6 Reasons Why Church Mergers Are a Good Idea

February 20, 2024

What do you think about church mergers?

It was less than 20 years ago that mergers were relatively uncommon, and today, they are gaining momentum with productive outcomes.

Mergers are not the right thing for all churches to do, but the idea is worthy of consideration.

It’s true that mergers require a great deal of diligent homework, honest conversations, and careful planning, but they work.

What is bringing new success to church mergers?

A growing awareness of the opportunity
The reality of rising costs of new buildings
A growing attitude of open-mindedness to new things
A pattern of more successful mergers

These positive aspects of the church merger movement are overcoming the potential challenges of mergers.

We (12Stone Church) have recently launched our first merger in Athens, GA, and the first service is on March 3. We’re also in process with our second merger. We are highly enthusiastic while we continue to pray and seek God’s favor and direction for further mergers.

Our vision is to further the reach of the gospel in communities where it is currently limited, by wise use of Kingdom resources.

The essence of the value in a church merger is that two churches become stronger and better together than when they were on their own.

6 Reasons Why Church Mergers Are a Good Idea

1. Church Mergers Extend and Advance the Kingdom of God

The driving passion and primary reason church mergers are a good idea is because they extend and advance God’s Kingdom and his purposes. Simply put, more people hear and are personally touched by the gospel.

For the longest time, church planting was the primary way to multiply the reach of the church and it remains critical to the future of the Church. The multi-site campus model arrived more than 20 years ago and was added to the mix of ways to reach more people for Jesus. Now church mergers are in full swing as a method to further God’s redemptive work.

Church mergers may or may not be a long-term movement of God, but without question, He is using it now to further his purposes.

2. Church Mergers Are a Wise Approach to Stewardship

The rising costs of lease build-outs, expansions and new buildings is making it prohibitive for many congregations to build. When the increased costs of land and elevated levels of red tape to gain the needed zoning are added to the mix, church mergers quickly become a wise choice of financial stewardship.

Church mergers allow a congregation with a building but few people and limited resources to join with a congregation in need of a building who has leadership, growth and resources. It’s a beautiful partnership.

Church mergers make a way for two churches to come together and reach further, faster. They serve as a way to multiply Kingdom resources.

3. Church Mergers Communicate Christian Unity to the Community

In a macro sense, evangelical churches are not always viewed as aligned in the same overall mission.

In fact, while individual uniqueness is understood, they may actually be more unified than not in the big picture, but the differences are magnified over the unifying factors. This not-so-subtle message that churches do their own thing and even compete doesn’t help the message of the gospel.

4 Steps To Diffusing Social Media Tension

Rachel Syens

February 20, 2024

Jesus tells us the second commandment is to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). In the digitally-connected 21st century world, this commandment extends to loving our brothers and sisters across the globe. Yet this command may be difficult to keep in our increasingly politicized and divided world. This is especially true on social media. While we can cater our social media to our interests and opinions by deciding who to friend, follow, or retweet, there is still a vulnerable place that’s more difficult to control: the comment section. For communicators and social media managers, diffusing social media tension needs a most watchful eye. The comment section is the space where we see fellow Christians arguing, name-calling, and being downright mean. Social media is a double-edged sword that breeds anonymity—personal attacks feel less personal from those giving them and more personal to those receiving them. So how to go about diffusing social media tension? Here are four tips that can help:

4 Steps to Diffusing Social Media Tension

1. Be the example

Use your posts to convey the kind of comments you’d like to receive. Think about the content, memes, and images you’re sharing. What messages are they sending your followers? I recently saw an Instagram post from GloGraphics, a business coach and entrepreneur, about supportive comments. She says we need to match “intent with impact.” Especially now, when so much of our country is politically divided, think about how your words may come across on sensitive topics. Encourage questions and strive to educate your followers on essential issues. When it comes to diffusing social media tension, leading by example will help create a space where all of your followers feel welcome.

2. Create consistent messaging

Occasionally, our ministries will receive comments from people who disagree with the content we are sharing. We get comments like: “Why are you sharing this?” or “What does Christianity have to do with this?” We’ve created several responses that can easily be copied and pasted into a quick comment reply for questions like those. Typically, we’ll say: “Hi ____, thanks for your comment! You can read more about our ministry here:” and link to our “About” page. This reply is a way of standing firm with our content while also politely acknowledging the poster’s concerns and giving background information. Consider creating several versions of messages to questions you often get asked. This can help with the comment section bullies, too. If you have someone trying to start an argument, you can paste a message such as: “We do not tolerate disrespectful comments on our page.” Keeping your messaging consistent will also help if other staff members access and monitor your social media platforms.

3. Use private messages

One of the techniques I utilize with frustrated posters is the private message feature. I often use this on Facebook, but you can also message on Instagram or Twitter (if that person is following your account). For example, I will see comments for one of our ministry pages that say: “This won’t accept my email address!” or “Why do you need my birthday to sign up?” I will take this opportunity to privately message the poster and either explain the answer to their question or offer my assistance. This approach works well because it creates a personal connection. Social media can feel impersonal and lonely, and this is a way to let your followers know that you care about them and their experience with your page. We’ll receive pleasant messages back from followers who are thankful for our help more often than not. One last tip: if you use private messages, make sure you answer promptly! The data on how quickly and how often you get back to people is publicly available on your page. Consider creating an automated response on your Facebook page.

4. Don’t be afraid to hide comments

Finally, if you’re getting spammed by internet trolls or people who are plain rude, don’t be afraid to hide comments on Facebook! The hide button gives you control over what does and does not appear on your comment threads. The comment poster will not be notified that their comment was hidden, and you don’t have to be anxious about others seeing and responding to it. Those comments are often from people who aren’t even followers of your page—they have seen the post through ads, boosts, or others sharing it and will likely not return to your page, anyways.

The key to diffusing social media tension comes from scripture: “do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Luke 6:31) Treat others with respect and model behaviors and values that encourage positive posting from your followers.

This article on diffusing social media tension originally appeared here, and is used by permission.

Has Busyness Made Your Life Barren?

