Perry Noble’s Second Chance Church Is Moving Forward With Second Location

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December 1, 2023

Perry Noble, founder and senior pastor of Second Chance Church in Anderson, South Carolina, recently shared that his ministry continues to grow. On Nov. 27, he posted that the church celebrated 81 “salvations,” a record-breaking attendance of 2,858 worshipers, and “having a contract on land in Greenville so we can launch our first satellite campus!”

In April, Noble revealed that a Greenville, South Carolina, branch of Second Chance Church was in the works, noting the launch was “AT LEAST a year away.” He wrote on Facebook, “I am pumped because I know we are going to see more and more people come to Christ!”

Perry Noble: ‘The Lord Kept Pressing Into Me’

On Nov. 28, Noble wrote on Instagram that he’d been hesitant to announce an addition to Second Chance Church. He said, “Heck, for the longest time I actually didn’t want to start another campus at all!”

The reason, he added, is he “never thought I would ever pastor again!” Noble admitted he didn’t know if people would show up to the church’s first location in Anderson. When they did, he was “so content with it all,” feeling “blessed way more than I ever deserved.”

Noble added, “But the Lord kept pressing into me—a lot.” He “kept reminding me that the local church has more to bring change to the world than anyone or anything! He kept reminding me of the Great Commission! And—He made a way for Greenville to happen!”

With the continued growth of Second Chance Church, Noble described his outlook as “both excited and a little scared” about the ministry’s next season. “I know the accusations of not being qualified are coming,” he wrote, “as well as reminders of my past! But I also know the grace of God, His mercy to me and His relentless pursuit (He never gave up on me!) So here we go @thesecondchancechurch with our next step of faith.”

Perry Noble Wants To ‘Walk in Faith, Not Fear’

Noble launched the original Anderson campus of Second Chance Church in 2017, branding it as “an environment where people (all people) can experience the presence of Jesus every single week.” That launch came without the blessing of elders at NewSpring Church, which Noble founded in 2000 and was fired from in 2016.

Reasons given for his dismissal were “unfortunate decisions,” including alcohol abuse. At the time Noble was ousted from his megachurch, it had 17 locations and 30,000+ weekly attendees.

Noble has been forthcoming about his fall and recovery process. In June, he admitted he continues to battle alcoholism, noting that people “can’t do life alone” amid earthly temptations.

Popular Atlanta Pastor Sam Collier Announces Divorce, Accuses Wife of Abuse; She Accuses Him of Infidelity

By

Dale Chamberlain

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December 1, 2023

Popular Atlanta pastor Sam Collier announced on Friday (Dec. 1) that he and his wife, Toni, are getting divorced.

Sam Collier founded Story Church in Atlanta last year. The church formed in the wake of the shuttering of Hillsong Atlanta, of which the Colliers had been pastors.

Sam Collier became Hillsong Church’s first Black lead pastor when Hillsong Atlanta formed in 2021. Roughly a year later, he resigned the post in light of the slew of scandals surrounding the global megachurch, which included accusations of mishandling sexual abuse allegations, financial impropriety, and severe moral failures at the highest levels of the church’s global leadership.

At the time, Collier indicated that these scandals, which were taking place outside of Hillsong Atlanta, were nevertheless hindering the congregation’s ability to gain trust in the community.

Hillsong Atlanta closed upon Sam Collier’s resignation. Story Church launched a few weeks later on April 17, 2022.

Announcement of Sam Collier’s Divorce

Sam and Toni Collier announced their divorce in separate social media posts on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. In her post, Toni accused Sam of infidelity.

“I’m in the middle of the hardest season of my life. I am heartbroken, yet still hopeful. If you could see all the ways God has been kind to me and my kids, your jaw would be on the floor,” Toni wrote. “After years of discovering and enduring repeated acts of infidelity, l’ve chosen to end my marriage with Sam.”

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A post shared by Toni Collier (@tonijcollier)

“Despite seasons of hope, attempts at reconciliation, and counseling, after recently discovering more infidelity, I realized this wasn’t a sustainable or God-honoring marriage anymore,” Toni continued. “I’m at a point where I have to say ‘no more.’”

“I’m taking time off the stage and social media to focus on healing with my kids. I have no desire to hurt Sam, but do want to vigorously protect my heart and my children,” she added. “Thanks for giving us privacy to do that, and for prayers that will undoubtedly be felt. Love y’all.”

In a separate post that has since been deleted, Sam fired back at Toni.

“Toni Collier is a liar and abuser. It is documented that she has abused me our entire marriage and wants to continue to. I asked Toni not to do this. As well as our team and ‘our’ lawyers. She is not divorcing me, we are divorcing each other,” Sam wrote, according to The Christian Post. ”AND I tried to divorce her 7 times and she begged me to stay and kept abusing me. I will tell more of the story later.”

In a subsequent post, Sam took a more diplomatic approach.

Amid War in Israel and Polarization in America, the Telos Group Seeks Peace

By

Bob Smietana

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December 1, 2023

Amid-war-in-Israel-and-polarization-in-America-the-Telos-Group-seeks — Tour members have an educational meal during a stop on a Telos Group trip to the Holy Land. (Photo by Kevin Rogers via Telos)

NEW ORLEANS (RNS)— When Greg Khalil and Todd Deatherage co-founded the Telos Group, a peacemaking nonprofit, in 2009, they began by shuttling back and forth between the U.S. and Israel, hoping to help Americans — especially the evangelical Christians who remain staunch supporters of Israel — rethink how they see the seemingly unsolvable conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.

The two have since taken more than 2,000 people to the Holy Land, each trip built on the premise that peace depends on mutual flourishing and that a peaceful future for the Middle East is one where freedom, security and dignity are available for every human being. They named their effort after the Greek word for aim, or goal.

But in recent years, the nonprofit has begun addressing another seemingly intractable problem: America’s growing polarization and enduring racial divides.

On a recent Telos bus tour from New Orleans to Birmingham, Alabama, Khalil gave a group of about a dozen New Yorkers a brief introduction to Telos’ principles of peacemaking. Quoting from theologian Paul Tillich, physicist Niels Bohr and Sufi poet Hafiz, Khalil told them that ending any conflict begins with listening.

Greg Khalil. (Photo courtesy Telos Group)

That’s a rare practice, especially in modern-day America, where most people would rather debate than hear someone else’s point of view, especially when encountering painful issues, or simply tune out. “When we turn away from each other and we turn away from these problems they don’t go away,” said Khalil.

