The Misuse of Leadership Influence and Wasted Opportunities

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November 29, 2023

One of the marks of leadership maturity and organizational health is the level of problems are you dealing with. For instance, a leader who is having to negotiate petty squabbles between employees is probably not spending enough time on innovation and creating solutions which advance its culture, mission, and vision.

Leaders will always have problems. But they should always be trading little problems or bigger problems. Haven’t you said, “Do you remember when when all we had to deal with was…?” Every new level has a new devil. The larger the problems, the more likely the greater success you are having as a leader.

I thought a lot about that lesson after reading the following story.

An Issue Which Needs (Or Not Need) Addressing

Because of its down-the-middle coverage, one of the online newspapers I subscribe to is Morning Brew. Just give me the facts. As reported in their Nov. 7 edition, legendary singer Barbra Streisand encountered a problem which needed her attention.

Was it a problem with the poor and under-resourced in our country or around the world? No.

Was it a problem with our educational system? No.

Was it a problem in our political system and the way government serves its citizens? No.

Was it a problem in the entertainment industry? No.

Was it her concerns related to the Gaza Strip? Well, she may be concerned about that but the article did not point it out.

Streisand’s problem was she discovered Siri was mispronouncing her name. She said, “My name isn’t spelled with a ‘Z.’ It’s Strei-sand, like sand on the beach. How simple can you get?”

Was Streisand going to let this AI-generated miscue pass? Absolutely not! So what would someone with her notoriety, fame, and influence do? Well, she called Apple CEO Tim Cook directly and asked for a correction.

To Cook’s credit, he solved the problem. Streisand described him as “lovely.”

What Does It Mean to Carry Your Cross?

By

Robin A Riggs

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November 29, 2023

What does it mean to carry your cross? As a teenager, I once heard my pastor say that Jesus has many admirers, but not enough followers. That statement stuck in my mind. There are many who attend church weekly, but their professions of Christianity may be lived out superficially, or at any rate at their convenience. Following Jesus is not merely acknowledging His existence, or “agreeing” with His teachings. Following Jesus means to walk in His footsteps. It means to take upon yourself His purpose and mission in the world. It means braving the dangers of an evil world for the sake of an unbendable love for God and for people.

Carrying Your Cross

“take up your cross…”

The Christian lifestyle can be validly called “the lifestyle of the cross” because, just as it is impossible to take the cross out of Christianity and still retain true Christianity, so we cannot take the cross out of our Christian lives and live as genuine Christians.

It is true that the cross represents victory over sin, and the Christian life is indeed characterized by joy, peace and power, but it also represents suffering. The cross represents God’s love and redemptive plan, a plan that was accomplished through suffering. Jesus rose and lives, but still we cannot deny the cross its full meaning; and so, as we talk about abundant and victorious living, we will also see that we cannot escape the quality of sacrifice found in true Christian living in a sinful world.

The Joy in Carrying Your Cross

The message of the cross was never sad or negative for the first Christians. They rejoiced in it, even in the midst of suffering. They were so in love with the One who died for them that the suffering they endured for His name was considered entirely worthwhile. They were not lovers of pain, but they loved God and knew the only meaning their lives could have was in Him. If sinners, out of hatred for God or the message of salvation from sin, inflicted pain on them, the disciples of Christ remained undaunted.

When many think of cross-bearing, they think off an an attitude of resignation to human frailties (which all too often leads to excusing ourselves from being all that God has made it possible for us to be in Christ). Instead, the Bible is speaking of the complete and loving identification of our lives with Christ, what He stands for, and what He wants to accomplish through us in this dark world. The gospel of health, wealth and prosperity may attract some people by appealing to their desire for pleasure, comfort and success but it will not convict them of their sins.

Today, our hope lies in the cross. We must not try to change it.

This article about carrying your cross is an excerpt from Lifestyle of the Cross by Robin Riggs.

Recruiting Group Leaders for Maximum Participation

By

Allen White

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November 29, 2023

When you recruits group leaders is just as important as how you recruit leaders. Timing is everything. Not only do you need to choose the right season, you also need to make the invitation often enough for people to get the message, but not so much that you dilute the message.

The best seasons of the year for a group launch are the Fall, the New Year, and Easter, as I’ve mentioned before. As you build momentum for a series, you want to promote well in advance. Let people know the series is coming. Show short video clips of the making of the series, if you’re creating your own video curriculum. If you’ve purchased a curriculum, then use the preview videos provided by the publisher.

While you want to promote well in advance, you don’t want to offer sign ups too far in advance. If someone agrees to start a group three months ahead of the series, odds are that decision will be a faint memory when the campaign is ready to begin. You don’t want to allow people a month or more to get cold feet. When they say, “Yes,” it’s time to move.

A PTA president advised me once to never hold signups for more than three weeks. The simple reason is everyone waits until the last minute to register. She said to promote well in advance, but only sign up when you are ready to start. Great advice.

Registering new leaders and groups over a three week period just prior to the series launch has another significance — everyone doesn’t attend church every Sunday. If registration is only offered for one week, then the church will miss out on two-thirds of their potential leaders.

This two-thirds scenario played out a few years ago with two churches I was working with. The churches were about the same size. One was in New York. The other in Florida. At the end of their recruitment periods, the New York church complained they only had one third of the result the Florida church saw. I asked the small groups’ pastor how many weeks they had recruited leaders. He told me that while the series was well publicized, they only registered new leaders for one Sunday.

The Florida church, on the other hand, had registered new leaders for three weeks and saw three times the result. In fact, the New York church’s numbers matched the Florida church’s recruits after their first week as well.