Charles Stone

February 20, 2024

Busyness can make life barren.

Several years ago I took improv classes in downtown Chicago to help develop my right-brain skills. I left mid-day to miss the traffic and then catch up on my task list at a table at Chipotle. One week, with my ear buds snug in my ears to block out noise, I focused on my “important” projects. I was busy, maybe too busy. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed a dark haired sixty-ish women sitting at the table to my left. As she held a courtesy cup I watched her use a spoon to crush a few lemon slices in water. What happened next surprised me.

Something prompted me to ask her if she had anything to eat. In broken English she said that she hadn’t eaten all day. After we talked for a few moments I learned that she was Muslim, had immigrated from Turkey 5 years earlier, and had been homeless for 4 years.

As I heard her story God prompted me to say, “I want to buy you dinner.” At first she refused, but then with thankful tears she acquiesced. I bought her a chicken salad and a soft drink.

For the next 45 minutes I set aside my “important” tasks and simply listened to her stories, often as she gently cried. I learned her name, Sabria. I learned that a problem had occurred with her immigration papers that had led to her homelessness. Also, her husband had divorced her in Turkey decades prior, her parents were dead, and she never had children yet two sisters and a brother were still living. She told me that she refused to beg on the street and would not become a “dirty girl” which I understood to mean she refused to become a prostitute.

I told her that the meal (and some money I later gave her) was from Jesus and that I was a Christian. She responded with, “I like Jesus too.”

As my class time neared I asked if I could pray for her. Wide-eyed she said, “Ok.” After I prayed I left her my name and told her I’d be there every Wednesday at 5. I had an inkling that I might see her again (I did a few times).

Here’s what this “God encounter” with Sabria taught me.

Too often I let tasks trump relationships.
God brings opportunities to serve the “least of these” at inconvenient times.
I can’t ignore the tasks that ministry requires, but when I am in task mode I must keep my spiritual “peripheral vision” active, looking for those “God moments” with the Sabrias of the world.
God values everybody and so should I.
True love always costs something, my time, my money, my listening ear.

Has God every encountered you in this way by interrupting your plans with His? What have you learned when He did?

Today, be on the lookout for your Sabria to whom God wants you to love.

This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.

Lead Children in a Prayer: 10 Important Times to Talk With God

Dale Hudson

February 19, 2024

Knowing how to lead children in a prayer is incredibly important. Do you pray with your children or merely for them? Yes, it’s vital to pray for kids when they’re sick, facing a tough situation, and being tempted. But parents and teachers also should be praying with children regularly.

Whether in a Sunday school classroom or at home, you can share with kids the wide-ranging situations that warrant prayer. If you’re a children’s ministry worker, share these insights with parents too!

10 Important Times to Lead Children in a Prayer

Consider all these opportunities to model the power of prayer for kids.

1. Say a faith-commitment prayer.

First and foremost, parents should lead children in a prayer of salvation. You can set up a process to help this happen. Instead of praying a salvation prayer in class, when parents aren’t around, set up a class session that parents and kids attend together. Share a clear Gospel presentation. Then give parents the opportunity to lead children in a salvation prayer.

We have a solid curriculum for this class. Thousands of parents have led their children to Jesus using these materials. Read more at this link.

2. Pray when preparing to travel.

Next, hit the road (or the skies). I remember my father always stopping to pray with us before we pulled out of the driveway. He asked God to bless us and keep us safe from any danger. Now I do the same thing with my family.

3. Pray at meal time.

Rather than rushing to dig in because everyone’s famished, pause to bow your head. Then thank the Lord for the food and provisions. Praying with your child before meals is something they can pass on to future generations.

4. Lead children in a prayer at bedtime.

Bedtime prayers are special. They can powerfully impact your child’s life. Help kids keep a list of prayer requests. Rejoice with children when God answers prayers.

5. Pray together when facing a big challenge.

Perhaps it’s a big test at school. Moving and switching to a new school. Overcoming a big fear. Standing up to a bully on the playground. Model to children that prayer is the first step when confronting any big challenge.

6. Talk to God together when tragedy strikes.

Maybe a grandparent or special person passes away. Or a natural disaster is threatening. Help calm children’s fears by praying with them.

7. Pray when starting the day.

Pray with your child as they start their day. Ask God to be with them and help them make wise choices. Ask God to direct their steps and help them stand for Him.

‘Hatred of Jewish People’ Is a Sign of the End Times, Says Pastor Greg Laurie

Jessica Mouser

February 19, 2024

Pastor Greg Laurie urged Christians to speak up on behalf of the Jewish people, calling the amount of support for Hamas he’s seen following the Oct. 7 attack on Israel “shocking.” Laurie believes that “the rise of antisemitism is a real sign of the times.”

“The Bible tells us in the end times that Israel would be isolated and ultimately, she would be attacked from her neighbor to her north, identified as Magog,” Laurie told Billy Hallowell in a Feb. 14 interview on CBN News. “Many scholars believe Magog is modern-day Russia. I would tend to agree with that.”

“Magog” is a term that appears several times in the Bible, notably in Ezekiel 38 and Revelation 20. In February 2022, Laurie posted a video where he shared why he believes “Magog” represents modern-day Russia and what he sees as the “prophetic significance” of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Laurie told Hallowell that even if Russia isn’t Magog, “This large force will attack [Israel] and God says he’s going to intervene on her behalf. But I would say the rise of antisemitism is a real sign of the times. And I have to admit…even I have been shocked by the extreme antisemitism we’ve seen recently.”

Greg Laurie Appeals to Pastors

Greg Laurie is senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship, a church with multiple locations based in Riverside, California. His life was recently dramatized in the movie, “Jesus Revolution.”

“When Israel was attacked on Oct. 7 by this horrible terrorist organization, Hamas, it was a very coordinated attack that left 1,300 people dead, many taken hostage,” Laurie said. “And so that was shocking. But what has been as shocking perhaps is protests around the world, largely among young people in favor of Hamas.”