Khalil also reminded his audience on the bus that none of us has the whole story. All of our perspectives are incomplete. Listening — even to our enemies — can help us see things we would have otherwise missed. Another core idea: You never know when someone you once dismissed might become a valuable ally.

That’s something Telos’ founders experienced firsthand. The two first met in Jerusalem in 2004, when Khalil was a young progressive lawyer advising Palestinian leaders during Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, where Khalil has family. Deatherage was the chief of staff in the U.S. State Department’s Office of Policy Planning, and a conservative Republican. He’d previously served as chief of staff to Tim Hutchinson of Arkansas during Hutchinson’s time as a congressman and U.S. senator.

Khalil had often written off conservatives like Deatherage, who grew up in the town of Fifty-Six, Arkansas, in a church that was so fundamentalist, he said, that they regarded Southern Baptists as liberals.

But the two shared a desire to move their fellow Americans’ understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict beyond partisan camps that tended to side with either Israel or the Palestinians. They set about seeking solutions that serve both sides. “There could be no good future for anyone if there is no good future for everyone,” said Khalil.

‘Jesus’ Film Producers Plan Release of New Animated Version in 2025

By

Adelle M Banks

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December 1, 2023

WASHINGTON (RNS) — Cru, the evangelical Christian organization that created the “Jesus” film four decades ago, is producing an animated version that is set to release in theaters around Christmas 2025.

“Do you realize that there are more people in the world today who have little to no knowledge of Jesus than ever before in history?” asked Pastor David Platt, an international missions expert who spoke at the announcement of the new project at the Museum of the Bible in Washington on Thursday (Nov. 30), where Jesus Film Project staffers joined animators and supporters.

“What an opportunity we have to use a medium that God has ordained to reach not just people, but the next generation with the gospel,” said Platt.

Similar events announcing the film were held in South Korea and Japan.

The original “Jesus” film, released in 1979, has been translated into more languages than any other movie, according to the Guinness World Book of Records. (The 2,100th translation was recently completed.)

Josh Newell, executive director of Jesus Film Project, said he views animation as a fitting means to speak to younger generations about the life of Jesus. “Animation is a compelling way to tell stories,’’ said in an interview ahead of the event. “There’s a moral resonance that people have with the story of Jesus, that what he teaches is good and is true, and is relevant for kids and for families.”

The new film’s director, Dominic Carola, who has worked on films such as “The Lion King,” “Mulan” and “Lilo & Stitch,” said the animators are working closely with historical experts to depict the faces and clothing of characters living in the time of Jesus, including Jesus himself.

A “concept image” of the Jesus character from the forthcoming animated version of the classic “Jesus.” (Image courtesy Jesus Film Project)

“He’s from the Middle East, he’s Jewish, so we knew there’s certain skin tones, textures, things that we can lean into, because this is the part of the world he came from,” Carola said in an interview ahead of the launch, noting the importance of getting confidential feedback from global focus groups.

“We don’t want him to be a surfer from Malibu or looking like somebody from a GQ magazine. He walked among us, and he lived in the flesh. So we went through a very strict process of trying to stay in these bumper rails.”

Pope Francis Asks Theologians To ‘Demasculinize’ the Church

By

Claire Giangrave

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December 1, 2023

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Speaking to members of the International Theological Commission at the Vatican on Thursday (Nov. 30), Pope Francis asked theologians to “demasculinize” the church in an unscripted remark.

“There is something I don’t like about you, if you excuse my honesty,” said Pope Francis, pointing out that there were only five women among the 30-plus theologians. “We need to move forward on this! Women have a way of reflecting on theology that is different from us men,” he added.

The International Theological Commission is part of the Roman Curia and advises the Vatican doctrinal department on theological issues. The pope appoints its members, and women have been allowed to become members since 2004.

The pope said he studied the Italian theologian Romano Guardini through the work of a woman, Hanna-Barbara Gerl-Falkovitz, who impacted his understanding of women in theology. Francis also noted that at the next meeting with the Council of Cardinals, a body that advises him on church matters, they “will reflect on the role of women in the church.”

The general secretary of the commission, Monsignor Piero Coda, said Francis’ words were “an additional encouragement for something that is very dear to the pope but is also at the heart of the journey that the church is undergoing though the synodal process.”

Bishops and laypeople, including an unprecedented number of women, took part in October’s Synod on Synodality at the Vatican which in its final report demanded a theological reflection on the role of women in the church, as well as the possibility of allowing women to become deacons.

Catholic deacons preach at Mass and perform marriages and baptisms but do not celebrate the Eucharist or hear confessions. Those who oppose allowing female deacons claim it would represent a first step toward opening the priesthood to women.

The pope’s words on Thursday underlined “the need to increase the space given to women in positions of authority and decision-making in the Christian community, in order to treasure the sensibility and intelligence that is typical of the feminine genius and experience,” Coda told Religion News Service.

Women have always been important in the church, the theologian said, but “it’s time for this to become part of the culture” to address modern challenges and the “male-dominated view that still exists in the church and in society.”

The small number of female theologians in the church is related to the roles women are offered in the church today, Coda said. “It’s true that women and laypeople are still underrepresented in theology, because theology remains too centered on the formation of presbyters,” or priests, he explained.

“The church is woman,” Francis told the theologians, “and if we cannot understand what a woman is, what is the theology of women, we will never understand the church. One of the great sins we have witnessed is ‘masculinizing’ the church.”

The pope charged those present with the task of reflecting on the role of women in the institution. “This is the job I ask of you, please: Demasculinize the church,” he said.

One Team Is Changing Costa Rica. They’re an Example for Us All

By

Margaret Sharpe

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December 1, 2023

My team and I met Javier Brenes during our first year running WinShape Camps International in Costa Rica. He was intentional, capable and reliable. He was a distinct leader while serving with us as a volunteer, and clearly had a tender heart for children and families.

Little did we know how many lives he and his wife would change in his home community after we left—and with time, how far the work of his team would travel.

Javier took the skills he had learned at our international camp experience and used them to continue investing in the children and families where he lived. He faithfully continued to serve the Lord, and we were overjoyed upon returning to his community to hear how the Lord worked through him. But Javier didn’t stop there.

He created a modified camp experience to reach children who’d never had a camp experience before, as they lived in areas accessible only by foot. He developed a community of volunteers who loved and served children with the same joy and insight as he did.

