Duluth Pastor Steps Down After Past Crimes Against 13-Year-Old Girls Come to Light

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March 27, 2025

October and Ronald Allen. Screengrab from Fox 21 News

A pastor in Duluth, Minnesota, has stepped down from his position at Revive City Church of Duluth following public outcry after it became widely known that he is a convicted sex offender. Ronald Allen, 59, was convicted of three counts of sexual misconduct for engaging in sexual acts with two 13-year-old girls from 2000-2001 while he was the youth pastor of a different church.

Allen and his wife, October, gave an interview to Fox 21 News that was published Thursday, March 20. In it, they defended Allen holding the role of a pastor, arguing that he committed his crimes over 20 years ago and that God has redeemed him.

“As a matter of fact,” Ronald Allen told Fox 21, “when I was coming into ministry, I even asked that question: Can I do this? Should I do this? You know, and there’s a number of pastors locally that said that God is a God of restoration.”

Editor’s note: This article refers to reports of child sex abuse, which some readers might find triggering and/or disturbing. Links in this article contain language some might find offensive.

Ronald Allen Steps Down as Pastor Following Tumultuous Week

Prior to stepping down from his position of church leadership, Allen was the pastor of Revive City Church of Duluth, which he and October founded in 2021. The couple, who each have been incarcerated in the past, have focused their ministry on helping people who struggle with addictions.

The church hosts a Celebrate Recovery group, and October runs the organization Grace Place, which provides housing and recovery support for people experiencing homelessness and dealing with addiction.

“Truth and transparency and authenticity are number one,” said October. “I think that’s what’s made Ron the people’s pastor.”

Court documents published by Fox 21 describe two victims, each 13 years old, who had sexual contact with Allen while he was 35 years old and serving as a youth pastor at Calvary Worship Center in Minnetonka. One girl was a babysitter for Allen’s family from 2000 to 2001, and the other girl was her friend. Allen was the youth pastor of the babysitter.

In January 2001, the babysitter’s friend reported that Allen touched her breasts and genital area for a period of about 45 minutes at Allen’s townhouse after the friends had finished watching Allen’s children. Allen admitted to these allegations in a non-custodial interview and “demonstrated knowledge” that the girl was 13.

‘House of David’ Episode Explores Whether Goliath Was Descended From the Nephilim

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Jesse T. Jackson

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March 27, 2025

House of David Nephilim — House of David - Ep. 106. Photo credit: Courtesy of Prime

Directors Jon Erwin and Jon Gunn dedicated an entire episode of their hit Prime Video series “House of David” to the story of the Nephilim and the possibility that Goliath was descended from fallen angels.

The Nephilim, which some Bible translations render as “giants,” are mentioned in Genesis 6:4: “The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of man and they bore children to them. These were the mighty men who were of old, the men of renown.”

The circumstances surrounding the Nephilim in the Old Testament are hotly debated among biblical scholars and theologians.

ChurchLeaders asked Erwin and Gunn how they came up with material for Episode 6, titled “Giants Awakened.” The show’s synopsis reads:

Dark powers strengthen outside Saul’s kingdom as Israel’s enemies summon legendary warriors that were long deemed myth. A relationship at court complicates the lives of the heroes severely and Queen Ahinoam must take drastic actions to help King Saul.

“We wanted to be careful to tell it as a story, as a myth,” Gunn said. “Because who knows the real answers to this stuff, but it was certainly one of the great opportunities of this season. We don’t want to shy away from the giants being giants.”

Erwin chimed in, “What I love about the Nephilim and the mythology—and you’re not the first person to ask about this. It’s one of the reasons why we call the studio Wonder—the magic of everything you don’t know and the awe and wonder of the world being as big as it is.”

“There’s open ended questions in the Bible, like the mythology or the history or the legend of the Nephilim,” Erwin continued. “And what I discovered was, when you really wrestle the story down to truth, to authenticity, you have to ask the question: Goliath, no matter how big he was, he taunted Israel for 40 days and struck terror into Israel. Why?”

He added, “Here’s what I found out. If you really study and you read like when Moses sent spies into the land 500 years before, they came out and said, ‘The land is amazing, but there’s fortified cities there. There’s giants, and the Sons of Anak are there.'”

“Now,” Erwin said, “what they meant was that not only are there giants—I guess demigods would be the right way to say it—there’s descendants of fallen angels.” These myths “would have been the conversation around the campfire in that day,” argued Erwin.

Five Simple Ways To Overcome Conflict

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Full Strength Network

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March 27, 2025

What if conflict management could transform from something stressful into oh so simple? Honestly, it’s uncomfortable and exhausting to have unresolved issues in relationships. Plus, there are far more productive ways to spend your time rather than feeding the unwanted drama.

How well do you handle the issues that pop up within the church, over a conversation with friends, or even in your closest relationships at home?

Disagreements are inevitable, but how the conflict is managed will vary from person to person.

Juggling multiple emotions and differing viewpoints can be a real pain for maintaining healthy relationships, but it doesn’t have to stay that way.

The time has come to flip the script on conflict management so you can get back to the things that add value and joy to your life.

Here are five simple ways to overcome conflict today:

1. Soften Up

Choose to avoid harsh words when entering the conversation to promote relational closeness. Use a gentle tone of invitation rather than a demanding stance for successful conflict management. When you soften up from the start, it is more likely to resolve on a softer note. (Proverbs 15:1, James 1:19).

2. Seek Repair

Choose behavior that affirms the relationship and seeks to keep the argument or discussion from spiraling out of control. (Ephesians 4:25-26).

3. Chill Out

Take a break when you need to cool down and set a time for resuming your discussion with a cooler head. When you give yourself the space to regroup, you will find common ground. (Ephesians 4:27).

4. Be Flexible

Humility and flexibility will lead to healthy relationships. Choose to value others and be ready to compromise. (Philippians 2:3-4).

