Foundations for the Fellowship of Believers

By

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October 6, 2023

One of the great lessons of he pandemic is: Be mindful of the health of the fellowship of believers. As we make our way through the maze of ministry, keep an eye on the foundations.

SCENE ONE: I was talking with a close friend about the music ministry he helped to create. At the time the pandemic was wearing on. They had spent decades building a strong foundation of fellowship of believers that defined the ministry. “Every month this goes on,” he said, “another layer of that foundation erodes.”

SCENE TWO: I was on a regional Zoom call with other pastors. When we got into our virtual breakout rooms I was surprised at the level of vitriol. Granted, the event was 90 minutes of life we would never get back, but there was frustration and anger that people who planned this gathering, intending to be supportive and helpful, seemed totally oblivious to real life issues many pastors are dealing with, especially those with young children at home who need (and deserve) loving care and e-learning supervision along with trying to shepherd a congregation.

Foundations for the Fellowship of Believers

1. Nurturing the Fellowship of Believers

These two instances point to an under-mentioned reality. We’re in trouble. We never imagined (nor could we) what life during a pandemic would actually be like. And while Scripture commands us to be mindful of the health of the fellowship of believers, rarely does that make the top five slots on many to-do lists. In my experience it’s the unusual congregation, the anomalous choir or worship team that spends much time at all nurturing the fellowship of their group with the anticipation that some day that fabric might be severely tested (by, say, isolation for the better part of a year). Even those who have are seeing the foundations they’ve created wash away like many places on the shores of the Great Lakes.

Ask Malchus: Jesus Heals What His Followers Break

By

Mike Leake

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October 6, 2023

Malchus, running his finger through his hair, makes contact with his ear.

His ear.

It shouldn’t be there. Just a few weeks ago it was lopped off by one of those Jesus’ followers. Peter was his name. This revolutionary saw the hoard and believed it was time to fight. Malchus, commissioned by the high priest, was doing his job. He was loyal to the institution. Peter believed that Jesus was building a different kingdom—one which stood against both Rome and the present temple leaders. For Peter it was time to fight.

Malchus bore the pain of Peter’s misapplied conclusions about the Messiah. He’d only been a few steps behind Judas, the betrayer, when he heard the question. “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” Suddenly, Malchus felt a sharp pain while all the voices around him became faint and distant. Pain and confusion marked those moments as this Jesus-follower had struck him with a sword.

Jesus Heals What His Followers Break

It’s what happened next that had Malchus remembering that day whenever he’d touched his ear. Jesus, the one who was supposed to be guilty of overthrowing Rome and the temple, picked up the bloody ear of this lowly servant and restored it. He restored what his disciple had wrecked.

Thankfully, Jesus is still in the business of doing this. How many believers and unbelievers have endured harm at the hands of an aggressive and misinformed disciple of Jesus? How many have endured harm from those who are bearing the name of Jesus but wielding swords of their own fury and personal brokenness? It’s incredibly good news for those of us who have bloodied ears. Jesus even fixes what his disciples break.

Why We Are Unlikely to Experience Church Revival

By

Chuck Lawless

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October 6, 2023

First, a caveat: I strongly believe that revival is the gift of God, and He grants it sovereignly according to His plan. My point with this post about church revival, though, is not that we somehow control God’s event calendar; instead, it’s that our church culture doesn’t exhibit some of the characteristics that have preceded God’s great movements.

Here’s Why We Are Unlikely to Experience Church Revival:

1. We’re not really desperate for God.

We may use that kind of “desperation” terminology, but the words don’t always reflect our heart. It’s been some time since I’ve seen a congregation that pleads for God’s presence.

2. We tend to speak about the sin of others rather than deal with our own sin.

We preach strongly against sins that we sometimes tolerate under our own roof. Few people are so broken over personal sin that they can only cry out to God for church revival.

Fall Family Events: 5 Fail-Proof Tips for Harvesting Success

By

ChildrensMinistry.com

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October 5, 2023

So you’re planning fall family events for children’s ministry? Good for you! Whether it’s a Fall Festival, Backward Trick-or-Treat, Trunk or Treat, or something else, you’re on the right track for reaching families in your community. That’s because parents are looking for safe, fun activities to do with their sweet kids.

In the many years we’ve created Fall Festivals, we’ve learned how to ensure your event reaches families for Jesus.

5 Tips for Successful Fall Family Events

1. Have lots of candy.

The Apostle Paul said he becomes all things to everyone in order to reach them for the gospel. If Paul were here now, we think he’d say to load up on the candy. That’s the sweet treat that pulls kids in. If you’re not providing candy, children will go elsewhere (like to the mall where the candy’s aplenty). This is not a time to be a sugar disciplinarian!

2. Communicate costume filters.

Let guests know ahead of time they’ll need to wear appropriate costumes for the good of younger children—nothing scary. Remember, families are looking for a safe place for the kids.

3. Focus on one point.

What’s the point of having a family event if you have no point? And what’s the point? It’s not about candy and costumes and games, at least not if you’re trying to reach families for Jesus. “The point” is the truth you want families to walk away with.

‘Only in America Would We Monetize the Spirit of Unbelief’—Sean Feucht Calls Out G3 Ministries’ Cessationist Conference

By

Jesse T. Jackson

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October 5, 2023

Yesterday, “Let Us Worship” founder and leader Sean Feucht posted a video urging Christians not to attend G3 Ministries’ Cessationist Conference, which is scheduled to take place October 2024 at John MacArthur’s Grace Community Church (GCC). Feucht said that “only in America, my friends, would we monetize the spirit of unbelief.”

