Youth Group Gift Ideas: 10 Christmas Presents for Your Team

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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.

View this post on Instagram

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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Features
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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.

7 Spirits of God in Revelation: Resources for a Youth Ministry Bible Study

By

Stephanie Martin

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December 11, 2023

Need materials to teach teens about the 7 spirits of God in Revelation? Then read on for a variety of lessons and resources.

Young people are often curious about Revelation, which makes a fascinating Bible study topic. One aspect of that Bible book that’s worthy of exploration is the 7 spirits of God. These spirits receive multiple mentions in the book of Revelation, and they’re named in Isaiah.

The 7 spirits of God in Revelation are sometimes tied to spiritual prophecies. Other people connect them to numerology, symbolism, and colors. So use care when choosing resources related to this topic. When in doubt, seek advice from a senior pastor. Then pray that God’s Holy Spirit will guide your teaching of this subject.

What are the 7 Spirits of God in Revelation?

“The seven Spirits” appear in Revelation 1:4; 3:1; 4:5; and 5:6. Some people interpret them to be the sevenfold ministry of the Holy Spirit from Isaiah 11:2-3. “The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD—and he will delight in the fear of the LORD.”

So the 7 Spirits of God in Revelation are:

The Spirit of the Lord
Wisdom
Understanding
Counsel
Might
Knowledge
The Fear of the Lord

7 Spirits of God in Revelation: 7 Youth Ministry Resources

Numerous websites offer biblical insights about the 7 spirits of God. Start by checking out these seven options. Use material that best fits with your church’s teachings. Also adapt the information for your youth group members.

1. Who Are the 7 Spirits in Revelation?

First, this helpful article offers a thorough look at the 7 spirits of God. The author reminds readers that Revelation’s apocalyptic nature should impact how we study it.

2. The Sevenfold Spirit of God

David Schrock connects the Revelation and Isaiah Bible passages to Paul’s teachings about the Spirit of God in 1 Corinthians.

IHOPKC Spokesperson Eric Volz Informs Abuse Survivors He Can ‘Identify’ With Them, Assures a ‘Christ-Honoring Pursuit of the Truth’

By

Jesse T. Jackson

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December 11, 2023

During Forerunner Church’s Sunday morning worship service yesterday (Dec. 10), David House Agency founder Eric Volz (44) was announced as the International House of Prayer of Kansas City (IHOPKC) spokesperson regarding the allegations of sexual and spiritual abuse against IHOPKC founder Mike Bickle.

In 2006, the American-born Volz was wrongly convicted and sentenced to 30 years in prison by a Nicaraguan judge for the rape and murder of his ex-girlfriend, Doris Ivania Jiménez, in San Juan del Sur. Volz’s conviction was overturned by an appellate court over a year later in 2007.

Following his return to the United States, Volz was approached by families who had experienced similar situations and who were seeking guidance from Volz in the hope they would see family members released from wrongful imprisonment. Due to the increasing volume of cases, Volz founded David House Agency in 2011.

According to The New York Times, Volz “is a highly sought crisis manager for Americans entangled in criminal prosecutions overseas. His hand is visible in some of the highest-profile cases of recent years.”

Volz told Forerunner Church that while he was in prison, he dedicated his life to Christ. He said that his agency wasn’t brought on to “clean” things up but rather to “help IHOP get to heart of this matter…I’ve made it crystal clear that I’m not going to participate in anything except an honest and thorough and Christ-honoring pursuit of the truth.”

ChurchLeaders reached out to Volz and asked him to clarify what he meant when he told Forerunner Church that he’s “not a stranger to the pain of trauma” and that he can “identify with alleged victims in this case.”

“I am a survivor of a political imprisonment by an anti-American communist government,” Volz said. “I know what it is like to experience abuse at the hands of a perpetrator. I experienced violence. I experienced torture. Food was withheld. I was slandered. At one point, I was kept in a concrete box for five days.”