5. Check Emotions

Double-check your emotions so that you can continue to connect in conversation to find a resolution for the problem. The goal is to avoid anger and bitterness while remaining kind and compassionate. (Ephesians 4:31-32).

Managing conflict is as much about the process as it is about a final solution. Enter the conversation with a perspective of repair and respect, and it will ultimately help you win the war on strife in your life.

This article originally appeared here.

Your Top Picks for a Nursery Pager System

By

Duke Taber

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March 27, 2025

We’ve searched systems both big and small. Here’s what we found. These are the top picks we recommend to help you choose the right nursery pager system. (If you need to brush up on how to choose a nursery pager system, please see our previous article.)

Your Top Picks for a Nursery Pager System

1. Long Range Systems 5 pagers Staff Paging Kit

Long Range Systems Staff Paging Kit

Best Overall Church Paging System

My top recommendation is the Long Range Systems Employee Paging Kit. This product is of excellent quality and a great value for money.

The kit includes a charger, transmitter, and pagers. Long Range Systems pagers are one of the most popular pagers today.

The kit’s long-range capabilities and long-lasting battery life are its greatest strengths. It can run for up to 72 hours at a super-fast frequency of between 420 and 470 MHz.

You can choose from 4 LED lights or an alert mode to change the sound and vibration.

Pros:

Battery life is long-lasting
Long-range
Radio signals can be quickly transmitted
Simple setup
4 LED lights
Rechargeable pagers
One-touch button paging
It is easy to have a pager
Dry erase name board

Cons:

Can’t customize logo
The charging base requires a lot space.

RELATED: Chose the Best AED

Are Unhealthy Small Groups Dividing Your Church?

By

Mike Mack

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March 27, 2025

A while back, I blogged that healthy small groups are friends. I’m not sure why, but this has recently become the most popular post on my blog. Debra commented: “Unhealthy small groups often divide the church into cliques…” The group forms, bonds and no new people stand a chance of joining them. The more groups there are, the more segregated the church. New people see this right away, feel like an outsider, which they are, and don’t go back.

Are Unhealthy Small Groups Dividing Your Church?

Debra may be right if a church’s small groups have not been taught how to develop groups in healthy ways. In my book, 7 Vital Signs of a Healthy Small Group, I wrote about about healthy, authentic community.

A healthy community is never a closed clique. It is open, inviting, welcoming, outward-focused and missional. Healthy community fulfills all of the Great Commandment by loving God, one another and our neighbors as ourselves.

The Best Small Group Leader Ever called his group “friends” (see John 15:12-17). Jesus led a small group and modeled for them how to live in healthy community. He said about himself, “I’m here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders” (Matt. 9:13, The Message). That’s what healthy small groups are here for, too!

Youth Group Movie Night Ideas: Tips & Titles to Engage Teens

By

Staff

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March 26, 2025

Youth group movie night ideas bring kids together to explore and discuss faith-based messages. Movies provide more than entertainment. The right films encourage growth, reflection, and outreach. Christian movies inspire, challenge, and reinforce biblical values.

Before we dive into awesome movies for teens, let’s consider how to select the right movie. Also find out how to make the most of movie nights for ministry outreach.

Using Faith-Based Films for Youth Group

First and foremost, know your audience. Choose a film that aligns with kids’ interests and maturity level. Some movies tackle heavy themes, so also check with parents. Be sure to watch the film in advance. Content should align with your message and with Christian morals.

Next prepare discussion questions to help teens process the film’s message. For example:

What themes stood out to you?
How did the characters’ faith impact their decisions?
How can you apply this message to your life?

Tie the movie’s message to relevant Bible verses. For Overcomer, discuss Ephesians 2:10 and our identity in Christ. Then let teens share how the movie challenged or inspired them.

Creative Youth Group Movie Night Ideas

Theme Nights—Add decorations, snacks, and activities. For The Chronicles of Narnia, create a winter wonderland and serve Turkish Delight.
Outdoor Movie Night—Host a movie under the stars. Grab a projector, blankets, and lots of popcorn.
Movie & Missions—After watching a film about service, plan a follow-up mission project.
Costume Night—Dress as characters from the movie. Offer prizes for the best costumes.
Parent & Teen Night—Invite parents to join in the fun and faith development.

Youth Group Movie Night Ideas for Outreach

Encourage students to invite friends who may not attend church. Choose films that introduce the gospel in engaging ways. If time allows, provide a meal beforehand. Promote the event via social media. Create excitement by sharing movie trailers, discussion topics, and testimonials.

Afterward, share a short devotional that ties into the movie. Later, reach out to attendees with a personal message. Invite them to future events or small groups.

Youth Group Movie Night Ideas: 10 Titles To Try

Here are 10 excellent films that spark discussion about faith, perseverance, grace, and purpose.

1. The Case for Christ (2017)

Message: Pursuing truth, faith vs. doubt

This powerful film is based on journalist Lee Strobel’s journey from atheism to Christianity. Kids will explore the foundations of their beliefs and seek truth.

2. War Room (2015)

Message: Power of prayer, spiritual warfare

This drama emphasizes prayer and trusting God in all circumstances. It reinforces the need for a strong personal relationship with Christ.

3. I Can Only Imagine (2018)

Message: Forgiveness, redemption, following God’s calling

Based on the life of MercyMe lead singer, Bart Millard, this tells the powerful story behind the song “I Can Only Imagine.” It looks at healing, forgiveness, and transformation through faith.

Supply Closet Spring Cleaning: 20 Tips for Your KidMin Program

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ChildrensMinistry.com

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March 26, 2025

Does your children’s ministry supply closet need some spring cleaning? Whether the school year is coming up or almost ending, you may have some work ahead. But where do you begin organizing a kidmin supply closet? Perhaps yours is messy, tiny, or non-existent!

