Pastor David Platt Celebrates Arrival of Adopted Son After Over 3 Years of Pandemic-Related Delays

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September 5, 2023

David Platt adoption — Screengrab via YouTube / Radical

Pastor and author David Platt is celebrating the arrival of his adopted son to his home following an extensive delay because of pandemic-related travel restrictions.

The boy, named Jeremiah Daniel (J.D.), is one of six children in the Platt household, four of whom are adopted. Platt and his wife, Heather, adopted J.D. from China.

In August 2020, Platt shared that the adoption was originally planned to go through that year but restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic had prevented his family from bringing J.D. home.

“Today was my son’s 4th birthday. But I haven’t met him yet. We were 5 days away from going overseas to adopt him when travel to his country shut down in early February,” Platt wrote at the time. “For the last 6 months, I’ve been pleading every single day for a way to go to him. As a dad, I would do anything possible to make that happen.”

“I woke up this morning to new pictures of him in his orphanage, and then I read the first verse that just so happened to be in my Bible reading plan. ‘Jesus told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart’ — Luke 18:1,” Platt added. “Could I ask you to pause for a moment, pray for J.D., and ask God to make a way for him to come into our family?”

Though the delay was longer than Platt and his family would have hoped, their prayers have been answered. On Tuesday (Sept. 5), Platt shared with his social media followers that the wait was finally over.

Posting pictures of his family embracing his son, Platt wrote, “J.D. IS HOME!!!”

“Three and a half years ago, we got a call saying that our international adoption would be postponed for a couple of weeks due to a strange virus that was spreading,” Platt continued. “By God’s grace and through the work of so many people, including the many caregivers we honor who have provided for him in his home country, that adoption has finally come to completion, and Jeremiah Daniel Platt is home in our family!”

“Thank you, thank you, thank you to so many of you who have heard about J.D. over these years and prayed for a precious little boy on the other side of the world that you have never met,” Platt added. “He is a uniquely amazing kid. Please pray for him as he experiences the range of thoughts, emotions, joys, and challenges that adoption entails. And pray that ultimately he sees and knows God’s love for him through his family and all who are around him.”

9 Challenges to Church Planting

By

Ed Stetzer

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September 5, 2023

I’m often asked about trends in church planting, and I love encouraging church planters and church planting. It’s been seven years now since I left the last church that I planted, Grace Church, which now meets in a renovated barn / wedding venue. Anyway, I stay connected through research and through the NewChurches.com podcast, and here’s a recent article that I published with The Focused Pastor, shared here as well.

In just a few decades, we’ve witnessed an explosion of interest and engagement in North American church planting. What was just a sideshow that a few entrepreneurial folks did in the 80s and 90s is viewed as the main act for many church leaders today. The church planting boom has reordered the priorities of many denominations, who are now directing significant resources to see new churches established and providing training for their prospective pastors in how to plant well. We’ve also seen a host of effective church planting networks emerge onto the main stage with aggressive plans to plant their next church in a town near you.

Still, challenges remain. Like any movement, challenges exist that threaten the vitality and longevity of church planting. We must consider how to address them. This list certainly isn’t exhaustive, but I’ve identified 9 challenges that could hinder the forward advance of church planting.

1. Many Established Churches Are Still Resistant to Planting

While many more churches emphasize planting today than when I planted my first church in the 80s, many established churches still resist planting churches. This resistance can take the form of outright hostility to a new church in town. But it can also be demonstrated in the lack of prioritizing multiplication within the established church itself.

This resistance can be attributed to several reasons, including the fear of losing key members, finding competent and called planters, and a lack of a kingdom vision that sees far beyond the local church.

I can understand the impulse to resist. If a pastor is leading a struggling established church, the last bit of news you want to receive is that a young, energetic, and entrepreneurial planter is coming to town, backed by the resources of a denomination or network.

But not only is a broader, kingdom-minded vision toward the expansion of the body of Christ biblically faithful, it also benefits the established church. As Tim Keller has said, “The continual planting of new congregations is the most crucial strategy for … the continual corporate renewal and revival of existing churches.” Studies repeatedly show that when an established church catches a vision for multiplication, it breathes new life into the existing church. (There is a free video course designed to equip churches to become sending churches available here.)

2. Church Plants Often Delay Developing a Culture of Multiplication

Sometimes it is not an established church that resists planting. New churches often wait until they are well established to begin involvement in planting other churches. As I wrote here, new churches need to be like the Tribbles from the original Star Trek series. Tribbles were born pregnant and spread at an incredible pace. New churches need to take root in their communities with a similar “born pregnant” culture. Planters don’t have to wait until they’re ten years in, have a multi-million dollar budget, and have hundreds of people to create a culture of multiplication.

What’s more, multiplication has everything to do with the development of leaders, not merely the gathering of resources. In other words, the only thing your church needs to multiply is a ready leader to send. A ready leader will often succeed without an abundance of resources.

Churches that lack a multiplication culture often also lack a development culture. In a development culture, leaders focus on developing future leaders to send out. Even without resources, ready leaders will succeed. We see this play out in the Book of Acts where the church was determined to multiply at any cost. Church plants that delay establishing a culture of multiplication risk setting their churches on a steady path toward stagnation.

A culture of multiplication must become imbedded in the DNA of a church at all levels for it to impact planting. As I said here, “We cannot lead what we do not live. We must be multipliers.”

3. Some Would-Be Church Planters Just Don’t Want the Sacrifice

Church planting always requires sacrifice. When someone plants a new church, they must count the cost. It requires you to sacrifice time and money. It often requires you to uproot and relocate your family to the new context. If you’re a pastor sending out a group of people to plant, it also is a sacrifice of people.

Once the church launches, the new planter often deals with a lot of relational upheaval. Often the type of people that join the effort to get a new church off the ground are not the same people who will stay rooted in that church for years to come. Church planting is a strange mix of the thrill of seeing people come to know Christ and serving your community through an outreach event that involves cleaning porta-potties after a Memorial Day celebration—all to the glory of God.

