4 Reasons I Don’t Like Children’s Christmas Programs

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December 13, 2023

It’s that time of year! The annual church Christmas programs.

Is there anything cuter than kids in a Christmas program? I mean seriously, don’t we just love seeing the kids sharing their songs, saying their lines, quoting their Bible verses and wearing all the Christmasy things? And, of course, there’s always that “one” kid who unwittingly steals the show with their over-enthusiastic lines or their under-enthusiastic singing. Or the one who is just a little bit off on the motions or the one who is pretending to conduct in the back row.

I mean, who doesn’t like seeing kids perform in church?

(slowly raises her hand)…ME.

What?!? I work in Children’s Ministry! Isn’t that against the rules?

You guys, bear with me but, yeah, I usually don’t like them very much at all. I love that the kids talk about Jesus. I do think that they are beyond adorable and I want to hug every single one. But what I don’t like are the many implications that often come with it; things that go unsaid, but speak volumes to children and adults about the place of children in “big church.”

4 Reasons I Don’t Like Christmas Programs

They define the role of Children in Worship: They are performers. They are cute. Everyone likes to “see” them. Everyone wants them on stage. But children are much more than that. They are active, vital, necessary members of the body of Christ. If they are only invited into worship to “perform” guess what worship/church becomes for them? A performance. And when they get tired of performing or they aren’t cute anymore, they move on to bigger and better things.
They define the role of the Children’s Pastor: Many or most who work in children’s ministry rarely spend much time in “big church.” The role is unseen; serving downstairs or upstairs making sure children are loved, rooms are covered, volunteers are appreciated, parents are affirmed, janitors are appeased, visitors are welcomed, and families are encouraged. But the only time a children’s minister is seen in church is when he/she bring the children up to put on a show. It creates a very limited view of who children’s ministers are.
They define the role of the Congregation: When the children perform, all the feelings are there! The kids are sweet and cute and the church loves to see them in church. But it is a passive reception; the kids give, the church receives. There are no active, ongoing relationships. Many don’t even know the children’s names. They are the “girl in the red dress that sang so loud” and the “boy in the tie who sat on the steps.” It creates an environment of “us” and “them” and when the performance is over, everyone returns to their posts.
They define who is and who is not “the Church”: This is the same reason I despise the term “big church.” There isn’t a big church and little church in God’s kingdom. There’s just church. We, all of us, old, young and in-between, are all members of God’s body, part of the Church, his Bride. We affirm this at baptism or dedication. The whole congregations commits to being one body. And then, we go our separate ways, big and little, for the year, until it’s time to perform again.

Important Caveat: I Know That Not Every Church Is Like This.

Please know that I realize that for some churches the program is more than a performance. For those churches, the children are involved in church all year long as participants and not just performers and the Christmas program is an extension of a greater story. I am beyond blessed to serve in a church like this.

When the Pastor’s Wife Suffers in Silent Depression

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Cara Croft

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December 13, 2023

thank you notes for children’s ministry volunteers

Sometimes when the pastor’s wife is dealing with depression, she suffers alone. This is one pastor’s wife’s story that will shed light on this issue.

Every counselor begins with the question, “So how long have you suffered with depression?” The truth is that I am not sure.

At times it seems like a lifetime. As a child, I was always told that I was melancholy, and that description is true. I was a very quiet child. I tended to sit, listen and observe others; I still do that.

However, I tend to slip at times into a different kind of darkness.

My first major bout with depression came my freshman year in college. My parents were divorced and had been since I was three. However, I was feeling a new pressure in my relationship with my dad, and I was not sure how to handle it. I became very discouraged when I realized that I was in a situation in which I could not make my mom and my dad happy no matter what decision I made. So, I went to counseling.

I cannot remember most of what that counselor and I talked about, but I do know that God used that time to bring me to a deeper level of brokenness and a greater realization of my dependence on him. As I look back at my time in college, I can clearly see times where God met me in very real ways.

I Became a Pastor’s Wife

Then I got married. My sweet husband knew that at times I struggled with discouragement and being down, but usually I rebounded quickly.

We had been at the church for three years when I hit my next major bout with depression. My youngest child was born a month early and we went through a year with various health issues with our children that ended in several different surgeries and hospital stays. To the point of exhaustion, I tried to care for four children, my husband and our church, homeschool, and go to a bazillion doctor’s appointments.

I was overwhelmed with my life and felt like I was failing in everything I did.

No matter what I did or how I changed my schedule, I just could not do it all. After a year of struggling (yes, it took me a whole year to finally admit I needed help), I came to a place where I had to share with my husband what was going on. I was depressed, not just down, but depressed. I was in a place of darkness where it seemed there was no hope, happiness or joy.

Back to counseling I went; only this time, my husband came too. He had noticed my struggle, but he was not sure how he could help me deal with it. Counseling was helpful. I saw how much I try to earn God’s favor. I struggle with perfectionism and am frustrated with myself when I am anything less than perfect. I tend to dismiss the encouraging comments from my husband and from other church members, and I tend to replace them with self-loathing thoughts like, “If only they knew the thoughts I had, or if they knew how I really was, then they wouldn’t say those things.”

I was choosing to believe lies instead of believing God’s truth about who I am in Him and how he sees me.

After several months of counseling, the darkness lifted. I experienced a joy that I had missed for months. I experienced peace and a renewed love for God and his word. I found a joy in serving my family and my church that had not been there for a long time. I found freedom in not having to please myself.

But the battle did not end. Please understand that I still had the thoughts creep into my head that I wasn’t good enough or that I had failed again. However, I also had God’s word to remind me of the truth of my freedom in Christ.