We have you covered, with 20 spring cleaning tips inspired by children’s ministry closets from around the country. From giant rooms to tiny closets, and from permanent storage to mobile churches, find inspiration from these awesome supply closets. Even with a tight budget, you’ll be ready to organize your own supplies!

20 Spring Cleaning & Organizing Tips for a KidMin Supply Closet

Here are 20 awesome ideas to help you get (and stay) organized at church!

1. Use cabinets and shelves.

First up: If you find this photo inspiring, just wait until you hear how the space started out. While Abby Burg from Minneapolis has a beautiful, polished supply room now, it didn’t begin that way! Abby only wishes she took “before” pictures, because the room was “a disaster of a dumping zone” at first. She had to excavate layers of craft projects and supplies off the floor.

One thing that gives Abby’s room dimension and a clean feel is alternating tall cabinets with low shelves. The cabinets, with closed doors, help minimize the “cluttered” look. Meanwhile, the shelves with organized bins give visibility to common supplies. If your supply closet is a large room with a window like Abby’s, this also enables you to make the most of the space under the window without blocking light.

2. Decorate your supply closet with photos and posters.

If you have a large room, consider how you can make the space feel more home-y. Photos of kids and volunteers in your ministry, colorful posters, painted walls, and other décor go a long way in making a space feel inviting as volunteers look for supplies.

Want to go above and beyond? Then stock your room with a mini library of children’s ministry books for volunteers to borrow.

3. Hang hula hoops on a hook!

One item that’s hard to store neatly is hula hoops! These fun toys are an easy way to create separate floor spaces for kids. But they are large, unwieldy, and like to roll! Abby’s hula hoop hooks are a genius way to keep them neat and tidy! Here’s where you can get the hook and the straps that hold them together.

4. Use trays to sort construction paper.

We don’t know why construction paper doesn’t always come pre-sorted, but it sure is helpful to take the time to sort it! Paper trays like the one Emily Snider of Michigan uses make it easy to put like colors together. Then when you need to make paper fires, you can easily grab reds, oranges, and yellows!

5. Categorize your supply closet.

Emily has two closets and a resource room. Rather than just dump things randomly between the three spaces, she uses one as a teacher resource room, one as a supply closet just for VBS, and one as an outdoor games/camp supply closet. If you have multiple storage spaces, consider what categories make sense for you, and divide things strategically.

6. Label clear containers.

Next rely on clear containers. They let you see what’s inside your bins, and labels let you read what’s inside. This makes it easier to find what you need whether you’re visual or more verbal. Ellen Hermanson of Cedar Falls, Iowa, has mastered this organizational technique! She reports, “Someone who doesn’t normally lead groups said she was amazed how easy it was to go into the room and find what she needed.”

**7. Use a rolling cart with storage so you can have a workspace and additional storage.**

Ellen took a cubby station and raised it, adding wheels so it can easily move if they need more floor space. The top is a handy workstation, but they can maximize storage by putting bins inside. Now that’s an efficient use of space!

8. Use extendable tables for additional workspace.

Not only is Ellen’s workspace portable, but it’s also extendable! The ends fold up and down so it doesn’t take up as much room. But it can offer more workspace, as needed.

9. Adjustable wire shelves maximize supply closet storage.

Adjustable wire shelves like the ones Ellen uses make it easy to raise and lower shelves. That way you can fit bigger bins by making shelves taller, without wasting space if you have lots of small bins to accommodate.

10. Provide a workstation with basic supplies.

Sarah Hurt of Virginia also has a workstation, but hers includes some basic, common use supplies such as a paper cutter, scissors, and hand sanitizer. Prepping supplies for Sunday school is so easy!

Dallas Jenkins Reveals Which Scene From ‘The Chosen: Last Supper’ Was the Most Emotional To Film

By

Jesse T. Jackson

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March 26, 2025

Dallas Jenkins The Chosen: Last Supper — Dallas Jenkins during an interview with ChurchLeaders for Season 5 of 'The Chosen: Last Supper.'

Director Dallas Jenkins recently sat down with ChurchLeaders to discuss the highly anticipated Season 5 of “The Chosen,” titled “The Chosen: Last Supper.”

The series is one of the most-watched shows in the world, boasting over 250 million viewers. “The Chosen” has over 18 million followers on social media and has been viewed more than 800 million times across 175 countries.

Season 5 will take audiences on an emotional journey that includes devastation, joy, sadness, and anger while telling the events that surround the Last Supper.

Jenkins, who is also the show’s creator and one of its writers, shared that one of the most impactful scenes to film from Season 5 was Jesus’ triumphal entry.

“There were 600 Chosen fans who had come out as extras,” Jenkins said, something he said that the show does each season.

“We give them an opportunity to be in the background,” he added.

Free Sermon Kit: Bring your church and community into the Upper Room this Easter

Jenkins told ChurchLeaders the process of filming the scene was a “long” and “hot” day that required “dozens of takes of the donkey and Jesus and the apostles and followers going into the city—multiple times.”

“We know we’re going to be tired because we were walking all this time,” Jenkins said. “And so we’re getting ready, first take, and we’re from a distance, and we start hearing and seeing the crowd chanting and singing and waving their palm branches and walking around.”

“And all of us—[were like] ‘Whoa, that’s an amazing moment,’” Jenkins recounted.

Jenkins shared that it became even “more real” and “more humbling” when they got closer to the extras. Getting emotional, Jenkins recalled “walking into the crowd and they are crying. And for [the extras], it’s real. It’s like an opportunity.”

‘Can Christians Drink?’—Pastor Ed Young Tackles This ‘Hotly Debated Topic’

By

Janna Firestone

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March 26, 2025

Ed Young - Can Christians Drink Alcohol? — Screengrab via YouTube / @Ed Young

Wine or drinking alcohol is mentioned in the Bible more than 200 times. Whether people call it “drunk,” “wasted,” or “smashed,” Pastor Ed Young of Fellowship Church in Grapevine, Texas, addressed the controversial topic of alcohol and whether or not Christians are allowed to drink.