“You can spend $299” to “hear scholars tell you that you cannot do the things Jesus told you you could do, like heal the sick, raise the dead, and cast out demons,” he added.

Alternatively, Feucht invited his followers to attend a Let Us Worship event, because “all of our events are always free.” Feucht said he has seen “God moving” and that this is a “season of revival.”

“Don’t buy unbelief but step into faith,” Feucht concluded.

Feucht has shared many videos of God delivering people from substance abuse and the occult, including videos of others being physically healed during his TPUSA Faith-sponsored “Kingdom to the Capitol” tour.

On Instagram, Feucht posted that “just because you haven’t seen God heal the sick, raise the dead, or cast out devils in your cold dead American church doesn’t mean He’s not doing this ALL OVER THE WORLD TODAY.”

“The whole world knows God heals, saves, frees and speaks THROUGH EVERYDAY CHRISTIANS,” he added. “Jesus told us we would do it, the disciples and apostles modeled it and it did not end with them. That’s the most American made up thing ever LOL. Some of y’all need to get out of America, visit the underground church and see for yourselves.”

Describing the Cessationist Conference, the G3 Ministries website says, “On any given week, countless Christians gather and participate in strange practices they believe are true expressions of the power of God.”

“From speaking in tongues to attempting to raise the dead, Charismatic Christians believe they are participating in modern miracles,” the site continues. “Are these miracles real, and are the Apostolic sign gifts in operation today?”

“Sadly,” G3 says, “the debate over this issue has often produced more heat than light. But in the end, only one factor should determine how we answer that question: What does the Bible say?”

A Pastor Who Escaped Depression

By

Full Strength Network

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October 5, 2023

My name is David. And I’m a pastor who deals with bouts of depression.

I don’t write as one who is specialized in the medical or psychological field, but as one who fights a personal battle while refusing to let others stand alone in theirs. My depression is considerably lower than others, and happens, perhaps, less frequently than yours. I will not compare my pain to yours but would implore you from the beginning of this post:

You are not alone.
You have hope.
You can get help.

Out of all of my blogs, my blog on depression from Aug. 11, 2014, is, by far, the most read and shared article I’ve ever written. It tells me that there are thousands out there that have experienced this “darkness” and/or know someone who does. And lately, I’ve felt the Holy Spirit prompting me to write another blog on the “funk” that shows up periodically in my life.

My two goals in writing this: First, to help bring a bit of clarity to those who absolutely do not understand those of us who deal with this. If I can remove some ignorance to create compassion, then I see this as a “win.” Second, to give a clear message of hope. I want to confront the feelings of hopelessness that you have with the truth of who Christ is. And the rule I live by: Truth always trumps feelings. My emotions and feelings will rise and fall, but truth remains solid. And the truth I remind myself is this:

Regardless of my emotions, I must purpose to fix my eyes on God (Psalm 42:5).

I have victory in Christ (Romans 8:37) and nothing can separate me from his unconditional love (Romans 8:38-39).

Christ is with me regardless of whether my senses can detect him (Isaiah 43:2; Matthew 28:20).

Jesus is my light in the midst of my darkness (2 Samuel 22:29).

Often, when reading Scripture, I come across scenarios that make me leap up and say, “That’s exactly how I feel.” And when I think about how to describe to people what I deal with, I think about a man named Bartimaeus.

And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. Mark 10:46

Two strong words jump out at me: “blind beggar.” Why? Because feeling “blind” and “begging for help” is what I personally experience physically, mentally, and emotionally. My senses are numbed and cannot detect any direction to take.

I get this “feeling” of being immobilized and unable to move forward. Things that should make sense don’t. I feel stationary while the rest of the world is passing by.

And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. – Mark 10:47

Kidnapping Charges Against ‘Sound of Freedom’ Backer Dropped

By

Dale Chamberlain

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October 5, 2023

Fabian Marta charges dropped — Screengrab via YouTube / Angel Studios

Accessory to kidnapping charges against Fabian Marta, a financial supporter of the film “Sound of Freedom,” have been dropped.

The 51-year-old Missouri native was arrested in July on charges that his lawyer characterized as “unfounded.” He had been facing at least 10 years in prison if convicted.

Marta’s arrest quickly became headline news in light of the fact that a financial backer of a hit film about the fight against human trafficking was arrested and charged with a crime related to the very evil that film was created to combat.

However, Angel Studios, which is the film’s distributor, quickly clarified that as a crowdfunded project, “Sound of Freedom” obtained financial support from thousands of individuals and Marta was not considered a main contributor.

“Just as anyone can invest in the stock market, everyone who meets the legal criteria can invest in Angel Studios projects,” said CEO Neal Harmon at the time.

Following the dropping of the charges, Christine Bertelson, the circuit court’s public information officer, told USA TODAY the case involved “a misunderstanding…There was no kidnapping.”

Marta had been providing housing for a woman who was in a custody dispute with a relative involving two children. Marta had been providing a living space for the woman and her children in exchange for the woman’s help in renovating some of his properties.

The charges were dropped after a grand jury determined that there was not enough evidence to convict.

On Sept. 25, the day the charges were dropped, Marta posted the grand jury memorandum online, saying, “Sound of Freedom is an important movie, go see it.”

“As far as all the demons out there who are trying to tie me to some bulls**t story, here you go,” he continued. “Grand jury could not indict. No crime was ever committed.”

“My Freedom, livelihood and reputation [were] Attacked,” Marta posted the next day before asking followers for financial support to pursue legal action against his accusers. “I want to fight back by holding Saint Louis PD responsible for the Malicious Prosecution and also bring suit against the Defamers.”