7 Characteristics of Disciple-Making Pastors

By

Chuck Lawless

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December 13, 2023

I have written in the past about the importance of making disciples through mentoring (e.g., see these blogs [here and here] and books [here and here]). To be frank, though, I don’t know a lot of pastors who prioritize this work – though I am beginning to see more who are at least considering it. Those who are doing it have often been doing it for a long time, and here are some of their characteristics:

They were early adopters of this approach. “Early adopter” is, of course, relative, since mentoring has been around a long, long time. My point is that these pastors often began intentional mentoring when few other pastors were doing it. They were discipleship pioneers in a North American culture that had long forgotten what mentoring was.
They are continually praying for someone to invest in. They have their current mentees, but they’re always watching for others. They pay attention to how other believers walk with the Lord, and they watch for faithfulness and fruitfulness. They just want to obey the Lord in choosing the right mentees.
They particularly want to invest in others considering a call to ministry. It is not that they’re unwilling to invest in other faithful members, but they want to steward their time and energy most wisely. By investing in some who will likely invest in others in the decades to some, they’re multiplying their efforts.
They hold the bar high for their mentees. I’ve seen some of these leaders ultimately weed out less committed mentees by expecting more out of them than they had ever previously experienced. If these pastors are going to invest their time and energy in someone, they expect that person to be committed to their mutual goals of discipleship.
They don’t worry about accusations of favoritism when they choose mentees. Others might charge them with such, but they know better. They choose mentees under the Lord’s guidance, and they raise expectations so high that some folks would not be interested in being their mentee. Favoritism is seldom a motivating factor for these leaders.
Their approach to mentoring is much more than simple life-on-life “let’s have conversations and hang out.” The latter approach can be productive, but these pastors mentor much more intentionally and strategically. They expect their mentees to do things like study with them, be accountable to them, do evangelism with them, and serve alongside them through the church.
They want their mentees to do greater things than they’ve ever done. Disciple-making pastors aren’t worried about building their own kingdom. They’re more concerned about sending out their mentees than keeping them around. They don’t get jealous when their mentees find themselves on bigger platforms or receive greater publicity. They simply want their mentees to honor the Lord.

Tell us a story about a disciple-making pastor who influenced you!

This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.

A Home for the Holidays: Refugees and the Christmas Story

By

Daniel Yang

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December 13, 2023

With Christmas right around the corner, it is the best time of the year for churches to cultivate meaningful relationships with vulnerable families in their communities. By doing so, we can empower them to build their lives not just for a generation but for an eternity.

I know this first hand because of my family’s experience. The earliest memory my siblings and I have of Christmas in America was in 1983. At the time, our Hmong family was four years into our new life in America.

That year set the tone not only for what Christmas would mean moving forward, but also for what it would mean to belong to America—our new home. That’s largely credited to Barry and Nancy Phillips, our sponsors.

This photo is the earliest memory my siblings and I have of Christmas in America. It’s 1983 and our Hmong family was four years into this new American life. That’s me in the background with a red jacket, probably eager to open the next present.

The Philips were our “American” family in those days. They were part of a small network of people who helped our family begin healing from our experience of war and displacement. They did that through small and trivial things like making sure we had a festive Christmas every year. But they also made sure my dad learned how to drive, my mom had meaningful work, and my siblings had the chance to dream.

We arrived in East Moline, Illinois, in 1979 after spending the previous years in a Thailand refugee camp. The camp bordered the war-torn country of Laos where my parents called home for four decades and my older siblings were born. It was home for our family, and it was also where my dad and two uncles fought alongside the CIA in a war later declassified and referred to as America’s Secret War.

Our family was resettled through Lutheran Social Services with the help of a small church. It was through their ministry that my mom and dad became the first followers of Jesus in the history of our family lineage. My siblings and I—a group now composed of a doctor, food distributor, lawyer, engineer, and missiologist—might not be followers of Jesus today if this church did not resettle our family and give us a warm and meaningful beginning in the name of Jesus.

They were a church of welcome—a welcome to America and a first invitation into the Kingdom of God.

Our family was a part of a wave of refugees from French Indochina. This wave was eventually part of setting American policy for refugee resettlement and catalyzing the U.S. work for organizations like World Relief.

Fast-forward to 2023, we’re now living during one of the largest crises in human history: the displacement of over 110 million people around the world. We have reached the highest number in history of women, children, and men forced to leave their home due to conflict, economic turmoil, and climate instability.

What major cable networks choose to report on their news cycles only scratches the surface of what’s happening around the world today. The 20,000 asylum seekers that have shown up to my city, Chicago, in the last year are only a part of the steady stream of new arrivals that have chosen to come here seeking freedom and opportunity.

The story of displaced people due to multi-layered social and political trauma is embedded in the Christmas story. Jesus, Joseph, and Mary sought asylum in Egypt from Herod (Matthew 2:13-15). It isn’t a minor detail in Jesus’ upbringing, but instead a profound life experience that shaped his social narrative, family calling, and the movement he patterned after his incarnation—the Church.

All Evangelism Is Important – But Is it Equal?

By

JDPayne

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December 13, 2023

All evangelism is important but all evangelism is not equal. There is a difference between a church having an evangelistic invitation (e.g., altar call) during a worship gathering and a church sending members to share the gospel with unreached people groups. Yet, most people would say both of these churches are evangelistic.

(Food for thought: While gospel proclamation occurred when the first century churches gathered (1 Cor 14:24-25), most of the evangelistic activities in the New Testament occurred in the highways and hedges of the communities.)

All evangelism is important but all evangelism is not equal. There is a difference between a church teaching members to be evangelistic in their offices, schools, and neighborhoods (generally, meaning reaching people of the same cultural identities as themselves) and a church teaching members to share the gospel with the 1st generation Yemeni living across town.