Pastor Ed Young Says the Bible Gives Christians ‘Freedom’ To Drink Alcohol

In a recent sermon, Pastor Ed Young tackled the “most dangerous drug and the number one drug in America.” He began his sermon by bringing out a six-pack of beer, opening one, and pouring the contents into a mug. Young pointed out the number of emotions people had at that moment—mostly shock. He joked, “Ed, why don’t you drink the beer? Your sermon will be much better.”

Young recognized that listeners were from a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and opinions about drinking. Some were living life in the hidden grip of alcoholism. Others had a family history of alcohol abuse. Still others were defensive of either stance—acceptance of social drinking or complete abstinence. Alcohol is a “hotly debated topic,” said Young.

Other pastors, including Pastor Robby Gallaty of Long Hollow Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee, have also addressed the topic in sermons over the years.

“As someone who previously struggled with alcohol and drug addiction prior to salvation, I think we have an obligation as church leaders to speak openly about hard topics to help our people navigate present-day issues they are facing,” Gallaty told ChurchLeaders. “If we don’t disciple our people in biblical truth, the world will.”

The age-old question, “Can Christians drink alcohol?,” has been argued for years, and Young quickly answered the question with a resounding, “Yes.” While “the Bible does give us liberty—freedom—regarding consuming beverage alcohol,” drinking to excess or drunkenness is a sin, Young said, while quoting Ephesians 5:18.

Young argued that Paul uses alcohol as a metaphor. Instead of being controlled by alcohol, we’re to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. “What and who are you filling your life with?” was the bigger question presented by Young.

While intoxication can include any addictive substance, including weed or illegal drugs, Young focused on alcohol.

Young quoted theologian Dr. Wayne Grudem to help define drunkenness. Grudem lists specific traits associated with being intoxicated—including “a loss of good judgement, impaired thinking, diminished moral restraint, actions that harm personal or gospel reputation, compromised physical condition.”

There are benefits to alcohol consumption. Referring to Psalm 104:14-15, Young noted the benefits of drinking—it “gladdens the heart.” He also noted that Jesus’ first miracle was turning “H2O into Merlot.”

Christian Songwriter Jon Reddick Shares Wife’s Colon Cancer Diagnosis

By

Dale Chamberlain

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March 26, 2025

Worship pastor and songwriter Jon Reddick took to social media this week to share that his wife, Rebecca, has been diagnosed with colon cancer.

In his post, Reddick asked for prayer, expressed gratitude for an early diagnosis, and encouraged others to undergo regular screenings.

Reddick serves as worship pastor at Church of the City in Franklin, Tennessee. He has also been nominated for several Dove Awards, including for New Artist of the Year in 2023.

His most recent release is the single “No Fear,” which was released in January.

On Monday (March 24), Reddick shared his wife’s health update on Facebook.

“Hey fam,” Reddick wrote, “I wanted to share some personal news.”

“Last week, my wife Rebecca was diagnosed with early onset colon cancer. The diagnosis is positive as it was hopefully detected early enough,” Reddick said. “She will undergo surgery tomorrow, March 25th. We would appreciate your prayers for her, the team of doctors and staff, as well as our kids as we navigate this journey and she starts her road to recovery.”

“This is a deeply personal diagnosis as Rebecca lost her dad to colon cancer at this same age,” Reddick continued, “so as you can imagine we are extremely grateful for this early diagnosis and surgery.”

In light of the fact that March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, Reddick encouraged his fans and followers “to speak with your medical provider if you have any concerns or have a family history of colon cancer.”

“It has been noted that colon cancer is being found in younger patients than the recommended screening age of 45,” Reddick added.

USCIRF Report Highlights Little Progress in Religious Liberty Struggles Globally

By

Adelle M Banks

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March 26, 2025

religious freedom report — The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom 2025 Annual Report cover. (Courtesy image)

(RNS) — The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has issued its annual list of countries it considers to be the most egregious violators of religious liberty and urged the new Trump administration to appoint a new ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom.

The commission’s 2025 report, released on Tuesday (March 25), included a list of countries nearly identical to its 2024 list — a reflection, according to the report, that in most of those countries, things have not improved but often have worsened.

“The administration of President Donald J. Trump faces a complex international environment in which to build on its previous success of centering religious freedom as a cornerstone of foreign policy and global leadership,” reads the report. “Confirming this commitment to advancing freedom of religion or belief will require calibration and joint action with like-minded governments.”

The eight current commissioners of the bipartisan, independent agency asked Congress to halt the visits it receives from representatives of countries designated as the most egregious religious freedom violators.

“Lobbyists paid to represent the interests of governments that kill, torture, imprison, or otherwise persecute their populations because of what religion they practice or what beliefs they hold should not be welcome in the halls of Capitol Hill,” they stated.

The 2025 report also sought a successor to Rashad Hussain, whose ambassador-at-large post ended with the Biden administration. Hussain was recently announced as a distinguished senior fellow at the Institute for Global Engagement, a think tank that seeks to foster partnerships to build religious freedom.

“I think what’s critical here is an ambassador who has access, not only to Secretary (of State Marco) Rubio, but has access to the White House directly,” USCIRF Chair Stephen Schneck told RNS in an interview, though he noted that USCIRF does not play a role in the selection process for the ambassador. “It needs to be somebody, I think, of that level, given the surge of, the big uptick in violations of freedom of religion or belief around the world that we’re seeing right now.”

The bipartisan, independent commission, which was reauthorized last year by Congress through September 2026, annually recommends to the State Department a list of countries to designate as “of particular concern” for committing “systematic, egregious, and ongoing” religious freedom violations.

The 2025 report seeks the redesignation of these 12 countries: Burma, China, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, Nicaragua, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

It also seeks designation of four others: Afghanistan, India, Nigeria and Vietnam.