Now, some may be prone to blame this on the cultural differences between Florida and New York. After working with both churches for 12 months, the New York church launched a significant number of groups. And, besides, most people in Florida are from New York anyway.

To capture the most new leaders possible, a longer promotional period followed by a short registration period is key. In addition, registering for three weeks is also a major factor. If the church registers new leaders for more than three weeks, then the invitation becomes white noise and everyone waits until the last week to sign up anyway.

I was talking to the lady who cuts my hair about this one day. Why was I talking to her about this? Well, we talk about everything, and I have a captive audience. She’s not a barber, and I don’t like having a “stylist,” so we’ll just call her “Lorraine,” since that’s her name.

Lorraine is retired, but she still has mercy on my hair. She was also a member of Brookwood Church, where I served. As I was spinning the tale of two churches with group launches and the importance of recruiting for three weeks, Lorraine spoke up, “I’ll tell you why it’s important to recruit for three weeks. That’s how Rich and I ended up leading a group.”

Now, to give you context, Lorraine is Italian and grew up in New Jersey. Do you have that picture in your mind?

How Long Can You Succeed in Ministry Without God?

By

Geoff Surratt

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November 29, 2023

I wonder how long I could be successful in ministry without God? I’ve been in vocational ministry for 31 years, and I seldom encounter a situation I haven’t seen before. I have a stockpile of sermons to pull from, and many other places where I can grab a complete sermon with a moment’s notice. I do strategy, staffing and structure in my sleep. My experience, connections and the internet give me all the tools I need to do ministry, and do it at a very high level.

God is good, but often, not all that necessary.

How about you? How long could your church function, and function well, without God? You have your sermons planned through Easter, your song lists loaded into Planning Center, and your small group resources online. You have well-trained volunteers and the best staff money can buy. Your IT and weekend tech have redundancies built in to handle any contingency. The people who attend your church know that they will have a quality experience every weekend regardless of what might happen behind the scenes.

Certainly God is welcome at your church, but is he really necessary?

Ministry Without God

Israel created an elaborate and efficient church that ran very well without God. The priests and Levites excelled at their roles, the sacrificial system was geared to handle the crowds at Passover efficiently, and the Jewish people knew their needs were met with consistency and care.

400 years after God stepped away, the Jews no longer missed him. They had created a church without God.

And then, one weekend, he showed up.

4 Fundamentals for Effective Discipleship

By

Gavin Adams

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November 29, 2023

effective discipleship — Adobestock #143649277

I say it all the time because it’s so very true: Your model, not your mission, determines your success. So let me ask you a question: Are you a strategic thinker?

I don’t necessarily mean, “did a personality profile label you ‘strategic’?” But: do you think in steps, plans, and strategies? (I do. I can’t help it. It’s a blessing and a curse!) So it shouldn’t be shocking that when it comes to effective discipleship, I love strategy and intentionality in the local church. I love seeing a preferred future or end-in-mind and developing a step-by-step intentional process to get there.

If ever there was a place where intentionality is needed, it’s the church. I suspect you’ll like this post if you are bent more strategically. If you’re not a natural strategist, I hope this content helps you understand the importance of intentional methods and gives you something to consider in your church and for your community.

Intentional Churches + Intentional Mission = Effective Discipleship

All churches exist for one reason. The mission statements may be unique, and denominations different, but their purpose is the same: effective discipleship.

You have some predisposition when you hear that word, so let me define it as I’m using it. To me, effective discipleship is the combination of reaching and growing. It’s evangelism and edification. Both are part of the “renewing of the mind” process. We must determine how discipleship happens best with this definition as our foundation.

Accidental Success

I should preface this entire conversation with “God does the work, not us.” But we participate in the work. Not to put anything past God, but it’s hard for him to use the Bible in our life if we don’t pick it up. It’s challenging for God to use people in our life if we isolate. It’s nearly impossible for God to use a preacher or sermon to grow our faith if we don’t listen.

The problem is that most church leaders have a story (or once heard a story) of God doing the miraculous outside of a strategy. You’ve heard it before: “We didn’t have a plan, and God just came through!” Since it happened that one time, God can do anything in their mind, and we shouldn’t get in the way.

What Do Mormons Believe: Help Teens Understand LDS Teachings

By

Stephanie Martin

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November 28, 2023

What do Mormons believe is a common question kids ask when you’re studying other faiths. Maybe teens in your youth group have classmates or teammates who belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Or maybe they’re curious about the clean-cut, service-oriented missionaries who knock on doors. Are you prepared to inform students about LDS teachings and how they differ from Christianity?

For Christians, it’s essential to know what do Mormons believe. LDS followers claim to believe in Jesus and the Bible. But what does their doctrine really teach? Inform teens about Mormon beliefs so they don’t embrace falsehoods.

What Do Mormons Believe: Resources for Youth Leaders

Use these resources as starters when you’re teaching teens about Mormonism:

1. Mormonism’s Pseudo-Christian Teachings

First, know that the LDS website calls Jesus “the Son of God and the Savior of the World.” So you need to dig deeper into the church’s beliefs about the deity. For example, this video explains that Mormons believe the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are three distinct Gods. Other videos on the “God Loves Mormons” YouTube channel detail how various Christian teachings differ from Mormonism.

2. LDS Views on Scripture

Although the LDS website calls the Bible “the word of God, a sacred volume of scripture,” it also identifies the Book of Mormon as “God’s Word.” American Joseph Smith first published the Book of Mormon in 1830, after supposedly receiving golden plates from the angel Moroni. But Christian theologians note many ways the Book of Mormon is full of lies and twisted truths.