You’re Doing It Wrong: 7 Terrible Ways People Use QR Codes

By

Steve Baney

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October 5, 2023

You’ve seen them…QR codes are squares full of tiny black and white boxes. Think of it like a bridge between the physical and digital worlds. A code lives inside those tiny boxes. A smartphone can use that code to supply a website link, message, or even a game. Instead of having to type a website address to learn more about a product or service, people can simply aim their camera. Poof! The next time you see a QR code, point the camera on your smartphone toward it. Then watch for a message or link to tap.

You can make your own custom QR codes for free (I’ll teach you step-by-step below). Once you see their potential, you’ll find many new ways to include them in your communications.

It’s important to use the tools of technology in your ministry because they are instant, contact-free, engaging, and efficient multimedia. It shows your willingness to embrace technological advancements, an important part of your forward-thinking communication to those who are concerned about the Church being stuck in the past.

An Example

This example will work best when you’re looking at it on any device other than your smartphone (explanation below).

How You Can Make a Custom QR Code

I find that it’s easier to do this from my computer rather than my phone or tablet. You’ll need to start with a website that generates the QR code. I like using goqr.me because it’s simple and free. Most often, I use it to create a QR code that points to a web address (but it can also be used to send a message, share contact info, send an SMS text, make a call, pinpoint a map location, send an email, or connect to wifi). At the goqr.me website, select the type (web address URL, text, etc.) in the top left. Then type the content, such as the web address or message you want to include in the QR code. Let’s say you want the code to point to yourchurchwebsite.com. As soon as you type, the QR code is already generated on the top right.

Your next step is to test it. Point your smartphone camera at your newly created QR code. So long as it functions the way you hoped, you’re good to go.

Next you need to get a copy of it from the website to your document. Right-click it to copy or save the QR code. Then paste or insert it into your poster, handout, brochure, or bulletin. There are some places you do not want to use QR codes (listed below).

One last step: If your QR code points to a website, you’ll want to include a web address for those who don’t have (or like to use) smartphones (see number 5 below). Head on over to tinyurl.com and type or paste your super long website address. One click later on the Shorten URL button and you have an aptly named tiny URL. Take the guess work out of the QR code by including a phrase like “Scan this code to [insert goal here: learn more, etc.] or go to www.yourawardwinningwebsite.com.” (I don’t prefer Google’s web address shortener goo.by because it requires you to have an account. In case you’re wondering, yes, I do see that QR button on the tinyurl website; but it only makes QR codes for websites, not for the bazillion other things QR codes can do.)

If you followed along, you just made a QR code, maybe your first ever! Way to go, you tech genius! Now that we’ve covered how to create your own custom QR codes, let’s talk about the good, bad, and ugly ways that people use them in ministry. Before we go QR crazy, we should address best practices (or in this case, the worst).

There’s a problem with QR codes: some churches are using them all wrong. You’re smarter than those people though, right? Here’s a list of wrong ways to use QR codes so you know what to avoid.

1. QR on Your Website or Social Media

You may be thinking to yourself, “But I thought these things were digital. Aren’t websites and social media digital too?” They are. But this isn’t how QR codes work. People need several things in order for a QR code to work: the code and a smart device (like a phone, etc.) with a camera that can see the code. That part is key. Because your smartphone camera can’t see your smartphone screen, you can’t point the camera at a QR code on its own screen. Your eyes can see it. But your smartphone can’t. See the problem? The code has to located somewhere else, not on the social media post you just made. If you’re putting QR codes on your social media, you’re doing it wrong.

2. QR in Your Video Projection

This one might earn me some pushback because it’s more of an opinion than an absolute dumpster fire. Picture it with me. You’re preaching. People are listening to you deliver the Word of God. Just as minds are stirred and hearts are convicted, a number of people in the room lift of their phone and aim the camera at the video projection screen because you put a QR code in your sermon slides. You could put one there. It would function. But I think it would ruin the moment. Don’t do it.

11 Traits of a Foolish Pastor

By

Charles Stone

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October 5, 2023

When you think of a “fool” often a humorous movie character comes to mind like the Three Stooges, Don Knotts, or Jerry Lewis. But Proverbs gives a different slant on a fool. We are to avoid them, not argue with them, or refuse to employ them. Proverbs describes fools as unwise, unteachable, proud, and blinded to their foolishness. But can pastors sometimes act like fools? I think so. Consider these 11 traits of a foolish pastor.

Foolish pastors live in a black or white world. Very little is gray for them.
Foolish pastors think they have all the answers. Because of their education, experience, or “God’s anointing,” they believe God made them the repository of all correct answers and good ideas.
Foolish pastors are blind to their own weaknesses. When someone tries to help them see their blind spots they often respond with, “Yea, but….” They seldom receive correction well. They give an excuse for everything.
Foolish pastors shift blame and minimize responsibility instead of owning up to their mistakes and errors of judgment. They often defensively react.
Foolish pastors take credit instead of giving credit to others.
Foolish pastors see themselves as victims…of misunderstanding from others (they just don’t know what it’s like being a pastor), a bad church situation, or a resistant board they inherited when they came to their church.
Foolish pastors think they deserve special treatment like discounts at stores or deference from others because of their position.
Foolish pastors resist accountability. They like to make their own loosey-goosey schedule. Since they are “always on” they justify not keeping a reasonable office schedule.
On the other hand, some foolish pastors think they are at the beckoned call of everyone in the church. They take pride in being available to others 24/7. Unfortunately, their family and personal life suffers.
Foolish pastors don’t see how they suck the life from others with their demands, passive aggressiveness, or whiney attitudes.
Foolish pastors ultimately flame out, burn out, or compromise their morals and integrity. They simply will not last in ministry.