In recent years, the training and funding provided by denominations and networks has reduced the severity of some of the sacrifices involved in church planting. Many of these groups invest tens of thousands of dollars into each church plant and provide best practices that catalyze growth and avoid the mistakes of those of us who learned best practices the hard way.

And yet, in our consumer culture, we can easily forget how sacrifice is a kingdom value (Luke 9:23). This video of Duke women’s basketball coach Kara Lawson talking about the value of “handling hard well” is a good word for church planting. Church planting is on the frontier of missional work and will necessarily require sacrifice.

4. Churches Lack Community With Churches in Other Contexts

Despite a dramatic push toward mutual learning and cooperation in recent years, many churches (or their leaders) remain isolated relationally. This isolation hinders cooperative work that can be done to see new churches planted.

It’s possible to cultivate meaningful relationships across denominational boundaries without compromising your convictions or denominational distinctives. These relationships provide learning opportunities that leaders can take back to their own church traditions to improve their church planting efforts.

Additionally, it is becoming increasingly popular for multiple churches, who alone do not possess the resources to plant a church, to band together to see a new church planted in a nearby community. This is a great way to leverage relationships to make real and substantial kingdom impact.

Francis Calls Relations With China ‘Respectful’ After Mongolia Trip

By

Claire Giangrave

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September 5, 2023

ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (RNS) — Pope Francis praised the openness of the Chinese people and stated Russian culture must not be canceled because of politics during a news conference on Monday (Sept. 4) where he railed on the dangers of imperialism and ideology.

The pope’s comments were made while answering questions by journalists aboard the papal flight returning from Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia, where he paid homage to the small Catholic community in the majority Buddhist country. The four-day visit was sometimes overshadowed by the neighboring country of China, which banned local bishops from traveling to the event.

“Relations with China are very respectful. I have a great admiration for the Chinese people. They are very open, so to speak,” the pope said.

The Vatican recently renewed a provisional agreement with Beijing on the appointment of bishops, which has caused controversy among Catholics due to its secrecy and ambiguity. The United States and Europe have also urged the Vatican to take a firmer stand when negotiating deals with China. While Francis praised “the good work” done by the Sino-Vatican commission led by the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, China has often failed to respect the terms of the agreement and has recently imposed further restrictions on religious freedom in the country.

“We must go forward on the religious front so we can understand each other better,” Francis said. “The Chinese citizens must not think that the church is not accepting of their culture and their values or that the church represents another foreign power.”

During his trip to Mongolia, Pope Francis spoke to the Chinese people directly while addressing the current and former bishops of Hong Kong who were present. Small groups of Chinese Catholics clandestinely attended the papal events in Mongolia, given the unlikelihood of a pontiff ever setting foot in China in their lifetime.

The pope praised Mongolia for its ability to negotiate relations with its larger and powerful neighbors, China and Russia, stating that while some imperialistic forces have often sought to dominate, the Mongolian people have chosen to dialogue instead.

In May, the pope appointed Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, an experienced peacemaker from the ranks of the Catholic lay movement of St. Egidio, to lead a peace mission to Kyiv, the United States, China and Moscow. While the pope has been a vocal advocate for peace in Ukraine, he has stopped short of openly condemning the invasion by Russia or its leader, Vladimir Putin, in the hopes of keeping open mediation channels.

Recent comments to a group of Russian students, in which Francis cited Peter the Great and Catherine the Great as part of Russia’s rich legacy, were interpreted by some as praising the country’s imperialist past, forcing the Vatican to issue a retraction. Francis told reporters aboard the plane that his intent was to encourage the young Russians to “take charge of their heritage” but admitted his examples might not have been appropriate. His remarks on Great Russia were, he said, more in reference to the culture than the politics.

“Russian culture is so beautiful, so immensely profound, and it must not be canceled because of political issues,” the pope said, citing the works of Dostoevsky. The transmission of culture “must never be imperial, never!”

“Always dialogue,” he added.

Francis denounced “imperialism that wishes to impose its ideology,” especially when it’s “removed from the culture. That is the poison.” This is true also for the church, he added, stating that “ideologies detach the church from its roots.”

5 Things That Will Kill Your Church’s Vision

By

Charles Stone

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September 5, 2023

Casting vision is a key role every pastor must fill. Yet sometimes corporate attitudes and unhealthy cultures can get in the way. I’ve discovered five attitudes that will stifle even the best cast vision. See if you agree.

1. Consumer Christianity reflected in the Attitude, What’s in It for Me?

Healthy churches realize they can’t consume their way into discipleship. Following Jesus is not all about us. Great churches rally around a unified cause centered in Jesus and move forward for the good of the whole and the glory of God even it means some people won’t get their preferred way. Good leaders will teach that flexibility and a deferential spirit are crucial ingredients for prevailing churches.

2. Losing Sight That the Church Gathers on Sundays To Scatter the Rest of the Week.

Leaders and churches must not lose sight that we live in a troubled world desperately in need of the Gospel. Attending church was never meant to be an end in itself.

Rather we should gather to be transformed, taught, challenged, discipled, and inspired so that we then can scatter into our respective worlds as salt and light for the Gospel.

3. Risk Aversion.

Minimizing risk and maximizing safety can becomes a trait for risk averse leaders. J Oswald Chambers who authored the devotional My Utmost for His Highest wrote, “The frontiers of the kingdom of God were never advanced by men and women of caution.”

Great churches can’t play it safe, huddle and cuddle, strive for safety and security, nor guarantee comfort and convenience. While not throwing caution to the wind, great leaders and churches must take bold steps of faith.

4. Programs and Processes That Trump Passion and People.

It’s easy to assume that great plans and strategies will automatically and easily reach people. They are important, but without a driving passion for God and a love for people, they are, well, only plans.

5. The Barrenness of Busyness.

Busy pastors often struggle with this one. I know I do with what seems to be a limitless to-do list. However, busyness can make us miss God. And it does not always translate into productivity. As Bill Hybels has famously said,”Doing the work of Christ was killing the work of Christ in me.” When that happens, our hearts become calloused and cold, we lose our leadership edge, and vision gets stifled.