Javier is a tremendous gift to us, to his community and to the children he’s reached. He, his wife and the other leaders in his community ran camp on their own this year. They’ve been bringing camp—and the message of Jesus Christ—to Costa Rican children outside of the reach of most people and organizations. To us, this is the best possible outcome for cross-cultural ministry.

The core of cross-cultural ministry is, of course, sharing the gospel with others. But the key that we sometimes can miss, despite our best intentions, is empowering local communities. Rather than entering already-established communities to show them how we do things, we must listen, learn, and then steward shared resources, tools and partnerships to serve the church well.

That’s because an essential part of Javier’s success is that he knows his community like we never could. Over the past four years leading WinShape Camps International, I’ve seen over and over again that locally-led summer camps can empower communities all over the world, in an honoring and unique way.

We work alongside our partners at ThriveWorx and Lifeshape Brasil, for instance, to execute fun day camp experiences in Brazil and Costa Rica during the spring and summer. However, that isn’t our final goal—though the joy of summer camp is undeniably a benefit of the work.

Our long-term focus is to come alongside local leaders and volunteers like Javier to model, partner, coach and equip them with the skills necessary to run transformative camps. After three years of training, these leaders are equipped to plan and execute locally-led camps in their communities on their own.

Then they go out and they impact the world. In Javier’s case, they hike into remote reaches of Costa Rica and bring the delight of play and hope of the Gospel to children who’ve never been to camp before.

This work is our shared joy. But it’s also a serious task, one with wide-reaching implications for the local church.

Ephesians 4:12 says, “Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.”

When Is an Elder Disqualified from Ministry?

By

Josh Weidmann

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December 1, 2023

elder disqualified — Adobestok #328928143

We all have treasured items we keep for special events. It may be a shirt, a dress, a pen, dishes, or a piece of jewelry. We pull them out to be used for something unique, but otherwise, we leave them tucked away and protected from daily use. These items are set apart. In the same way, the person who is called to Gospel ministry is “set apart” for God’s special purposes. We call these men pastors or Elders, in many, if not all cases, these titles are interchangeable. This does not mean these individuals are more special or more loved than any of God’s other children. However, God has “set them apart” for His special use.

As early as the tabernacle period, it seems God set certain people aside, namely the Levites and other individuals throughout history, for His special purposes. However, God loved all people equally, such as the eleven other tribes. Think about the set apart tribe of the Levites for a moment. They were to live, eat, dress, make money, and serve others in a specific way that was different than the other tribes. They didn’t have all the same privileges as the others, such as inheriting their own land, but they did have the special privilege of mediating between God and man.

When Is an Elder Disqualified from Ministry?

While pastors and Elders of today are not the same type of Levites, they do seem to have a special set of explanatory Bible verses on how they are to be “set apart” for serving God’s people. We desire for every man at Grace Chapel to be Elder-qualified if he may never be Elder-called.

SET APART FOR A PURPOSE

In 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, we are given a list of qualifications and standards for an Elder in the Church. They are as follows:

1. A pastor is to be above reproach. (Titus 1:6; 1 Timothy 3:2)
2. A pastor must be devoted to his wife – a one-woman man who demonstrates exclusivity in action, intent, and thought. (Titus 1:6; 1 Timothy 3:2)
3. A pastor’s children must be in submission, though not perfect. (Titus 1:6; 1 Timothy 3:4–5)
4. A pastor is to be a faithful steward. (Titus 1:7)
5. A pastor must be humble—not arrogant. (Titus 1:7)
6. A pastor must be gentle—not quick-tempered. (Titus 1:7; 1 Timothy 3:3)
7. A pastor must be sober—not a drunkard. (Titus 1:7; 1 Timothy 3:3)
8. A pastor must be peaceful—not violent. (Titus 1:7; 1 Timothy 3:3)
9. A pastor must have financial integrity—not greedy for gain. (Titus 1:7; 1 Timothy 3:3; 1 Peter 5:3)
10. A pastor must be hospitable. (Titus 1:8; 1 Timothy 3:2)
11. A pastor must be a lover of good. (Titus 1:8)
12. A pastor must be self-controlled. (Titus 1:8; 1 Timothy 3:2)
13. A pastor must be upright. (Titus 1:8)
14. A pastor must be holy. (Titus 1:8)
15. A pastor must be able to teach. (Titus 1:9; 1 Timothy 3:2)
16. A pastor must be spiritually mature. (1 Timothy 3:6)
17. A pastor must be respectable. (1 Timothy 3:7)
18. A pastor must be an example to the flock—many relationships and any other way. (1 Peter 5:3)
19. A pastor must be respectable. (1 Timothy 3:7)
20. The qualifications of an Elder are clear and have not changed since Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, penned them nearly 2,000 years ago.

But let’s be honest – can any man actually meet these standards all the time?

Every year when we install new Elders on our Elder Council, we ask hand-selected men if they have read and met the biblical qualifications of an Elder. Nearly every candidate hems-and-haws because they realize they do not meet them perfectly. We even have men who say, “I can’t be an Elder because I have failed those standards countless times in my life.”

It is the man who admits his own failure humbly that I take the most interest in becoming an Elder. The men who say, too confidently, that they have met and upheld all these qualifications in perfect perpetuity is lying or self-deceived. 1 John 1:8 and 10 says, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us… If we say we have not sinned, we make [God] a liar, and His Word is not in us.”

One of my mentors and biblical counselor Randy Patten said it well, “If every pastor and Elder had to meet those qualifications in ongoing perfection, there is not a man who could stand in a pulpit and preach this weekend.”

All Elders are first and foremost sinners saved by our gracious Savior. Jesus makes it clear that even looking at a woman with lust is considered adultery (Matthew 5:27). Certainly, most, if not all, pastors could say they have done that. Jesus also said that if we have anger toward someone, it is equal to committing murder (Matthew 5:21); yet, most pastoring men have experienced unrighteous anger at some point.

Sin is pervasive in us all. A pastor friend told me on the phone yesterday, “If every instance of my falling under the qualifications of Eldership were measured [by Jesus’ standard], I would be disqualified every day.” He was right; we all fall short of the qualifications.

ANY CHRISTIAN, PASTOR, OR ELDER WHO SAYS HE MEETS THESE QUALIFICATIONS PERFECTLY IS LYING.