USCIRF sought the same redesignations and designations last year, with a request to add Azerbaijan.

This year, it requested that Azerbaijan remain on the State Department’s second-tier special watch list, along with Algeria.

Here’s Help for Your Good Friday Sermon

By

Ray Hollenbach

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March 26, 2025

Good Friday sermon — Adobe Stock #256977519

As followers of Jesus, we need to embrace Good Friday, which is a little bit like saying we need to embrace torture. Discover these four powerful refections on the cross for your Good Friday sermon.

From that time on, Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.

Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”

Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God but the things of men.”

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. Matthew 16:21-25

4 Preaching Points for Your Good Friday Sermon:

Good Friday sermon point #1. Friday is the road to Sunday.

Good Friday is the day we remember the crucifixion of Jesus, but there’s more to it than remembering; our task as preachers is to call people to the Cross.

We want to embrace the resurrection, but Jesus calls us to the Cross, too. The famous sermon says, “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming!” More properly, the point of the story is that Friday is the road to Sunday.

There’s no Easter Sunday without Good Friday. There is no resurrection without the Cross. Our job as pastors is to tell the truth to His people: There’s a Good Friday for all of us.

Good Friday sermon point #2. Everyone has a problem with the cross.

The very idea of Good Friday causes us concern. The problem is that both his power and wisdom led him to the Cross, a brutal denial of everything he had done before.

Those who had seen his power wondered why he seemed powerless at his greatest need. Those who saw his intelligence wondered how someone so smart could miscalculate so badly.

Both sides missed what Jesus and his Father were saying: “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it abides alone, but if it dies, it produces many” (John 12:24). Not just his words, his very life is a parable.

It wasn’t just the people of Jesus’ day who had a problem with the Cross.

The people we speak to week after week have a problem with the Cross. Religious-minded people want miracles and power. Intellectually minded people want wisdom and truth.

RELATED: N.T. Wright on Crucifixion

30 Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Holy Week Worship Ideas From SermonCentral

By

Staff

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March 26, 2025

AdobeHoly Week, the final week before Jesus would suffer and die on the cross for our sins and rise again in victory over sin and death, is filled with opportunities for your church to gather around God’s Word in worship. Here’s a round of 30 great Holy Week worship ideas from our sister site, SermonCentral.com.

Holy Week Worship Ideas

Palm Sunday Sermon Ideas

1. The Significance Of Palm Sunday

Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11

Summary: Palm Sunday often gets overlooked under the shadow of Resurrection Sunday. But it is very significant for four important reasons. Also – how do you act when Jesus approaches your life?

“For much of Jesus’ ministry He urged people to be quiet about who He was. When He healed he told people not to say anything, when He confronted demons who recognized Him as the Son of God He told them to shut up. That’s because it wasn’t time for Him to declare Himself as the Messiah. On Palm Sunday the time had come.”

RELATED: Read more about Holy Week.

2. Revisiting Palm Sunday

Scripture: Luke 19:28-44

Summary: Looking at Palm Sunday from different viewpoints and how we miss seeing Jesus.

“What if you were there to witness for yourself the events of the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday Celebration? How would you feel? What would you have seen or heard? What would you be thinking?”

3. The Three Parades

Scripture: Mark 11:1, Esther 6:1

Summary: The three Parades. A sermon for Palm Sunday that looks at three different Parades from the Bible -each of which we can learn new lessons.

“This morning I want to talk about three great parades that we need to take part in in order to be effective as Christians.”

4. Preparing for Palm Sunday

Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11

Summary: This year how have we been preparing ourselves for Christ if He would show up at our door just as He did on this day show up at the door of Jerusalem?

“Multitudes often seem to approve the gospel, but few become consistent disciples. When Jesus was come into Jerusalem all the city was moved; some perhaps were moved with joy, who waited for the Consolation of Israel; others, of the Pharisees, were moved with envy. So various are the motions in the minds of men upon the approach of Christ’s kingdom.”

5. Choose Your Attitude

Scripture: Luke 19:28-40, Matthew 21:1-11

Summary: This sermon deals with the various attitudes which are exposed or demonstrated on Palm Sunday.

“Palm Sunday is a time for us to examine our attitudes toward each other as well as toward God. In a way, Palm Sunday is about a huge parade coming into town with one major float as its main attraction. The preparation, the launching, and the moving of the float will allow all kinds of attitudes to appear. Let’s see when and where our own attitude shows up.”

6. The Reality of Palm Sunday

Scripture: Mark 11:1-11

“Even Jesus as he rode into Jerusalem wept for his beloved city, as it says in Luke’s gospel, for he knew the dreams of this day would turn into the reality of pain, death, and suffering. During the week that followed this great triumphant ride into the city, Jesus spoke of the realities of who he was.”

7. The Next Time Jesus Rides

Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11, Revelation 19:11-21

Summary: Palm Sunday, Second Coming

“The next time Jesus rides, things will be quite different. He will no longer be a reluctant King riding on a donkey. He will come in the clouds with great glory as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords – not as ‘king for the day,’ but as ‘King for all time and eternity.'”

See Page Two for more Holy Week Worship Ideas…

17 Powerful Good Friday Quotes That’ll Get You Ready for Easter

By

Christine Yount Jones

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March 26, 2025

What happened on Good Friday? How is Good Friday celebrated? These amazing Good Friday quotes are from Good Friday sermons on our sister site SermonCentral.com.