3. What Mormons Believe About Heaven & Eternity

Ministries that reach out to ex-Mormons offer helpful comparisons between the teachings of Mormonism and Christianity. For example, kids may have heard that Mormons believe they can become gods, dwelling in multiple levels of heaven. Help them understand why this goes against biblical teachings.

Operation Christmas Child: Shoebox Outreach Opens Doors and Hearts

By

Samaritan's Purse

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November 28, 2023

Through the outreach efforts of Operation Christmas Child and The Greatest Journey, communities are uniting and families are hearing the Gospel. Amazingly, once-closed villages are inviting Christians to talk about God’s love.

For nearly 25 years, a road divided Nyiela, a community in western Liberia. The town had separated itself into two distinct parts. The sides didn’t talk much or cross over, not even for clean water or medical care. Not even during the Ebola crisis. Tribal conflicts added to the divide.

A few years ago, things began to change when a local church hosted an Operation Christmas Child outreach event. Instead of holding the event at the church or on either side of town, they received permission to shut down the road between them for several hours and use it as neutral ground.

Children listen to the Gospel presentation. Source: Samaritan’s Purse

Parents lined either side of the road as more than a dozen children gathered, laughing and playing, not realizing the historic moment.

“We told them we just want to share the love of Jesus,” said Pastor Alphonso Dean, national coordinator for Operation Christmas Child in Liberia. “We gave these gifts to their children with no strings attached. When we shared the Gospel, children from both sides of Nyiela raised their hands to receive Jesus.”

The Amazing Outreach of Operation Christmas Child

A community leader was amazed. “He told us, ‘These gifts are exactly what our children needed,’” Pastor Dean recounts. “This convinced them to let us come back and do another outreach event.”

Pastor Dean teaches children about God’s love for them. Source: Samaritan’s Purse

They distributed shoebox gifts to 150 additional children from both sides of town. Praise God that many of these children received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Plus, a number enrolled in The Greatest Journey 12-lesson discipleship program. Community leaders also donated two acres of land to build a church.

“The unity of the town has brought the children together, and now…together are receiving The Greatest Journey training,” Pastor Dean said. “The region around Nyiela has become a major place for us to work.”

‘Jesus’ Film Now in Over 2,100 Languages—Including Waorani, the Tribe That Killed Jim Elliot

By

Jesse T. Jackson

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November 28, 2023

The “Jesus” film has been influential in leading more than 200 million people across the globe to make a decision to follow Jesus and has been a catalyst for planting new churches.

Even though last November the “Jesus” film celebrated its 2,000th language translation according to its website, it is estimated that 2 billion people have yet to hear the gospel even once.

This November, the most-watched film on the planet announced that it has now been translated into over 2,100 languages and has scheduled three global livestream events to share an announcement of a new vision—which appears to be related to animation.

“We’re announcing something big,” the film’s social media posted.

One of the new languages the film was translated into was for the Waorani tribe, which some might remember as the famous Auca Ecuadorian tribe known for killing five American missionaries in 1956: Jim Elliot, Pete Fleming, Ed McCully, Nate Saint, and Roger Youderian.

The Waorani people came to know Christ though the dedication of Jim’s widow, Elisabeth, and Nate’s sister, Rachel. The mission was later carried on by Nate’s son, Steve, who was asked to live among his father’s killers at their request in 1994. Two years, later Steve founded Indigenous People’s Technology and Education Center (ITEC) which is now helping the Jesus Film Project’s evangelistic efforts in the Waorani community.

Josh Newell, the Jesus Film Project’s executive director, recently told The Christian Post that the group’s “mission is to reach everyone everywhere with the good news of Jesus. The way that we do that is through translating the ‘Jesus’ film into heart languages and partnering with the body of Christ to show the ‘Jesus’ film.”

“I think much of the older generations and many of the current generations of the Waorani people don’t read or write,” Newell added. “Having the Gospel on film is a great way to access the story of Jesus. It’s a great way for their culture to be honored. Because there’s not a lot of other people that are taking the time and effort to produce something in their language.”

Newell said that the translation “will be a great tool to honor the Waorani people and to express the Imago Dei and how God’s image is on every person.”

Paul Washer Provides Update on Health Scare and Heart Bypass Surgery

By

Jesse T. Jackson

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November 28, 2023

Paul Washer and his wife, Charo, posted an update regarding Paul’s heart bypass surgery that took place a few days before Thanksgiving on Nov. 20.

Paul Washer Faces Long Recovery

Washer is the founder of HeartCry Missionary Society, an organization that began in 1988 in Peru to help indigenous missionaries reach their people group for Jesus and build churches.

According to its website, today the group focuses on providing “financial support, theological training, Scripture and literature distribution, and the supply of any tool necessary to facilitate the completion of the Great Commission” to indigenous missionaries throughout the world.

“The procedure was successful but the road to recovery will be slow and steady,” the Washers posted. “We continue to covet your prayers for a full recovery in the months ahead. We are humbled and grateful for the tremendous prayer support received. The messages of love and encouragement for brother Paul and our family from all over the world have been a tangible blessing and a testimony of the love of Christ.”

The update concluded with them thanking God for his provision, “We are grateful to our God for opening all the necessary human doors that have led to this day and the love and vital prayer support of our brothers and sisters.”

Washer’s surgery has forced him to cancel upcoming speaking engagements, one of which was the 2024 National Founders Conference scheduled to take place on Jan. 18-20 in Southwest Florida. The event features Costi Hinn, Tom Ascol, Conrad Mbewe, Phil Johnson, Travis Allen, and Allie Beth Stuckey.

“In God’s providence, brother @paulwasher will no longer be able to join us for our 2024 National Conference,” Founders Ministries posted on social media. “We thank the Lord for his kind provision and care for our brother in his successful surgery and pray for his continued recovery! Stay tuned for an announcement of a new speaker joining us at the #NFC4.”