Christmas Craziness and God’s Glory

By

David Santistevan

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December 13, 2023

If you’re a worship leader, Christmas craziness probably has you tired right now. The Christmas season is upon us. Attendance is up, expectations are high and there’s tons of new music to learn.

Slow down. Take a deep breathe. Realign your heart with what matters most in this moment. Hope is here. Jesus has come to save. The glories of the Gospel are just as real as they were 2,000 years ago in a Bethlehem stable. This is the reason we’ve decided to release some Christmas songs. We’re so excited to share with you Light of the World by Allison Park Worship.

The beauty of Christmas carols is not their originality but how they cause us to reflect. This season is filled with moments where we are brought face to face with our own materialism, worry, stress and struggle. But we are reminded to see all of this within the glorious light that a Savior has come.

In this post I want to just give a brief overview of the songs and some of the production notes behind this project, Light of World by my team and I at Allison Park Worship. I know many of you are songwriters and producers, pastorally seeking to write songs and create environments where your church can connect with God. Maybe a little behind the scenes glimpse into this project will inspire your own. I hope it does.

First off, all of these songs were arranged to be a part of our past Christmas Eve services. We don’t typically write for an “album,” so to speak but want to create fresh arrangement of classic hymns for our church to sing to the Savior over Christmas. With that being said, here we go.

Christmas Craziness and God’s Glory

1.O Come All Ye Faithful – While this song isn’t typically considered “upbeat,” we wanted to create an arrangement of this classic that could work well as an opening song in church. Those opening “call to worship” songs are so important in orienting our hearts towards God as well as helping us relax and get focused. Most people don’t come to church “ready” to worship. That’s what we wanted to accomplish with this tune—helping people orient their hearts at the beginning of a worship set.

2. Hark the Herald (Glory) – Again, solid upbeat songs are tough to come by so we wanted to create a more synthed-out version of this classic hymn. This is probably my favorite Christmas song of all time. I love the rich theology and the arc of the melody. The main thrust of the song is the cry of the angels “Glory to the newborn King,” so we wanted to write a closing chorus that echoed that cry. We switch time signatures from 4/4 to 6/8 at the end and rock out a bit.

The Doctrine of the Church: Its Meaning, Members, and Means

By

Nicholas Batzig

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December 13, 2023

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones once made the following important observation: “If we do not understand the . . . doctrine of the Church, there is a sense in which all its appeals and exhortations and indicatives will be quite meaningless to us.”

Far too many professing Christians seek doctrinal truths or practical applications of the truths of Scripture for their own personal use without recognizing the fact that God has first and foremost revealed everything in Scripture to the Church collectively considered. But what is the Church? This is a difficult question to answer, since Scripture speaks of the Church in a variety of ways. Sadly, more often than not, individuals have failed to rightly distinguish between the many sides of the biblical teaching about the church. In order to answer this question, we must give a brief consideration to the origin of the word “church,” the different ways in which Scripture speaks of the church, and the defining attributes of the church.

Doctrine of the Church

Defining the Church

The English word “church” comes from a translation of the Greek word κυριακόν. Geerhardus Vos suggested that it “comes from the Greek κυριακόν…‘what is of the Lord,’ ‘what belongs to the Lord.’” In our English Bibles, however, the word ekklēsia (ἐκκλησία) has been translated “the church.” The word ekklēsia carries with it the idea of something or someone being “called out.” Those who have trusted in Jesus have been “called out” of the world by God. The word also carries with it the idea of being “gathered together.” On account of this, the English words “congregation” and “assembly” are translations of the Greek word ekklēsia. The church is the assembly of the saints who have been redeemed and called out by God in order to be gathered together to worship Him. This definition covers the teaching of Scripture both in the Old and New Testament. In his dying speech, the first New Testament martyr, Stephen, spoke of Moses as the “one who was in the congregation (ἐκκλησία) in the wilderness” (Acts 7:38). The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians over matters related to the Lord’s Supper, saying, ‘When you come together as a church (ἐκκλησίᾳ)…” (1 Cor. 11:18). From this word, the biblical meaning of “the church” is formed.

Doctrine of the Church: Biblical References

There are a number of titles Scripture employs in order to help us understand the nature of the church. In the Old Testament God addresses the sacred assembly (ἐκκλησία) by the name “Israel,” “the Daughter of Zion” (Ps. 9:4; Is. 1:8; 62:11; Micah 4:8), “The Daughter of Jerusalem” (2 Kings 19:21; Song of Songs 2:7; Lam. 2:13; Zeph. 3:14), “Jerusalem,” “Jacob” (Ps. 14:7; 53:6; Is. 9:8; 10:21; 27:9; Jer. 10:25), “Judah,” “Ephraim,” “Zion,” and “the City of God.” In the New Testament, He refers to the Church as “the body of Christ” (1 Cor. 12:27; Eph. 4:12), “the bride of Christ,” “the people of God,” “the house of God” (Heb. 3:1-6; 10:21); “the Temple” (1 Cor. 3:16-19; Eph. 2:21), “the children of God” and “Israel” (Gal. 6:16). All of these names and analogies have their own specific meanings by which the various aspects of the life of God’s people is represented.

However, in he doctrine of the church, when we seek to distinguish between the different ways in which Scripture speaks of the Church, theologians have used the following four categories: the invisible church, the visible church, the church militant, and the church triumphant.