What have you experienced that can stifle a God-directed vision?

This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.

I Stand by the Door

By

James Emery White

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September 5, 2023

i stand by the door — Lightstock #145359

If you are a Christian, how did you become one? I don’t mean theologically (saved by grace), but logistically. Did you come to Christ because of an advertisement on TV or in a newspaper? Did you come to Christ because somebody you didn’t know handed you a tract or knocked on your door? Or did you come to Christ because you were invited to a church or evangelistic event by someone you knew—either a friend, relative or somebody you worked with?

I think I know your answer.

Ken Gire writes of a man by the name of Scott Manley who reached out to high school students on the campus of Arlington Heights High School in the late ’60s. “He showed up in a pair of Converse All Stars, gym shorts, T-shirt, a handshake and a smile. Several of us on the basketball team were playing a pickup game in the gym, and this young seminary student from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary worked his way into the game. Over the weeks ahead he kept showing up. At lunch. After school. In the parking lot. And before long, he worked his way into our lives.”

Scott was working through a ministry called Young Life that builds relationships with high school students, establishes clubs and sponsors Bible study groups, all for the purpose of reaching out with the saving message of Christ in places where churches often cannot go. Ken reflects that he doesn’t remember any of Scott’s talks, only the music of the message: I love you. I care about you. You matter. Your pain matters. Your struggles matter. Your life is sacred and dear to God. He has a future for you, plans and hopes and dreams for you, and blessings for you. And the music streamed into Ken’s heart, and Ken became a Christian, going on to Texas Christian University, where he turned around and led a Young Life club himself. Also on the leadership team was a young woman named Judy, who would one day become Ken’s wife. Judy had become a Christian through a classmate, who had become a Christian through her Young Life leader, who had become a Christian through… Scott Manley.

One day, Ken and Judy ran into Scott at a conference they were attending together, along with three of their four children. Judy, who had never met Scott, went up to him, and said, “You don’t know me, but I’m Judy Gire, Ken Gire’s wife.” They hugged, then she continued. “There’s something I’ve been wanting to tell you for a long time.” Years of emotion welled up inside her. “Scott, you were instrumental in leading my husband to Christ. You led my Young Life leader to Christ. My Young Life leader led a friend of mine to Christ. And this friend told me about Christ. You are my spiritual heritage. These are three of our four children. This is Kelly, and she knows Jesus. This is Rachel, and she knows Jesus. This is Stephen, and he knows Jesus. And Gretchen, our oldest, she isn’t here but she knows Jesus too. All of us know Jesus because of Scott Manley. Thank you so much. Thank you.”

Scott threw his arms around her, and for a long time they wept together.

Don’t let evangelism scare you or put you off. It’s one of the most important and rewarding investments you can ever make—not only for your own spirituality, but for the spiritual lives of others in our world. Just ask Ken and Judy. Or ask me. Even better, just ask yourself.

R.C. Sproul: The Difference Between Ethics and Morality

By

R.C. Sproul

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September 5, 2023

In our vocabulary, you’ll find that most people use the words, ethics and morality interchangeably, as if they were synonyms. But historically, that’s not been the case.

The English word “ethic” or “ethics” comes from the Greek word ethos. The word “morals” or “morality” comes from the word mores. The difference is that the ethos of a society or culture deals with its foundational philosophy, its concept of values, and its system of understanding how the world fits together. There is a philosophical value system that is the etho of every culture in the world. On the other hand, mores has to do with the customs, habits, and normal forms of behavior that are found within a given culture.

In the first instance, ethics is called a normative science; it’s the study of norms or standards by which things are measured or evaluated. Morality, on the other hand, is what we would call a descriptive science. A descriptive science is a method to describe the way things operate or behave. Ethics are concerned with the imperative and morality is concerned with the indicative. What do we mean by that? It means that ethics is concerned with “ought-ness,“ and morality is concerned with “is-ness.”

Ethics, or ethos, is normative and imperative. It deals with what someone ought to do. Morality describes what someone is actually doing. That’s a significant difference, particularly as we understand it in light of our Christian faith, and also in light of the fact that the two concepts are confused, merged, and blended in our contemporary understanding.

What has come out of the confusion of ethics and morality is the emergence of what I call “statistical morality.” This is where the normal or regular becomes the normative. Here’s how it works: to find out what is normal, we do a statistical survey, we take a poll, or we find out what people are actually doing. For example, suppose we find out that a majority of teenagers are using marijuana. We then come to the conclusion that at this point in history, it is normal for an adolescent in the American culture to indulge in the use of marijuana. If it is normal, we deem it to be good and right.

Ultimately, the science of ethics is concerned with what is right, and morality is concerned with what is accepted. In most societies, when something is accepted, it is judged to be right. But oftentimes, this provokes a crisis for the Christian. When the normal becomes the normative, when what is determines what ought to be, we may as Christians find ourselves swimming hard against the cultural current.

The Christian concept of ethics is on a collision course with much of what is being expressed as morality. This is because we do not determine right or wrong based on what everybody else is doing. For example, if we study the statistics, we will see that all men at one time or another lie. That doesn’t mean that all men lie all the time, but that all men have indulged in lying at some time or another. If we look at that statistically, we would say that one hundred percent of people indulge in dishonesty, and since it’s one hundred percent universal, we should come to the conclusion that it’s perfectly normal for human beings to tell lies. Not only normal, but perfectly human. If we want to be fully human, we should encourage ourselves in the direction of lying. Of course, that’s what we call a reductio ad absurdum argument, where we take something to its logical conclusion and show the folly of it. But that’s not what usually occurs in our culture. Such obvious problems in developing a statistical morality are often overlooked. The Bible says that we lean toward lying, and yet we are called to a higher standard. As Christians, the character of God supplies our ultimate ethos or ethic, the ultimate framework by which we discern what is right, good, and pleasing to Him.

This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.

