What Kind of King? A Powerful Palm Sunday Poem

By

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March 27, 2023

This is a Palm Sunday poem that I wrote and preached as the Palm/Passion Sunday sermon. A number of people have requested copies of it, so I’m making it available here: use this Palm Sunday poem as you wish.

Palm Sunday Poem

What Kind of King Are You?

What kind of king
rides on a donkey
a donkey that might be borrowed,
or might be hijacked?

What kind of king
builds a castle
with a wide open door for children to enter
but a needle-eye sized hole for the rich?

What kind of king
rides on a donkey
into the city where
his assassins are waiting?

What kind of king
enters his assassins’ city
with a ragtag commotion for all to see
and not one security guard?

What kind of king
lets his subjects treat him like a
military liberator but doesn’t
come with a single sword or weapon?

What kind of king
lets his followers send a
public message to the competing powers
with no intent of answering a single challenge?

What kind of King are you?

What kind of King
can send two followers
to fetch a donkey
and know exactly what they’ll need to say?

Palm Sunday Sermon: What Kind of King Did You Expect?

By

Chuck Warnock

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March 27, 2023

thank you notes for children’s ministry volunteers

Seriously consider using this Palm Sunday sermon in your church this year!

If Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was triumphal on Palm Sunday, what went wrong less than a week later? Why did the crowds who adored Jesus on Sunday, turn on him by Friday of that week? And what choice does Palm Sunday present to us today? In this Palm Sunday sermon, I’ll try to answer those questions and explore the reasons the Roman empire, the Jewish religious leaders, and the common people all turn on Jesus after that glorious Sunday.

Palm Sunday Sermon: What Kind of King Did You Expect?

Matthew 21:1-11

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

“Say to the Daughter of Zion,
‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest!”
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”
The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

The Problem of Palm Sunday

Today is Palm Sunday, the day on which Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of a young donkey. This day has been described by Christians for generations as the “triumphal entry into Jerusalem.” But, have you ever asked yourself, “If this was a triumphal entry, then why did they crucify Jesus at the end of the week?”

Even the compilers of the revised common lectionary realize that this Sunday is a problem for us, because they give us two readings from the Gospels. One reading is from this passage, and it is called the “palms reading.” Not “palm reading,” but “palms” because of the palm fronds that those who greet Jesus line his way with. The other reading is called the “passion reading” because the suffering of Christ at the end of this week is called “the passion of Christ.” Mel Gibson made a movie with that title a few years ago, and it depicted his view of the last hours of Jesus.

So, we have a problem today that we need to address. If this is such a glorious Sunday for all Christians, what goes wrong by Friday that Jesus will find himself betrayed by one of his own disciples, arrested by the high priest’s guard, accused by a coalition of religious leaders, tried by the Roman governor, and sentenced to die the death of a common criminal—death by crucifixion.

A Day of Two Processions

You might not know that Jesus’ procession into Jerusalem was not the only procession the city saw that day. In the year 30 AD, Roman historians record that the governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate, led a procession of Roman cavalry and centurions into the city of Jerusalem. (The Last Week, Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan, p.1)

Excellence: Showing Kids They Are Worth It

By

Dale Hudson

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March 26, 2023

excellence in children's ministry — Adobestock #322245076

A while back, I wrote an article entitled “It Doesn’t Matter…They’re Just Kids.” I talked about the importance of being committed to excellence…especially when it comes to kid’s ministry.

I’d like to expand on that thought in today’s article.

Let’s dive deeper into why we should be committed to excellence when it comes to children and their parents.

Be committed to excellence for children. Children are often the decision-makers when it comes to deciding what the family will do. Where the family will eat (that’s why the family drives past the steak house and goes to McDonald’s instead). What movie the family will watch. Where the family will go on vacation. And yes…what church the family will attend.

An excellent children’s ministry is a major factor when it comes to growing a church. Stats show that one of the top reasons why parents choose a church is based on their children’s ministry.

When we are committed to excellence in our children’s ministry, it sends a message to parents that their children are worth it.