Brandon Lake, Dallas Jenkins Share God Moments From Each Other’s Work

By

Stephanie Martin

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November 28, 2023

Brandon Lake Dallas Jenkins — Screengrab via YouTube @CBN News

During a recent interview on CBN Digital, Christian singer-songwriter Brandon Lake talked with “The Chosen” showrunner Dallas Jenkins about how the hit TV series has impacted his faith. Jenkins, meanwhile, described how Lake’s music has moved him spiritually—leading to successful collaborations neither man saw coming.

Lake and Jenkins are promoting the new special “Christmas With The Chosen: Holy Night,” in theaters Dec. 12. Lake is also preparing for his upcoming “Tear Off the Roof” tour. His hit song “Gratitude” was featured in the 2021 special “Christmas With The Chosen: The Messengers.”

Brandon Lake: ‘The Chosen’ Turns the Bible Into ‘Full Color’

Lake, recently named Billboard’s top male Christian artist for 2023, said “The Chosen” deeply impacted his relationship with God. He shared the profound experience of watching the first episode of Season 1. At the end, when Jesus walks into the scene, “It was as if Jesus just walked into my house,” Lake said. “It was one of the most holy moments.”

Lake and his wife were both so stunned, speechless, and emotionally moved that they “couldn’t even look at each other,” he said. “It was like God just met with us. It was like the Bible went from black and white into full color. I was hooked!”

Those God moments continued as Lake kept watching “The Chosen.” One of his favorite episodes is Season 1, Episode 3, when Jesus spends time with all the children. As a father, Lake said he was moved to see the onscreen kids praying and to know that Jesus is listening. Through the TV show, Lake said, viewers get to know more about Jesus as a person, or what he might have been like in certain moments.

Lake said his song “Tear Off the Roof” might not have existed unless he’d seen “The Chosen.” After watching the show and visiting Israel for the first time, “Everything made so much more sense,” the singer said. “It’s like putting skin on the bone.” Because that song is about Jesus healing the man whose friends lower him through a roof, Lake knew the music video couldn’t just be him “dancing around like a fool.”

Dallas Jenkins on the Impact of Brandon Lake’s Music

Next, Jenkins shared how Lake’s music has moved him spiritually, starting with the worship song “Graves Into Gardens.” Upon hearing those lyrics, the showrunner said he knew he wanted Lake to participate in the first “Chosen” Christmas special, even though Lake didn’t have a Christmas-themed song.

After “Gratitude” was featured in that special, the song hit No. 1 on iTunes. Lake also received a complimentary message from Jonathan Roumie, who plays Jesus in “The Chosen.”

At Least 10 Christians Slain in Taraba State, Nigeria

By

Morning Star News

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November 28, 2023

ABUJA, Nigeria (Morning Star News) – Suspected Fulani herdsmen and other terrorists on Friday (Nov. 24) attacked villages in Taraba state, Nigeria, killing at least 10 Christians, sources said.

The assailants attacked an area from the Yangtu Special Development Area near Takum to villages in Ussa County at about 6 p.m., area residents said.

“Rampaging Muslim bandits on the evening of Friday, Nov. 24 attacked and killed over 10 Christians in some communities in Yangtu Development Area and Ussa Local Government Area,” area resident John Chinyang said in a text message to Morning Star News. “The bandits launched attacks against Rubur Ribasi, Nyicwu, and Ruwah communities of Yangtu Special Development Area.”

Another resident, Yakubu Tinya, said “the terrorists” shot at anyone they saw.

“Some the Christians were killed while they were returning from their farms, while others were killed in their houses in the affected villages,” Tinya said in a text message.

Peter Shamwun, a member of the Ussa Local Council, said Kpambo Yashe in Ussa County was attacked.

“There have been issues of Fulani bandits’ attacks in our area, and they’re constantly attacking our villages,” Shamwun told Morning Star News in a text message. “The bandits also laid siege along Takum-Ussa road and other areas around the Yangtu community, where they killed many more Christians. And these terrorists have been attacking our communities without restraint from security agents.”

The attacks have brought untold misery and hardship on area Christians, he said.

“More worrisome is the fact that Christians are being attacked as they work on their farms,” Shamwun said. “We are at the mercies of these herdsmen bandits and terrorists.”

Usman Abdullahi, spokesman for the Taraba State Police Command, said police had verified only 10 killed on Friday (Nov. 24), including nine identified as Hope Hassan, Rimamsomtse Lamadi, Holiness Enoch, Rimamtsiki Enoch, Egwu Hassan, Saleh Kyatiki, Ephraim Atenji, Manasseh Atenji and Hassan Songure.

Residents said five predominantly Christian communities were attacked: Tukwog, Kpambo Yashe, Rubur Ribasi, Nyicwu and Ruwah. One resident, Ure Caleb, said 20 Christians were killed in attacks on Ussa County and the Yangtu Special Development Area near Takum, while another, Thomas Samuel, said 10 Christians were killed in Takum and Ussa counties.

“These Christians were killed at about 6 p.m.,” Samuel said in a text message. “Some of them were killed as they were on their way back from their farms, while others were killed in their homes.”

Emmanuel Bello, a spokesman for Taraba Gov. Agbu Kefas, said in a press statement that the governor “has received with utmost shock the horrific attacks on Yangtu by suspected gunmen that reportedly claimed many lives.”