10 Ways to Ignite Praying in a Small Group

By

Reid Smith

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September 5, 2023

Praying in a small group can be intimidating for those who haven’t done it before. You’d be surprised how many people are not used to praying out loud with other people around them listening in. This is an essential spiritual practice for all believers to develop because agreement in prayer among two or more believers sparks the outworking of God’s will on earth as it is in heaven and strengthens the community of His Church (Matthew 18:18-20).

10 Ways to Ignite Praying in a Small Group

As the small group leader, you can ignite a passion for prayer in your group by engaging in these practices:

1. Be brief.

Brevity can reduce the anxiety level in group prayer because it allows time for others to pray and serves as a model for simplicity in prayer (Matthew 5:7-13). People who aren’t used to praying aloud in a group will see short and simple as something they can do too.

2. Be informal.

Don’t have a big build-up. When it’s time to pray, just begin. For example, “Okay everyone, let’s pray. Feel free to jump in if you’d like. Lord, we…” This makes prayer feel less intimidating and more natural.

3. Be yourself.

Imagine God sitting across from you in your group and talk with Him like you would a good friend; after-all, He is in your midst and wants each one to share honestly from the heart. Have a conversational flow to what you share with the Lord and avoid Christian clichés or complex theological jargon.

4. Use Scripture.

Invite people to articulate their prayer with biblical passages. They can read something that is meaningful to them and then say, “I believe that about…” or “Let that be true for…” and reference their own prayer need or one that was shared by another small group member.

5. Go first.

If you’re going to ask people to share personal prayer requests, be the first to go and be unguarded and candid. This will prime the pump for others to share and sets an example of vulnerability that will be contagious.

Barry Rowan: Rethinking Fulfillment From Our Work

By

Jason Daye

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September 4, 2023

Why is it important for us to think deeply about fulfillment, significance, and meaning when it comes to our work in this world? In this week’s conversation on FrontStage BackStage, host Jason Daye is joined by Barry Rowan. Barry is a graduate of Harvard Business School and has been instrumental in building and transforming eight different businesses, including one that was sold for $10 billion. Barry has immersed himself in connecting the daily grind with the divine, and he is the author of “The Spiritual Art of Business.” Together, Barry and Jason look at rethinking our view of fulfillment in our lives and ministries. Barry also provides some incredible wisdom and encouragement when it comes to work and rest, activity and contemplation.

FrontStage BackStage Podcast With Barry Rowan

View the entire podcast here.

Keep Learning

Looking to dig more deeply into this topic and conversation? Every week we go the extra mile and create a free toolkit so you and your ministry team can dive deeper into the topic that is discussed. Find your Weekly Toolkit here… Love well, Live well, Lead well!

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Beware of the Sizzle of Miracles

By

Greg Stier

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September 4, 2023

The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in Heaven.” (Luke 10:17-20)

Imagine the scene: The seventy-two disciples return from their Judea-wide outreach and they are stoked. They’re high fiving and sharing stories of miraculous encounters, healings and the hard-to-top thrill of casting out demons in Jesus’ name.

They are pumped.

As they circled around Jesus, recounting story after story of demons getting expelled through the Holy Spirit power upon them, He gave them a little crash course in outreach priorities.

Allow me to paraphrase His response, “You think kicking demons out of people in my Name is cool? I watched Satan get kicked out of heaven and dashed to the earth like a lightning bolt hits the ground. Whoopity doo! You should be far more excited about your names, and the names of those you reached with the Gospel, being written in the Lamb’s Book of Life than any of the miracles you witnessed on this outreach. The salvation of the lost soul is the biggest miracle of all.”

Salvation > Miracles

Far too many Christians are more excited about the sizzle of miracles than the steak of salvation. But, just like the sound of the sizzle of fajitas in a Chili’s gets your attention and causes you to tell your server, “I’ll have one of those please”, miracles were—and still are—intended to point people to the Gospel message.

They should never be the focus.

I’ve seen preachers on television slapping foreheads and throwing canes trying to conjure up the sizzle of Acts-like miracles. Often they don’t even mention the good news of the Gospel available to all those who put their faith in Christ and Him crucified (and risen again!).

They’ve exchanged the steak for the sizzle. They’ve grasped for the glitter and missed the gold

Forever Changed

The biggest miracle is when a person hears and believes the Gospel and has their name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life in permanent ink.

Every other miracle that may happen is a bonus, but nothing compared to the salvation of a lost soul.

Remember that.

And if you really want to see excitement in your ministry, implement a strategy that not only puts the Gospel at the center of all you do, but also equips your people to share the message in their daily conversations. The 7 values outlined in my book Gospelize Your Youth Ministry give you a great place to start praying through a method for your whole church.

This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.

3 Life Implications if Christians Are To ‘Run the Race to Win the Prize’

By

Michael Kelley

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September 3, 2023

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize… (1 Cor. 9:24)

This is one of the metaphors Paul used to describe the Christian life. He likened it to an athletic context—specifically a race. Paul wrote these words to the church in Corinth, and his readers would likely have had a pretty vivid picture of athletic contests.

Of course, the most famous games in ancient times were the Olympics, but between the Olympics there was another set of games held right there in Corinth. These contests were called the Isthmian Games, and Paul may have even seen them. So when he wrote to the Corinthians that the Christian life was like a race in which you compete, they would certainly have been familiar with the metaphor.

So if that’s true—that the Christian life is like a race—what are the implications for us today? There are at least three of them:

1. The Christian Life Is a Journey.

A race is, fundamentally, a journey; it is forward motion from one point to the next. So the first and most basic implication of the metaphor for us is that the Christian life is also a journey. And though that journey will be filled with ups and downs, joys and pains, it is a journey with purpose and meaning.

Just like a race isn’t an aimless kind of walk, so also is our journey with Jesus. From the moment we believe in Jesus, God puts us on a journey of transformation.

We are, day by day, moment by moment, being formed in the likeness of Christ. We are becoming like Him. And while that progress is painfully slow sometimes, we can look back over the course of our lives in Christ and say along with John Newton:

I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I am not what I used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am.

We—all of us—are still in process. Still growing. Still changing. Still becoming holy. Because God has already made us His children and given us the righteousness of His Son, we are becoming what we have already become. This is our journey.