In the last 20 years, we have seen many churches invest heavily in the look, feel and decor of their children’s ministry. They have spent major money on creating environments that are welcoming to children. For many of them, it has helped their church grow and reach more families. Your facilities and investments send a message to families.

Walt Disney was known for his commitment to doing the little things well. He had an eye for detail and he wanted those he worked with to be just as committed to the details.

Whatever you do, do it well. Do it so well that when people see you do it, they will want to come back and see you do it again, and they will want to bring others and show them how well you do what you do. (Walt Disney)

Here are a few examples of their commitment to excellence…

The manhole covers are specially designed with a Mickey Mouse logo in the center.
The Merry-Go-Round is painted with real gold paint.
Handrails that get a lot of wear and tear are re-painted every single night.
If you have never heard the story about the birds in the Tiki show, read it here.

When kids are made to feel important and welcomed, they will return. Walt knew this. Check out what happened as they were developing the Disneyland stage coach ride.

The stagecoach ride was the first attraction built for the park. As the stagecoach was being put together, the Imagineers, who built it, were getting very frustrated with Walt. As they were working on the final piece, the stagecoach leather straps, they simply could not get Walt to sign off on it.

Legendary Imagineer, John Hench, couldn’t get Walt’s final approval for the leather straps. He said this to Walt.

“Why don’t we just leave the leather straps off, Walt? The people are never going to appreciate all this close up detail.”

DC Talk’s Drummer, MercyMe’s Sound Man Unexpectedly Dies

By

Jesse T. Jackson

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March 25, 2023

dc talk — Screengrab via Instagram @maydaydrums

Rick “Mayday” May unexpectedly died on Friday (March 24) after a fungal infection he had been battling led to other complications that resulted in liver failure. He was 54.

Between 1991 and 2000, May released three albums with his band The Walter Eugenes, but is known by those who have followed Christian music as DC Talk’s (TobyMac, Michael Tait, and Kevin Max) touring drummer (“Welcome to the Freak Show,” “Supernatural Tour,” “Solo Tour”) and his work on their Grammy-nominated “Supernatural” album.

May also helped form the band Zilch, which consisted of DC Talk band members and which eventually paved the way for the the Dove Award-winning band Sonicflood to be formed. The talented musician later become MeryMe’s sound man and was actively serving as such for the last seven years.

May had a music studio located in Chillicothe, Ohio, where he influenced and provided guidance for many upcoming bands, many of which went on to sign recording contracts with Christian record labels.

“Today we lost a legend,” May’s son Conner posted on Instagram. “My dad, my life, my friend went to be in heaven with Jesus. He loved life. He loved people. He loved his family.”

Conner shared that, over the past month, May was battling a fungal infection in his lungs and that it had been a journey of both highs and lows. During points of his hospital stay, May showed improvement, leading doctors to provide hope to May’s family that he would be able to go home. But this week, May developed another infection that put his body in shock and caused him to have liver failure, Conner said.

On Friday, May was surrounded by people he loved, May’s son shared. “People he poured into relationally. People that he continually has been Uncle Rick for time after time again. He had such a heart for those that needed purpose. He had vision that was always beyond what others could see. He was always calling out more in people like a true father always would.”

“My mom and I love him deeply,” Conner continued. “We know his legacy lives on. We know it runs deep in our veins. My dad told me this past month he wanted to see heaven on earth. We told each other when he gets out of the hospital, we were going to change the world. The truth is, he has already changed the world. His life is a true example of what it looks like to be a world changer.”

May’s son encouraged those who knew his father to “change the world for Jesus” as his dad set out to do. “Dad, I love you,” Conner concluded. “You’re with me in my heart.”

TobyMac told ChurchLeaders, “We called him ‘Mayday’ because if you were in trouble or needed help, he was always there for you. That’s just the kind of guy he is, a loyal and dependable friend. A guy that made work light because he made you laugh and was always wind at your back. I know he’s in a better place, but I will miss him deeply as I know so many others will.”

Commenting on Conner’s posts, TobyMac wrote, “A great man, who has obviously poured greatness into his son…he was always inspiring, always wind at our backs, always wise, and always loving…I always left his side feeling better about myself because he spoke life into my soul.”