Fortunately, I’ve only met a few foolish pastors. One foolish pastor I knew destroyed two churches, his marriage, and sullied the reputations of the good pastors in his community (guilt by association).

Most pastors are men and women of integrity who sacrifice greatly for a call greater than themselves.

I applaud you.

I love you and hope my blogs and books encourage you.

But…if you are a foolish pastor, please turn from your foolish ways and find someone who will help you before it’s too late.

What are some other traits you’ve seen in foolish pastors?

This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.

How To Avoid the Spiritual Growth ‘Trap’

By

Ray Hollenbach

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October 5, 2023

The best lies always use a bit of the truth. That’s certainly true of spiritual growth. After we understand the importance of responding to God’s grace, we are tempted to believe the lie that God has done everything he’s going to do. “The rest is up to me,” we think. “I must meditate, pray, serve, study, contemplate, isolate, and even celebrate on my own. Jesus showed me how it’s done, died on the cross, paid the price, and now it’s on me.”

And of course, we should do these things, but that’s where the lie takes hold. These activities are important not because of our effort, but because the Father is willing to do still more on our behalf. Many small group leaders have fallen into this (well-meaning) trap. Leaders sometimes urge their group to “do more” and become hard core disciples of Jesus.

And it’s completely true. A small group can be a place for spiritual growth and responsibility, yet even though self-discipline has great power, it comes at the risk of locating the source of that power in us instead of the grace of God. If willpower alone brings spiritual growth, we have no need for God’s daily presence. The distinguishing mark between grace-empowerment and the pride of self-discipline is that self-discipline says to others, “If I can do it, why can’t you?” If small group leaders are not careful, the “I can do it” message can drown out the message of grace.

Spiritual Growth Is the Result of Grace

James 4:6 reminds us: “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ ” More grace. Greater grace. When we humble ourselves, we position ourselves for greater grace, and so it is with all the spiritual disciplines. Pride is deadly. God’s zealous love is the engine of his grace. He always wants to give more, because he loves so deeply. God’s grace is the disciple’s fuel for spiritual growth. Grace is the yellow sun; but pride is kryptonite.

As mentors like Richard Foster and Dallas Willard have pointed out time and again, the spiritual disciplines are not hurdles to be cleared by the “serious” student of Jesus. The disciplines are practices that put us into position to receive more of his grace. The startling truth is that those who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus need more of God’s grace than others who have no interest in spiritual growth. Richard Foster sets us straight: “Grace is not a ticket to heaven, but the earth under our feet on the road with Christ . . . Grace saves us from life without God—even more, it empowers us for life with God.”

Small group leaders must always keep in mind that spiritual growth is God’s work. It is accomplished as we present ourselves to “greater grace” again and again. We can use our small groups to open ourselves up to his infinite grace. Then our destiny is the infinite God.

4 Strategies to Read People To Better Lead People

By

Gavin Adams

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October 5, 2023

better lead people — Adobestock #314821983

Wouldn’t it be easier if your staff learned how to best work with your personality rather than you trying to learn how to work with each of their personalities?

This thought has crossed my mind more than I’d like to admit.

When you lead a team, you lead a diverse group of personalities. You’ve probably got some introverts and extroverts. Processors and reactors. Organized and not so organized. Agreeable and challenging.

It’s a good thing to have a diversity of personalities. A diverse group helps ensure better decisions are made via varying perspectives. You never want diversity of culture or character, but some variety of personalities is helpful.

Helpful, yes, but not always easy. You’d probably get more done if everyone on your team had your personality. And get it done more quickly. And you’d certainly understand your team members more! But that isn’t what’s best for your organization, department, or team.

So How Do You Lead a Team of Diverse Personalities?

The lazy leader expects (or demands) that each personality acquiesces to their nature. After all, it’s much simpler for ten people to learn the personality of one leader than the one leader attempting to learn ten personality types. That’s infinitely more difficult. Or at least ten times more difficult.

It’s also lazy.

Leaders get the best from their teams when they learn to work with each team member the way they best work. Leading people requires that we know people. That’s why we should master the art of reading people before leading people.

How can you do this better? I’m glad you asked.

Here Are Some Strategies to Better Understand Who Is on Your Team and How You Can Better Lean in Their Direction:

Learn About Their Personalities

I love utilizing personality profiling systems within teams. Not to reduce people to a collection of numbers, letters, and colors, but these systems provide insight into prototypical behaviors, motivations, and fears. Pick a profiling system and allow each team member to discover more about themselves. Then, review their findings with them, allowing each staff member to explain what they believe is true and what might not be as relevant. One more thing: Ask them how YOU, as a leader, can better understand how to work with THEM based on these findings.

Study Each Team Member

Whether in meetings or the hallway, pay attention to your team members. What brings them energy? What brings them down? Do they respond or react? The more you study each person, the better you’ll be able to lead them individually.

In Sequel to ‘Green’ Encyclical, Pope Urges Rich to Do Their Part to Combat Climate Change

By

Claire Giangrave

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October 5, 2023

Green Encyclical — Copies of Pope Francis’ latest letter on the environment, "Laudate Deum," are on sale in a bookshop in Rome, Oct. 4, 2023. Pope Francis shamed and challenged world leaders on Wednesday to commit to binding targets to slow climate change before it’s too late, warning that God’s increasingly warming creation is fast reaching a “point of no return.” (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Pope Francis published a follow-up to his encyclical on climate change Wednesday (Oct. 4), just as Catholic prelates, faithful and theologians gather at the Vatican for a historic meeting to discuss the future of the church.