Bethlehem Pastors Arrive in DC, Urge Lawmakers To Embrace Cease-Fire, Peace Plan

By

Jack Jenkins

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November 28, 2023

Bethlehem-pastors-arrive-in-DC-urge-lawmakers-to-embrace-cease-fire-peace- — A Red Cross vehicle carrying Israeli hostages drives by at the Gaza Strip crossing into Egypt in Rafah on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)

WASHINGTON (RNS) — A trio of Christian leaders are visiting the U.S. capital carrying a letter signed by churches in Bethlehem, the city in the occupied West Bank long heralded by Christians as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, urging President Joe Biden and congressional lawmakers to push for a permanent cease fire in Gaza and work to establish lasting peace in the region.

The leaders — which include two prominent ministers and a young Palestinian Christian activist — arrived in Washington, D.C., on Monday morning in hopes of brokering a meeting to present Biden and other political leaders with the letter.

“God has placed political leaders in a position of power so that they can bring justice, support those who suffer, and be instruments of God’s peace,” the letter reads. “We want a constant and comprehensive ceasefire. Enough death. Enough destruction. This is a moral obligation. There must be other ways. This is our call and prayer this Christmas.”

The letter was signed by representatives from Bethlehem’s major Christian communities, listing churches affiliated with Greek Orthodox, Syriac, Armenian, Catholic and Lutheran traditions.

The letter noted that Advent, a liturgical season when Christians prepare spiritually for Christmas, begins next week. But the signatories pointed out that Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem, which draw thousands of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world to the city annually, have been largely canceled this year to express solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

“This should have been a time of joy and hope. This year, it is a season of death and despair,” the letter reads. “This year, Christmas prayers are the only moment of hope in the middle of this human catastrophe caused by the war. There will be no manifestation of joy for the children. This year, Christmas celebrations are cancelled in Bethlehem.”

Christmas decorations in Bethlehem in the West Bank in Jan. 2023. (RNS photo/Jack Jenkins)

Speaking on the phone Monday morning, the Rev. Munther Isaac, pastor of Bethlehem’s Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church, said he traveled to the U.S. to present policymakers with the letter because he considers stopping the war a religious mandate.

“I truly believe that God is in solidarity with those who are victims of injustice and oppression, and thus the church should have the same position,” said Isaac, who also serves as academic dean at Bethlehem Bible College. “God is under the rubble.”

Isaac lamented the brutal Oct. 7 attack by Hamas in southern Israel, which left around 1,200 dead and hundreds kidnapped. But he also expressed outrage at the subsequent assault of Gaza by Israel, which has resulted in more than 13,000 deaths in the region and displaced most of the area’s roughly 2 million residents, sparking an ongoing humanitarian crisis.

“We want (lawmakers) to hear a different perspective,” he said. “We want to think that there must be other ways. Killing children like this can never bring peace.”

The visit from Isaac and his companions — which include the Rev. Jack Sara, who serves as president of Bethlehem Bible College and as the General Secretary of the Middle East and North Africa Evangelical Alliance for the World Evangelical Alliance — comes amid an ongoing multi-day cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. On Monday, officials announced the pause in hostilities would be extended for two more days, allowing additional aid to enter Gaza and for the release of more hostages held by Hamas as well as Palestinians imprisoned by the Israeli government.

But Isaac stressed that a short-term pause would not be enough to achieve the greater goal of a lasting peace.

“This cannot be a 4 or 5-day cease-fire and then go back to the same destruction,” he said. “All we want for Christmas is a constant and comprehensive cease-fire and an end to this war.”

The pastor expressed deep concern for his fellow Palestinians, railing against Israel’s decades-long occupation of the Palestinian territories — including Bethlehem in the West Bank. He voiced gratitude for some of his religious partners in the U.S. and other prominent Christian voices who have been among those calling for a cease-fire in Gaza.

But Isaac said that overall, he and others in Bethlehem have been “very disappointed” in the response of many Christians to the war.

10 Reasons Long-Term Pastorates Matter

By

Chuck Lawless

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November 28, 2023

long-term pastorate — Lightstock #539312

Just this week, I had a conversation with an aspiring pastor asking about the importance of pastors staying at a church even it’s tough. Our studies over the years have indeed shown the value of longer pastoral tenures. When staying at a tough church is challenging, maybe these reasons below will challenge you to hold on:

It takes time to earn a congregation’s trust. Especially if the church has had a divisive history, your first years may be only laying the groundwork for your real ministry.
You may need years to become the pastor. Assume many of the previous pastors have lasted only about three years. If so, the church likely won’t see you as “pastor” until you’ve been there longer than the others.
You will know your people better. We minister to people, and we minister best to them when we actually know them. Tenure gives you time to really know your congregation.
Time gives you opportunity to show you love your church. It’s really simple – the longer you’re there, the more opportunities you have to minister in good times and bad times. The more the church knows you care, the more they will follow you into the future.
You can overcome opposition by your “stick-to-it-ness.” Opposition in a church often assumes they can outlast the pastor; after all, that’s what they’ve done in the past. A pastor who stands faithful can weaken the opposition by his tenacity.
You will gain credibility in the community. Many great pastors I know shepherd not only their church, but also their community. It takes time to gain that kind of hearing.
You will have time to build your own team. Much changes when you have around you the people you trust and respect. Patiently building that team will pay dividends—but it takes time.
You will get to see fruit of your labors. I still think about the teens I baptized, later officiated their weddings, and even later helped them dedicate their own children to the Lord. Only tenure gives you that kind of privilege.
Churches in need of revitalization need leaders who don’t give up easily. This work can be hard. Really hard. So hard, in fact, that many pastors don’t last long in this kind of context. Those who do last, though, can rejoice over even the smallest victory.
Tenure assumes times of trusting God rather than leaving. Few pastors I know have not had days when they wanted God to lead them elsewhere. Those who stay, though, seek God, pray for strength, and press on in the power of the Spirit. Learning how to do that will make you a better pastor.