“I know what it is like to swim in trauma, and I know what it’s like to rebuild and to heal,” he added. “Fortunately, I had proof of my innocence and friends and family that fought tirelessly for justice. That is not the case for many, and that is why today I fight for those who don’t have that kind of support.”

Volz addressed those who have questioned IHOPKC’s decision to bring on David House Agency as an outside advisor by saying that “it is completely normal for an organization this size navigating a crisis of this magnitude and complexity.” Volz told ChurchLeaders that the announcement made during Sunday’s worship service “should be celebrated by the Advocate Group and those championing for accountability and truth.”

Satanic Holiday Display in Iowa Capitol Sparks Religious Liberty Debate

By

Stephanie Martin

-

December 11, 2023

In what’s become a regular occurrence, The Satanic Temple has placed a holiday display in a high-profile public location. This time, the group is showcasing a mirror-covered ram’s head on a mannequin dressed in red. It’s on display for two weeks inside the Iowa State Capitol building in Des Moines.

Lucien Greaves, co-founder of The Satanic Temple, said the display stands for the group’s right to freedom of religion. “We’re going to really relish the opportunity to be represented in a public forum,” he said. “We don’t have a church on every street corner.”

Iowa Resident: ‘Spiritual Warfare Is Real’

According to its website, The Satanic Temple is a “nontheistic” group that doesn’t believe in a literal Satan, worship Satan, or proselytize. The group sponsors After School Satan Clubs to “focus on free inquiry and rationalism.”

When Iowa resident Shellie Flockhart heard about the display, she organized a prayer group by the Christmas tree inside the capitol. She described the ram display as “a very dark, evil force” and a reminder that “spiritual warfare is real.” Flockhart added, “There are evil, satanic forces that are trying to infiltrate our state.”

For people who oppose his group’s symbols, Greaves offered this suggestion: “If people don’t like our display in public forums, they don’t have to engage with them. They don’t have to view them.”

Iowa State Rep: ‘We Have Nothing To Fear’

Last week, Iowa State Rep. Jon Dunwell made several social media posts about the satanic display, citing constituents’ concerns. The Republican, who before moving to Iowa pastored Christian & Missionary Alliance churches in Florida and Minnesota, wrote from several perspectives.

As many of you have become aware, last week a display was erected at the Iowa Capitol by the Satanic Temple of Iowa. As I have responded to concerns from Iowans about the display, I wanted to share with you how the display came to be and my response.

How did it happen?
• The… pic.twitter.com/8ODJXCxu9Y

— Rep. Jon Dunwell (@jdunwell) December 8, 2023

First, as a state representative, he explained the display process and guidelines, which the Iowa Legislature sets. The Satanic Temple applied for its holiday display back in August and received approval “with some modification,” according to Dunwell. “They wanted to use an actual goat head (I’m assuming a skull).” As a politician, Dunwell said, “I don’t want the state evaluating and making determinations about religions. I am guided by the First Amendment.”

As a follower of Christ, he added, “I certainly find a display from the Satanic Temple objectionable.” While noting he finds it evil and dangerous, he added, “In fairness, many other religions or nonreligious people have the same perspective about Christianity.”

Dunwell reminded citizens, “The display is an inanimate object that has no real power in and of itself. We have nothing to fear.” As a Christian, he said, he’s opposed to the display’s message and plans to respond primarily through prayer. “The display itself is an invitation of the work we have yet to do,” he wrote. “Iowa needs Jesus.”

Dunwell also pledged to keep talking with constituents and other state officials. He indicated he wouldn’t “mix the kingdoms,” because “government is a poor arbitrator of religion.”

‘Truly Unimaginable’—South Carolina Church Sees an ‘Overwhelming’ 141 Baptisms

By

Janna Firestone

-

December 11, 2023

On Sunday, Dec. 3, First Baptist Church (more commonly known as Upstate Church) of Simpsonville, South Carolina, experienced an “overwhelming” response and baptized 141 people across six church campuses.

“We have never seen anything like this in our church,” Senior Pastor Wayne Bray told Baptist Press. “To think that 141 people followed the Lord in baptism is truly unimaginable for me. I feel so blessed to be the pastor of Upstate Church.”