In the 12-page document, the pope blasts the selfishness and greed of the wealthy few and urged world leaders meeting later this year at COP28 to put “petty interests” aside and come together for the good of the environment before it’s too late.

The pope stressed that for any kind of effective process to take hold, it needs to be “drastic, intense and count on the commitment of all.”

The new document, “Laudate Deum,” Latin for “Praise the Lord,” builds on the concepts of Francis’ 2015 encyclical, “Laudato Si’,” which promoted the care of creation and underlined the interconnectedness of humanity and the world. The publication of the new document coincides with the feast of the pope’s namesake, St. Francis of Assisi, the 13^th century friar famous for his concern for the poor and the environment.

The publication also occurs on the first day of the Synod on Synodality, a historic summit of Catholic faithful at the Vatican who are poised to discuss some of the most hot-button issues in the church, from female ordination to the welcoming of LGBTQ Catholics.

Concerns over climate change were raised in the local parish discussions leading up to the synod and were shared by faithful in dioceses all over the world.

“With the passage of time, I have realized that our responses have not been adequate, while the world in which we live is collapsing and may be nearing the breaking point,” the pope wrote. “Despite all attempts to deny, conceal, gloss over or relativize the issue, the signs of climate change are here and increasingly evident,” he added.

While he acknowledged that the effort of all is essential to change the culture and mindset concerning protection of the environment, Francis called out wealthy elites for their conspicuous consumption.

“The reality is that a low, richer percentage of the planet contaminates more than the poorest 50% of the total world population, and that per capita emissions of the richer countries are much greater than those of the poorer ones,” Francis wrote in the document.

The poor, the pope continued, are the first victims of climate change. But citing the emissions per individual in wealthier countries such as the United States — which are greater than those of individuals in China or poorer countries — Francis said that “a broad change in the irresponsible lifestyle connected with the Western model would have a significant long-term impact.”

Francis shot down climate change deniers, stating that the “extreme weather phenomena, frequent periods of unusual heat, drought and other cries of protest from the earth” are happening at an unprecedented rate and are directly correlated with human activity and pollution.

Global problems need global solutions, the pope underlined. But this doesn’t mean handing power over to a “world authority concentrated in one person or in an elite with excessive power.” Instead, countries must come together in a multilateral and democratic way, he said.

Survey: US Religious Groups Do Not View Climate Change as a Crisis

By

Yonat Shimron

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October 5, 2023

(RNS) — On the same day Pope Francis issued a new call for climate change action, a group of mostly mainline Protestant and Jewish leaders launched a seven-year campaign to advocate for meaningful climate solutions.

“One Home One Future” is the latest multifaith effort intended to engage congregations in caring for the Earth.

But a new survey released by the Public Religion Research Institute suggests that work won’t be easy.

Beliefs on the severity of climate change have not shifted much among religious traditions over the past decade and few religious Americans view climate change as a crisis, according to the PRRI study published Wednesday (Oct. 4).

Overall, 27% of Americans say climate change is a crisis, just a few percentage points up from 23% in 2014. Among the nation’s religious groups, beliefs on the severity of climate change have not shifted significantly. In fact, among white evangelicals the view that the Earth is in crisis actually dropped — from 13% in 2014 to 8% today.

No religious group topped one-third of respondents agreeing climate change is a crisis. American Jews were the most likely to say so at 32%, followed by 31% of Hispanic Catholics, 22% of white mainline Protestants, 20% of white Catholics, 19% of Black Protestants and 16% of Hispanic Protestants who say there’s a climate crisis.

The survey of 5,192 adults in all 50 states, conducted online June 8-28, 2023, shows that despite growing climate calamities, American opinions have not moved dramatically.

“The fact that it remained unchanged was pretty remarkable to me,” said Melissa Deckman, CEO of PRRI. “It’s just really concerning,”

So far in 2023, the United States has had 23 separate weather and climate disasters that cost more than $1 billion each in damage, The New York Times reported. Those include Hurricane Idalia in Florida and the wildfires in Hawaii, which are believed to have killed 97 people. The month of August was the planet’s hottest in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s 174-year record.

While religious Americans mostly agree that climate change is caused by human activity, such as burning fossil fuels, here too there are exceptions. Nearly half of white evangelicals (49%) still believe climate change is caused by natural patterns in the environment.

To a great extent, these unyielding views of the climate crisis may be shaped by politics. Evangelicals and Latter-day Saints, who overall don’t see climate change as a crisis, are stalwart Republicans, a party that has resisted acknowledging climate change. (Former President Donald Trump, the Republican Party’s presumptive nominee in 2024, has called the extremely settled science of climate change a “hoax.”)

“I’m not at all surprised to find that white evangelicals and Latter-day Saints tend to be the least likely to think that climate change is caused by humans or see any sort of policy to address it because we know that the Republican Party’s official position has often denied climate change and it’s certainly not advocating for policies that mitigate climate change effects,” Deckman said.

Fate of Historic Sofia Church Unclear as Bulgaria Accuses Abbot of Spying for Russia

By

David I. Klein

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October 5, 2023

Sofia Church Bulgaria — The Russian Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker in Sofia, Bulgaria. Photo by Antoine Taveneaux/Wikimedia/Creative Commons

(RNS) — After three high-ranking members of the Russian Orthodox Church were expelled from Bulgaria on charges of espionage last month, their former church is not only at the center of a diplomatic rift between the Russian and Bulgarian governments but an ecclesiastical one between the two countries’ Orthodox churches.