2. The Christian Life Is Disciplined.

If the Christian life is like a race, then the second implication for us is that it is disciplined.

Despite what the training montages in the Rocky movies might lead you to believe, it’s hard work to be an athlete. It’s waking up at 4 am every morning and going to bed early every night. It’s having a plan for what you eat and how you spend your time. It’s about making sure that all the small choices in life all point to the one goal. That’s the metaphor Paul chose for growing in Christ—it’s an athletic contest, not a magic show where doves come flying out of a hat.

The Idealized Pastor Versus Our Pastor

By

Thom Rainer

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September 3, 2023

The Idealized Pastor Versus Our Pastor

Comparisons of pastors have been around since we’ve had pastors. Paul wrote about it in 1 Corinthians 1:12: “Some of you are saying, ‘I am a follower of Paul.’ Others are saying, ‘I follow Apollos,’ or ‘I follow Peter,’ or ‘I follow only Christ.’”

In the first part of the twentieth century, local church pastors were compared to well-known radio pastors. In the latter part of the twentieth century, they were compared to television pastors. Beginning in the twenty-first century, the comparisons were to podcast pastors.

The Idealized Pastor Versus Our Pastor

Church members can have idealized perceptions of pastors they don’t know. These platform personalities often have charisma and incredible communication abilities. It can be tempting for church members to believe their other pastoral skills are as gifted as their communication skills.

We see our own pastors, however, up close and personal. We see their gifts, but we also see their humanity. We see them when they lose patience. We see them when they stumble in their sermons. We see their family members who, like the rest of us, are not perfect. So we often criticize them for their imperfections.

Our Pastor Versus the Idealized Pastor

But those platform personalities will not be with you in your deepest of valleys. They will not be an embrace when your loved one dies. They will not be there for weddings, funerals, celebrations, and moments of deep pain.

Your pastor knows you. The platform pastor does not know you. Your pastor is there for you. The platform pastor does not know where you are. Your pastor loves you and prays for you. Platform pastors can’t pray for you by name, because they don’t know your name.

It Is Time to Rethink How We Treat Our Pastors

It is time.

It is time to be less critical and more prayerful.

It is time to be less judgmental and more forgiving.

It is time to be less expecting and more serving.

The beginning of a new year is a time to start fresh patterns and habits.

May some of those habits include loving your pastor more unconditionally, evaluating your pastor less harshly, and praying for your pastor more fervently.

I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. Ephesians 1:16-17

This article originally appeared here.

The Often Overlooked Brain Insight That Improves Preaching

By

Charles Stone

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September 3, 2023

My teaching has included 1,500 talks, sermons, speeches, and Bible studies during my 37 years in ministry. Sometimes when I’ve spoken I’ve felt like I was in the zone. At other times I didn’t. Only in the last few years have I discovered perhaps the single greatest key that has helped keep my mind sharp during a talk and improve its effectiveness. What was it? Exercise. Specifically, exercise within two to three hours of my talk. Here’s what I’ve learned about the brain and exercise that has improved my preaching.

Scientists increasingly see exercise as a powerful way to keep your brain healthy. Neuroscientist Dr. John Ratey wrote an entire book on the subject called SPARK, The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain. He explains that exercise increases a key protein necessary for a healthy brain, BDNF (brain derived neurotropic factor). Brain derived means that the brain makes it and neurotrophic implies that it helps make neurons (brain cells) strong. It’s considered the master molecule of learning (Ratey, p. 38) that he calls ‘Miracle-Gro for the brain.’

This brain fertilizer benefits the brain in many ways.

It protects neurons from premature death.
It improves their function.
It enhances communication between them.
It stimulates their growth (neurogenesis).
It provides a key link between emotions and thoughts (Ratey, 2013, p 40).

In one study Dr. Ratey writes about neuroscientist Arthur Kramer who divided fifty-nine sedentary senior adults into two groups (p. 226). One group simply did stretching exercises for six months while the other group exercised for six months three times a week on a treadmill. MRI scans showed that their frontal and temporal lobes actually increased in volume, a surprising finding. And, their brains looked two to three years younger than the brains of the stretch only group.

Another study showed that even one 35-minute workout on a treadmill at 60-70% of maximum heart rate can improve our brain’s processing speed and cognitive flexibility. Cognitive flexibility is a term that describes your brain’s ability to shift its thinking and to create new ideas.

Dr. Ratey also studied students in a school system in the Chicago suburbs. The school began a before hours exercise program called Zero Hour P.E. Students who participated in the program improved their mood and their reading comprehension compared to students who didn’t participate. He directly attributed this improvement to exercise.

Although for years I’ve regularly exercised during the week, I usually didn’t do so on Sundays since I had to arrive at church early. However, when I learned about this insight, I began to exercise 20-30 minutes early each Sunday morning. I now ride a stationary recumbent bike to get my heart rate to 60-70% of its maximum. When I began my Sunday morning exercise routine, I quickly realized these benefits.

I was less anxious about my message.
My memory improved and I more easily recalled the sermon’s points as I spoke.
I felt more physically energized than when I didn’t exercise.
I was more relaxed around others.
My overall mood was much better.

So, if you regularly preach or teach, consider exercising 20-30 minutes 2-3 hours prior to your teaching. I believe you’ll experience some of the same benefits I did.

What has helped improve your preaching/teaching?

This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.

We Are Not Dying Out; We Are Hastening on to a More Glorious Life

By

Randy Alcorn

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September 2, 2023

During the four years my beloved wife was dying of cancer, she read daily from Spurgeon’s messages and books. I searched “Spurgeon” in the typed manuscript of my Nanci’s last four years of journals. I knew they were full of Spurgeon quotes, but I wasn’t prepared for the total—170! The only person she quoted more often was God, from His Word. It’s no exaggeration to say that other than her Creator and Redeemer, and her immediate family and closest friends, no person spoke to her more powerfully than Charles Spurgeon!