Laurie said he can’t believe that in 2024, people are chanting “phrases like ‘gas the Jews,’” an apparent reference to a chant that allegedly took place Oct. 9 in Sydney, Australia, at a pro-Palestinian protest. Reports that protesters chanted, “Gas the Jews,” have not been verified; however, deputy commissioner Mal Lanyon of the New South Wales police told media there is evidence of other offensive chants at the protest, including “f*** the Jews.”

“The Holocaust was not that long ago,” Laurie said. “There are still people alive today that remember the Holocaust.” And now we are seeing “the same kind of mentality, this hatred of Jewish people.”

Life Still Matters From Womb to Tomb

Ed Stetzer

February 19, 2024

pro-life womb to tomb — Adobestock #473206172

At the beginning of each year, Christians in the United States bring special focus to the cause of the unborn and our biblical conviction about human life. This focus is often accompanied by churches throughout the United States observing a special “Sanctity of life Sunday,” complete with sermons preached on the sanctity of life.

What’s more, those who write frequently on a variety of issues where culture and church intersect often give special focus to writing articles about the sanctity of life. (You can see my article at Focus on the Family, about how pastors can be pro-life in an election year.)

While this beginning-of-year pro-life push is helpful and necessary, we need to advocate for the unborn all year long. It’s a never-ending conviction. And it is a conviction that is rooted within a view of life that holds fast to the biblical conviction that all of human life is sacred, from the womb to the tomb.

2022 gifted pro-life advocates with something that many doubted would ever happen—we saw the overturning of Roe v. Wade. But that was not the end of the work for the cause of life; in many ways it was the beginning. The ruling should embolden Christians to continue to speak boldly and unapologetically about the value of life.

In the past, I’ve spoken at several March for Life rallies. I’ve consistently championed the value of life whether a baby, the elderly, refugees, or any others who might be treated as less than human. We each, equally, bear the image of God.

As The New York Times reported in late October 2023, the number of legal abortions in the U.S. has not gone down, even though 21 states have banned or limited greatly access to abortions. In fact, by some estimates, the decades-long steady decline of the abortion rate has reversed since 2017. So while the reversal of Roe made abortion virtually non-existent in many states around the country, it has done little to halt the overall practice of abortion, when examining the national statistics.

This is partially because states where abortion is legal are taking patients who would have previously had abortions in states that now outlaw the practice. But other factors can attribute to the uptick, such as the “expansion of telemedicine for mail-order abortion pills, increased options and assistance for women who traveled, and a surge of publicity about ways to get abortions.”

So, although it is safer to be an unborn child in, for example, Texas, it’s not safer in America.

While the reversal of Roe is certainly cause for celebration, we dare not think the pro-life cause been won. The figures are staggering. Data from the CDC indicates that in 2020, over 615,000 abortions were performed in the United States. The Guttmacher Institute estimates that same year’s abortions may have been as high as 930,000.

Stop and think about that.

Roe v. Wade was one of many examples of our nation saying one thing while practicing another. On the one hand, we say we care about justice. We say we care about the protection of rights. The American founders themselves sent a letter to the King of England telling of their belief in the concept of God-given, inalienable human rights that no political leader had the power to strip away. For them, the safeguarding of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, according to the signers of that declaration, were central to what it should mean to be an American.

Yet despite these ideological commitments, we live in a nation where the defenseless are too often discarded. The unborn are often euphemistically called tissue or formless clumps of cells instead of the human beings that Scripture—and science—tells us they are.

All Human Life Is Sacred

History has shown us time and again that one of the most effective ways people convince themselves to do harm to others is to no longer see people—or certain groups of people—as human. Dehumanizing people makes it possible to ignore their plight and to look the other way when violence is done against them.

But the Bible weaves throughout its pages a narrative of God’s love and grace. People—all people—are created in the image of God. We dare not overlook the persistent theme of God as our Creator across the pages of Scripture. As our heavenly Father, he knows our hearts and numbers the very hairs on our heads. Imperfect, sinful, wrestling with shame and guilt, and with our deep fears of inadequacy and nagging insecurities, he calls us his beloved. We are a reflection of his own image.

While this might be a radical, revolutionary thought to many living in our world today, Christians must declare the truth: What the Creator makes is always good. He doesn’t make mistakes; there are no lives he couldn’t love or stories he wouldn’t redeem. Our God is a redeeming, restoring, reconciling God.

Every human being, from the child with Down Syndrome to the senior citizen with Parkinson’s Disease and the unborn infant, is deeply loved and intimately known by God.

Love God, Love People

This fact is also why I encourage all who champion the pro-life cause to do so in love. We remember the Great Commandment, calling us to love God—who first loved us—and our neighbor. We should recognize that shouting, screaming, or chanting in judgment over our community members is not the best path.

Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church Holds Service of Healing and Prayer 1 Week After Shooting

Stephanie Martin

February 19, 2024

One week after a woman opened fire at Lakewood Church in Houston, Pastor Joel Osteen spoke of God’s protection during an incident that “could have been so much worse.” Though a shooter entered the premises of the megachurch, she didn’t make it inside the sanctuary.

“I celebrate what the security team did,” Osteen told worshipers on Feb 18. The shooting “didn’t have the word ‘mass’ before it, and that’s the grace of God. I thank God for that.”

Off-duty officers killed the suspect in the Feb. 11 shooting. The suspect’s 7-year-old son, who was shot in the head, remains in critical condition.

Lakewood Church Pastor Joel Osteen on Heroes & Miracles

During worship on Feb. 18, Osteen prayed for everyone involved in the shooting. He told congregants God would use Lakewood Church to help people heal from the traumatic event.

The officer who helped “neutralize” the suspect was “really a hero,” Osteen said, because he was outgunned by the suspect’s AR-15 style rifle. “That was certainly a miracle,” he said. When the shooting occurred, Osteen had just finished greeting people in a lobby and was heading downstairs to change clothes.

“Some technicians came running out. Their eyes were big, like there had been some kind of incident. I thought, ‘What in the world?’” Osteen told a reporter. The pastor waited in his office about 20 minutes, and then Houston’s police chief texted him to make sure he was okay.