On Sept. 21, Bulgarian authorities arrived at the residence of Archimandrite Vassian (archimandrite is the equivalent of an abbot), head of the church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker in Sofia, and informed him and two other priests, both Belarusians, that they were being deported from the country, before shuttling them to the border with Serbia.

According to Bulgaria’s state security service, Vassian and his colleagues had been involved in “the Implementation of various elements of the Russian Federation’s hybrid strategy to purposefully influence socio-political processes in the Republic of Bulgaria in favor of Russian geopolitical interests.”

But in a statement, the Russian Orthodox Church said Bulgaria was acting out of anti-Russian bias. “The expulsion of priests, whose calling is service to God and people and the preaching of peace and brotherhood among nations, is an outrageous act dictated by Russophobic motives and the desire to erase the glorious pages of the common history of Bulgaria and Russia.”

“We are outraged and shocked by what happened,” Russia’s ambassador to Bulgaria, Eleonora Mitrofanova, said. “Their current goal seems to be a break in the relations between the sister Russian and Bulgarian Orthodox churches and the brotherly ties between the Russian and Bulgarian people.”

Bulgaria’s prime minister, Nikolai Denkov, fired back more simply: “Russian priests were not expelled, people who worked against the national interests of Bulgaria were expelled.”

Russian Orthodox clergymen have recently been accused of acting on behalf of the Russian state in the United States.

Last month, Foreign Affairs magazine reported that the FBI had warned Russian and Greek Orthodox parishes in the U.S. that Russian intelligence services may be using their churches to recruit assets. The head of the Russian church in Moscow, Patriarch Kirill, has been accused of having served the KGB since the 1970s and, later, modern Russia’s FSB intelligence service.

“Cooperation between the Moscow Patriarchate at the highest levels and the Russian state is taken for granted by all observers,” Samuel Noble, a scholar of Orthodox Christianity, told Religion News Service.

The two countries’ shared faith has long been a foreign affairs boon for Russia, Noble added. “In Bulgaria, Orthodox Christianity, alongside linguistic and other cultural ties, is often an important source of pro-Russian sentiment, even if the Bulgarian church has been quite divided over Russia even well before its invasion of Ukraine.”

Suspicions that Archimandrite Vassian may have ties with Russian intelligence were first raised in neighboring North Macedonia, where he represented the Russian Orthodox Church as well. Macedonian leaders accused him of working to halt plans by North Macedonia’s branch of Orthodox Christianity to separate itself from the Serbian Patriarchate.

In May of last year, the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, which has often acted as a mediator between the Orthodox world’s bishoprics and patriarchates, recognized the Macedonian church’s independence from Moscow, as it had done for Orthodox Church of Ukraine in 2018. The Moscow Patriarchate severed its communion with Constantinople and other aligned patriarchates in retaliation.

5 Ways to Increase Small Group Size

By

Adam Erlichman

-

October 5, 2023

Need more people in your small group? Not sure where to find them? Surely, not everyone’s already in a group in your church? Where are they hiding? How can you find them? Don’t worry, sometimes Christians hide, and that’s ok, but we don’t want them to stay hidden. Other times, they’re looking for you too. Here are five ways you can find new people to increase your small group size.

5 Ways to Increase Small Group Size

Way #1 – Sunday Service

Before the service, after the service, in between services (if you have multiple services), coffee bar, Kids/Preschool check-in areas, student ministry entrance area, or sit in the same seating section for the worship service. Most are creatures of habit. Church folks are quite ritualistic about their seats. They traditionally will go back to the same seat or section out of familiarity. You will likely find them there the next week and can get to know them, talk to them, and invite them to your group.

Youth Group Announcements Must End: Find Out Why

By

Aaron Helman

-

October 4, 2023

Youth group announcements are a thing of the past for me. In fact, it’s been two years since I made an announcement at a youth meeting. Why? Announcements just clutter the primary message. Does it make sense to talk about Jesus for an hour…then spend your last words reminding everyone about next weekend’s carwash?

Besides, does any data show that youth group announcements actually work? If announcements are going to clutter and confuse the message, they’d better work. Here’s the thing. They probably don’t.

In fact, my data suggest that mentioning an upcoming event for a minute or two is probably the least-effective way to drive students to sign up for it.

SIDE NOTE: Is that really surprising? That announcing a weekend retreat to a group of 12-year-olds immediately after they’ve finished playing dodgeball and immediately before we spend 20 minutes talking about something else might not be the best way to get them to sign up for the aforementioned weekend retreat an hour later when they get home and become suddenly aware they’re drowning in a mountain of unfinished homework?

So for the last two years, we haven’t made a single announcement during youth programs. I’ll tell you how we did it. First, though, let me tell you what happened when we quit announcements cold turkey:

Why You Should Stop Making Youth Group Announcements

1. Our worship time gained an intense focus.

We sang to Jesus, read about Jesus, prayed to Jesus, and taught about Jesus. At no point did we interrupt the flow of worship to remind everyone about the lock-in next weekend.

2. It freed up staff members’ time.

Most of our announcements were videos, which are time-intensive. Suddenly we had an extra hour or two per week. That’s nice.

3. Participation in events actually increased.

This was the grand experiment. If we stopped announcing events and fundraisers, certainly fewer people would come, right? Nope. More showed up, and it’s no secret why. Because we didn’t make announcements, we were forced to do our due diligence with other communication methods. We spent more time on things that work and stopped doing things that didn’t work.