What other benefits would you add to this list?

This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.

5 Ways To Optimize Your Church Giving Page

By

Daniel Yonge

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November 28, 2023

As a church communicator, I’m sure the last thing on your mind right now is updating your church giving page. While juggling the constant design requests and anticipating the inevitable last-minute sermon series and event changes, there is always something else to do.

But the church giving page is one of the essential pages on your website, and it deserves your attention.

For many churches, online giving has become the primary way to give during the pandemic. So it is crucial that the giving experience at your church is both convenient and easy to navigate. The better the giving experience your congregation or guests have, the more likely they will give again in the future. I’m sure you’ve experienced a terrible church giving page that left you wondering if the organization even wants your money. Let’s avoid that.

A church giving page may be tied to a church management system or giving software, limiting what changes you can make. Still, I hope these tips get you thinking about things from someone in your congregation.

5 Ways to Optimize Your Church Giving Page

1. Don’t be afraid of text

Adding text to your giving page reinforces why someone should make a gift to your church. Instead of assuming they already know, help them understand how their money will support your church to serve your congregation and community better. Including text right above the giving form can give someone confidence that their gift will have an impact and is also an opportunity to reiterate your mission, values, and beliefs as a church.

2. Get rid of distractions

Remove anything that might distract someone from completing their gift. Images, videos, and even the navigation bar can all distract someone from following through with their contribution. If the navigation bar is visible from your giving page, the user might find themselves checking out upcoming events or the latest blog entry and forget to donate. Get rid of as many distractions as you can. Then invite them to keep exploring the other features of your great site.

3. Reduce the number of clicks

From your website’s home page, count the number of clicks it takes to get to the giving form. The fewer clicks, the less friction there is for someone who wants to donate. Of course, your church might be using each click to give valuable information but see if you can consolidate any of the content and help someone get to the form faster.

4. Make sure there’s a recurring giving option

Most giving pages have this built-in, but check to make sure it’s there. Recurring giving is convenient for your church and for the person who wants to schedule their gifts every month. I’ve seen some churches pre-check this option, but I would probably avoid doing that. Instead, maybe highlight this in your Sunday announcements or whenever you promote online giving.

5. Test your page

Do you know what the online giving experience is like for someone making a gift to your church? Test the process from start to finish. Or better yet, ask someone who has never been on your website to try making a gift. It’s also worth checking what page a donor sees right after making a gift and if they get an email confirming their donation. Use the receipt email as an opportunity to say thank you and reinforce how the church will use the money. You could even link another church fundraising project after their first gift, giving them another opportunity to give right away.

After you’ve optimized your church giving page, don’t forget about it! Update and test it regularly by adding copy (content) that is appropriate for each season. People want to give to your church, and you want to remove as many barriers as you can!

This article on optimize your church giving page originally appeared here, and is used by permission.

There’s No Such Thing as Retiring From Ministry

By

David Gough

-

November 28, 2023

Last month marked one year since I stepped away from the pastorate. I’ve shunned the idea of “retiring from ministry” like the plague, vowing to remain active in ministry and seeking to use the rest of my life to serve the Lord. Over these past twelve months, the clamps of life have tightened considerably for us all. Personally, I’ve reflected more on both the starting and finish lines of my ministry. A number biblical passages come to mind as I’ve reflected on finishing well, but three texts from Paul’s ministry stand out.

There’s No Such Thing as Retiring From Ministry

1. “Fulfill your ministry”

Forty-two years ago as a Bible college student, I was drawn to Colossians 4:17. Paul’s words presented themselves as a challenge to my young and eager heart: “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”

At the time, I didn’t know what that “ministry” would look like, but I was committed to serving the Lord without an expiration date. So I applied those words to my heart the best I could. I prayed, “Whatever you have for me to do, Father, I will be committed to it . . . to its conclusion.”

I confess I haven’t always kept that charge as faithfully or as well as I would have liked. But God has been abundantly merciful to forgive me and gracious to pick me up and brush me off time and again—setting me back on my feet with fresh resolve to continue the journey with him.

2. “Finish the ministry”

Acts 20:24 records Paul’s farewell words to the Ephesians. He tells them, “I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” These words struck a chord with me in the final days of my pastorate, and they continue to.

How to Protect Against Ransomware

By

Nick Nicholaou

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November 28, 2023

Ransomware is a serious threat that costs a lot of unbudgeted dollars to fix. Effective protection is available! Here’s what I recommend for how to protect against ransomware.

Understanding the Threat

Ransomware is not like most malware threats that slip into systems under the radar. Ransomware is a malware that must be invited in.

How to Protect Against Ransomware

3 Steps That Will Raise Your Protected Status to “Very High”

Because ransomware must be invited in by a user of your system, it is essential to train your staff on how to recognize malicious links and avoid them. A better way to think of that may be to train your team to recognize good email and website links, so they know to avoid those that are different.

The best tool we’ve found for that is a solution called KnowBe4. Here’s what I wrote about them in my most recent book, Church IT:

We have many team members who feel they are too busy or can’t be bothered with learning secure email practices.
Many feel they know what they’re doing already.
Many of those same people are the very ones who click on links in email that infect their computer or, worse, the data drive. Some get their identity stolen or, again even worse from an organizational perspective, transfer tens of thousands of dollars because someone duped them into believing the pastor or ministry leader wanted— or needed— them to.

Welcome to the rescue, KnowBe4! This service lets you set up an account and campaign that sends your team emails that look real, but are actually safe SPAM. Anyone who responds inappropriately (such as clicking a link or completing an embedded form) gets put into a kind of limbo, which he or she can only escape by watching a short, well-done online video explaining what he or she did wrong.