Nanci quoted from Spurgeon’s devotional Faith’s Check Book several times. (You can read it online here.) Here is December 14’s devotional:

“And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5)

Glory be to His name! All things need making new, for they are sadly battered and worn by sin. It is time that the old vesture was rolled up and laid aside, and that creation put on her Sunday suit. But no one else can make all things new except the LORD who made them at the first; for it needs as much power to make out of evil as to make out of nothing. Our LORD Jesus has undertaken the task, and He is fully competent for the performance of it. Already he has commenced His labor, and for centuries He has persevered in making new the hearts of men and the order of society. By and by He will make new the whole constitution of human government, and human nature shall be changed by His grace; and there shall come a day when the body shall be made new and raised like unto His glorious body.

What a joy to belong to a kingdom in which everything is being made new by the power of its King! We are not dying out: we are hastening on to a more glorious life. Despite the opposition of the powers of evil, our glorious LORD Jesus is accomplishing His purpose and making us, and all things about us, “new” and as full of beauty as when they first came from the hand of the LORD.

Nanci copied down longhand Spurgeon’s words: “We are not dying out: we are hastening on to a more glorious life. Despite the opposition of the powers of evil, our glorious LORD Jesus is accomplishing His purpose…” Then she wrote, “I would not trade my cancer journey for anything because of the growth in my love, adoration, and trust in my God.”

Though I never read anything by Spurgeon in Bible College or seminary, once I discovered his books (and especially his sermons) he became one of my greatest sources of eternal perspective, joy, and insight. But even if I’d never read a sentence by Spurgeon, the effect he had on my wife in her greatest years of need would have forever changed not only her life but mine.

P. S. If you haven’t met Charles Spurgeon, introduce yourself to him by reading his classic devotional Morning & Evening, which Nanci loved. I also recommend Spurgeon Gems, 280 short quotations mostly gleaned from his sermons. I have the Charles Spurgeon collection (an incredible 149 volumes, including over 3,500 sermons), one of my favorite add-ons to my Logos Bible Software, an amazing resource I use often in my research.

If you want to read what I selected as the best Spurgeon insights on Heaven and the New Earth (most of them excerpts from his sermons), see my book We Shall See God, which is 60% Spurgeon’s words and 40% mine. (The expression “It’s easier to ask forgiveness than permission” came to me often while writing that book, since Spurgeon wasn’t available for me to ask if I could co-author it with him! Though it seemed a bit presumptuous on my part, when Nanci introduces me to him in Heaven I don’t anticipate him being offended!)

This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.

Most Churches Are Not Ready To Be Ethnically Diverse—Here’s Why

By

Sam Rainer

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September 2, 2023

Is it real? Is the United States really becoming more diverse? I’ve had well-meaning people ask me these questions. They don’t see ethnic diversity in their circles. First, it’s possible to live in an area of the country that is largely homogenous. Second, and more likely, it’s easy to miss the growth toward ethnic diversity. If you happen to be in a place that is largely homogenous, then it’s unlikely to remain so in the future because the demographic landscape in the United States is reaching a tipping point. America will soon become minority white.

The graph below reveals a striking trend. My grandparents came of age when the United States was 87% white. My future grandchildren will grow up in a nation that is minority white. Sometime around 2040, the United States will become minority white, but preschools are already minority white. In short, diversity is spreading out and getting younger. Ethnic diversity was once limited to large urban centers (New York, San Francisco, and Miami). Now people of ethnic backgrounds are moving everywhere. Additionally, the birth rates of immigrants are driving much of this change, which is why this shift is now evident in preschools.

In 1960, one in one thousand marriages was between a white person and a black person. Interracial marriage was still illegal in sixteen states. Today, one marriage in six is between ethnicities. By the time my young children get married, one in three marriages will be between ethnicities. This issue of diversity is not only a demographic reality, it’s a gospel reality. What humanity segregates, God brings back together. Racial segregation is a vile lie from the pit of hell.

More importantly, our churches should reflect this demographic change. Indeed, the church should lead with this demographic change. Public schools will become ethnically diverse simply because of who moves into the neighborhood. Why shouldn’t our churches also make this same shift? The tribes and nations are moving in together. The church should move out to them. Ethnically diverse neighborhoods are not Nineveh. They are a taste of Heaven.

While specific churches are leading the way toward being ethnically diverse, a movement of tens of thousands of churches does not exist. Perhaps we’re at the beginning stages of such a movement. I certainly hope so. For this movement to pick up steam, however, a few things will likely need to occur. Below are four ways more churches might transition to become multiethnic.

A diverse staff. In most cases, churches will not become more ethnically diverse until the staff is more diverse. This diversity is especially important with the visible staff positions, like senior pastors and worship pastors.

Heterogeneous mergers. Church mergers are becoming more prevalent. These mergers come in many shapes and sizes. However, we need to see more mergers between two (or three) congregations with different ethnicities. Most church mergers are homogenous—two churches with a similar make up of people. Stories of heterogeneous mergers are far too rare.

Geographic focus. The last twenty-five years have brought about a renewed focus in church planting, as well as the proliferation of multisite churches. Planting sites and churches in diverse areas of the country is a huge need. These sites and new churches can start as multiethnic.

Preschool and children’s ministry. Even if a church might resist a merger, or even resist the idea of becoming ethnically diverse, the children of the church will never know the difference. If a church has a diverse preschool and children’s ministry, then within a generation, it’s more likely to be a multiethnic church.

These four paths toward being ethnically diverse diversity are more general in nature. But there is a personal level. What can you do as an individual leader to help your church move towards cultural and racial diversity? Every church leader can do something. In fact, if pastors started doing these four items, then many strides could be made towards cultural and racial diversity in our churches.

Individual relationships. You should intentionally develop a relationship with another church leader in your community who is not of your ethnic background. When you build bridges to other leaders in this way, you also tear down walls in congregations.

Organizational relationships. You should get involved in an organization or event that is not for your ethnicity. Traveling to a different international context broadens your worldview. In the same way, getting involved with people of different ethnicities broadens your understanding of cultural issues in your own backyard.

Read more diversely. You should read books, blogs, and publications that have a different ethnic audience than your own. Diving into the ideas of others strengthens your appreciation for their struggles and victories.