If I was a clever marketer, I might say something like this: Continuing to use a broken system is like continuing to use a broken hammer. It only breaks more.

Andy Stanley’s Unconditional Conference ‘Gets it Wrong,’ Argue Sean McDowell and Alan Shlemon

By

Janna Firestone

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October 4, 2023

Sean McDowell Andy Stanley Alan Shlemon — Screengrab via YouTube / Sean McDowell

Reluctantly, podcast host and Biola professor Sean McDowell and guest Alan Shlemon discussed what happened at the recent—and controversial—Unconditional Conference hosted by Andy Stanley and North Point Community Church.

Thrust into controversial topics such as abortion, evolution, and homosexuality throughout his career, Shlemon is an author and speaker for Stand to Reason. He personally attended the Unconditional Conference and shared his experience and the implications for the church.

“I’m frustrated by the conference suggesting that you either go with God or go with your kid, as if these are the only two options,” said Shlemon. “No, there’s a third way, and that is to maintain your biblical convictions and still love your friend or family member who identifies as LGBTQ+.”

LGBTQ+ Community and the Church: What Andy Stanley’s Unconditional Conference Sought to Address

Around 10 years ago, McDowell and Shlemon attended the Reformation Project hosted by Matthew Vines. As the event focused on leading a “reformation from within the church to an affirming position on same-sex unions,” the duo continued to research and observe the topic of the LGBTQ+ community and the church through a biblical lens.

Shlemon admitted, “I honestly didn’t want to do this interview. I did want to go to the conference and see what was being taught, but it’s not really my thing to go around being critical of pastors or churches.”

“For the last two decades, I’ve been teaching on sex, marriage, homosexuality, and, of course most recently, the transgender question,” Shlemon shared. “I’ve recognized that we as a church have made a lot of errors in the past with how we have addressed that topic and how we’ve specifically responded to people who’ve come out.”

Shlemon surmised, “I’ve sought to correct those errors and suggest a more compassionate way to respond that is still biblically faithful. And it’s precisely that aspect that I think this conference gets it wrong.”

What Happened at the Unconditional Conference Hosted by Andy Stanley’s North Point Community Church?

According to North Point, “Parents of LGBTQ+ children often feel isolated and ill-equipped.” The church offers Parent Connect Groups and Events to connect “with other parents for support and equip you to love your child well.”

One such event is the Unconditional Conference, hosted on Sept. 28-29, by founder and senior pastor Andy Stanley of North Point and led by founders Greg and Lynn McDonald of Embracing the Journey. The conference itself sold out and drew an audience from outside the regular North Point congregation.

The conference was for “parents of LGBTQ+ children and for ministry leaders looking to discover ways to support parents and LGBTQ+ children in their churches.” The event promotion clarified, “No matter what theological stance you hold, we invite you to listen, reflect, and learn as we approach this topic from the quieter middle space.”

A licensed professional counselor, Debbie Causey, led a main session on the “winter of this soul” and the “challenges that parents face when their kid comes out,” said Shlemon. Causey drove home the importance of supporting one another as people in the church community.

Shlemon continued to give a brief synopsis of the event. Causey also interviewed Stanley about his own experience interacting with those who are gay and wrestling with, “How do we respond to that?” Greg and Lynn McDonald led a third main session providing hope and looking toward “thriving again.”

Tattoo Artist Kat Von D, Who Previously Renounced the Occult, Gets Baptized

By

Jessica Mouser

-

October 4, 2023

Tattoo artist Kat Von D, who is perhaps best known for starring in the reality shows “Miami Ink” and “LA Ink,” has been baptized into the Christian faith. On Oct. 3, the artist (whose real name is Katherine von Drachenberg) shared a video of her baptism, the most recent spiritual milestone in a journey out of substance abuse and the occult.

“Katherine von Drachenberg,” said a minister standing in the baptismal with Kat Von D, “upon your profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and in obedience to his divine command, I baptize you, my sister, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

After rising from the water, Von D hugged the minister as the congregation applauded.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kat Von D (@thekatvond)

Kat Von D’s Spiritual Journey

In addition to being a tattoo artist, Kat Von D, 41, is an entrepreneur, television personality, and recording artist. She was born in Mexico in the city of Montemorelos to parents who were missionaries for the Seventh-day Adventist church, according to Insider.

By 1988, Von D’s family had moved to California. Von D gave her first tattoo at age 14 and got a job tattooing at age 16. In 2005, she landed a role on “Miami Ink,” a show on TLC about tattoo artists in Miami’s South Beach.

After Von D left the show in 2007 following tension with other cast members, TLC offered her a starring role on “LA Ink,” which averaged 2.9 million viewers at its premiere and ran for seven seasons. The artist has launched her own makeup brand (which she has since sold) and shoe line, published several books, and released her debut album.

Von D has generated controversy at times, such as when she named different lipstick shades “Celebutard” and “Underage Red.” In 2018, she married Rafael Reyes, who goes by the stage name, Leafar Seyer. They have one child together.

Von D, who has been sober since 2007, has been open about her struggles with overcoming substance abuse. “Getting sober was not easy for me,” she said on Instagram in 2019. “Even though it’s gonna be 12 years in July that I celebrate being clean from drinking and drugs, I still clearly remember the physical pain from withdrawals, the profound desire to die, and the overwhelming sense of loneliness I felt that day I decided to quit.”