Although Lakewood has a strong security plan in place, Osteen said the church is always looking for ways to improve. While praying during the service, he became emotional about the “mentally ill” woman who “lost her life” and the fact that she brought her child along. “I guess it’s just pretty overwhelming to me,” Osteen admitted.

Victoria Osteen, the pastor’s wife, said the Feb. 18 service was about “reclaiming what is ours” and “reclaiming the space.” Attendees told reporters they weren’t fearful and wanted to support their pastor and his vision for the church.

Suspect’s Former Mother-in-Law: ‘Her Brain Was Broken’

In a Feb. 14 Facebook post, Walli Carranza, the suspect’s former mother-in-law, shared a photo of Samuel, her grandson, in a Houston hospital. The boy “lost a major part of what makes us who we are…a portion of his frontal lobe,” she wrote. Samuel went into cardiac arrest “multiple times,” Carranza added, and doctors don’t yet know his prognosis.

Carranza also used her post to lambaste politicians “who claim to be ‘pro-life’” but also support “unbridled gun rights.” She called for red-flag laws and for the repeal of the Second Amendment, writing, “The 1^st [Amendment] means too much to allow the second.”

J.R.R. Tolkien and the Influence of His Catholic Christian Faith

Staff

February 19, 2024

J.R.R. Tolkien christian — Unknown photo studio commissioned by Tolkien's students 1925/6 (private communication from Catherine McIlwaine, Tolkien Archivist, Bodleian Library), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

J.R.R. Tolkien, known globally for his groundbreaking works such as The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, was not only a master storyteller but also a devout Catholic Christian. His faith was not merely a personal conviction; it was a lens through which he viewed the world, deeply influencing his academic pursuits, personal life, and, significantly, his literary creations.

Born in 1892 in Bloemfontein, South Africa, Tolkien moved to England with his family at a young age. Following the death of his father, and later his mother, Tolkien and his brother were brought up by a Catholic priest at the behest of their mother, who had converted to Catholicism. This upbringing laid the foundation for Tolkien’s lifelong devotion to his faith. Tolkien’s Catholicism was a constant throughout his life, shaping his perspectives and values. He attended Mass regularly and was known to partake in the sacraments with fervor. His faith was not just a ritualistic practice but a profound source of comfort and guidance, influencing his view of the world and humanity.

Role of Faith in Personal Life and Academic Career

Tolkien’s Catholic faith was intertwined with his personal and professional life. He married Edith Bratt, who converted to Catholicism, and their marriage and family life were deeply rooted in their shared faith. Professionally, Tolkien was a respected academic, holding a professorship at Oxford University. His scholarly work on medieval literature was not just an academic pursuit but also a reflection of his interest in the Christian underpinnings of Western literary tradition.

Themes in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Literature

Tolkien’s literary works are permeated with themes that resonate with his Catholic beliefs. While he was cautious about direct allegory, preferring his stories to be appreciated for their narrative and mythic qualities, the undercurrents of his faith are undeniable.

Redemption, Sacrifice, and Good vs. Evil

The themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the battle between good and evil are central to Tolkien’s narratives. These themes are not only integral to the Christian faith but are also universal concerns that speak to the human condition. Tolkien’s depiction of Middle-earth is a testament to his belief in the power of grace, the necessity of sacrifice for the greater good, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

Dolly Parton – Gospel Roots and Glitter

Staff

February 19, 2024

dolly parton christian — Dennis Carney, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Dolly Parton’s journey into the heart of America’s music and cultural scene is deeply rooted in her Christian upbringing. Born into a large, impoverished family in rural Tennessee, Parton’s early life was steeped in a Pentecostal faith. This Christian background provided a solid foundation for her life, infusing her music with a sense of spirituality that resonates with a broad audience.

Growing up in the Smoky Mountains, Parton was surrounded by music–and religion. Her family often attended church services where gospel music was a significant component of worship. These experiences not only honed her musical talents but also deepened her spiritual life. The hymns and spiritual songs she learned and sang became the threads that wove her musical tapestry, blending country, bluegrass, and gospel genres seamlessly.

The Faith of Dolly Parton

Parton’s faith is not just a private matter but a principle that guides her public persona and professional career. Her songs often reflect her spiritual beliefs, with tracks like “Coat of Many Colors” and “God’s Coloring Book” highlighting themes of gratitude, humility, and wonder at the creation. These songs transcend the boundaries of Christian music to speak to universal human experiences of love, loss, and hope.

Moreover, Parton’s faith has inspired her to use her platform for philanthropy, most notably through her Imagination Library, which gifts books to children to foster a love of reading. This initiative reflects Christian values of charity and education, demonstrating how her faith influences not just her music but her contributions to society.

Balancing Faith with the Entertainment Industry

Navigating the entertainment industry while maintaining a strong Christian faith can be challenging. However, Parton has managed this balance with grace, often speaking openly about her beliefs without alienating those of different faiths. Her ability to discuss her Christian faith in a manner that is inclusive rather than divisive is a testament to her deep understanding of the gospel’s core messages.

Personalized Worship

Dolly Parton has often shared that she does not attend church in the traditional sense as frequently as some might expect. Her reason is not a lack of faith but a desire to find a more personal connection with God outside the conventional church setting. Parton believes in worshiping in her own way, which includes reading the Bible, praying, and seeking spiritual guidance through personal reflection and music. This approach to worship underscores her belief in a direct, personal relationship with God that transcends physical locations or formal rituals. Parton’s spirituality is deeply interwoven with her daily life, indicating that her faith is not limited to a specific day of the week but is an ongoing, living practice.

Will the Southern Baptist Convention’s Cooperative Program Crumble?

Bob Smietana

February 19, 2024

Southern Baptist Convention Cooperative Program — The Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Wednesday, June 14, 2023. (RNS photo/Emily Kask)

(RNS) — Put two Southern Baptists in the same room and before long they’ll find something to fight about.

For most of their history, members of the denomination have fought over the Bible, politics, race, sex, gender roles, music, dancing, Calvinism and almost anything else they can think of.