Listen to people of color. Perhaps the easiest way to grow as a multiethnic leader is to listen to ethnic leaders. Simply pay attention to their social media feeds. Go to a meeting with them and observe. Attend their church and worship as they do. I bet you learn something.

The move towards racial and cultural diversity in our churches probably doesn’t feel like a pressing need. The tyranny of the urgent seems to get our attention on a daily basis. Growing ethnically comes more as a gnawing reminder that there is more to do. But this growth is important. In fact, the health of the church in twenty years depends upon our steps in this direction today.

This article originally appeared here, and is used by permission.

6 Ways the Team Reflects the Leader

By

Eric Geiger

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September 2, 2023

One of the most challenging and convicting insights Brad Waggoner has shared with me is that “a leader can complain about the culture of the team for only a few years because after that, the culture reflects the leader.” In a church or an organization, there are multiple teams or groups. Obviously there should be an overarching culture and mission, but it is common for those teams/groups to take on different identities. And those identities, over time, are reflections of the leadership the group receives. Based on my observation of teams with different leaders, here are six ways the team reflects the leader:

1. Speed

The phrase “speed of the leader, speed of the team” typically proves to be true. A lethargic and indecisive leader will lead a slow-moving team. And a team bent toward rigorous execution is led by a leader who is as well.

2. Enthusiasm

A team’s passion or passivity is typically reflective of their leader. If a leader is passionate for the mission, the team will be passionate for the mission. If the leader passively approaches the work, the team will passively approach the work as well.

3. Demeanor

An optimistic and passionate leader will infuse the team with optimism and passion. A defeated and miserable leader will form a defeated team. Rarely will you find a happy group of people that are led by a miserable leader.

4. Responsiveness

A leader’s level and speed of responsiveness is contagious. If a leader is responsive to people on the team, people on the team will be responsive to one another and to the people the team is designed to serve. And the speed of the leader’s responsiveness sets the standard for the others’ speed of responsiveness.

5. Expectations

The expectations of the team will not rise above the expectations the leader places on himself or herself. If the leader tolerates mediocrity and lack of discipline, the team will as well.

6. Learning

Learning leaders lead learning teams. If a leader is not learning and adjusting, the team will likely not be learning and adjusting either. If the leader is learning and growing, people on the team will either ramp up their learning or eventually tap out.

The “speed of the leader, speed of the team” terminology is helpful but incomplete, as the leader impacts the team in more than just speed. Enthusiasm of the leader, enthusiasm of the team. Demeanor of the leader, demeanor of the team. Responsiveness of the leader, responsiveness of the team. Expectations of the leader, expectations of the team. Learning of the leader, learning of the team. These are just as important and just as true.

This article originally appeared here.

Narcissistic Teens: Combatting the Rise of Self-Focused Kids

By

Jeremy Zach

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September 1, 2023

Narcissistic teens are becoming more common, according to research. Studies show a 30% increase (in the last 30 years) in teenage narcissism. More kids today think they’re more awesome than everyone else.

What is this happening? Many teens struggle with narcissism because they constantly engage with social media, reality TV, and technology. These platforms convey the message that teens are stars and entitled to do and say whatever they want.

Children aged 9 to 11 now hold “fame” as their No. 1 value. Fame ranked 15th in 1997. —Journal of Psychology Research on Cyberspace

And we (culture, teachers, parents, youth workers and coaches) only reinforce this idea that kids should think of themselves as incredibly special and deserve a trophy for everything. Consequently, psychologists conclude that teens not only feel a sense of entitlement. But they’re also more likely than ever to call themselves gifted and driven to succeed.

Don’t get me wrong. I have a very hopeful and positive view of today’s teens. In fact, teenage pregnancy and crime rates have gone down. And I strongly believe teens hunger to be part of a sacrificial mission. But in this digital, postmodern world, teenagers are experiencing a new epidemic of narcissism that has major consequences.

How to Help Narcissistic Teens

So how can youth workers address this narcissism epidemic among youth? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Show them how to have empathy for others.

First, focus outward. Empathy reduces self-focus and places our thoughts on other people (and on helping them).

2. More teens need to hear more adults talk about virtues.

Invite Christian adults to talk to your youth group members about kindness, manners, integrity, humility, commitment, and thankfulness.

3. Make entitled teens do difficult, labor-intensive work.

A little bit of sweat equity and real-world experience goes a long way.

Short Bible Verses: 56 Brief Scriptures for Children to Memorize

By

Stephanie Martin

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September 1, 2023

Short Bible verses are ideal for young children to hear, repeat, and learn. From birth, children can begin understanding God’s Word through stories, songs, and worship services. Learning passages and promises from Scripture has lifelong benefits and rewards. Even before young kids can read, they’re able to absorb, recall, and memorize short Bible verses.

So provide plenty of opportunities for learning God’s Word. And be sure to encourage youngsters in your children’s ministry along the way!

Short Bible verses abound throughout the Old and New Testaments, in all 66 books of the Bible. (The Psalms are especially rich for finding short Bible verses to memorize.) Use a kid-friendly version of the Bible. For example, NIV, NLT and NCV are great for children and new readers.

56 Short Bible Verses for Children to Learn

For starters, check out all these short Bible verses for kids. Unless noted, they’re from the NIV (New International Version).

Short Bible Verses From the Old Testament

1. Genesis 1:1

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

2. Exodus 14:14

“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

3. Exodus 20:3

“You shall have no other gods before me.”

4. Numbers 6:24

“The LORD bless you and keep you.”

5. Joshua 1:9

Be strong and courageous.

6. Psalm 23:1

The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. (NLT)

7. Psalm 37:5

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him.

8. Psalm 46:10

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

9. Psalm 62:1

My soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.

10. Psalm 107:1

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

John Cooper on Joe Rogan’s Response to Oliver Anthony Reading Proverbs 4:20 During Interview

By

Jesse T. Jackson

-

September 1, 2023

Viral sensation Oliver Anthony, whose real name is Christopher Anthony Lunsford, joined Joe Rogan on his “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast this week (Aug. 30). During the interview, the two discussed mental health, pornography, government, songwriting, and what changed in Anthony’s life that brought him overnight success.