17 Powerful Good Friday Quotes

“After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled, *said, ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop, and brought it up to His mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head, and gave up His spirit. John 19:1-30 (NASV) Tom Shepard in Living In Troubled Times – A Good Friday Meditation Series

2. “Good Friday services are not intended to make you feel good. They are intended to make you reflect on the fact that – bad stuff happens to good people – because it does. Bad stuff happened to Jesus – and it happens to us and sometimes it does not make sense.” Tom Shepard in Living In Troubled Times – A Good Friday Meditation Series

3. “The CROSS GRIEVED the disciples. They were GRIEVED because of Christ’s death. Had He died by accident or from robbers they could have accepted it. But to voluntarily SURRENDER to His enemies just didn’t make sense. His death seemed so senseless, so futile, so wasteful. It could have been avoided, but He chose, to die.” From Danny Presswood in The Lamb and The Cross

4. “The disciples had seen Jesus perform many miracles. They had seen Him raise people from the dead. They knew He could have saved Himself if He wanted to. But He didn’t. He actually let them kill Him.” From Danny Presswood in The Lamb And The Cross

5. “The most AMAZING thing about the Easter Story is not the RESURRECTION OF CHRIST! As truly astounding and miraculous as that was, Jesus promised it would happen! I believe the MOST AMAZING thing about the Easter story is the men Jesus entrusted with His Kingdom and His Kingdom’s work! Do you see it? Fishermen like Andrew, Peter, James, and John. Matthew the tax collector and Simon the zealot! COMMON MEN. ORDINARY MEN. That is the AWESOMENESS of God, that His belief and trust in common men could not be daunted or shaken! He believes in us. Jesus believes in US! COMMON MEN! ORDINARY MEN! Teachers, businessmen, construction workers, secretaries, homemakers, salesmen, mechanics, white collar workers, blue collar workers, even preachers! Jesus believes that you and I CAN make a DIFFERENCE in the world in which we live!” From Danny Presswood in The Lamb and the Cross

6. “Jesus told the thief, ‘Today you will be with me in paradise.’ This meant the thief would be with Jesus right then upon the thief’s repentance and confession. Oh what a glorious day it was for him and what a glorious day it is for you and me. Is today, your day?” From Maria Saunders in Listen, It’s Not Too Late…there’s Always Hope!

7. “The message of the cross, while terrible, contains a message of hope for us who benefit from it. Through the power of Christ on the cross beams there is forgiveness and a new chance at life because of what Jesus accomplished there for us. While the cross is a symbol of grievous suffering and a torturous death, it is also a symbol of the great compassion of our God.” From Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson in Good Friday

8. “Good Friday was not so good. We like the story of the Conquering King – but we squirm at the thought of a Suffering Servant. Yet that is what Jesus was – He was our Suffering Servant – before He became our Conquering King.” From Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson in Good Friday

RELATED: 21 Palm Sunday Quotes

Youth Group Event Ideas: 8 Ways Smaller Churches Can Attract Kids

By

Stephanie Martin

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March 25, 2025

Need outside-the-box youth group event ideas? Any youth ministry that meets even semi-regularly burns through tons of activities. Events for smaller churches are in especially high demand.

Youth leaders can never have enough material. That includes devotions and talks, games and icebreakers, fundraisers and outreach events. To spark your creativity, we’ve assembled a variety of youth group event ideas. Smaller churches can adapt most of these activities too.

Choose ideas that fit the size and personality of your group. And insert biblical lessons and truths whenever possible. Trying new activities keeps kids interested and coming back. Plus, it prevents you from doing the same stuff on repeat.

Enjoy these eight activities! Then let us know your tips for awesome youth group events.

8 Great Youth Group Event Ideas

Check out all these creative, teen-friendly events.

1. Do-It-Yourself Escape Room

First up: Escape rooms are a great way to bond with your youth group. But they can be expensive and hard to find. Now you can download materials and create your own customized Escape Room or Puzzle Room. Look for concepts that require minimum supplies and lead to maximum team-building. When facing challenges, kids to learn to work together. Plus, they can experience success as a team or small group.

2. Mystery Dinner

Next add a touch of mystery to your next youth group meal with coded menus. For every available item, use a description that will get kids guessing. The random nature of participants’ selections adds intrigue and laughter to the gathering. This idea works especially well for holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.

3. What Is Bible Jeopardy?

Take your Bible Quiz event to the next level with a Jeopardy!-style game board. First, prepare material in the TV show’s answer-first format. Then have players ring in with the correct question. As the host, you can interview “contestants” and hum the theme music for authenticity. Playing Bible Jeopardy is a great way to review lesson material and Scripture verses.

4. Cardboard Skee-ball

Kick up your youth group’s game time with a homemade Skee-ball “machine.” Enlist creative kids to build a contraption out of cardboard. They can even add balloon “lights” on the side. In addition to adding fun to group meetings, Skee-ball is a hit at church carnivals and youth fundraisers.

Easter Sunday School Activities: A Dozen Egg-cellent Ideas for Kids

By

ChildrensMinistry.com

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March 25, 2025

Easter Sunday school activities are ideal for conveying the good news of Jesus’ resurrection. If you’re running out of creative ideas for Easter, take a look at the 12 we’ve collected below!

These wide-ranging Easter Sunday school activities also work well in children’s church and at home. From skits and snacks to games and crafts, the ideas will be a hit with children. Best of all? All the activities focus on the real reason for Easter—Jesus, our living Savior.

So check these out and see which Easter activities you can use in your children’s ministry!

12 Easter Sunday School Activities for KidMin

Easter Skits

1. An Easter Story is a powerful (and easy) skit. Help kids learn that Easter isn’t about the Easter Bunny or candy. It’s about Jesus.

2. The Easter Skit: The Old Rabbits’ Home is a clever way of parodying four famous rabbits. Help children understand that Easter is not about the bunny!

Easter Snacks

3. These 3 Easter snacks for your ministry make memorable lessons about Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Easter Activities

4. Easter is the perfect time to celebrate Jesus’ love with families in your church and community. Use this unique and meaningful scavenger hunt to teach the true point of Easter.

5. Your entire congregation can enjoy this Easter Cross Garden on Easter morning. Kids place crosses in the church lawn. It’s a wonderful surprise gift to your church and community in remembrance of Christ’s resurrection.