A biblical view of the church must rightly start with what we might call the invisible church. Eric Alexander has humorously noted, “the invisible church is not that group of people that are noticeably and regularly absent from worship on the Lord’s Day.” Rather, the invisible church is the body of believers who are mystically united to Jesus Christ. Viewed from this perspective, the Church is the totality of the elect on earth and in heaven—those who have been effectually called by God, have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus, have trusted in Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins, and are savingly united to Him by faith. This is what the Apostle has in mind when he speak of Christ loving the church and giving Himself for her (Eph. 5:22f).

However, the invisible church appears in time and space as a collective group of professing believers gathered together in a particular locale in order to worship God. Seen from this side, it is right for us speak of the visible church. It is to the visible church—with its God-appointed leaders—that the totality of biblical revelation is addressed (Phil. 1:1; Rev. 1:4). The Old Testament was written to the Church-State of Israel. The New Testament epistles are addressed to particular visible churches throughout the world. For instance, the Apostle Paul wrote letters to the churches in Rome, Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, Colossae, and Thessalonica. In each of them, God addresses circumstances particular to the life of each local congregation. Each of these congregations consisted of a mixed multitude of professing believers—some of whom were savingly united to Jesus and some of whom are hypocritical in their profession. While the invisible church determines what the church is, there will always be “false sons in her pale.”

Derek Thomas has explained the biblical distinction between the visible church and the invisible church, when he writes,

“In the language of the Westminster Confession of Faith, the church comprises the “whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be, gathered into one, under Christ the Head thereof” (25.1). This is otherwise known as the invisible church. In another sense, the church is the body of the faithful (1 Cor. 12:27; Eph. 2:21–22; Rev. 21:2, 9), consisting of those throughout the world who outwardly profess faith, together with their children (WCF 25.2). This is otherwise known as the visible church.” – (Derek Thomas, “Church”)

Youth Group Gift Ideas: 10 Christmas Presents for Your Team

By

Youth Ministrycom

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December 12, 2023

Thoughtful youth group gift ideas show your ministry team that you care. Yes, caring for your staff and volunteers should be a priority year-round. But Christmas is the perfect time to express appreciation with a gift.

Here’s a list of what I’ve given my ministry leaders throughout the years. Some of these youth group gift ideas are cheaper than others. But they’re all practical, affordable, and doable.

10 Youth Group Gift Ideas for Your Team

1. Gift Cards

First, know that a $10 gift card to any fast-food restaurant is a hit. If your church has a café, ask for or create gift cards for a free coffee or food item. You can buy locally or from Amazon, which sells gift cards to its store as well as hundreds of others. If you’re in a pinch, Amazon will mail or email the cards to you!

2. Meals

We often invite our staff and their spouses to gather at a local restaurant, our treat. It’s a way to say “we love you” to the volunteer and “thank you” to the spouse for lending those volunteers to us. (Pro Tip: Find a location with a private room that can accommodate the whole team.)

3. Notes

A Christmas card with a personal note reaches someone’s heart in ways that food or money can’t. Every ministry can do this, no matter your budget!

4. Books

A resource related to youth ministry or personal growth is ideal for investing in people who are investing in others. One year we gave each junior high leader Kurt Johnston’s book 99 Thoughts About Junior High Ministry. Also consider: The Jesus-Centered Life: 40 Devotions for Teenagers by Rick Lawrence and Grow Down by Ken Castor.

5. SWAG

Giving a T-shirt, mug, backpack, or any other item containing your church or ministry logo is a win (as well as sweet promo). Check out the items available from Stickers and More and 4 Imprint.

6. Photos

I love sending photo cards from apps such as Ink and Postagram. Simply snap pics of you with each staff member. Later, use the app to create a personal postcard that’s printed and mailed directly to team members. This may be the best dollar or two you spend all year!

7. Calendar

A customized 12-month calendar is a useful, meaningful gift that reminds team members they’re a key part of what God is doing in kids’ lives. Check out Vistaprint or search online for “custom calendars.”

SBC Pastor Discloses Years-Old Child Abuse Allegations Against a Former Church Staffer

By

Stephanie Martin

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December 12, 2023

Hours after a newspaper published an article about abuse allegations within his Arkansas church, Dr. Steven Smith apologized for not telling his congregation about the reported crimes, which date back to 2015. Smith, who has led Immanuel Baptist Church—a Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) church—in Little Rock since 2017, said a court filing prompted him to “publicly discuss this tragedy.”

According to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Pastor Smith dismissed guests after worship on Sunday, Dec. 10, so church members could have a “family meeting.” Then he relayed details about Immanuel’s former assistant children’s ministry director, Patrick Stephen Miller, who was charged with second-degree sexual assault and pleaded guilty to misdemeanor harassment.

Miller, 37, received a suspended sentence, wasn’t required to register as a sex offender, and has been trying to have his criminal record permanently sealed. A hearing on that is set for Feb. 1, and the state has filed opposition to Miller’s efforts.

Pastor Steven Smith Wishes We’d ‘Told You About These Crimes Sooner’

Reading from a statement, Dr. Steven Smith said he wanted to address Miller’s criminal case “in the spirit of transparency.” The pastor indicated he had prayed and followed “counsel from wise members of our church and others” before speaking out. “I wish we would have told you about these crimes sooner,” Smith admitted.

In his address to congregants, the pastor said Immanuel is “working with national experts to create even more safeguards to protect the people in our church.” Immanuel recently formed a Caring Well policy team, Smith said, and new policies will be in place for 2024. “We recognize the importance of treating abuse behavior seriously,” he added. “We intend to honor Christ in the way we care for anyone who’s experienced past abuse.”

Smith, who emphasized that he and church officials cooperated with police, hasn’t answered questions publicly about how he dealt with the matter. ChurchLeaders contacted the church and Smith for comment and will update this article in the event of a reply.