Anthony (31), who lives with his wife and two children in a 27-foot camper in south-central Virginia, shot to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 after his “Rich Men North of Richmond” video was released on YouTube and racked up over 12.5 million views. To date, the video has garnered a staggering 52 million views.

The country singer told Rogan that playing in front of large crowds is quite foreign to him, sharing that it would have been a difference experience for him prior to committing his life to Jesus, as he suffered from severe anxiety. In fact, he told Rogan that his first ever paid gig was a North Carolina farmer’s market show that has since gone viral.

Anthony shared that a few months ago, he thought he was going to die. The singer’s anxiety had him feeling pain in his chest, arms, jaw, and legs, leading him to believe he was suffering from a heart condition. Admitting that he drank too much alcohol and smoked too much marijuana, Anthony knew that something had to change.

That is when he gave his life to God and promised he’d get sober if God would help him follow his dream.

Anthony told Rogan that since that day, he hasn’t gotten high and has been cutting out drinking alcohol. Anthony credits his sobriety and recent success to God.

“My sh*t stinks,” Anthony said, admitting that he is aware of his foul language. “I’m nobody special, and I’m not here to preach to anybody. But I’m telling you, giving things to God, for me, alleviated 99%” what he was experiencing mentally and physically.

Describing his “breakdown moment,” Anthony said it was the moment he “decided that I was going to let whatever ego I had go. And, at this point, I knew I didn’t have much left in for me anyway, and I wanted to serve whatever purpose it was that I was here to serve.” Anthony explained that an overwhelming feeling then came over him and he began to cry “like a baby.”

The feeling that led him to cry out to God hasn’t gone away, said Anthony, and he shared that it would have been unthinkable for him to play a gig in front of 12,000 people before that.

“I was just so at peace being up there. Like it just felt like that’s where I was supposed to be,” Anthony said. “There’s no way that Chris from six months ago could handle what’s gone on the last two weeks, but I feel just so empowered from all of it.”

‘Patriotic’ Natalie Grant Says Singing National Anthem at GOP Debate Was a ‘Privilege’

By

Stephanie Martin

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September 1, 2023

Last week before the first GOP presidential debate kicked off, Christian singer and songwriter Natalie Grant had the “privilege” of performing America’s national anthem. Appearing on “Fox and Friends” live from Milwaukee the morning of Aug. 23, Grant described how she was feeling ahead of her scheduled performance that evening.

When asked if she was political or patriotic, the nine-time Grammy nominee responded that she is patriotic. “I love my country. I love our anthem,” said Grant. “And it’s just an honor and a privilege.” Her stirring rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” was televised nationally on Fox News, which aired the first debate of 2024 Republican presidential hopefuls.

Natalie Grant Says She Leaves Politics to Others

Grant told “Fox and Friends” hosts she keeps politics “to those who know how to do that best and talk about it best.” Singing the national anthem “isn’t about endorsing a candidate or a party,” the 51-year-old insisted.

“At a time when public faith in our democracy is low, I’m excited to be a part of the democratic process by doing what I do best, and that’s performing,” she added. “I’ve had the distinct privilege of singing at events for both Republicans and Democrats in the past, and this is no different. It’s a privilege.”

When Grant posted a clip of her pre-debate anthem performance on Instagram, it did spark some political debate by commenters, however.

Grant also sang the national anthem at the College Football Playoff national championship game in January 2022, causing her name to trend on social media. The song is difficult to perform because of the nerves involved, Grant said last week. “I don’t want a viral clip of me singing the words wrong.”

Natalie Grant’s New Album ‘Seasons’ Releases Oct. 6

During her “Fox and Friends” appearance, Grant had the opportunity to plug her new album, due out Oct. 6. The five-time GMA Female Vocalist of the Year said “Seasons” is filled with cover songs from different seasons of her life.

“Dick Clark said music is the soundtrack of our lives, but for me, it’s been Jesus and Jesus music that’s been the soundtrack of my life,” Grant said. “And so these are just songs that have meant a lot to me.”

“Seasons” features powerhouse duets from performers including Tauren Wells, Cory Asbury, Dolly Parton, and CeCe Winans. Grant described the lineup as a “dream come true,” saying she bravely “kept asking” people to collaborate with her, “and they just kept saying yes.”

1. Many Established Churches Are Still Resistant to Planting

2. Church Plants Often Delay Developing a Culture of Multiplication

3. Some Would-Be Church Planters Just Don’t Want the Sacrifice

4. Churches Lack Community With Churches in Other Contexts

1. Consumer Christianity reflected in the Attitude, What’s in It for Me?

2. Losing Sight That the Church Gathers on Sundays To Scatter the Rest of the Week.

3. Risk Aversion.

4. Programs and Processes That Trump Passion and People.

5. The Barrenness of Busyness.

10 Ways to Ignite Praying in a Small Group

1. Be brief.

2. Be informal.

3. Be yourself.

4. Use Scripture.

5. Go first.

FAQs About Broadcasting Church Services

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Salvation > Miracles

Forever Changed

1. The Christian Life Is a Journey.

2. The Christian Life Is Disciplined.

1. Speed

2. Enthusiasm

3. Demeanor

4. Responsiveness

5. Expectations

6. Learning

How to Help Narcissistic Teens

1. Show them how to have empathy for others.

2. More teens need to hear more adults talk about virtues.

3. Make entitled teens do difficult, labor-intensive work.

56 Short Bible Verses for Children to Learn

Short Bible Verses From the Old Testament

1. Genesis 1:1

2. Exodus 14:14

3. Exodus 20:3

4. Numbers 6:24

5. Joshua 1:9

6. Psalm 23:1

7. Psalm 37:5

8. Psalm 46:10

9. Psalm 62:1

10. Psalm 107:1

Natalie Grant Says She Leaves Politics to Others

Natalie Grant’s New Album ‘Seasons’ Releases Oct. 6

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