A Jesus Revolution Youth Group

By

Greg Stier

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March 25, 2023

Jesus revolution youth group — Adobestock #395388948

I was blessed to see an early release of this amazing movie. To be honest, I wasn’t ready for it to be good—actually, really good.

I tend to qualify my reviews of Christian movies with statements like: “For a Christian movie, it was pretty good.” But with “Jesus Revolution,“ I can honestly say it was a good movie, with no qualifications whatsoever. It received an A+ Cinemascore and a 62% Tomatometer rating from the critics on Rotten Tomatoes (not usually a pro-Christian movie crowd). It also got a 99% rating from the audience.

The box office numbers surprised everyone. This movie is a hit.

But more than good, it’s inspiring to both young and old.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking this movie is only for the 60+ crowd who witnessed the actual Jesus movement of the late ’60s and early ’70s.

This movie can deeply impact your teenagers as well.

Hippies vs. Gen Z

There are so many similarities between the hippies of yesteryear and Gen Z of today. Both generations are open, honest, and looking for answers. Both are looking for purpose, transcendence, and hope. Both endured large-scale traumas (a perceived unjust war combined with the battle for Civil Rights for the hippies and the trauma of Covid-inspired lockdowns and isolation for our teenagers). Both tend to be looking for answers in all the wrong places. And both began to realize that those wrong places don’t satisfy.

When the hippies of San Francisco and SoCal started coming to an end of themselves and seeing that the aftermath of drugs, sex, and rock ’n’ roll wasn’t filling the gaping holes in their souls, many were open to joining the Jesus movement.

Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom, flat on your back, before you can look up. That’s what happened with the Jesus movement. When people came to the rock bottom of Timothy Leary’s philosophy of “Turn on, tune in, drop out” and realized that LSD didn’t bring them transcendence, communal living didn’t bring them peace, and countercultural chants didn’t change a thing, many were willing to give Jesus a chance.

The results are, well, historic.

I believe the same thing is happening today with Gen Z. Teenagers are hitting the rock bottom of isolation and depression. Despite being ultra-connected, they’re the loneliest generation on record.

Lat month, the CDC put out a report indicating that 57% of teenage girls in the U.S. felt “persistently sad or hopeless.” It’s double that of boys. Around 30% of girls admit they’ve seriously considered taking their own lives.

The bad news is that Gen Z is flat on its back, knocked down by sadness, loneliness, and anxiety. The good news is that now they can look up to Jesus.

And they are—in droves!

Gen Z and Jesus

I can testify to this personally. I’ve seen it at the events I’ve preached at over the last few years.

Two road-warrior evangelist friends of mine, Zane Black and Shane Pruitt, can testify to this as well.

Zane is currently touring with Winter Jam and is seeing massive numbers of teenagers not just attend the events, but respond to the Gospel. Tens of thousands of teenagers have indicated faith in Jesus, and the tour isn’t over yet.

Shane shared this on his Instagram post just a few weeks ago:

I’ve personally seen more college students and teens start following Jesus in the last 3 years than in the previous 18 years of ministry combined. (Shane Pruitt)

I applaud Zane and Shane in full agreement.

4 Temptations Single People Deal With

By

Philip Wagner

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March 25, 2023

A few years ago Pastor Perry Noble wrote a blog about temptations for single Christians and I liked the way that he addressed some of the thoughts about this important issue. He presented them as “temptations” for Christian singles that he called a distraction to God’s best. His thoughts inspired me so I decided to write about the topic.

One of the most important decisions a person will ever make in their life is the decision about whom we will marry. In marriage, hopefully, we grow in our ability to love each other and in our ability to face the challenges in life. Dr. Neil Clark Warren, author and founder of eHarmony, has said that the quality of the person you choose can account for up to 85 percent of whether the marriage will work or not.

Starting your marriage with a person who is a good fit for you and has similar values as you do is huge. This decision of selecting your life teammate can impact so many other areas of life. It has an impact on your faith, your career, your friendships and your happiness.