Upstate Church Made Plans for an Emphasis on Baptisms; God Had Even Bigger Plans

Church leadership planned an evangelistic series on church ordinances leading up to this event. The series included key truths surrounding the practices of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. To place special emphasis on baptism during the services on Dec. 3, the church decided to postpone the monthly baptisms scheduled in November.

“Our hope was to have someone scheduled for baptism in every service on every campus,” said Bray. “By Friday, Dec. 1, we already had 86 baptisms scheduled across all our campuses. This was overwhelming, but it gave us even more confidence to preach the Gospel on Sunday, expecting the Holy Spirit to move.”

“We had 55 additional decisions (Sunday) across all locations,” reported Bray, for a total of 141 baptisms.

Church leadership planned to alter the usual order of service to allow flexibility for responses on Sunday. The pastors at each church location “presented a clear Gospel message” before praise and worship “and called for a response at two different points in the sermon,” Bray explained. Then, there was time for the pastors to meet personally with each candidate and assess his or her readiness for baptism.

The two-part invitation intentionally included both those who had never made a profession of faith and those who had been attending but had never been baptized.

“This allowed time for all spontaneous decisions to be confirmed by counselors prior to being baptized,” Bray said. “We were very careful to make sure every decision was confirmed, turning away multiple people who needed more time to talk through their decision.”

“We don’t believe that God’s recent activity in our church is an accident of an exception in his eternal plan,” Bray told Fox News Digital. “In many ways, we credit his recent work to a radical balance of truth and grace, exemplified by Jesus in John 1:14.”

Upstate Church posted photos of the baptisms from various locations. Those baptized were shown praying, smiling, and rejoicing as they wore shirts saying “Raised to Life.”

Dozens of friends and family at the church have interacted with the post with encouragement and praise to God. One said, “We need a whole lot more of this. Glory be to God.”

IHOPKC Announces New Third-Party Firm Conducting Investigation, New Commission, and Eric Volz as Spokesperson

By

Jesse T. Jackson

-

December 11, 2023

On Sunday, Dec. 10, the executive committee of the board of directors of International House of Prayer Kansas City (IHOPKC) released an update regarding the sexual and spiritual abuse allegations against Mike Bickle, the ministry’s founder.

In the update, it was announced that the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) would no longer be handling the “management of the crisis”—most of which was managed by Executive Director Stuart Greaves. Instead, the investigation will now be overseen by the executive committee. This decision was made “as a matter of wisdom, governance, and the growing size of the complexity of this crisis.”

IHOPKC leadership believes that allowing Greaves to pass this responsibility off to the executive committee will allow him to “focus on our community, the body, our base, and the healing of hearts.”

Additionally, Eric Volz, the managing director of the David House Agency, an international crisis firm that specializes in solving political and legal problems overseas, was named as IHOPKC’s official outside spokesperson.

Volz was wrongly convicted of raping and murdering his ex-girlfriend in Nicaragua in 2006 and has been recognized by The New York Times “as a highly sought crisis manager.”

IHOPKC also revealed that it has engaged a “new third-party” firm that “has extensive experience conducting independent investigations into high-profile cases across the Kansas City metro area” (including clergy abuse allegations) to conduct an independent investigation into the claim of sexual abuse against Bickle.

The firm, which will remain unnamed in an attempt to avoid any outside interference during the investigation, is trauma-informed.

IHOPKC said it is not controlling the investigation and has no “ability to dictate the process or outcome.” Leadership informed the public that the third-party investigative firm has no ties to IHOPKC and has been in contact with all of Bickle’s alleged victims.

The duration of the investigation is unknown and “will depend on several factors, the main one being whether or not the alleged victims and parties involved are willing to participate,” the executive committee said. “We hope that they will participate, so that truth can be brought to light quickly.”

Alabama Megachurch Pastor’s Son Wins Over $52K on ‘Wheel of Fortune’

By

Jessica Lea

-

December 11, 2023

Michael Hodges, son of Church of the Highlands pastor Chris Hodges, won $52,650 on “Wheel of Fortune” during an episode that aired Thursday, Dec. 7. Michael’s wife, Katie, posted about the win on Instagram, revealing that the show was filmed in October.