All that feuding has overshadowed their surprising ability to work together. For nearly a century, the Southern Baptist Convention’s Cooperative Program — which pools money to fund missions, evangelism and seminaries — has been a remarkable success, collecting more than $20 billion since 1925 and becoming the lifeblood of the nation’s largest Protestant denomination.

But as the Cooperative Program approaches its 100th anniversary in 2025, the trust that made the program possible has frayed. Southern Baptists have faced a sexual abuse crisis that has undermined confidence in denominational leaders. Feuds over politics, race and the role of women in the church — which parallel the polarization of American culture — have dominated recent denominational meetings and caused some churches to withhold their mission giving.

More may follow suit, angered at a proposed rule change — known as the Law Amendment — that would bar churches with any women leaders who hold the title of pastor, whether they are a children’s pastor or a church’s senior pastor. Passing the amendment could lead hundreds of churches to be expelled or to leave because they disagree.

Not passing it could also lead to an exodus.

“We are going to lose some people regardless of what happens,” said Adam Wyatt, a Mississippi pastor and member of the SBC’s Executive Committee. “What does that mean long term? I don’t know.”

Whatever happens will likely affect the Cooperative Program, which is already facing pressures as churches have reduced the percentage of money they share with the denomination.

In the 1980s, SBC churches gave about 10% of their income to the Cooperative Program. Today, they give less than 5%, meaning national ministries like the SBC’s seminaries and mission boards — which get about a quarter and a third of their income from the Cooperative Program, respectively — have had to rely more on direct giving that bypasses the denomination.

For example, in fiscal year 1982, the SBC’s national entities received $102 million from the Cooperative Program, or the equivalent of more than $300 million today, when adjusted for inflation. In fiscal year 2022 — reported in the SBC’s 2023 annual report — those entities received $195.9 million from the Cooperative Program.

Giving to the Cooperative Program for this year is currently down about 2% — and 3.6% under budget, according to the SBC Executive Committee. A pair of special offerings that go directly to the denomination’s missions board have also dropped, resulting in a combined decrease of about 4% in giving from last year.

The number of Southern Baptists has also declined significantly over the past two decades, from a high of 16.3 million members in 2006 to 13.2 million members in 2023. That decline includes nearly half a million members from 2022 to 2023 and 1.5 million since 2018. Fewer members means fewer givers.

Faith at Work: The Chick-fil-A Way

Staff

February 19, 2024

Chick-fil-A, christianity — Adobestock #417489246

Chick-fil-A, a name synonymous with chicken sandwiches, waffle fries, and a unique approach to fast food service, stands out in the crowded industry not just for its menu, but also for the foundational principles upon which it operates. Founded by S. Truett Cathy in 1946, the company has grown from a single diner in Hapeville, Georgia, to a multinational corporation, renowned for its commitment to quality, service, and a set of core values deeply rooted in Christian faith.

S. Truett Cathy’s devout Christian beliefs were not just a personal creed but served as the cornerstone of his business philosophy. From the company’s inception, these values have been intricately woven into every facet of Chick-fil-A’s operations, distinguishing it in an industry often characterized by cutthroat competition and minimal profit margins. The integration of faith extends beyond mere corporate identity; it influences how the company interacts with its stakeholders, designs its employee training programs, and even dictates the ambiance of its restaurants.

From the decision to close on Sundays to the curation of a respectful and service-oriented work environment, Chick-fil-A’s commitment to glorifying God and being faithful stewards of their resources is evident. This commitment has not only defined the corporate culture but has also sparked conversations about the role of faith in modern business practices.

Truett Cathy’s life story is not just a tale of entrepreneurial success; it is a testament to the power of faith in guiding business principles and personal ethics. Born in 1921, Cathy’s humble beginnings did not hint at the fast-food empire he would one day build. Yet, it was his steadfast Christian faith, nurtured from a young age, that became the bedrock of Chick-fil-A’s corporate ethos. Cathy passed away in 2014.

McKenna Breinholt Surprised by Birth Family After Singing ‘There Was Jesus’ on ‘American Idol’

Jesse T. Jackson

February 19, 2024

McKenna Breinholt, a 25-year-old singer from Gilbert, Arizona, captured America’s heart after performing “There Was Jesus” by Zach Williams and Dolly Parton on last night’s season premiere of “American Idol.”

“I FINALLY made the decision to try out for this next season of American Idol,” Breinholt shared on Instagram last month. “This has been a dream of mine for a long time now and I am proud of how far I have come. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity I was given to be able to even audition!”

Breinholt continued, “Today is exactly one month away from the season premier [sic] and y’all better tune in to see if I got the golden ticket or not!! :).”

Breinholt told the “American Idol” judges that she was adopted and had discovered that her birth mother was a singer named Amy Ross Lopez. When Breinholt turned 21, she started searching for her birth mother and discovered that Lopez had passed away in October 2013 due to complications from lupus.

“I found [out] I was adopted as early as I was able to understand it,” Breinholt said. “My mom struggled for several years trying to get pregnant and eventually they decided to go through the adoption process.”

“I have the best family in the world,” she added. “They’ve always supported me.”

After finding out her birth mother was a singer who performed locally in Bisbee, Arizona, just a few hours away from Gilbert, Breinholt said she “instantly knew where I got my ear from and where I got my voice from—it just all clicked.”

Breinholt made contact with her entire birth family in the summer of 2023 and discovered that they all sing.

“My birth family was looking for me for probably the last eight years,” she shared. “Knowing that I have another family out there who’s equally excited to know and love me was amazing.”

Breinholt explained to the judges she had only spoken to members of her birth family on FaceTime but had plans to meet them in person in the next few weeks.

Pastor Returns to Pulpit After Surviving Alleged Poisoning That Claimed the Lives of 3, Including His Wife

Dale Chamberlain

February 19, 2024

An Australian pastor is back in the pulpit following an alleged attempt on his life from a family member. Pastor Ian Wilkinson of Korumburra Baptist Church in Victoria was the sole survivor of a poisonous beef Wellington lunch that claimed the lives of three people, including Heather Wilkinson, his wife of over four decades.

The allegedly intentional poisoning was perpetrated by Erin Patterson on July 29, 2023, and the main target appears to have been her estranged husband, Simon Patterson. The deceased include Simon’s parents, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson.