Pastors and Elders are not supposed to be perfect; rather, they need to show humble, repentant hearts that propel them to abhor wickedness and pursue righteousness. As Bryan Hodge says, “We’re not looking for one who has never sinned, nor are we looking for one who will never sin again. However, he should be one whose pattern of life is to shun sinful things and strive to live righteously. This is one who walks in the light maintaining fellowship with God.” (Bryan Hodge, “Qualifications of Elders”)

If we read the qualifications of an Elder as “one strike and you are out,” then we are grossly underselling the Gospel of Jesus Christ — and we wouldn’t truly understand grace in light of godly living. The qualifications are meant to be taken in light of the Gospel, not to replace the Gospel. Jesus is looking for men who are quick to repent and have their overall character across the course of their lives be above reproach and set apart for His purposes.

As author and pastor Daniel Henderson pointed out to me, Paul’s language here is talking about ongoing character, not momentary instances. The original Greek, in both Timothy and Titus, is using the present tense, active voice, meaning that it is ongoing over time, as opposed to the imperfect tense, passive voice, as happening once and for all. The qualifications of a man’s life are to be looked at as a whole—as over the course of five, ten, or fifteen years. Yes, Elders men will have their mistakes—I certainly do! But, if their sins are momentary lapses, something that has a confined number of moments or days, that is far different than ongoing character issues. “The biblical qualifications for an elder don’t require an elder to be sinless (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Tit. 1:5-10). Otherwise, we wouldn’t have elders! Rather, an elder must be marked by the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy and Titus. They must characterize his life as a whole. But elders do sin, and sometimes an elder can be tempted towards certain sins because of the position he holds.” (Steve Boyer, Capitol Hill Baptist Church Elder and 9 Marks author)

BIG LETTERS—“HOWEVER…”

If there is perpetual ongoing unrepentance in an Elder, then the qualifications are compromised and the Elder is indefinitely disqualified. For example, I have spoken publicly about a pastor I served under at a church in the Chicago-area who I believe was disqualified from ministry. Why? Because he did not repent for decades, and his actions were perpetually falling under reproach with so many people, leaving a wake of spiritual death behind him, for years. This showed a character issue, not an instance of immoral relapse.

I love what a fellow blogger at DrivenNails.com shared the characteristics of an elder in how they live their lives:

“This doesn’t mean elders never sin, never blow it, never get carnal, but refers to the pattern of a man’s life. What is a man’s life characterized by? We all have our bad moments and we don’t want others to characterize us by our worse day of the year. When the elder qualified man blows it, he repents and confesses his sin quickly, and strives to do better immediately after those bad moments, which are exceptions in his life.” – DrivenNails.com, “What God Requires of Elders”

Perpetual sin is never to be excused, but if it is repented of biblically and there is a proper restoration with the Lord and others (this should include changes put in place to safeguard it from happening again), then he may still be qualified for Gospel ministry. The discernment over a man’s qualification for ministry is ultimately left up to the local church to decide (Matthew 16:18, 18:15–20; John 21:23). After an instance of failure, his restoration may need to come in stages. It may also include the pain of natural consequences. It may come with humbly answering probing questions from others to ensure there is genuine repentance.

For us to assume that a man is done and disqualified for ministry because of an instance, rather than because of a character issue, sells short the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel is about restoration. God’s entire redemption plan is based on us humbling ourselves and seeking His face for salvation. He is quick to forgive us when repentance is present.

If God is willing to forgive and restore broken men to Himself, who are we to think that we are bigger than God and entitled to harbor unforgiveness or legalistic standards over a person deeming them as “done” or “disqualified.” Only God can have that final word and His final word happened at the Cross of Jesus Christ.

The man who is “set apart” may fail us from time to time. However, that man can also be gently restored (Galatians 6:1) if repentance is present, and he can be useful again for the Gospel ministry. His only hope of doing so is by the grace of Jesus Christ, which is accepted by his repentant attitude to take the mercy of Jesus and “Go and sin no more…” (John 8:11)

This article about when is an elder disqualified from Ministry originally appeared here.

Becoming a Multi-Generational Parent

By

Andrew Linder

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December 1, 2023

multi-generational parent — Adobestock #518465213

A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children. (Proverbs 13:22)

Question: Is it possible that we are in a sense parenting our grandchildren and great-grandchildren by the way we parent our own children now? Is it possible that our life and the decisions associated with it will have a ripple effect upon multiple generations to come?

If it’s true that the choices we make in our families today affect future generations tomorrow, then yes, it’s not only possible, it’s inevitable.

It’s amazing how much can be lost in just one generation. Take for example our own nation a generation or two ago, and consider this as it pertains to moral issues in our society today. In just the last decade or two of one generation, the pendulum has swung so far, more than possibly in any other time frame of history.

And we can count on it, that the ripples of today will seem more like waves in the future generations for our children and grandchildren. God’s Word has already told us this (2 Timothy 3). And while this certainly does not mean that we are without hope, it should raise awareness for us as parents.

When we only think about the moment we’re in, we miss the point of the bigger picture. The enemy is playing for keeps, and he knows the power of each generation.

Whether it be as a nation, a church, or a family, for us to ever think that we are the only ones whose lives are affected by our current choices is not only naive, but foolish.

So with every decision we make, we must also consider its long-term consequences for generations to come. We must ask ourselves the question, “How will this impact my children’s children and beyond?” Because our parenting will outlive us whether we realize it or not.

As parents, we can’t afford to just think in generalities. We must think in generations.

We have to intentionally choose to be a multi-generational parent. (Psalm 78:1-7)

So What Does a Multi-Generational Parent Look Like?

Here are a few ideas.

1 – A multi-generational parent relies upon the promised power of prayer more than on the power of their personal parenting.

4 Simple Decisions to Boost Productivity

By

Charles Stone

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December 1, 2023

I’ve adapted and used the Getting Things Done productivity process for years, but sometimes it seems cumbersome. Recently, however, I discovered insights from a Microsoft employee who wrote the book, Getting Results the Agile Way. (I highly recommend it) It’s a simple process that helps improve personal productivity. I’ve summarized below the 4 simple decisions he suggests that can help boost our productivity. I’m beginning to apply them and they really work.

4 Simple Decisions to Boost Productivity

Monday vision: every Monday look at your week and determine the top three things you hope to accomplish. Write them down.
Daily Outcomes: every day determine the top three things you want to accomplish. Write them down.
Rule of Three: as you might have guessed it, practice the rule of three. That is, keep your high priority daily and weekly task/project lists to three items.
Friday Reflection: on Friday look at what you accomplished, what you learned, and what you hope to do differently the following week.