Christmas Countdown Activities: 25 Seasonal Ideas for Children

By

Stephanie Martin

-

November 27, 2023

Christmas countdown activities add joy and anticipation to the holiday season. Plus, they help children remember the real meaning of Christmas. Counting down the days of Advent (or December) may be one of your favorite childhood memories. Share that excitement—and the good news of Jesus—with kids in your church and children’s ministry.

Christmas countdown activities don’t need to be elaborate or expensive. In fact, they can be quite simple, and many are low-cost or even free. So use this Advent season to teach children why we celebrate and give gifts. Also use the opportunity of the approaching holiday to instill generosity and goodwill among kids. Remind them about the joy of sharing, giving, and telling other people about Jesus.

Enjoy these 25 Christmas countdown activities for Sunday school classrooms or children’s church. They’re also ideal for family devotions and prayer times.

Try These Christmas Countdown Activities

Check out this stocking full of fun Christmas countdown ideas!

25. Advent Calendars for Kids

First up, a wide variety of Advent calendars are available to purchase. But you can make your own out of almost anything…even cardboard toilet-paper tubes!

24. Advent Activities

Advent calendars don’t need to be stocked with just toys or candy. You also can fill the squares or pockets with coupons for family activities. This website provides free Advent activity cards you can download and print.

23. Journey to the Manger

With this simple download sheet, children track the path that Mary and Joseph take to Bethlehem.

22. Bible Verse Chain

We love this easy but impactful Scripture-based idea. Every day, children remove and read one chain link with a Christmas-related Bible verse.

21. Countdown Bible Study

Older children will enjoy this biblical Christmas countdown idea. It incorporates Scripture response tools to help families go deeper into God’s Word.

20. Christmas Crafts

If you’re feeling especially creative, check out these 25 crafts kids can make leading up to Christmas. Keep young learners busy with one craft per day, improvising on supplies as needed.

19. Counting Down the 12 Days of Christmas

Next, use this fun Nativity countdown to prepare for the arrival of Baby Jesus.

18. Jesus Is Coming!

Check out this adorable twist on an Advent countdown calendar. Kids will be excited to move Baby Jesus closer and closer to his manger bed.

17. ABC Advent Countdown

Encourage children to memorize brief Scripture verses with this ornament countdown collection. Kids can color 26 ornaments, from A to Z, while hiding God’s Word in their hearts. Then each night they can hang an ornament on the Christmas tree.

16. Advent Reading Plan

Children and families can read about the events leading up to the Christmas story.

15. Christ-Focused Advent Ideas

This structured devotional plan includes ideas for acts of service.

14. Family Advent Calendars

At this site, you’ll find a range of creative countdown calendars for Christmas. Plus, discover suggestions for what to put inside each square, envelope, or flap.

‘Undeniably…a Crisis’—IHOPKC Posts Update on Investigation Into Allegations Against Mike Bickle

By

Jessica Lea

-

November 27, 2023

The executive leadership team (ELT) of International House of Prayer of Kansas City (IHOPKC) in Kansas City, Missouri, has defended its decision to use a law firm to conduct the independent investigation into its founder, Mike Bickle. Leaders also emphasized they have not cleared Bickle of the allegations against him and acknowledged that the ministry is dealing with “a crisis.”

“IHOPKC has contacted and is in communication with multiple third parties about conducting an independent examination of the allegations presented by the Complaint Group, as well as a review of IHOPKC’s Report on Initial Findings,” said the ELT in an update on Wednesday, Nov. 22. “These third parties include national Christian leaders, journalists, and investigative firms who were involved in #MeToo and investigated the SBC and RZIM.”

“There has been unfounded suspicion and sowed fear around IHOPKC’s choice to utilize law firms to conduct the initial examination of the allegations,” the ELT continued. “However, law firms are routinely involved in the investigation of sexual abuse in accordance with due process—a fundamental part of the justice system and a basic right enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.”

IHOPKC To Give ‘More Frequent Updates’

IHOPKC is a ministry that aims to spread the gospel in society with a reliance on 24/7 prayer and worship. On Oct. 28, three former ministry leaders published allegations that ministry founder Mike Bickle was guilty of sexual and spiritual abuse; Bickle subsequently stepped away from leadership.

In a statement on Oct. 29, IHOPKC said, “Our leadership team takes these allegations very seriously…We are engaging with outside parties to assess and arbitrate these allegations.”

On Nov. 5, the IHOPKC ELT announced that Bickle would be taking an indefinite leave of absence and that the ministry had hired national law firm Stinson LLP to investigate the allegations against him. A number of people pushed back against that decision, with some expressing concern that the law firm would prioritize protecting IHOPKC over defending survivors.

A petition on Change.org that was started by “IHOPKC Survivors” urged IHOPKC to hire “Guideposts” or GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment) “to conduct a true third-party investigation into the sexual abuse allegations and the systemic environment at IHOPKC.”

Online, a clip circulated of a Feb. 28 interview with Rev. Dr. Esau McCaulley and attorney and survivor advocate Rachael Denhollander in which Denhollander explained why she believes it is best to avoid law firms when evaluating sexual abuse allegations in Christian organizations. One of the reasons Denhollander gave was that it is “very difficult for an attorney to switch out of liability mode into transparency and truth mode.” Instead, she recommended “ethics and compliance firms.”

‘So Much To Be Grateful For’—Wife of Street Preacher Shot in Head Praises God in the Midst of Tragedy

By

Jesse T. Jackson

-

November 27, 2023

The wife of the Arizona street preacher and outreach director at Victory Chapel First Phoenix, who was shot in the head while he was preaching before a Wednesday night church service on Nov. 15, gave thanks on Thanksgiving Day for a God who “upholds us during times like this.”