Miller was arrested in 2018 after a child reported being abused by him in a closet three years earlier. After that case made its way through the system, a second child came forward to report abuse by Miller. Although church staff reported both allegations to police, as well as the church’s insurance company, they didn’t inform congregants.

Accusers’ Attorney: Pastor Gave Congregants ‘False Assurances’

Joseph Gates, an attorney representing both accusers, submitted on their behalf a response to Miller’s attempt to seal his records. “During Sunday night and Wednesday night services, he routinely played ‘hide and seek’ with his class,” the response noted about Miller.

Beyond the Decorations: Christmas Reveals the Person and Character of God

By

Ed Stetzer

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December 12, 2023

All around us we see and hear the images and sounds of the season: Christmas trees and bright lights, songs of cheer and of Jesus the child. Of course, Christmas today can represent a lot of things, including family, food, and football. Along with steaming cups of hot chocolate, we see generosity abound and families welcome time together.

In all of this, the Christmas season reminds us of hope: a time to celebrate the fulfillment of longings we all share.

We all long to be cared for, understood, and known. We want someone to look into our eyes—but even more at our hearts—to see who we are and still deeply love us. We all have backstories. These backstories evoke a yearning that says, “If you only knew this about me.” We long for someone to understand this whole story.

The Christmas story teaches us that God understands our own stories. During this season, we celebrate the coming of our Savior and King. The biblical story unfolds the need for a Savior and the promise of his coming. Prophets foretold his birth for centuries. After years of waiting, Jesus Christ the Messiah—Immanuel—came into the world. God became flesh, incarnate, for us.

In the coming of Christ, we start to learn how deeply God knows us and loves us. The good and the hurt of our backstory can pull us toward the central story of Jesus and the redemption he brings. The coming of Jesus acknowledges our deepest desires, freeing our lives from estrangement from the One we’re created for. God is with us.

What are you waiting for this Christmas? What do you want? Do you seek a Christ who loves unconditionally? One who accepts strangers and welcomes wanderers?

The baby swaddled in a manger two millennia ago embodies hope. But we must look to see it. Just look at the circumstances of his coming—the dirty stable and lowly shepherds with their sheep. In his birth, we see a God who turned people’s expectations completely upside down. He came in humility, through unexpected yet beautiful means, to draw the lowliest and most undeserving among us to himself.

Let’s look at three ways these events surrounding the birth of Jesus show the character and person of God.

God Sees the Heart

If we’re honest, we probably wouldn’t choose a poor, young, inexperienced girl as our own mother. Yet God chose such a mother for Jesus. Likely in her teens, Mary lived in a humble home full of people, parents, siblings and others. Her lifestyle differed vastly from an average girl of the same age today. Imagine Mary spending her days laboring long hours over hot ovens, dirty clothes, and cooking supplies.

All of this raises the question: Why Mary? Of all the girls in the world—and our omniscient God knew each and every one—why this particular one?

To answer that question, we simply look at Luke 1. Notice Mary’s response when the angel Gabriel delivered the good news of God’s plan, that she was about to be with child. Perplexed at first, she asked, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34). After Gabriel explained that this would be the work of God with whom nothing is impossible, Mary agreed, “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).

‘I Sinned by Engaging in Inappropriate Behavior’—Mike Bickle Releases First Statement Since Being Accused of Sexual Abuse

By

Jesse T. Jackson

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December 12, 2023

On Tuesday (Dec. 12), International House of Prayer of Kansas City (IHOPKC) founder Mike Bickle released his first statement since being accused of sexual and spiritual abuse in October.

In his statement, Bickle admitted to engaging in inappropriate behavior with a woman who was not his wife over 20 years ago.

“With a very heavy heart I want to express how deeply grieved I am that my past sins have led to so much pain, confusion, and division in the body of Christ in this hour,” Bickle said. “I sadly admit that 20-plus years ago, I sinned by engaging in inappropriate behavior—my moral failures were real.”

However, Bickle made it clear that he was not “admitting to the more intense sexual activities that some are suggesting.”

Bickle shared that he “quickly and sincerely repented” after engaging in his confessed behavior. “I hate my sin and I see it as serious and grievous before a holy God,” he said. “I take all sin seriously, so on those occasions, I quickly and sincerely repented in a way that resulted in receiving assurance from God followed by a daily resolve to live holy in all of my ways.”

Although God “graciously helped” him to repent with a “broken and contrite heart that was filled with godly sorrow,” Bickle said that “to this day, I remain sorrowful about those past failures.”

“I am anguished that my past sins have caused great pain for my wife and family along with the IHOPKC family and others,” he added. He further expressed regret that the IHOPKC leadership and community have been put “in a very painful and difficult position.”

Bickle said that he has asked his family for forgiveness and is now asking the IHOPKC family and others he might have hurt for the same.

IHOPKC’s founder planned to release a statement regarding the allegations earlier but said that he chose to follow the counsel of his legal team and wait. Bickle said that lawyers advised him that releasing a statement too early might have created the “misunderstanding” that he was confessing to the “false allegations” that were continuing to circulate.

“I believed [my past sins] were dealt with and under the blood of Jesus,” Bickle said. “Since this has now become public, I want to repent publicly…I am very sorry that it took so long for this personal statement to come out. This delay created additional pain, anguish, division, and more for so many people that I love. I am deeply sorry for this.”

Dr. Tony Evans Celebrates His Marriage to New Wife Dr. Carla Crummie

By

Jessica Lea

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December 12, 2023

tony evans new wife — Screenshot from Facebook / @Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship

Dr. Tony Evans, pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship (OCBF) in Dallas, has married Dr. Carla Crummie in a private ceremony. OCBF announced the news about Mr. and Mrs. Evans on social media Sunday, Dec. 10.