Simon opted not to attend the meal, which was ostensibly scheduled as a reconciliation effort between family members for the sake of Erin and Simon’s two children, according to Independent. Instead, Simon took the children to a movie.

Erin Patterson prepared the beef Wellington dish with death cap mushrooms, which are highly poisonous. One day after consuming the meal, all four victims fell ill and were taken to the hospital. Heather Wilkinson and Gail Patterson died on Aug. 4, 2023. Don Patterson died one day later on Aug. 5, 2023.

Although Ian Wilkinson survived, he needed to spend months in the hospital recovering.

Detectives initially believed it was possible that the poisoning was accidental, and Erin Patterson fiercely maintained her innocence, telling reporters that she was “so devastated” that her children had lost their grandparents.

However, after detectives determined that no other health alerts had been reported by Victoria’s Health Department and no mushroom sellers reported customers have any issues, along with the fact that a neighbor came forward to disclose that Erin Patterson was an experienced forager who routinely picked mushrooms in the area, authorities decided to move forward with charges.

On Sunday, Feb. 11, Ian Wilkinson returned to his church, making his first public comments since falling ill. His return also marked the celebration of his 25th year as pastor of Korumburra Baptist Church.

“At the start of the week, it was six months since Heather and Gail and Don went to be with the Lord,” Wilkinson told the congregation, according to Daily Mail.

“And yesterday was our 45th wedding anniversary, so it’s been a pretty big week. But I am grateful for all that God has given me, God has done through me,” Wilkinson added.

Freethought Democrats Object to Pastor Jack Hibbs as Guest Chaplain, Say He’s Christian Nationalist

Jack Jenkins

February 19, 2024

Pastor Jack Hibbs speaks at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills in California. (Video screen grab)

WASHINGTON (RNS) — Members of the Congressional Freethought Caucus, a group which advocates advocate for separation of church and state, and other House Democrats are speaking out against Speaker Mike Johnson’s sponsorship of a controversial pastor as a guest chaplain and accusing Johnson of importing a radical brand of Christian faith into the House.

On Thursday (Feb. 15), 26 lawmakers, led by U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman of California, sent a letter to Johnson and the House Chaplain’s Office expressing outrage that Jack Hibbs, pastor of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills in California, was allowed to deliver the House’s opening prayer on Jan. 30, in an appearance sponsored by Johnson, who is an evangelical Christian.

The letter raised questions as to why Hibbs was approved as a guest chaplain at all, given that the pastor lives in California, not in Johnson’s Louisiana district.

“He was violating the guidelines by bringing in someone who wasn’t even his constituent,” Huffman told Religion News Service.

“Pastor Hibbs is a radical Christian Nationalist who helped fuel the January 6th insurrection and has a long record of spewing hateful vitriol toward non-Christians, immigrants, and members of the LGBTQ community,” read the letter.

The Freethought Caucus and other liberal members have been wary of Johnson, who formerly served as a lawyer for a conservative legal group. Some have expressed concern that he could use his position to further conservative Christian and Christian nationalist causes.

“We know that some of these hate preachers were very involved in inciting people to attend on January 6, and giving them a religious permission structure that contributed to the violence,” Huffman told Religion News Service. “To now have those people not only have zero accountability for what they said and did … but to be given the prestige of a congressional invocation … should be alarming to people who care about this threat to our democracy, as well as the continuing attack on church-state separation.”

The letter detailed a long list of Hibbs’ inflammatory statements throughout his career, including his suggestion that Islam is used by Satan as a “vehicle” to bring about the Last Days; that a “true Jew” is one who worships Jesus; and that transgender people are part of a “sexually perverted cult.”

Hibbs gave voice to a Christian vision of the country’s future in his prayer before Congress, calling on God to bestow wisdom on lawmakers present because a “coming day of judgment draws near when all who have been and are now in authority will answer to you, the great judge of heaven and of Earth.”

Hibbs, a well-known figure in conservative political circles, frequently hosts conversations with Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, a right-wing advocacy group that has sought to enlist pastors in its efforts to push conservative political views. Kirk, in turn, has championed Hibbs, and the pastor has often appeared on radio programs with Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council.

The lawmakers pointed to remarks Hibbs delivered to his congregation days before the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack, that “there is no president-elect,” referring to Joe Biden’s win in the 2020 election. Hibbs, who participated in the pro-Trump rally that day but did not go to the Capitol, told Perkins, “This is what you get when you eject God from the courts and from the schools,” according to NPR.

In addition to Huffman, the signers of the letter include U.S. Reps. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, Pramila Jayapal of Washington, Jan Schakowsky of Illinois, Jerrold Nadler of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rosa L. DeLauro of Connecticut. The signers represented Christians, Muslims, Jews and secular humanists.

African Methodist Episcopal Church Leaders Call for Halt to All US Funding of Israel

Adelle M Banks

February 19, 2024

(RNS) — The African Methodist Episcopal Church’s top officials have called for the U.S. government to halt all its funding of Israel, citing the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians in the Hamas-Israel war.

“The Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church calls on the United States Government to immediately withdraw all funding and other support from Israel,” reads a statement issued on Wednesday (Feb. 14), the 264th anniversary of the birth of the historically Black denomination’s founder, Richard Allen.

“Since October 7, 2023, in retaliation for the brutal murder of 1,139 Israeli citizens by Hamas, Israel has murdered over 28,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children. The United States is supporting this mass genocide. This must not be allowed to continue.”

The statement was signed by Bishop Adam J. Richardson, senior bishop of the denomination; Bishop Stafford J.N. Wicker, president of the bishops’ council; Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield, chair of social action, and Bishop Francine A. Brookins, co-chair of social action.

Bishop Harry L. Seawright, the leader of the AME’s Alabama district, said in a Thursday interview with Religion News Service that he and other bishops also supported the statement, which he said reflects the denomination’s stances on social action.

“We have always tried to take a social stand against injustice, unfair treatment of all people,” he said.