Pastors: 7 Reminders for Christmas Season Planning

By

Ron Edmondson

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December 1, 2023

I want to share some quick reminders for pastors regarding Christmas season planning. You already know all of these, but sometimes we get so busy with all the season’s activities that we failed to do some of the more important things. If you are intentional, Christmas can be one of your church’s best momentum-building times of the year.

7 Reminders for Christmas Season Planning

1. Recruit new volunteers.

You can onboard people easier during the Christmas season. Much like Easter, especially with vision-casting, church members will understand the need for new volunteers during a busier season. Use this as an advantage to get more people into key roles, but also as a discipleship tool knowing that people who serve are in a better position to be growing personally.

2. Ask members to sacrifice.

Christmas affords you a unique opportunity to ask your most committed people to serve in ways they may not otherwise. It is important to be fully staffed from the parking lot to the baby room. You will need extra greeters. People need to be willing to give up “their” seat for visitors. I personally believe you should always be thinking for your guests every Sunday. You should plan every detail you possibly can for them to experience excellence. In times where there are more visitors this is even more important.

Pastors, this is an excellent time to vision-cast about the guest experience you want to create. Make it a big deal, because it is a big deal.

3. Let the story be the story.

As a pastor, I feel the pressure of the Christmas message. The fact that it is so well known and a part of the culture only adds to the pressure. My best advice is don’t try to find the new twist you’ve never shared. People watch Rudolph and Charlie Brown Christmas every year for a reason. “It’s a Wonderful Life” never gets old for some and Elf for others.

The story of a baby, born to a Virgin, and laid in a manger is timeless. You don’t have to find something new.

Lauren Daigle Made an ‘Adoption Pact’ With Friends, Might Have More Adopted Children Than Biological

By

Jesse T. Jackson

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November 30, 2023

The Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum Christian singer Lauren Daigle will be performing alongside CeCe Winans, Pentatonix, Gavin DeGraw, and David Foster and Katharine McPhee at this year’s 25th “A Home for the Holidays.”

The program focuses on “uplifting stories of adoption from foster care to help raise awareness” regarding this important issue and will air on Dec. 22 at 8 p.m. on CBS. According to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, the annual special has inspired “thousands of people” to seek more information on becoming an adoptive parent.

Daigle told People that she was “so elated” when she got the call to perform on the show and didn’t hesitate to say yes. “Opportunities where we encourage people to get involved in foster care and in these children’s stories, I think it’s the most important thing we can do,” she said.

Earlier this month, the 32-year-old was named Billboard’s top Christian artist of 2023 and shared with the entertainment publication that she’d like to leave a legacy of changing legislation regarding children in our country.

“I’ve seen some children’s stories that haven’t turned out the best,” Daigle said. “I’ve seen children get turned back into the hands of their predators. I’ve watched it in my own family’s story. When people ask me, ‘If you could do anything with your career,’ I always say I want to rewrite legislature for children in this country.”

The not-yet-married Daigle hopes to adopt more children than she has biologically. She said, “I tell my friends all the time, ‘Why don’t we all just say we’ll adopt at least one kid and just see where that goes?’ I feel like if we all can do it together as a sisterhood, then we’ll be able to support each other.”

“It’s like an adoption pact,” she added. “I tell them I might adopt more children than I have biologically.”

Daigle tells her friends that if she’s not married by the time she turns 40, she hopes to just adopt. “There’s only a few of us that are actually married. A lot of us are very much single and in our 30s,” she said. “I’m like, ‘By 40, let’s go ahead and just adopt some kids. Why not?’”

Daigle also shared that when she invited a child onstage to dance during a recent concert in Spokane, Washington, God prompted her to ask the child if there was anything she wanted to share with the crowd.

Judge Orders Guidepost Documents Unsealed in Johnny Hunt’s Lawsuit Against SBC

By

Stephanie Martin

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November 30, 2023

Johnny Hunt, a former Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) president and North American Mission Board (NAMB) executive, has succeeded in efforts to unseal four Guidepost Solutions documents in his defamation and invasion of privacy case against the SBC.

In March, Hunt sued the denomination, its Executive Committee, and Guidepost Solutions, the independent firm that the denomination hired to investigate allegations of sexual abuse within Southern Baptist churches.

As ChurchLeaders has reported, Hunt was forced out of his NAMB role in May 2022. That month, Guidepost Solutions released a scathing report about sexual abuse within the SBC. Among the incidents listed was an alleged forced sexual encounter between Hunt and another pastor’s wife in 2010, near the end of Hunt’s SBC presidency.

Hunt, 71, has adamantly denied any abuse or assault, saying the encounter was consensual, though sinful. The pastor, who retired from First Baptist Church in Woodstock, Georgia, in 2019, maintains a lucrative career as a conference speaker. Hunt also has returned to the pulpit, saying that he went through a restoration process and that a team of pastors cleared him for ministry in November 2022.

Four Guidepost Solutions Documents Unsealed

On Nov. 29, Baptist News Global reported that in the court docket for Hunt vs. Southern Baptist Convention et al, more than 80 court entries have already been filed. According to the latest entry, Judge Jeffery Frensley approved Hunt’s request to make public four previously sealed items.

They include audio recordings of counseling sessions involving the alleged victim and her husband, the husband’s private journal, and information the couple provided to Guidepost investigators, including text messages and interview notes.

While requesting that portions of the record relating to the couple remain sealed, Guidepost pointed to its contractual terms with the SBC as well as its desire to protect the alleged victim. But the judge ruled that because names are redacted, the unsealed documents reveal no private information about the woman or her husband.

Baptist News Global reports: “Guidepost’s own brief arguing against disclosure describes the accusations against Hunt more succinctly and graphically than the [original Guidepost] report itself.” The brief alleges that Hunt “systematically” groomed the alleged victim during his SBC presidential term and then tried to “gaslight” her and her husband.

According to unsealed documents, Hunt arranged for the couple to obtain marriage counseling from Roy Blankenship, an unlicensed staff member at First Baptist Woodstock. Guidepost claims that Blankenship told the alleged victim and her husband not to mention, discuss, or write about Hunt by name—because that would “negatively impact the over 40,000 churches Hunt had represented” as SBC president.

Johnny Hunt Questions Motives Behind Redacted Information

Hunt’s legal team countered the attempt to keep materials sealed by saying that Guidepost “redacted information relating to Hunt that directly conflicts with the allegations made against him by Guidepost, which is likely the true reason Guidepost seeks to prevent the public from seeing them.”