“As we enter the celebratory Christmas season, we also celebrate the marriage announcement of our senior Pastor and his bride, Mrs. Carla Evans,” said Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship on Facebook.

Evans reposted the news on his own account. “After entering into their union in a private ceremony surrounded by family and close friends,” the announcement said, “the couple is excited to continue serving the Lord together, supported by faith, love, and the prayers of our church family.”

Dr. Tony Evans Celebrates New Marriage

Dr. Tony Evans, 74, is a widely respected pastor, author and speaker. In September, he announced his engagement to Dr. Carla Crummie, asking congregants for prayer during what is a “sensitive time” as he approached the anniversary of the death of his wife, Lois, who passed away at the end of 2019.

In April 2019, Evans shared online that while Lois “has been a cancer-free patient under care for a while,” her gallbladder cancer had returned. That October, he requested urgent prayer when chemotherapy and radiation were no longer treatment options. Lois Evans passed away in December 2019.

In his announcement about his engagement, Evans said, “As I come up to the fourth year of the loss of Lois, my wife of 49 1/2 years, it is a tender time. There are reminders everywhere of her life and of her influence on me, my family and this ministry.”

The pastor, who shared the news while surrounded by his children, Priscilla Shirer, Jonathan Evans, Anthony Evans Jr. and Crystal Evans Hurst, emphasized the impact that Lois had on his life and ministry.

“We are a very close family, and all that has happened in my life, family, church, Urban Alternative, books, tapes, everything, has been defined by [Lois],” he said, “so we’ve had over these four years the ups and downs and the roller coaster of emotions, sometimes high, sometimes low, but it comes with it.”

Former ‘Days of Our Lives’ Actor Jen Lilley Shares What Adoption Has Taught Her About God’s Love

By

Janna Firestone

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December 12, 2023

Jen Lilley has been touching hearts and lives on the big screen in wholesome romcoms for years. She also has used her stage presence and her own home to advocate for love and safety for children through foster care and adoption.

The actress told Christian Headlines about her family’s adoption story. She sees adoption as more than providing a home. The process has helped her understand God’s love, which is “humbling and astounding in every way.”

Jen Lilley Shares What Adoption Has Taught Her About God’s Love

Lilley and her husband, Jason Wayne, have two biological daughters and two adopted foster sons. The family of six has carried on the tradition of Lilley’s parents, providing a safe place to those “who just needed help transitioning in their life.”

She explained that “as a Christian who is coming to faith in Messiah, I often read the Bible thinking these are God’s chosen people and I’m just the adopted kid, and I know God loves me but, like, he loves me less. And that is not true.”

The actress intentionally promotes foster care and adoption—caring for the least of these. She’s a public advocate for the Tulsa Girls’ Home (TGH) in Oklahoma. TGH is a “place for girls in care to find hope and healing—as well as a transformative next step for girls aging out of foster care.”

“Each girl is unique and should be treated with a personalized approach while they journey to find restoration,” says the nonprofit’s website.

Lilley embraces the cause of children in foster care. “These are children who have found themselves in a horrible system that’s completely broken because of somebody else’s choice, because of a choice somebody else made,” she said. “And so I’m really passionate about that.”

While advocating for safe and loving care for kids in the foster system, Lilley and her husband have opened their own home and grown their family.

“I don’t look at my boys any different than I look at my girls. I forget that I didn’t carry them in my body,” she told Christian Headlines. “So, it’s really taught me about how when Jesus says we’re grafted in, how greatly he means that. We are grafted in, and we are heirs …with Jesus, with the Jewish people. So that’s what it’s taught me is that God loves us the same and that’s really humbling and astounding in every way.”

In honor of National Adoption Day, Lilley posted a recent family photo. She shared, “I love these boys and making their dreams come true! They’re the best brothers our girls could ask for.” She continued, “We love you forever and always!!! My heart swells each day from all these kiddos!! And welcome to our new puppy!! (Kayden’s prayers availed much!)”

The photo was from a summer photo shoot taken by a teen in the youth group at the actor’s local church.

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A post shared by Jen Lilley (@jen_lilley)

Friends, family, and fans reacted to Lilley’s post with encouragement and support. One person shared, “Happy Adoption Day! 😍 Bless the birth mothers/fathers who trust us to protect and love the babies that came too soon for them. ❤️❤️”

Florida Man Surrenders to Police After Allegedly Killing Newlywed Pastor and Wife

By

Dale Chamberlain

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December 12, 2023

A man in Florida is facing two charges of first-degree murder after he allegedly shot and killed a newlywed pastor and his wife. Suspect Sonny Josaphat, 46, of Palm Beach County was formerly married to the female victim.

The victims have been identified as Kerlande and Marcelline Racine, according to WPTV.

The couple was slain in their home on Saturday, Dec. 9, roughly a week after their wedding.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that deputies responded to a report of a shooting at 8:36 a.m. When they arrived at the residence, deputies discovered the couple had died from gunshot wounds.

Police immediately began investigating the shooting as a double homicide and said that investigators were interviewing a person of interest. That individual was later revealed to be Josaphat.

According to NBC News, Josaphat used to live at the residence where the newlywed couple was slain.

According to court documents, Josaphat had not lived in the residence in over a year but would periodically show up at the home and allegedly had a history of being “controlling.” After the shooting, Josaphat’s daughter called 911 to tell police that her father had committed the murders.

After fleeing the scene, Josaphat drove to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, where he confessed to the double homicide. According to CBS12, he told police that he had left his apartment to take his daughter to breakfast, but after seeing his ex-wife with her new husband, “anger took him over.”

Josaphat is being held without bond.