6. These Easter Egg Prayers transform something children are used to seeing at Easter—plastic eggs—into a meaningful celebration of Jesus’ sacrifice and the hope of his resurrection.

Easter Games and Giveaways

7. The Easter Jelly Bean Walk is a fun game with a purpose. You’ll give each child a bag of color-coded jelly beans that tell part of the gospel story. Plus there’s a key they can use to share with others.

8. The great thing about these 6 Easter Giveaways is that kids will use them to share the gospel with friends, family, and neighbors.

‘What Do We Have To Complain About?’—Priscilla Shirer Encourages Christians in America To Remember the Persecuted Church

By

Jesse T. Jackson

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March 25, 2025

Priscilla Shirer during interview with ChurchLeaders at Gather25. Photo credit: ChurchLeaders

On Feb. 28, Gather25 kicked off a live, 25-hour global broadcast that united followers of Jesus across the world to pray, repent, worship, and discover how Christ’s love is transforming the world through everyday people.

Events were broadcast from Texas, New Zealand, India, Malaysia, Romania, Rwanda, London, Peru, and areas around the world where Christians are being persecuted for their faith.

Sessions featured teachers, worship leaders, storytellers, and prayer guides. These speakers included Gather25 visionary Jennie Allen, Francis Chan, Christine Caine, Matt Redman, Priscilla Shirer, Louie Giglio, Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, Rick Warren, Sadie Robertson Huff, Matt Maher, Taya, David Platt, Jenn Johnson, Trip Lee, and Ann Voskamp, to name a few.

ChurchLeaders spoke with Shirer and asked her to share how important it is for the American church not to forget persecuted Christians.

Shirer, who is the daughter of Dr. Tony Evans, as well as an author, a Bible teacher, and an actor, shared that when she was a teenager, she read “Jesus Freaks,” a book that told the stories of persecuted Christians.

“Reading of what people are going through in a very raw way, their children being taken from them, their jobs being removed from them,” Shirer said, “them not being able to flourish in their career industry because they’ve been blackballed because they’ve refused to deny Jesus, their limbs being cut off…I mean, horrible.”

“That reminder is very sobering,” Shirer emphasized. Of the American church she asked, “What do we have to complain about? What are you complaining about? What am I complaining about?”

Shirer continued, “This privilege that we have to live in a part of the world where we can worship unapologetically and loudly and boldly. And at the most, what we might risk is a little bit of our pride. Maybe we’ll have some isolation as a result of that.”

White House Faith Office Leader Paula White Promises Passover Provision to Ministry Donors

By

Stephanie Martin

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March 25, 2025

In a new message about Passover, Pastor Paula White told viewers the upcoming holy season is “your divine appointment for the release of seven supernatural blessings and provision into your life.” She seemed to link blessings and “deliverance” to financial support of her ministry.

In a March 23 video posted to the Paula White Ministries YouTube page, the pastor shared a message titled “Passover Season: God’s Divine Appointment with You!” White preached about the saving blood of Jesus, which God’s followers are to commemorate for their deliverance.

Voiceover ads appeared throughout the video, urging viewers to send money so they “don’t miss your moment to release seven supernatural blessings and provision into your life.” For a “special Passover offering of $1,000 or more, as the Holy Spirit leads,” donors can receive a Waterford crystal cross, a communion set made of olive wood from the Holy Land (“designed to help you experience the joy of communion every day”), a Passover devotional series by White, and a disc recording about communion.

“You’re not doing this to get something,” White told viewers. “But you’re doing it in honor to God, realizing what you can receive.” She then quoted Exodus 23:15, saying, “None shall appear before me empty-handed.”

Critics of Pastor Paula White: ‘She’s a False Teacher’

White, the personal pastor of President Trump, heads the White House Faith Office. She has sparked controversy for being a female pastor, twice-divorced, and a proponent of the prosperity gospel.

Arizona Pastor Gabriel Hughes, a frequent critic of White, reposted a Right Wing Watch warning about the financial solicitation. “Dear @realDonaldTrump, please remove Paula White,” Hughes wrote. “She’s a false teacher. Appoint a godly man who preaches Christ and Him crucified for our sins (Voddie Baucham?). Brethren, have nothing to do with this woman. In seeking a seat at the table, she doesn’t help you—you help her.”

Pastor Voddie Baucham, who recently returned to America after nearly a decade of missionary work in Zambia, has said he’s not joining the new Trump administration. Instead, he moved to Florida to help start Founders Seminary.

Minnesota Pastor Jason Gudim also reposted the Right Wing Watch warning. “If you give Paula White a grand,” he wrote, “the only thing you’ll ever be is poorer in every conceivable way imaginable.”

Jon Root, a conservative influencer and Trump supporter, said, “Anybody that you know holds true to strong biblical conviction and discernment wouldn’t be involved with Paula White.”

‘Ministry Takes Money,’ Says Pastor Paula White

In her March 23 message, White called Passover “one of the most life-changing, miracle-working seasons of the entire year.” It’s a time, she added, when God distinguishes between sheep and goats. “Passover is all about the blood, and you will see signs, wonders, and miracles, and great, great works of God,” she said.

Jelly Roll Is Willing To Sacrifice His Own Single in Order To Push Brandon Lake’s ‘Hard Fought Hallelujah’

By

Jesse T. Jackson

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March 25, 2025

Earlier this month, Grammy Award-winning country music star Jelly Roll told Audacy’s Katie Neal that he hopes his next single is “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” a song by Grammy Award-winning Christian artist Brandon Lake that Jelly Roll was recently featured on.

Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, has recently been open about his faith journey, sharing about his distaste for the church while also expressing a desire to follow Jesus.

The singer’s dark history is no secret. He has spent two stints in prison for aggravated robbery and intent to distribute illegal drugs. In 2016, he married Alyssa DeFord, who left the sex industry in 2023. Jelly Roll and DeFord have full custody of his two children from previous relationships.