Four Temptations for Single Christians to Avoid

1. Compromise

This one is perhaps the biggest of temptations for single Christians. There is a fear that we cannot get the best person for us while keeping high standards, so we begin to compromise on what we once thought was important. Watching single people we know and love make concessions on their faith, their values or their life standards is disturbing.

Women, if you are looking for “Mr. Right” don’t settle for “Mr. Right Now.” Sometimes, women in particular think that if all of her friends are getting married and she is not, then she should lower her standards. Men are often tempted to dismiss important values when he is attracted to a beautiful, attractive, sexy young woman. Her character becomes secondary. But believe me, her character will be what makes or breaks the relationship.

Remember this: Jesus never asked His followers to compromise their faith or integrity, but he does ask us to be willing to endure criticism for speaking and walking in His truth.

People, if you are constantly defending the person you are dating, then you are probably compromising on something.

“Ladies…if he is not pursuing you in a godly manner (which means he is not constantly trying to stick his hands down your pants) then drop him!” Perry Noble

The saddest thing a woman can do is to dumb herself down for a guy. The dumbest thing a guy can do is to think through his zipper and not his brain.

2. Thinking Marriage Will Solve Relationship Problems

I have issues; you have issues. All God’s people have issues.

Marriage is a magnifier. Most problems you face now, you will continue to face in your marriage, sometimes even more. If the issue is a small thing when you are dating, then please know that it will become a significant issue in your marriage.

Don’t disregard the problems in each other’s attitude or actions. Since we all have issues, pay attention to their level of humility and willingness to change. Remember, the Bible says “you will know them by their fruit,” not their promises. When dating, it’s best to deal in reality, not potential.

Spring Sunday School Crafts: 12 Ways to Celebrate God’s Creation

By

ChildrensMinistry.com

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March 24, 2023

Spring Sunday school crafts are ideal for celebrating God’s creation and new life. Children love when the dead of winter transforms into the new life of spring. While all of God’s natural creation is born anew, we also celebrate our new life in Jesus.

These 12 spring Sunday school crafts let kids celebrate the new life happening all around them. These ideas are designed to welcome the season and remind children of our new life—thanks to Jesus.

12 Spring Sunday School Crafts

Enjoy all these fun, creative spring Sunday school crafts!

1. Grow, Flower, Grow!

Kids celebrate spring’s new life by creating their own “growing” flowers.

You’ll need:

medium-size paper cups
brown construction paper
green felt
1/4-inch size wooden dowels
green paint
paintbrushes
assorted colors of craft foam
1-inch pompoms, scissors
a low-temperature hot glue gun

What you’ll do:

For each flower, paint a dowel green and set it aside to dry. Cut a flower shape from craft foam, making the diameter of the flower 1/4-inch larger than the bottom of the paper cup. Cut a small hole in the center of the flower and slip it over one end of the dowel. Glue the flower 1/8-inch from the top of the dowel. Then hot glue a pompom on top of the dowel in the flower’s center. Add craft foam leaves to the dowel just below the flower.

Cover the cup with brown construction paper. Turn the cup upside down on green felt and trace a circle. Cut the felt circle about 1/4-inch larger than the traced circle. Cut a large X in the center of the felt circle and hot glue the circle to the cup’s top rim. Poke a hole in the bottom center of the cup large enough for the dowel to slide through.

To finish, gently poke the bottom of the dowel through the X in the green felt, then through the hole in the bottom of the cup. Push the dowel all the way down until the flower disappears beneath the felt into the cup. Kids can push the dowels up from the bottom and watch their flowers grow to remind them of the new life and growth we have in Jesus.

2. Twiggy Vase

Kids make these vases and fill them with fresh flowers as a reminder of new life in Jesus.

You’ll need:

clean, empty soup cans
a low-temperature hot glue gun
lots of twigs
fresh flowers

What you’ll do:

Take kids on a walk outdoors to collect as many twigs as they can find (if you don’t have access to twigs, use toothpicks instead). Use a hot glue to attach twigs to the soup cans. Then fill kids’ vases with fresh flowers as you talk about how the twigs are like our lives before Jesus (dead and broken) and how the flowers represent our lives with Jesus (new and alive).