“Still can’t believe it!! What a FUN adventure!” she said on Friday, Dec. 8. “We went to LA back in October but couldn’t say why we were there but we were actually there to film Wheel of Fortune!”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Katie Jones Hodges (@kj.hodges)

Michael Hodges Wins Big on ‘Wheel’

Michael Hodges is vice president of spiritual development at Highlands College in Birmingham, Alabama. His father, Chris Hodges, is founder and chancellor of the college (established in 2011) and the founding and senior pastor of Church of the Highlands (a megachurch established in 2001).

Chris is also the founder of GrowLeader, which trains and equips church leaders, and a cofounder of Association of Related Churches (ARC).

“My son Michael was the big winner on Wheel of Fortune tonight!” Chris Hodges posted on Dec. 7. “Just in time for the Legacy Offering 😜.”

“😂😂 Just trying to make an #eternalimpact,” Katie replied.

The video in Katie Hodges’ post shows an excited Michael arriving at the “Wheel of Fortune” studio early in the morning. “I’m losing my freaking mind,” he said. “But it’s gonna be a good day.”

“It was the longest day. Michael left at 6am that Thursday and there was still a chance he may not be selected to be on the show,” Katie said. “He couldn’t have his phone all day so even after @kristinmartele [Kristin Mitchell] and I arrived 11am, we still didn’t know if he even made it on the show!”

In the video, Katie Hodges and Kristin Mitchell scope out the “Wheel of Fortune” studio and take a photo in front of a picture of Pat Sajak and Vanna White.

“After sitting in the studio audience through filming for 5 hours, he finally came on!” Katie wrote. “It was so much to take in and I remember thinking HOW IN THE WORLD DID HE SOLVE THOSE PUZZLES SO FAST! He does them pretty quick at home but it’s a whole other ballgame doing it in person! I was blown away!”

‘His Choices Caused Harm’—Wife Speaks Out After Pastor Husband Dies by Suicide Amid Child Sex Abuse Allegations

By

Dale Chamberlain

-

December 11, 2023

Jarrett Booker, a 37-year-old former youth and worship pastor in Nashua, New Hampshire, was found dead two days after he was terminated from his church amid credible allegations of child sex abuse. The cause of death was suicide.

Nashua Baptist Church, where Booker had served as a pastor, said in a statement on Nov. 29 that Booker died by suicide on the evening of Nov. 27, one day after church leadership communicated to the congregation that Booker had been terminated and was the subject of a criminal investigation.

“On November 22, we became aware of a criminal investigation concerning credible allegations of sexual abuse against minors, implicating Jarrett Booker,” the church said. “Jarrett had been an integral part of our church, serving as Pastor of Worship and Youth Ministry for nearly a decade.”

“These allegations prompted an internal review which revealed further evidence of misconduct,” the statement continued. “Regardless of the outcome of any criminal investigation, this behavior undeniably violated the moral and ethical standards we expect of our leaders and did not uphold the standards of our faith.”

“Consequently, we made the decision to immediately terminate Jarrett’s employment, effective November 25,” the church said. Nashua Baptist Church elders communicated the decision with the church the next day.

“This event has added immeasurably to the complexity and pain of the situation,” the statement went on to say. “Nashua Baptist Church unequivocally condemns all forms of abuse. It is evil and our God hates it. We are committed to transparency and to supporting the healing process for victims.”

The church further urged anyone with information about Booker’s “inexcusable actions” to contact the police.

Sgt. John Cinelli, the public information officer and communications division supervisor for the Nashua Police Department, confirmed with Patch that Booker was under criminal investigation.

“We learned of the alleged crimes through an investigation by another police department,” he said. “The investigation is still ongoing even though the suspect is deceased.”

Booker is survived by his wife, Rachel, and his son, Edward, as well as his parents, brother, in-laws, and nieces.

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