Seawright said he was not aware of any other Black denominations that had adopted the same stance. Bishop Vashti McKenzie, a retired AME bishop and the president of the National Council of Churches, an organization of Protestant, Orthodox, evangelical and historic African American churches, told Religion News Service that she believed the AME Church was the first national denomination to take this step.

In January, Progressive National Baptist Convention President David Peoples declared his denomination’s stance in favor of a cease-fire at a news conference at the Lorraine Motel, the Memphis, Tennessee, site where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968.

But on Thursday, he told RNS he is not taking the stance the AME Church has. “I’m not going that far,” he said, though he said he agrees with those who think U.S. military funding to Israel should be tied to verified humanitarian conditions and an exit strategy.

The AME’s statement comes in a week of continuing calls for cease-fire and humanitarian aid for the victims of the war that began on Oct. 7 with a Hamas attack that killed an estimated 1,200 people in Israel, according to authorities there; 28,000 Palestinians have since been killed in retaliation, health officials in Gaza estimate

In a Monday (Feb. 12) letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, a diverse group of faith leaders requested that any legislation providing U.S. funding for Israel include humanitarian aid for Palestinians. The signers include leaders of the NCC, National Association of Evangelicals, the Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Sojourners, the National African American Clergy Network and Masjid Muhammad in Washington.

“Ending the extraordinary suffering and death of Palestinian civilians is essential to Israel’s long-term security and to peace and stability in the region,” wrote the signatories, who added that they recognize Israel’s right to defend itself and they seek the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Righteous Anger in Scripture: Lessons from Biblical Figures on Justice and Change

Staff

February 19, 2024

Righteous indignation, often interchanged with the term “righteous anger,” holds a significant place in religious and moral philosophy, particularly within the context of Christianity. It refers to a type of anger that is considered justifiable and is directed towards what is perceived as sin, injustice, or moral wrongdoing. This article explores the meaning of righteous indignation, provides examples, and discusses its implications and expressions within the framework of Christian teachings.

Understanding Righteous Indignation

Righteous indignation is defined as a reactive emotion of anger over perceived mistreatment, insult, or malice. It is considered “righteous” when it is directed towards injustice or moral wrongdoing, distinguishing it from personal grievance or vendetta.

Examples of Righteous Anger

Biblical narratives are replete with instances of righteous indignation, both in the actions of God and of humans. For instance, Jesus’ cleansing of the temple (Matthew 21:12-13) is often cited as an example of righteous anger, where He drives out merchants and money changers for turning a place of worship into a marketplace, declaring, “My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you make it a den of robbers.”

Self-Righteous Indignation vs. Righteous Indignation

It’s crucial to differentiate between self-righteous indignation, which stems from an inflated sense of personal virtue, and righteous indignation, which is concerned with upholding God’s righteousness. Self-righteous anger often leads to judgment and condemnation, while righteous anger aims to restore justice and godliness.

Biblical Perspectives on Anger

The Bible offers guidance on anger, distinguishing between unjustifiable anger and righteous indignation. Ephesians 4:26-27 advises, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” This suggests that while anger in itself is not sinful, it becomes problematic when it leads to sin.

Righteous Anger and the Wrath of God

The concept of God’s wrath in the Bible is an expression of divine righteous indignation towards sin and injustice. It is a demonstration of God’s holiness and His commitment to justice. However, it is always tempered by His mercy and is aimed at bringing about redemption and righteousness.

Because of How God Sovereignly Led Me Through Past Difficulties, I Can Trust Him for the Future

Randy Alcorn

February 19, 2024

Recently I shared this on Facebook:

In all my hardest times, God has been there. He’s been faithful to me when I had to resign as a pastor, had issues with church leaders, went through lawsuits and public scorn, was restricted to minimum wage, and faced disease and depression and the deaths of close friends and family members, including the death of my beloved wife and best friend, Nanci. I don’t understand why everything has happened, but I have seen a great deal of good come out of much of it. Because of who God is and all He’s done for me, I trust Him to use all the other difficulties in ways I will not understand until I enter His presence.

Several commenters said that they hadn’t heard that part of my story before and looked it up. It was a good reminder that some of those who follow our ministry aren’t aware of the history of how Eternal Perspective Ministries started. As you watch this video, I hope it makes you think about God’s sovereignty and leading in your own life:

Those who believe that God doesn’t know about billions of future choices and the events that flow out of those choices must simply hope for the best. Those who believe in a God who knows “the end from the beginning” (Isaiah 46:10), however, can relax because even though they don’t know what lies ahead, their sovereign God does.

In the several years that we found ourselves in the middle of the stressful situation with the lawsuits, Nanci and I would talk with our daughters, assuring them that God remained in control, that He knew everything that would happen, and that we could trust Him to use it for good. And He has!

In the journal she kept during her cancer years, Nanci reflected on those earlier challenges we faced: “Lord, you used the Lovejoy trial and verdict to shape so many lives—especially those of our daughters. Your plan was not to deliver us out of that literal trial. Your plan was to deliver us through that trial and verdict. By allowing such a severe verdict and penalty, you led us onto a path that was marvelous beyond our hopes. So many blessings were piled along that path for us and countless others. We couldn’t have dreamed what you had in store for us.”

Later in her journal, she quoted Charles Spurgeon:

As to the future, all of us are blind and cannot see an hour ahead us. But the Lord will lead us right up to our journey’s end…Happy are those who place their hand in that of the Great Guide, and leave their way and themselves entirely with Him. He will bring them all the way. And when He has brought them home to glory and has opened their eyes to see the way by which He has led them, what a song of gratitude will they sing to their great Benefactor.

Henrietta C. Mears wrote, “I know not the way He leads me, but well do I know my Guide.” Because of God’s grace and sovereignty, we can fully trust Him in whatever is ahead!

This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.

Every Small Group Leader Needs To Know How To Bounce

Chet Gladkowski

February 19, 2024

It might be fashionable to say that brighter days are ahead. That we’ve got this. This kind of messaging might even help people feel hopeful. And I hope they are right. But we need something more than just feelings if we are to move forward with Small Groups. We need to learn how to bounce.