3. Baby Lambs

Kids can make baby lambs to remind them that Jesus is the Lamb of God.

You’ll need:

large plastic eggs
cotton balls
miniature spring clothespins
black pompoms
black felt
white paint
paintbrushes
black markers
googly eyes
glue

What you’ll do:

Coat the outside of one half of a plastic egg with glue and cover it with cotton balls. Paint the clothespins white and then color the bottom tips black to form hooves. When the glue is dry, clip four clothespins around the bottom of the egg for the lamb’s legs. Glue the black pompom to one end for the sheep’s head. Cut small ears from black felt and glue them to the sides of the head. To finish, glue googly eyes on the head.

Read aloud John 1:29, and tell kids to place the lambs in their rooms to remind them every day that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away our sins.

Prayer Object Lesson: Help Preteens Give Glory to God

By

Youth Ministrycom

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March 24, 2023

This simple prayer object lesson, titled Candlelight Prayer, is great for preteens. Use it in youth group, Bible study, or small groups of middle schoolers.

This object lesson explains how Old Testament believers offered prayers of praise to God through burnt offerings and sacrifices. Then it describes how times and sacrifices have changed.

Prayer Object Lesson for Preteens

You’ll need:

a Bible
matches
a pillar candle
LED tea lights (1 per person)

Candlelight Prayer

Place the pillar candle on a table in the center of a darkened room. As you light it, invite kids to gather in a circle around the table.

Stand in the candlelight. Say: Today we’re going to offer prayers of praise in a different way. In Old Testament times, people gave burnt offerings and sacrifices to God.

Read Hebrews 13:15 aloud. Then continue: As Hebrews 13:15 explains, instead of giving offerings of animals or grain, our sacrifices to God are our praises. The psalm I’m about to read is your invitation to praise God by telling about the wonderful things God has done.

Read Psalm 66:1-5. Next, pick up a tea light and turn it on. Complete this sentence prayer: God, I praise you for _____________.

Invite kids to take tea lights and follow your example.

When everyone has prayed and turned on a tea light, say: The Bible describes many instances when God’s glory shone in the temple, in heaven, and even on the faces of people. For example, listen to Luke 2:9.

OnlyFans Star Blac Chyna Shares Image of Baptism, Says She Has Been ‘Reborn’

By

Jesse T. Jackson

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March 24, 2023

On Thursday (March 23), well-known reality TV star, American model, socialite, former stripper, and OnlyFans star Blac Chyna, whose legal name is Angela White, shared in an Instagram post that she had been baptized.

“I was reborn on my birthday 5-11-22 🙏🏽 God is Good 🙌🏽,” the 34-year-old said next to an image of her being immersed in the waters of a pool.

In a recent interview with Daily Mail, White shared that after getting baptized on her birthday last May, she realized that performing and sharing pornographic content wasn’t something that God would want her to do. So she quit.

“I’m not doing OnlyFans anymore,” she explained. “I’m kind of past that. It is one of those things where I did what I needed to do at that moment because of the circumstances I was in…besides, with me being baptized, that’s just not what God will want me to do. It’s kind of degrading.”

White found God after searching for how to “become whole” and said that moving forward, she is trusting “God in every step.”

White hopes that sharing her story will inspire others and dispel rumors from those who are skeptical of her recently found faith.

“If you don’t like it, then you just don’t like it. But I will tell you this: there is a God. Nobody can tell you what to do with your religion or your faith or this or that,” White said.

The mother of two has also been posting online about her journey of dissolving her face fillers, as well as reversing augmentations to her breasts and “gluteus maximus.”

In one of her posts she writes, “I’m so happy. 🙌🏽🙏🏽❤️”

According to Daily Mail, White shared that fellow Christians have been providing prayers and spiritual guidance to her since she became a follower of Jesus.

