period,” since Trump’s second inauguration in January.

White, Trump’s personal pastor, spoke briefly about “our most holy time” as Christians, saying Jesus endured the “crown of thorns” before receiving the “crown of glory.” Referencing John 15:13, White explained that Jesus laid down his life for us, his friends, and paid our debt in full. “Because of that cross,” she said, “no sin is too great, no person is too lost, and no night is too dark. [Jesus’] blood still saves. His sacrifice still speaks.”

Evangelist Franklin Graham, whom White introduced as “a hero of faith,” thanked Trump for his faith-related actions. “I think I can speak on behalf of all of us how grateful we are for you, your leadership, and standing tall, standing firm,” said Graham. “There’s been a spiritual drought in this city the last few years and in this house. And so I’m very grateful for the Easter declaration that you put out.”

After praying to God that “many people this Easter would turn from their sins and by faith believe on the name of your Son,” Graham introduced Trump to speak.

President Trump on the ‘New Life’ Easter Offers

Trump thanked faith leaders for their “tremendous support,” saying, “With God’s help, we can overcome every challenge, triumph over every evil, and restore the spirit of faith in the United States for generations to come.”

Breanna Nix Brings Her ‘Faith Into Being,’ Singing Lauren Daigle’s ‘Still Rolling Stones’ on ‘American Idol’

Janna Firestone

April 17, 2025

Breanna Nix on 'American Idol' — Screengrab via YouTube / @American Idol

Breanna Nix, 25, went from stay-at-home mom to the stage as a contestant in the 23rd season of “American Idol.” For multiple weeks, Nix has chosen Christian songs to display her unwavering faith in God alongside her pitch-perfect, soulful voice. This time, Nix sang Lauren Daigle’s “Still Rolling Stones.”

“Can the congregation say, ‘Amen?'” offered “American Idol” judge Lionel Richie.

Christian Contestant Breanna Nix Compared to ‘Adele in Her Zone’ on ‘American Idol’

Competing for the Top 20 on “American Idol,” Breanna Nix has continued to stun the judges. The Denton, Texas, resident recently traveled to the Aulani Disney Resort in Kapolei, Hawaii, for the next round of the competition.

“Having the best time! I love my friends!!” Nix posted on Facebook. “I also wanted to come on here and say THANK YALL! Thank you for your support & love!! It truly means everything to me. I find out results Easter Sunday.”

Judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood listened in awe as Nix sang “Still Rolling Stones,” by Lauren Daigle. The lyrics to the song include:

Out of the shadows
Bound for the gallows
A dead man walking
Till love came calling
Rise up (rise up)

Six feet under
I thought it was over
An answer to prayer
The voice of a Savior
Rise up (rise up)

All at once I came alive
This beating heart, these open eyes
The grave let go
The darkness should have known
You’re still rolling stones

I thought that I was too far goneFor everything I’ve done wrongYeah, I’m the one who dug this graveBut You called my name

“The first note out of your mouth was like a growl,” said Underwood. “We joined you in your moment, that beautiful big voice just overtaking everybody.”

Bryan commented on how the song was just right for Nix—showcasing her heart and talent. “The confidence that you embody, I mean, it was like watching when Adele is in her zone,” he remarked. “You truly owned that moment, and you never let off the gas from the start till the finish.”

Richie said, “You brought something into this whole competition. You have actually been leading in terms of just bringing more and more of your faith into being.”

VA Pastor Charged With Election Fraud for Allegedly Falsifying Signatures To Qualify for City Council Ballot

Dale Chamberlain

April 17, 2025

J.L. Jackson — Screengrab via YouTube / @ReFreshing Church

A pastor in Roanoke, Virginia, is facing felony charges for allegedly falsifying signatures to qualify to appear on the ballot for a 2024 city council election. Bishop J.L. Jackson of ReFreshing Church has been charged with four counts of election fraud.

Jackson had been running as a Democrat in a primary election for the Roanoke city council.

According to WDBJ, the alleged offense took place on March 17, 2024, when Jackson filed to run. In June, the registrars office received an email alleging that Jackson had falsified his ballot-qualifying signatures.

Jackson is accused of copying signatures from a previous campaign in 2022. Additionally, 11 signatures were reportedly found to have been dated after the signature page was notarized.

In total, allegedly only 97 of the required 125 signatures were valid.

When these allegations became known, Jackson dropped out of the race.

“After careful consideration and reflection, I have decided to withdraw from the 2024 Roanoke City Council race. This decision is rooted in my unwavering devotion to my faith, family, and community,” Jackson said at the time. “I am committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and to always acting in a manner that brings honor to my family and the community I cherish.”

“At this juncture, my primary focus is on prioritizing my family, my church, as well as my personal well-being and mental health. These are essential to my ability to fulfill my roles as a devoted husband, father, and pastor,” the statement continued. “Following guidance from counsel and taking the necessary time for rest and rejuvenation, I fully intend to resume my efforts in serving our community. I am sincerely grateful for your understanding and support during this period of transition.”

Jackson has now been criminally charged and could face jail time if convicted.

Registrar Nicholas Ocampo told WSLS, “The office of voter registration and elections takes every claim of election fraud seriously. We turn over any findings to the commonwealth’s attorney, as we did in this case with Bishop Jackson.”