‘How Far Would You Go To Prove You’re Not a Nobody?’–‘The Book of Clarence’ Film Set in Bible Times

By

Janna Firestone

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November 30, 2023

Filmmaker Jeymes Samuel (“The Harder They Fall”) is continuing his work on the big screen with “The Book of Clarence,” a comedy set in Bible times. Starring LaKeith Stanfield, “The Book of Clarence” tells the tale of a struggling young man who sets out to make a better life for himself and his family. He just goes about it in all the wrong ways.

“How far would you go to prove you’re not a nobody?” the trailer asks.

‘The Book of Clarence’ Will Be in Theaters Jan. 12

“The Book of Clarence is a bold new take on the timeless Hollywood era Biblical epic,” said Sony Pictures Entertainment. “Streetwise but struggling, Clarence (LaKeith Stanfield) is trying to find a better life for himself and his family, make himself worthy to the woman he loves, and prove that he’s not a nobody.”

Clarence sets out to learn the ways of Jesus Christ—only to scam crowds with fabricated miracles. He and his friends seek to profit from the acts. After being captured by the Roman government, Clarence faces a soul-deepening decision.

Samuel wrote and directed the film. “I want to tell the tales that we’ve never had before,” Samuel said to Deadline. “We’ve never had Black people in the Bible days of cinema. There’s not even a template for us to go, ’Well, like that movie?'”

“Even when Andrew Lloyd Webber made something as nuanced as Jesus Christ Superstar, there’s no Black people in it, except Judas,” Samuel added. “Judas was the Black guy.”

“I always wanted to explore the Bible stories, but from the angle of the person that sells Jesus his sandals, the woman or man that owns the hair salon,” Samuel explained to Vanity Fair. “Clarence is a person that doesn’t believe in anything outside of what’s in front of him, what he can see and hear.”

“Captivated by the power and glory of the rising Messiah and His apostles, he risks everything to carve his own path to a divine life, a journey through which he finds redemption and faith, power and knowledge,” Sony said.

Clarence Devises a Plan

“I’m Clarence. Where I’m from, you fight to survive,” the trailer begins. “I’m not a bad person, just playing the cards I was dealt.”

Throughout the movie, Clarence interacts with his own family, especially his mother. “Mom, one day I’m going to get you out of here,” he tells her. “I have a plan.”

As Clarence carries out his devious plan, he takes his friends to a nearby town to watch the work of the Messiah. “What are we doing here?” one of his friends asks. Clarence answers, “Jesus lives here.”

Clarence and his friends observe Jesus with a crowd, and a friend utters, “I want to be like that in 10 years.” Clarence says, “I want to be like that now.”

“I need to figure out what inspires him. I can just replicate what he does,” Clarence continues. “Imagine the money people will give us.”

Preston Sprinkle Responds to Rosaria Butterfield’s Claim That He Is a Heretic

By

Dale Chamberlain

-

November 30, 2023

Preston Sprinkle Rosaria Butterfield — Screengrab via YouTube / @Preston Sprinkle

This week, theologian Dr. Preston Sprinkle publicly responded to the claim that he is a heretic. That claim was made by author Dr. Rosaria Butterfield during a convocation speech at Liberty University earlier this month.

Butterfield, who is well known for her personal journey from being a gay activist working as a tenured professor of English and women’s studies at Syracuse University to becoming a Christian leader and pastor’s wife, has recently taken aim at a number of public theologians and Christian organizations that hold to what she believes is errant doctrine with regard to human sexuality.

During her convocation address at Liberty on Nov. 10, Butterfield specifically singled out Sprinkle alongside the Revoice conference and Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ), alleging that he promotes “lies.” She also referred to The Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender, which Sprinkle co-founded and leads, as “heretical.”

The “lies” Butterfield accused Sprinkle and others of promoting included the claims that “same-sex attraction is a sinless temptation and only a sin if you act on it,” “people who experience same-sex attraction are actually gay Christians called to lifelong celibacy,” “people who experience same-sex attraction rarely if ever change and therefore should never pursue heterosexual marriage,” and “God doesn’t care about whether men live as men and women live as women.”

This was not the first time Butterfield has expressed her belief that Sprinkle is a heretic. In an appearance on “The Great Awokening” podcast in October, she referred to Sprinkle’s ministry and others like it as “all of that heresy” and “false teaching.”

In June, she criticized Sprinkle’s book, “Embodied,” saying of the work, “This is not a Christian book, and this is not Christian theology.”

On Wednesday (Nov. 29), Sprinkle published an article-length response on the website of The Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender in which he clarified that he doesn’t actually affirm the beliefs that Butterfield has accused him of affirming.

In the introduction of the article, Sprinkle praised Butterfield’s work and indicated that he would have preferred to speak to her directly, whether privately or publicly, but that she had rebuffed his request for a personal conversation.

Sprinkle said that he reached out to Butterfield via email, but that “her husband, Kent, who is also one of her pastors, responded with an email he and his co-pastor had written, declining on her behalf.”

“When I asked for permission to quote publicly from their reply, Kent requested that I not do so and provided me with this public statement: ‘Rosaria’s pastors stated there is a difference in understanding of the gospel and therefore see no basis for discussion,’” Sprinkle added.

Sprinkle then went on to explain where he shares agreement with Butterfield’s views of human sexuality, where he disagrees, and where he felt he has been misrepresented.

Poll: Less Than Half of Jewish College Students Feel Safe on Campus

By

Yonat Shimron

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November 30, 2023

Jewish college students — Jewish Rutgers University students and members of the community gather holding placards and flags in solidarity and vigil for Israel on Oct. 25, 2023, in New Brunswick, N.J. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

(RNS) — The number of Jewish students who feel safe on U.S. campuses dropped substantially after the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, a new poll released Wednesday (Nov. 29) by the Anti-Defamation League and Hillel International, the Jewish campus organization, finds.

The poll, conducted by College Pulse, an online survey and analytics company, found that 66% of Jewish students felt “very” or “extremely” safe on campus prior to Oct. 7, but now only 45% feel the same.

The poll of 3,084 American college students, of whom 527 were Jewish, comes as both antisemitism and Islamophobia have spiked in the wake of the Hamas attack and Israel’s subsequent siege on Gaza. Many Jewish students have reported feeling harassed and intimidated by pro-Palestinian rallies. Muslim students or those protesting in support of Palestinians have also reported doxxing and surveillance of their activities by Jewish groups.