Kerlande and Marcelline Racine were both Haitian immigrants. While Kerlande was a pastor, Marcelline was a long-time nurse practitioner. The couple were married following Marcelline’s divorce from Josaphat, which was finalized in November 2022.

Attorney of Mike Bickle’s Alleged Victim Won’t Participate in Independent Investigation With IHOPKC’s Third Party Investigator

By

Jesse T. Jackson

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December 12, 2023

eric_volz_ihopkc — IHOPKC's spokesperson Eric Volz screengrab via X @ihopkc

On Monday, Dec. 11, a day after the International House of Prayer of Kansas City (IHOPKC) announced that a “new third party” firm had been selected to conduct the independent investigation into the allegations of sexual abuse against its founder Mike Bickle, the representing attorney for the alleged victim informed IHOPKC they would not be participating in the investigation.

IHOPKC spokesperson, Eric Volz, released a video update sharing that “unfortunately, a few hours ago, the attorney representing the main alleged victim, and who purportedly represents the advocate group, communicated that they are not willing to participate in the independent investigation.”

“This is the third time that IHOPKC has introduced a third party to investigate and this is the third time that the advocate group has rejected the investigation,” Volz added. “We sincerely appeal for them to reconsider. These investigators are professional. They are honest and they are bound by ethics.”

In the video, Volz revealed the name of the third party conducting the investigation due to the lead investigator’s name being leaked on social media.

“Within just a few hours of the announcement of the new independent third party yesterday during Sunday church service, the name and phone number of the lead investigator was leaked by someone associated with the advocate group,” Volz said. To avoid any confusion, IHOPKC’s spokesperson confirmed that Rosalee McNamara of Lathrop GPM is the lead investigator and directed anyone who has any information pertaining to sexual misconduct performed by Bickle to contact her.

Volz described the attorney’s refusal to participate as “puzzling” and said that if the decision is due to alleged victims feeling unsafe with McNamara conducting the investigation “there are many ways for their attorney to ensure their safety. For example, they can start with the first simple step of providing sworn affidavits of the Jane Does.”

Pastor Rescues North Korean Defectors on Foot in New Documentary ‘Beyond Utopia’

By

Kathryn Post

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December 12, 2023

Members of the Roh family in the documentary “Beyond Utopia." (Photo courtesy Beyond Utopia)

(RNS) — For Pastor Seungeun Kim, accompanying North Korean defectors as they trek toward freedom through the jungle between Vietnam and Laos is, as he put it, “just going to work.”

“People are shocked about this rescue mission, but for me that’s part of my breakfast, lunch and dinner, morning, day and night,” Kim said in an interview conducted in Korean via translator. “It’s just regular life for me.”

Over the last 24 years, Kim estimates his organization, Caleb Mission, has helped rescue over 1,000 defectors from North Korea — in fact, he told RNS, he was in the jungle assisting defectors just days ago. But for many viewers of the new documentary, “Beyond Utopia,” now streaming on platforms including Amazon Prime and Apple TV, the footage of Kim’s rescue missions is extraordinary.

There’s the video of the Roh family huddled in a shack on China’s Changbai Mountain, begging Kim to provide resources for their escape. There’s the footage of the family scrambling through the jungle on foot, at night, led by brokers demanding more money. There’s the interview with the family in a safehouse, still recovering from years of North Korean propaganda, praising Kim Jong Un even while fleeing his government.

A jungle scene from the documentary “Beyond Utopia." (Photo courtesy Beyond Utopia)

A jungle scene from the documentary “Beyond Utopia.” (Photo courtesy Beyond Utopia)

For director Madeleine Gavin — whose last project, “City of Joy,” documented women leaders in the Democratic Republic of the Congo — acknowledging the people of North Korea and hearing their stories is long overdue.

“I had to do it in a way that is up close and personal that really forces us to acknowledge people who we’ve ignored for such a long time,” Gavin told RNS.

During a trip to South Korea in 2019 to scope out ideas for a film on North Korea, Gavin met Kim, who told RNS he eventually agreed to the documentary “in order to help the people who are suffering from human rights abuses.”

That group includes the Roh family, who, around the time filming started in 2019, were informed they would be banished to an unlivable territory in North Korea for having relatives who had recently defected. The family of five fled across a river into China, where, through a series of chance encounters, they learned of Kim. The pastor mobilized his underground network and met the family in Vietnam, along with Gavin and a small film crew that captured the group’s escape through Vietnam, Laos and to the border of Thailand.

Christian Friendship, and 3 Reasons Why 2 Are Better than 1

By

Michael Kelley

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December 12, 2023

Ecclesiastes 4:1 states a very simple truth: “Two are better than one…”

It’s not a new truth; in fact, it’s one of the first things we hear from the Lord in the Bible:

“It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” (Gen. 2:18)

As human beings, we were not meant to live in isolation; we are meant for each other. That “each other” includes all kinds of relationships: marriages, church groups, and just basic friendships included. In all these cases, two are better than one.

While that seems obvious, it’s a truth that needs to be re-embraced today. After all, we live in a culture that has never been more connected and yet never more isolated. We might have hundreds or thousands of virtual connections without any of those connections ever moving into a genuine, deep relationship. Now, more than ever, we need to deeply believe and live out this reality of relationship.

Here, Then, Are 3 Reasons Why 2 Are Better Than 1:

1. Because We Have Different Gifts.

Ecclesiastes 4 continues like this:

Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor…

This is, of course true in most any general sense: two people working at the same time are most often going to produce more and better things than just one. But in the church, this truth takes on another meaning.

We are all gifted differently, and each of those gifts plays a part in serving the church. I can’t do everything, and neither can you; and we shouldn’t try. It’s only when each person understands their own gifts and is willing to give those gifts to the service of the church that the entire body of Christ grows together.