In July 2022, Von D revealed that she was disposing of a number of books she possessed on the occult. “I don’t know if any of you have been going through changes in your lives right now, but in the last few years I’ve come to some pretty meaningful realizations,” Von D said in a post that included an image of books on witchcraft, as well as tarot cards. Many of those changes relate to “the fact that I got a lot of things wrong in my past.”

Sketch of Jesus Sitting Next to Trump During Civil Fraud Trial Goes Viral

By

Dale Chamberlain

-

October 4, 2023

Donald Trump sketch — Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

As the civil fraud trial of former president Donald Trump continues, many of his supporters have taken to social media to express their support.

And as has been the case throughout his tenure as a political figure, much of that support has been cloaked in Christian language and imagery. In some cases, that imagery has even become somewhat bizarre.

Trump and other members of his organization have been accused of fraudulently inflating the value of their assets to obtain favorable loans and insurance deals in a civil suit brought by New York attorney general Letitia James.

Nevertheless, to many Trump supporters, this trial is representative of a spiritual attack on the former president. Further, since two of Trump’s sons are his co-defendants, it is a spiritual attack on the entire Trump family.

On Oct. 2, Dom Lucre, a popular right-wing figure on X (formerly Twitter), posted an illustration of Trump sitting in a courtroom. Sitting beside him was none other than Jesus Christ.

“This is the most accurate court sketch of all time. Because nobody could have made it this far alone,” Lucre wrote.

The post received over 6,600 reposts and more than 2,700 replies, a great deal of them supportive. Perhaps the most common response was, “Amen.”

Later, Lucre revealed that Trump himself has posted a screenshot of the post to Truth Social.

While the image of Jesus sitting beside Trump in court has gone viral, it is worth noting that this type of iconography is nothing new in the world of online evangelical Trump supporters.

For example, one popular print features an image of Trump seated with Jesus standing behind him, his hands on Trump’s shoulders. In the image, Trump reaches up to place his hand on Jesus’. A 2017 viral image features Jesus embracing Trump in the Oval Office.

Throughout his political career, white evangelicals have been Trump’s most faithful supporters and defenders. This support persists despite his recently being found liable by a New York jury for sexually abusing advice columnist E. Jean Carroll in 1996 and his waning support for the pro-life cause.

This is the most accurate court sketch of all time. Because nobody could have made it this far alone. pic.twitter.com/vH1KgFk14q

— Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) October 2, 2023

William Wilson on the Mistake We Make When Obeying the Great Commission

By

Jessica Mouser

-

October 4, 2023

The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast · William Wilson on the Mistake We Make When Obeying the Great Commission

Dr. William Wilson is the fourth president of the globally recognized Oral Roberts University, located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. With over four decades of executive leadership, Dr. Wilson is a global influencer and a dynamic speaker who has a profound ability to equip new generations of leaders. He is the author of several books, including his latest, “The Power of One: Reaching Every Person on Earth.”

Other Ways To Listen to This Podcast With William Wilson

► Listen on Amazon
► Listen on Apple
► Listen on Google
► Listen on Spotify
► Listen on YouTube

Key Questions for William Wilson

-What is a Pentecostal and what is a spirit-filled Christian?

-How did God lead you to pursue reaching every person in the world with the gospel by 2033? Is that goal actually possible?

-How would you encourage people outside the Pentecostal tradition who want to re-engage in global missions and evangelism?

-What would your exhortation be to pastors and church leaders as far as engaging this evangelistic task?

Key Quotes From William Wilson

“Spirit-empowered Christianity is really focused on relationship with Jesus that is a dynamic relationship through the immediate presence of the Holy Spirit. Pentecostals, Charismatics believe that God still does today what we read about Him doing in the Book of Acts and that we can see those same things happen in today’s ministry and in our lives, and that we have God’s immediate presence in our life through the fullness of the Holy Spirit every day.”

“Spirit-empowered Christians would believe in a subsequent baptism of the Holy Spirit after conversion.”

“Almost all Pentecostals and Charismatics believe in personal tongues, speaking in tongues, prayer, language, devotional tongues, however they put it. We believe that an individual can communicate with God through the presence of the Holy Spirit in an unknown language.”

“The National Association of Evangelicals, I think, was actually started by a Pentecostal group. And there was a real desire in early Pentecostalism to be accepted by the evangelical community.”

Foundations for the Fellowship of Believers

1. Nurturing the Fellowship of Believers

Jesus Heals What His Followers Break

Here’s Why We Are Unlikely to Experience Church Revival:

1. We’re not really desperate for God.

2. We tend to speak about the sin of others rather than deal with our own sin.

5 Tips for Successful Fall Family Events

1. Have lots of candy.

2. Communicate costume filters.

3. Focus on one point.

An Example

How You Can Make a Custom QR Code

1. QR on Your Website or Social Media

2. QR in Your Video Projection

Spiritual Growth Is the Result of Grace

So How Do You Lead a Team of Diverse Personalities?

Here Are Some Strategies to Better Understand Who Is on Your Team and How You Can Better Lean in Their Direction:

Learn About Their Personalities

Study Each Team Member

5 Ways to Increase Small Group Size

Way #1 – Sunday Service

Why You Should Stop Making Youth Group Announcements

1. Our worship time gained an intense focus.

2. It freed up staff members’ time.

3. Participation in events actually increased.

LGBTQ+ Community and the Church: What Andy Stanley’s Unconditional Conference Sought to Address

What Happened at the Unconditional Conference Hosted by Andy Stanley’s North Point Community Church?

Kat Von D’s Spiritual Journey

Other Ways To Listen to This Podcast With William Wilson

Key Questions for William Wilson

Key Quotes From William Wilson

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