The ADL and Hillel poll focused on campus antisemitism, which it has been tracking in regular polling since 2021. It comes amid growing cries for more vigorous enforcement of antisemitism and Islamophobia at schools that receive federal funds.

"Jewish Students Felt Physically Safer Before 10/07 Than They Do Now" (Graphic courtesy Anti-Defamation League and Hillel International)

“Jewish Students Felt Physically Safer Before 10/07 Than They Do Now” (Graphic courtesy of Anti-Defamation League and Hillel International)

On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights opened an investigation into Harvard University, The Boston Globe reported. The investigation was prompted by a complaint alleging Harvard “discriminated against students on the basis of their national origin (shared Jewish ancestry and/or Israeli) when it failed to respond appropriately to reports of incidents of harassment.”

The Office for Civil Rights has opened nine such college investigations since Oct. 7, according to its website.

Meanwhile, Congress’ Committee on Education and the Workforce is calling a hearing next week with the presidents of Harvard, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Pennsylvania. The House committee wants to question the university leaders about mishandling antisemitic and violent incidents against Jewish students on their campuses.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gather for a protest at Columbia University, Oct. 12, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Opposing Communities Plan Separate Memorial Services for Carlton Pearson

By

Adelle M Banks

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November 30, 2023

(RNS) — In a video released shortly before he died, Bishop Carlton Pearson described the kind of memorial service he hoped for. It would be “slammin,” he said, with gospel musicians and a eulogy from his longtime friend Bishop Yvette Flunder.

“I want to see the excellence of what we are, what we do under the anointing with class,” he said in the YouTube video recorded from his hospice room and released by Larry Reid Live. “I want to show diversity.”

In the days since Pearson died on Nov. 19 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the how and where and with whom to celebrate the life of the controversial preacher and musician has become a point of contention among the many communities, some at odds with each other, who are grieving his death from cancer at age 70.

There are now three churches planning services in Tulsa and two in Atlanta. Flunder will not appear at any of the services in Tulsa. At the root of the separate services is also what caused the rifts in Pearson’s own life: a rejection of hell and an embrace of an inclusive gospel that saw legitimacy in a range of religions and identities.

“(T)he whole world is saved, but they just don’t know it,” Pearson famously said after his theological shift in his 2006 book, “The Gospel of Inclusion: Reaching Beyond Religious Fundamentalism to the True Love of God and Self.”

Pearson, who went from being hailed as a minister and musician to being labeled a “heretic” by the Joint College of African-American Pentecostal Bishops in 2004, was raised in the Church of God in Christ, a predominantly Black denomination, and became an associate evangelist with the Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association and a member of the White House’s first faith-based advisory council under the George W. Bush administration.

While leading the interracial Higher Dimensions Family Church, he announced that he no longer believed in a literal hell. When Pearson’s theology changed, some who attended Higher Dimensions, back in the 2000s and more recently, moved to Transformation Church, a predominantly Black, nondenominational megachurch now co-led by Pastor Michael Todd.

It’s at that church where one of the Tulsa services will be held. Several people, including Reid and faith leaders who spoke with Religion News Service, said organizers of the Transformation Church service, set for noon Friday (Dec. 1), have made it clear that the word “inclusion” is not to be uttered.

Bishop Yvette Flunder, left, and Bishop Carlton Pearson. (Photo courtesy Flunder)

Bishop Yvette Flunder, left, and Bishop Carlton Pearson. (Photo courtesy of Flunder)

That is not what Pearson told her he wanted, said Flunder, the leader of the Fellowship of Affirming Ministries, an organization whose congregations are predominantly African American and led by LGBTQ or LGBTQ-affirming clergy.

“That was not what he asked me to do,” said Flunder, describing how she had wanted to fulfill Pearson’s wishes. “And that is to speak out loud about the gospel of inclusion, to speak out loud about an understanding of God that is big enough and broad enough to welcome people.”

Flunder, who said she had long expected to preach Pearson’s eulogy at his request, told RNS she was disinvited by the organizers of the Transformation Church memorial service.

“I could be present but I could not speak,” she said.

Transformation Church did not respond to questions regarding the matter of inclusion, Flunder’s participation or whether or not they disinvited her.

It did acknowledge the range of Tulsa services occurring to honor Pearson.

Why and How I Know What I Am Preaching 12 Months From Now

By

Eric Geiger

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November 30, 2023

According to the teaching calendar, one year from now I will be preaching a message on wisdom and how we use our tongues from James 3:1-18 in a teaching series walking through the book of James.

Yes, I know what I will be preaching a year from now.

Here is why advanced sermon planning works for me practically and why I believe I have the freedom to work this way both biblically and theologically.

Practically

Being advanced in sermon planning enables our team to align the planning of worship services and coordinated discipleship opportunities around what we will be studying. And it is good for me too. A blank page on a Monday morning would be debilitating to me. And overwhelming. Knowing what I am teaching many months in advance helps me see life through the lens of passages and topics I will be teaching. Illustrations come more easily as I know what I am looking for. Time spent driving and exercising are more easily maximized as I can choose podcasts and sermons to listen to that are aligned to where I am going. If I believed my preference violated Scripture or the character of God, I hope I would have the faith to discard my preference. But biblically and theologically I believe I have the freedom to operate this way.

Biblically

The Apostle Paul used the metaphor of “a skilled master builder” to describe his approach to ministry (1 Corinthians 3:10). A skilled builder does not wing the project being constructed. There is ample time for planning, designing, and executing a project.

Theologically

Because God exists outside of time, He is able to lead me months out with the same clarity that He is able to lead me in the moment. Being led by His Spirit can happen months out, moments before, and within the moment. If a person equates spontaneity with spirituality, the person likely disagrees with how I plan our church’s teaching calendar. Because I don’t equate being Spirit-led with being spontaneous, I don’t live with the pressure of having to prove myself to be spiritual by being spontaneous. Of course, there are times we pivot, change our calendar, or adjust a sermon because we seek to stay sensitive to His leading through the whole process.

So what is the process?

People commonly ask me and people on our team about our planning process for preaching/teaching. Below is a snapshot: During my annual study break, I map out the teaching calendar for the next calendar year—typically 7-8 teaching series a year. I return from the annual study break with a series brief for each sermon series. Weekly, I meet with a team to look at a teaching manuscript for an upcoming sermon.

Teaching Calendar: An Excel spreadsheet that is an overview of 12 months, the teaching series within those 12 months, and the message/teacher within each teaching series.