The last few years have taught us that things naturally go downhill. All you have to do is nothing and things wear out. They break. Things, people, and organizations just naturally fall apart. It’s just the way things are in this broken world.

Now I’m all for being positive. After all, God is in control. Period. And from an eternal perspective, He wins. There may be some wins here in this life, but His ultimate and eternal win comes at the end of history. And for all who are in Christ, we win too.

But until then, people, things, and organizations are going to fail. They’re going to fall. So, the question is what are we going to do when it happens? When we fail? When our structure and organization fall and break apart?

How to Bounce

I’m convinced that God doesn’t just want you to lie there after misfortune, failure, or change. God wants you to bounce. The question is how to bounce? And if yes, how are you going to bounce? You can bounce four different ways.

• Bounce Down – just give up, you lie there in a pool of your own pity.

• Bounce Back – you respond, but only return to where you were.

• Bounce Up – you come back up, but not sure where to go

• Bounce Forward – this is where you move forward after failure.

When you bounce forward, you first must absorb the loss and shock of it all. You then quickly look to leverage it into opportunities, catapulting sustainable growth. When challenges emerge, resilient leaders quickly look at where they are, stop doing what’s not working, and bounce forward by pouring themselves into what’s working.

6 Reasons To Sit in a Different Seat at Church This Weekend

Chuck Lawless

February 19, 2024

I know some readers won’t like this post. Most of us have a habit of sitting in church in the same place on Sunday, and I realize that nobody else is calling for changing this pattern. Nevertheless, I press on with my reasons that you and I should sit in a different place at church this weekend.

6 Reasons to Sit in a Different Seat at Church This Weekend

1. Most of us get too comfortable at church on Sunday in general.

We develop all kinds of habits, like parking in the same area, going in the same door, following the same route to our small group room, sitting in the same place, and often going to the same restaurants after the service. Nothing changes—including, frankly, the depth of our walk with God. We also don’t expect God to do anything different when we gather, and we then get what we expected.

2. You’ll get to know different people.

You might already know everybody in your church, but sitting among different people will give you opportunity to get to know somebody more deeply. If you don’t know everybody, moving your seat will allow you to know somebody new. You’ll appreciate better the Body of Christ.

Living With a Single Priority

Brandon Cox

February 18, 2024

Priorities. Did you know that word actually means pretty much nothing? The word priority comes from the Latin word prior which means former or first.

That which is a priority is first. It’s the source out of which something else comes. So to have many different “firsts” somehow ranking against each other makes little sense.

In other words, you can only have one priority. Or…

To do two things at once is to do neither. (Publilius Syrus)

One of the most important questions you can ever answer about yourself is, what is the one thing for which I’m really living?

I know what you’re thinking. I’ve got family, work, friendships, hobbies, my finances, my physical health, and a dozen little side projects at any given time. Can I really drop them all and focus only on one? Not exactly.

This is what Jesus had to say about living with a single priority…

But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)

The word Jesus used for “first” is from the Greek word proton. In other words, for the Christ-follower, God’s kingdom is our one priority.

It’s interesting that Jesus said this in the middle of a talk about worry and anxiety. He told us to stop worrying about all the details of life and just seek his kingdom first. Then, all the things we have been worrying about will take care of themselves.

And first means there is something after. So when the kingdom of God is our one priority, everything else about our lives flows out of it.

Perhaps it would be good to define kingdom. A kingdom is the realm over which a king has reign and rule.

God’s kingdom, someday, will come in all of its glorious fullness on earth. But today, his kingdom is within his followers. It subtly and subversively pops up all around us as people follow Jesus, submit to his will, and carry out the mission of telling his redemptive good news to all the world. Here’s the implication:

All I Have To Worry About Today Is the Will of the King, Jesus.

He has a will, a desire, for my soul, for my family, for my finances, for my church, my work, my friendships, and everything else about me. And it’s all redemptive. It all points back to him when I’m living in close fellowship with and obedience to him.

This is not an issue of “just go to church a lot and forget the rest.” It’s a matter of focusing our thinking on him and his truth every day in such a way that who I am and what I do flows out of my rightful place in his kingdom.

It’s not a matter of “getting your priorities straight.” That just gets confusing and convoluted and you wind up juggling and trying to please everyone and there is no more miserable life to be had than a life of trying to keep everyone else happy.

It’s a matter of living to please and serve the King who sacrificed his own life to redeem us for an intimate relationship with himself.

My priority today is living for my King, Jesus, and my wife, kids, friends, church, and neighbors are all glad of it.

What’s your single priority?

This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.

6 Reasons Why Church Mergers Are a Good Idea

1. Church Mergers Extend and Advance the Kingdom of God

2. Church Mergers Are a Wise Approach to Stewardship

3. Church Mergers Communicate Christian Unity to the Community

4 Steps to Diffusing Social Media Tension

1. Be the example

2. Create consistent messaging

3. Use private messages

4. Don’t be afraid to hide comments

10 Important Times to Lead Children in a Prayer

1. Say a faith-commitment prayer.

2. Pray when preparing to travel.

3. Pray at meal time.

4. Lead children in a prayer at bedtime.

5. Pray together when facing a big challenge.

6. Talk to God together when tragedy strikes.

7. Pray when starting the day.

Greg Laurie Appeals to Pastors

All Human Life Is Sacred

Love God, Love People

Lakewood Church Pastor Joel Osteen on Heroes & Miracles

Suspect’s Former Mother-in-Law: ‘Her Brain Was Broken’

Role of Faith in Personal Life and Academic Career

Themes in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Literature

Redemption, Sacrifice, and Good vs. Evil

The Faith of Dolly Parton

Balancing Faith with the Entertainment Industry

Personalized Worship

Understanding Righteous Indignation

Examples of Righteous Anger

Self-Righteous Indignation vs. Righteous Indignation

Biblical Perspectives on Anger

Righteous Anger and the Wrath of God

How to Bounce

6 Reasons to Sit in a Different Seat at Church This Weekend

1. Most of us get too comfortable at church on Sunday in general.

2. You’ll get to know different people.

All I Have To Worry About Today Is the Will of the King, Jesus.

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