Here Are 4 Things Healthy Leaders Do

Full Strength Network

April 17, 2025

healthy leaders — Source: Lightstock #737352

No leader or pastor starts their career or starts a church with thinking about quitting. All of them start with grand plans and dreams of the future and finishing, retiring, making it to the end with friends and family around them.

Yet statistically that is incredibly rare. Most quit, give up, fall out of the race, or simply stop trying while still collecting a paycheck.

According to stats:

78% of pastors say they have no close friends.
1,500 pastors quit each month.
70% of pastors battle depression.
Only 10% of pastors will retire as a pastor.

Recently I’ve had several pastors talk about not wanting to burn out, which seems like a good goal. But the moment you start talking about burnout, you have moved into a dangerous place.

Let me throw out a different question, one I think is better: How can you lead and live at a sustainable pace?

There is a great passage in Matthew that you have more than likely heard a sermon on, or if you are a pastor you’ve preached on this passage. It is so common and so easy to forget the power in it.

To remind you, this is what it says in The Message version:

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.

I think according to this passage, there are four things healthy leaders (or non-leaders) do:

1. Healthy leaders don’t try to be God.

We say we aren’t trying to be God or we say we can’t save anyone, only the Holy Spirit can, but many leaders carry the burden that they can, or at the very least, they will try.

We think, “If I can just talk to them, or get them to read this book or hear this podcast, that will help.” It might, but it might not.

We can also drift so far from God personally that we simply lead out of our abilities and strengths. This is easy to do if you have a strong speaking gift. You can cover up your lack of relationship with God by being charismatic or interesting on stage.

2. Healthy leaders walk and work with Jesus, not for Jesus.

Yes, Jesus is the chief shepherd and the senior pastor of your church, but you don’t work for him. We work with him and through the power of the Holy Spirit. We follow what the Spirit starts and is doing.

How To Teach The Ten Commandments in a Fun Way

Stephanie Martin - June 11, 2025

Wondering how to teach the Ten Commandments in a fun way? Then check out all these creative options for kids.

Joby Martin: What Happens When Pastors Finally Understand Grace

Jessica Lea - January 8, 2025

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.

Hulk Hogan ‘Totally Surrendered’ and Makes His Faith a Priority

Improve Church Outreach for Newcomers

1. Train a Dedicated Welcome Team

2. Improve Signage and Wayfinding

3. Create a Follow-Up Plan

The Benefits and Challenges of Leading Worship with Pre-Recorded Tracks

Why Use Pre-Recorded Tracks?

Choosing the Right Tracks

Getting the Right Equipment

Practical Strategies for Pastoral Burnout Prevention

1. Prioritize Personal Time with God

2. Establish Healthy Boundaries

3. Seek Out Supportive Relationships

There are four more strategies for Pastoral Burnout Prevention on Page Two . . .

20 Differences From Worship Songs from Psalms

Using Worship Songs from Psalms, God is described as someone who:

The 12 habits that lead to divorce

1. Constant Criticism Can Lead to Divorce.

#2 is something many couples do as soon as they get married, but they don’t realize they’re just preparing themselves for divorce…

2. Dividing Everything Into “His” and “Hers” Can Lead to Divorce.

#3 is the reason there’s an epidemic of divorce among couples who have been married for 20 years or more…

3. Putting the Marriage “On Hold” While Raising Kids Can Lead to Divorce.

#4 might be the most common (and one of the most dangerous) habits that lead to divorce on the list…

Should Christians Fear Death?

Wisdom Ponders Death

Should Christians Fear Death? Francis Chan considers two more points on page two:

Keys to a Successful Youth Group Retreat

10 Team-Building Activities for Youth Retreats

1. Human Knot (Easy, Indoor/Outdoor)

2. Blindfolded Obstacle Course (Medium, Outdoor/Indoor)

3. Trust Fall (Medium, Indoor/Outdoor)

4. Bible Verse Scramble (Easy, Indoor)

5. Cross the River (Medium, Outdoor/Indoor)

5 Mother’s Day Activities That Kids & Moms Will Love

1. Mother’s Day Card: Bearing Fruit

2. Mother’s Day Song: My Mother Is So Special

3. Give Mom a Hand

‘I Can Only Imagine 2’ Continues Bart Millard’s Story

‘Faith of Angels’ Is a ‘Powerful True Story,’ Says John Michael Finley

Acknowledge and Validate Their Feelings

Be Present and Listen

Encourage Expression in Comfortable Ways

Offer To Be Their ‘Wise Supportive Other’

Suggest Professional Help When Necessary

Encourage Building a Support Network

Promote Self-Care and Healthy Routines

Be Patient and Give Them Time

Neuroscience–Dyadic Regulation & Meaning Making

Dyadic Regulation

Emotional Co-Regulation

Franklin Graham: ‘Spiritual Drought’ in DC Now Over

President Trump on the ‘New Life’ Easter Offers

Christian Contestant Breanna Nix Compared to ‘Adele in Her Zone’ on ‘American Idol’

1. Healthy leaders don’t try to be God.

2. Healthy leaders walk and work with Jesus, not for Jesus.

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