Hans Schmidt, 26, was street preaching on the corner of 51st Avenue and Peoria in Glendale, Arizona, when an unknown, still-at-large assailant shot him in the head. There was a single entry point on the side of his left temple.

According to a GoFundMe set up by family friend Brad Currell, the bullet fired at Schmidt “traveled through his brain and is still inside on the right side of his head.” Currell said that bystanders and witnesses heard neither the gunshot nor which direction it came from.

Video footage from the incident shows that when Schmidt was shot, he “initially fell but got back up and was walking and talking but bleeding.” No one realized what had happened until he started having seizures and vomiting, resulting in him going to the hospital.

Schmidt remains in critical condition and is currently sedated and stable on life support. Doctors are “draining fluid from his head to relieve pressure on his brain. So far they are saying it’s inoperable. It’s an incredibly sad situation. We are hoping for a miracle,” Currell said.

On Thanksgiving, Zulya, Schmidt’s wife, shared how thankful she was for her husband. The couple share two young children, one of whom was just born in September.

“So much to be grateful for. I am thankful for the amazing husband I got blessed with and all the fun adventures we’ve experienced and will experience,” she posted on Facebook. “You have always made me feel so loved despite my craziness . You would take care of me and advocated for me when we had our babies.”

“You blessed me with two sweet and beautiful children. You are such a great and fun dad,” Zulya added. “I’ve always loved and admired your humility and willingness to help and serve. I’m grateful for all the love, support, and prayers we have received during this time.”

Lauren Daigle Thanks Fans, Team and God After Receiving Billboard’s Top Christian Artist of the Year Award

By

Stephanie Martin

-

November 27, 2023

Christian singer Lauren Daigle thanked fans, her team, and God after being named Billboard’s top Christian artist of 2023. The 32-year-old Grammy and Dove Award-winner released a self-titled album in May, her first new music since 2018. Daigle’s new album and songs dominated Christian charts and also appeared on the mainstream Billboard 200.

“It’s been an incredible year,” Daigle told Billboard after learning she’d taken top honors. “New creative collaborators, a new producer, new writers, and most of all new friends. Our fans on the road have been so incredible, and we can feel their love and their energy every single night, and for me that connection [to our music] is inspiring.”

“Thank God I Do,” the lead single from Daigle’s self-titled album, had the most sales among Christian digital songs. It also became her fifth Christian Airplay chart-topper. According to Billboard, Daigle is the only artist to date who’s had two No. 1 Hot Christian Songs that topped the charts for 20 or more weeks. Her previous smash single, “You Say,” is from her 2018 album “Look Up Child.”

On Billboard’s Top Christian Albums year-end ranking, Daigle’s self-titled album finished at No. 7.

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Lauren Daigle Delights in Using Music To Reach Souls

In a video posted to Instagram, a smiling Daigle holds the Billboard trophy and expresses gratitude. “This is the award that I treasure from the bottom of my heart,” she said. “I love it so much because it’s not a popularity contest. The Billboards are because fans show up and show support for the thing I love to do.”

Daigle added that it’s a “sheer delight” to get to put art that she loves into the world. “To put music out that reaches the souls of man, that’s the thing I want to do for the rest of my life,” she said.

As ChurchLeaders has reported, Daigle shared that mental health challenges helped shape her self-titled album. The artist described hitting “rock bottom” due to struggles with anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. Creating her new music was a type of “rebirth process,” she explained in a May 2023 interview with People magazine.

Speaking to podcast host Sadie Robertson Huff in September, Daigle explained that God used the pandemic downtime “to reposition my heart, reset my mind and my thinking.” She added, “I needed to surrender so many things.”

Billboard Highlights Other Notable Christian Artists

In its year-end recap, Billboard pointed out other noteworthy Christian performers from the year. Brandon Lake, whose song “Gratitude” topped the Hot Christian Songs list for 2023, was named Billboard’s top male Christian artist.

An Issue Which Needs (Or Not Need) Addressing

Carrying Your Cross

The Joy in Carrying Your Cross

Ministry Without God

Intentional Churches + Intentional Mission = Effective Discipleship

Accidental Success

What Do Mormons Believe: Resources for Youth Leaders

1. Mormonism’s Pseudo-Christian Teachings

2. LDS Views on Scripture

3. What Mormons Believe About Heaven & Eternity

The Amazing Outreach of Operation Christmas Child

Paul Washer Faces Long Recovery

Brandon Lake: ‘The Chosen’ Turns the Bible Into ‘Full Color’

Dallas Jenkins on the Impact of Brandon Lake’s Music

5 Ways to Optimize Your Church Giving Page

1. Don’t be afraid of text

2. Get rid of distractions

3. Reduce the number of clicks

4. Make sure there’s a recurring giving option

5. Test your page

There’s No Such Thing as Retiring From Ministry

1. “Fulfill your ministry”

2. “Finish the ministry”

Understanding the Threat

How to Protect Against Ransomware

3 Steps That Will Raise Your Protected Status to “Very High”

Try These Christmas Countdown Activities

25. Advent Calendars for Kids

24. Advent Activities

23. Journey to the Manger

22. Bible Verse Chain

21. Countdown Bible Study

20. Christmas Crafts

19. Counting Down the 12 Days of Christmas

18. Jesus Is Coming!

17. ABC Advent Countdown

16. Advent Reading Plan

15. Christ-Focused Advent Ideas

14. Family Advent Calendars

IHOPKC To Give ‘More Frequent Updates’

Lauren Daigle Delights in Using Music To Reach Souls

Billboard Highlights Other Notable Christian Artists

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