Series Brief: A 3-to-4-page Word document that is an overview of a teaching series. The brief contains goals for the series, opportunities for alignment across different ministry areas, and a 4-5 sentence summary of each sermon in the series. These are refreshed and distributed to teams 2-3 months before the series begins.

Teaching Manuscript: A manuscript of a message within a teaching series that is reviewed with a teaching team before it is delivered to receive feedback and coordinate illustrations, slides, songs, etc. This meeting typically happens 3-4 weeks before the message is delivered.

8 Easy Ways To Be Missional

By

Jonathan Dodson

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November 30, 2023

Missional is not an event we tack onto our already busy lives. It is our life. Mission should be the way we live, not something we add onto life: “As you go, make disciples;” “Walk wisely toward outsiders;” “Let your speech always be seasoned with salt;” “Be prepared to give a defense for your hope.” There are easy ways to be missional everyday without overloading our schedules.

8 Easy Ways to Be Missional

1. Eat With Non-Christians.

We all eat three meals a day. Why not make a habit of sharing one of those meals with a non-Christian or with a family of non-Christians? Go to lunch with a co-worker, not by yourself. Invite the neighbors over for family dinner. If it’s too much work to cook a big dinner, just order pizza and put the focus on conversation. When you go out for a meal, invite others. Or take your family to family-style restaurants where you can sit at the table with strangers and strike up conversation. Cook out and invite Christians and non-Christians. Flee the Christian subculture.

2. Walk, Don’t Drive.

If you live in a walkable area, make a practice of getting out and walking around your neighborhood, apartment complex or campus. Instead of driving to the mailbox, convenience store or apartment office, walk to get mail, groceries and stuff. Be deliberate in your walk. Say hello to people you don’t know. Strike up conversations. Attract attention by walking the dog, taking a six-pack (and share), bringing the kids. Make friends. Get out of your house! Take interest in your neighbors. Ask questions. Pray as you go. Save some gas, the planet and some people.

3. Be a Regular.

Instead of hopping all over the city for gas, groceries, haircuts, eating out and coffee, go to the same places. Get to know the staff. Go to the same places at the same times. Smile. Ask questions. Be a regular. I have friends at coffee shops all over the city. My friends at Starbucks donate a ton of left over pastries to our church two to three times a week. We use them for church gatherings and occasionally give to the homeless. Build relationships. Be a Regular.

4. Hobby With Non-Christians.

Pick a hobby that you can share. Get out and do something you enjoy with others. Try city league sports. Local rowing and cycling teams. Share your hobby by teaching lessons. Teach sewing lessons, piano lessons, violin, guitar, knitting, tennis lessons. Be prayerful. Be intentional. Be winsome. Have fun. Be yourself.

5. Talk to Your Co-Workers.

How hard is that? Take your breaks with intentionality. Go out with your team or task force after work. Show interest in your co-workers. Pick four and pray for them. Form mom groups in your neighborhood and don’t make them exclusively Christian. Schedule play dates with the neighbors’ kids. Work on mission.

Get in on the Growing Impact of Digital Missions

By

Phil Cooke

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November 30, 2023

A few years ago, when we launched our nonprofit, “The Influence Lab,” our motivation was to change how the Church looks at missions in today’s digital age. Aside from the increasing number of requests the Lab receives to teach and train Christians internationally to strategically use digital media more effectively, investing in digital missions can significantly expand your local church’s reach and impact in a multitude of ways.

The Impact of Digital Missions

1) Global Outreach:

Digital missions break geographical barriers, allowing even small local churches to reach individuals worldwide and spread their message to a broader audience. Today, a single person can force a major corporation to change course through the momentum created on social media. What could that kind of influence mean when reaching the world for Christ?

2) Engagement:

Digital platforms facilitate interaction and engagement. While many traditional churches still refuse to acknowledge this, statistics prove that churches that connect with their congregation more regularly through live streams, social media, and other online channels foster a stronger sense of community. Remember that the largest church in America (Life.Church in Oklahoma City) has invested heavily in digital outreaches and shows no signs of slowing down.

It’s the Most Wonderful Time . . . for Small Groups!

By

John Tyler Black

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November 30, 2023

It is the most wonderful time of the year! Churches worldwide are bustling with activities and finding ways to serve families within their community during this holiday season. Small groups own such a unique role within each of these special moments. As the year comes to a close and calendars fill up, it is essential to talk about ways to have a merry small group.

It’s the Most Wonderful Time to . . .

1. Party, Party, and Party.

Christmas and the holiday season is a beautiful time of year. The Church celebrates the birth of Christ, and small groups should lead the charge. Designate a time to bring your group together with one purpose in mind… to party! Celebrate Jesus, your relationships with each other, and all God is doing within your small group. Roast some marshmallows, seek out Christmas lights, or wear ugly Christmas sweaters. There is no wrong way to do this, but it is essential to ensure a merry small group.

2. Be Present.

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s holidays always mean something very different to each of us in different seasons. There are moments of excitement, sadness, and everything in between. As a small group leader, it is valuable to know what each season brings for individuals and families within our care. We will never be able to say the right thing and make it all better, but we can be present and share our love with everyone. Or, maybe this season is challenging for you. No matter who needs support, keep your group leadership or pastors informed, and remember to be present in the lives of those in your small group.

3. Press Pause.

Many church group systems operate on a semester schedule, and some are coming to a close over the coming days and weeks. Even if you are not breaking, these holidays provide natural moments to press pause. Do not use semester or holiday breaks to disconnect from your small group entirely, but use this time to break from your typical group schedule. Use this time to rest, replenish, and spend time with your friends and family. This pause will help you have a merry small group and launch into the coming year and group semester with more pep to your step.

Which of these steps are simple? Which of these steps are more natural for the group, and what steps would be a stretch? I encourage you to practice these three steps, add some of your own, and ensure you enjoy the most wonderful time with a merry small group.

This article on how small groups can mark the most wonderful time of the year originally appeared here, and is used by permission.

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Clarence Devises a Plan

Practically

Biblically

Theologically

8 Easy Ways to Be Missional

1. Eat With Non-Christians.

2. Walk, Don’t Drive.

3. Be a Regular.

4. Hobby With Non-Christians.

5. Talk to Your Co-Workers.

The Impact of Digital Missions

1) Global Outreach:

2) Engagement:

It’s the Most Wonderful Time to . . .

1. Party, Party, and Party.

2. Be Present.

3. Press Pause.

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