“I realized that in my faith, I’m not called to hide from the devil,” Jelly Roll told Neal. “I’m not called to be timid around him. I’m called to call him out…I’m called to look him in the eye and go, ‘I know that you’re a liar.’ And there’s power in that, when you’re out loud professing to that voice, ‘You are a liar. You have no place in my life.’”

Neal inquired about what Jelly Roll’s next single might be. Jelly Roll responded, “I’m not sure, [but] I can tell you what’s probably going to get me in trouble.”

Jelly Roll said that his heart is focused on Brandon Lake’s No. 1 song “Hard Fought Hallelujah.” The song was originally released on Nov. 8, 2024, but then was remixed and rereleased last month to include Jelly Roll.

“I just feel like to not do everything I can to get that song in front of as many people as it can possibly be heard by is the wrong thing to do right now, even if I have to sacrifice my own single,” Jelly Roll said.

After hearing Lake’s song, Jelly Roll had his management connect him and Lake for a Zoom call. Before the call was over, Lake and Jelly Roll made plans to record a new version of the song that included the country singer.

“I heard the song on TikTok, literally the week before I threw my phone out,” Jelly Roll shared. “Because I didn’t have a phone, I just kept getting on a laptop and looking up this song…I didn’t know this was a Christian artist. I knew nothing about it.”

‘I Don’t Make Fun of Jesus,’ Dolly Parton Told Sabrina Carpenter Prior to Collaborating on ‘Please Please Please’

By

Jessica Lea

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March 25, 2025

Prior to collaborating with Sabrina Carpenter, Dolly Parton informed the pop star that she (Parton) does not mock God or swear. Parton appears on a new version of Carpenter’s hit single, “Please Please Please,” released Feb. 13.

“Of course, she can talk a little bad now and then,” Parton said in an interview with the Knoxville News Sentinel. “I told her, I said, now, I don’t cuss. I don’t make fun of Jesus. I don’t talk bad about God, and I don’t say dirty words, on camera, but known to if I get mad enough.”

Dolly Parton Joins Sabrina Carpenter on ‘Please Please Please’

Dolly Parton is a country music star and one of the bestselling female artists of all time. During a career that spans more than five decades, she has received numerous awards and accolades. Parton is also an actor and is known for her Dollywood theme park and philanthropic efforts.

Parton, whose husband of nearly 60 years passed away earlier this month, is outspoken about being a Christian.

Sabrina Carpenter is a pop star who gained prominence through the Disney Channel’s show, “Girl Meets World,” which ran from 2014 to 2017. She released her debut single in 2014 and worked in the industry for years as a singer and actor before achieving stardom as one of the most famous musical stars in the world.

Carpenter opened for Taylor Swift on the Eras Tour, and Carpenter’s sixth studio album, “Short n’ Sweet,” debuted in the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Hot 200 chart. Three singles from the album, “Espresso,” “Taste,” and “Please Please Please,” made the Hot 100 chart, with “Please Please Please” making the No. 1 spot. Carpenter set a record for having three songs at the same time in the Hot 100 for at least eight weeks.

Carpenter’s original music video for “Please Please Please” shows her picking up her romantic interest (played by her then-boyfriend, Irish actor Barry Keoghan) from jail multiple times. The singer asks him to show that he’s a “a stand-up guy” as he proceeds to commit various crimes. The song contains explicit language, with the chorus saying:

Heartbreak is one thing
My ego’s another
I beg you, don’t embarrass me, mother******, ah-oh
Please, please, please

Ronald Allen Steps Down as Pastor Following Tumultuous Week

1. Soften Up

2. Seek Repair

3. Chill Out

4. Be Flexible

5. Check Emotions

Your Top Picks for a Nursery Pager System

1. Long Range Systems 5 pagers Staff Paging Kit

Pros:

Cons:

Are Unhealthy Small Groups Dividing Your Church?

Using Faith-Based Films for Youth Group

Creative Youth Group Movie Night Ideas

Youth Group Movie Night Ideas for Outreach

Youth Group Movie Night Ideas: 10 Titles To Try

1. The Case for Christ (2017)

2. War Room (2015)

3. I Can Only Imagine (2018)

20 Spring Cleaning & Organizing Tips for a KidMin Supply Closet

1. Use cabinets and shelves.

2. Decorate your supply closet with photos and posters.

3. Hang hula hoops on a hook!

4. Use trays to sort construction paper.

5. Categorize your supply closet.

6. Label clear containers.

7. Use a rolling cart with storage so you can have a workspace and additional storage.

8. Use extendable tables for additional workspace.

9. Adjustable wire shelves maximize supply closet storage.

10. Provide a workstation with basic supplies.

Pastor Ed Young Says the Bible Gives Christians ‘Freedom’ To Drink Alcohol

4 Preaching Points for Your Good Friday Sermon:

Good Friday sermon point #1. Friday is the road to Sunday.

Good Friday sermon point #2. Everyone has a problem with the cross.

Holy Week Worship Ideas

Palm Sunday Sermon Ideas

See Page Two for more Holy Week Worship Ideas…

17 Powerful Good Friday Quotes

8 Great Youth Group Event Ideas

1. Do-It-Yourself Escape Room

2. Mystery Dinner

3. What Is Bible Jeopardy?

4. Cardboard Skee-ball

12 Easter Sunday School Activities for KidMin

Easter Skits

Easter Snacks

Easter Activities

Easter Games and Giveaways

Critics of Pastor Paula White: ‘She’s a False Teacher’

‘Ministry Takes Money,’ Says Pastor Paula White

Dolly Parton Joins Sabrina Carpenter on ‘Please Please Please’

New Articles

New Podcasts

**7. Use a rolling cart with storage so you can have a workspace and additional storage.**