2. Because We Can Help Each Other Grow.

The Undeniable, Irresistible Resilience of the Small Church

By

Karl Vaters

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December 12, 2023

There is an undeniable, irresistible resilience of the small church. Small churches are not better than big churches. Big churches aren’t better than small ones.

The arguments we have about size are silly, dangerous and missing the point.

Everyone has something unique to contribute.

As for small churches, here are some of the most undeniable, irresistible blessings they bring to the body of Christ:

The Unkillable Resilience of the Small Church

Small churches have always been and will always be the most common, most resilient and most adaptable expression of the body of Christ.

Small churches are like the cockroaches of the Christian world.

After whatever cultural nuclear bomb comes along to destroy all other visible expressions of the church, small congregations will scurry out from under the baseboards.

When the money runs out, small churches will find a way to keep going.

When there’s a failure of leadership, small churches will lead themselves.

After denominations topple, small churches will rise up.

The Adaptable Resilience of the Small Church

After what’s old and stale has faded away, small churches will adapt to a new reality.

After what’s cool and new starts feeling cliched and trite, small churches will still matter.

After most of our church buildings, both large and small, are empty, demolished or converted into hipster apartments, small churches will find somewhere else to meet.

After we’ve grown sick of programs and events, small churches will remind us of our essential need for relationship.

After we’ve torn ourselves apart with politically-charged rhetoric, small churches will still be there to bring God’s people together.

After persecution has come, small churches will meet in secret.

After our plans have failed, small churches will still be a big part of God’s plan.

This article on the small church originally appeared here and is used by permission.

Christmas Gift Ideas: 5 Video Production Books

By

Duke Taber

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December 12, 2023

Learning video production can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t have a mentor who can talk you through what you need to know and do to be successful. Rather than allowing yourself to become stressed out about what you need to learn and how you will get the information that you need to succeed, you can turn to a book. These are the top five video production books on the market today and they are all designed to make it easier than ever for you to learn about video production and creating gorgeous videos you’ll be proud of.

Christmas Gift Ideas: 5 Video Production Books

1. How to Shoot Video That Doesn’t Suck: Advice to Make Any Amateur Look Like a Pro

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How to Shoot Video That Doesn’t Suck: Advice to Make Any Amateur…

Workman Publishing Company

If you’re ready to get started with video production and don’t want to spend a ton of time reading video production books and manuals, then it’s time to let Steve Stockman teach you what you need to know. While there are an impressive 74 chapters in this book, they are all short, exciting, easy to read, and packed with information so that you don’t feel like you’re wasting your time.

You’ll learn all of the rules about how to keep your audience entertained and ensure that they actually want to watch the video that you have made. Additionally, you’ll learn how to think in shots and move around to capture the best video that you can and then edit it into a flawless final product during post-production.

With information on lighting, framing, sound, editing, and even why you should skip the special effects, this book is full of knowledge that is applicable to any shooting situation. Whether you are shooting a video for your child’s birthday party or making a video about your church, this book will ensure that the final product looks amazing.

Donate Toys for Christmas: 5 Places That Put Donations to Good Use

By

Stephanie Martin

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December 11, 2023

Want to donate toys for Christmas? As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to give back and reach out. If your church or children’s ministry conducts an annual toy drive, you’ll need to know where to donate toys.

First, however, make sure families know what types of toys to purchase or collect. Do they need to be brand new? Are used-but-clean toys okay? Other considerations include price range, age ranges, and safety. (Some places, for example, don’t accept donations of toy guns or other weapons.) Also be clear about collection deadlines, because many programs distribute toys early in December.

For maximum impact, consider supporting local kid-friendly organizations. To get started, here are ideas about where to donate toys for Christmas:

5 Places to Donate Toys for Christmas

1. Local Food Banks and Shelters

Check with nearby food banks and pantries, as well as homeless shelters and domestic violence shelters. As December approaches, many of these places conduct toy drives and hold Santa Shops. The goal is to let parents in need select items to put under the tree for their children. At other times of the year, shelters may need toys or books for waiting rooms, to keep kids occupied during consultations.

2. Children’s Hospitals or Clinics

Being sick or hospitalized is never fun but can be especially tough near the holidays. Hospitals and clinics that treat young patients often request toys near Christmastime. So your church or children’s ministry can brighten spirits and shine Jesus’ light. Check to see if you can include encouraging notes, drawings, or even photos with the toy donations.

3. Elementary Schools

In both urban and rural areas, churches now often partner with local public school systems. Especially in low-income areas, elementary schools are eager to connect with congregations for tutoring assistance and contributions. Food baskets and toys make Christmas extra-special for families with young students.

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1. Gift Cards

2. Meals

3. Notes

4. Books

5. SWAG

6. Photos

7. Calendar

Pastor Steven Smith Wishes We’d ‘Told You About These Crimes Sooner’

Accusers’ Attorney: Pastor Gave Congregants ‘False Assurances’

God Sees the Heart

Dr. Tony Evans Celebrates New Marriage

Jen Lilley Shares What Adoption Has Taught Her About God’s Love

Here, Then, Are 3 Reasons Why 2 Are Better Than 1:

1. Because We Have Different Gifts.

2. Because We Can Help Each Other Grow.

The Unkillable Resilience of the Small Church

The Adaptable Resilience of the Small Church

Christmas Gift Ideas: 5 Video Production Books

1. How to Shoot Video That Doesn’t Suck: Advice to Make Any Amateur Look Like a Pro

5 Places to Donate Toys for Christmas

1. Local Food Banks and Shelters

2. Children’s Hospitals or Clinics

3. Elementary Schools

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