Churchome Pastor Judah Smith’s Inclusion on Lana Del Rey’s New Album Bewilders Fans

By

Jessica Lea

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March 24, 2023

judah smith — L: Pastor Judah Smith preaches March 19, 2023. R: Lana Del Rey performs live at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles on Oct. 13, 2019. Justin Higuchi from Los Angeles, CA, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Lana Del Rey dropped her latest album, “Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd,” today and it contains quite the unexpected track: an interlude featuring Churchome pastor Judah Smith. The track is a four-and-a-half minute long recording of Smith preaching, along with Del Rey’s reactions and melancholy piano music playing over the audio.

“I used to think my preaching was mostly about you,” says Smith at the end of the track. “And you’re not going to like this, but I’m going to tell you the truth, I’ve discovered my preaching is mostly about me.”

Judah Smith, who with his wife Chelsea, leads Churchome in Kirkland, Washington, is credited on the album cover, along with Lana Del Rey’s other collaborators, including Father John Misty, Bleachers and Jon Batiste. [Editor’s note: Lana Del Rey’s music contains language some may find offensive.]

Why Is Judah Smith on Lana Del Rey’s New Album?

Lana Del Rey, whose real name is Elizabeth Grant, is a singer-songwriter who released her first, self-titled album in 2010 and rose to fame after the release of her 2011 single, “Video Games.” The following year, she released her second studio album, “Born to Die,” which debuted in the number two spot on the Billboard 200 chart. Her single, “Young and Beautiful,” was featured on the soundtrack for the 2013 film, “The Great Gatsby.” Del Rey released six more studio albums prior to the release of “Ocean Blvd.”

“Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd” continues many of the motifs that distinguish Lana Del Rey (who has called herself a “gangster Nancy Sinatra”): melancholy glamor, California, loving the wrong men, Americana, and even violence. In “A&W,” the singer alludes to being raped, but says she won’t testify.

“Did you know a singer can still be / Looking like a sidepiece at 33?” she asks. “God’s a charlatan, don’t look back, babe…It’s not about havin’ someone to love me anymore (Oh, okay) / No, this is the experience of bein’ an American whore.”

The very next track is “Judah Smith Interlude,” and while the singer no doubt has her reasons for including it on the album, the interlude is giving some of her fans whiplash with quite a few saying they plan to skip it.

this is how i feel skipping the judah smith interlude
pic.twitter.com/iz3oxqiL3d

— hayl (@fallnalien) March 24, 2023

It is unclear where Lana Del Rey obtained her recording of Smith, although it appears to be audio she took while attending a service at Churchome. Images posted online purport to show the singer visiting the church.

In a December 2022 letter Del Rey wrote announcing her new album, she thanks those who contributed to it, including “Judah and Chelsea Smith for giving me good guidance even when they don’t know they’re giving guidance and for letting me record a part of his sermon for this record.” Churchome has a location in Beverly Hills and is known for attracting celebrities such Justin and Hailey Bieber.

Judah Smith is a controversial figure to some. In June 2022, a video resurfaced showing a conversation between Judah and Chelsea Smith in which Judah said that masturbation, when done within marriage, is a “gift” from God. In August 2022, Judah Smith appeared at the Global Leadership Summit, where he gave a talk that was notable for its lack of coherence and in which he joked about sex, his church’s attendance, and not preparing for his presentation.

Sex is indirectly a topic of the audio of Smith that Lana Del Rey included on her album. “Judah Smith Interlude” opens with melancholy piano music, which plays throughout. People applaud, and then Smith’s voice can be heard, exhorting his congregation to “quit lusting after your neighbor. That’s a heck of a life.”

The pastor speaks to those who are living a “life dominated by lust” and are dissatisfied with their marriages and families, saying they should ask the Holy Spirit to help them desire what they already have. In the background, Lana Del Rey can be heard responding, “Yeah, yeah, desires for what you have.”

Throughout the track, Del Rey responds and laughs at different points. She laughs when Smith makes a self-deprecating joke and laughs again when he says God spoke to him and then he adds, “I don’t know if it was God, but it felt like God.”

‘We Will Not Be Bullied’ — Greg Locke Plans To Countersue County

By

Jesse T. Jackson

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March 24, 2023

Controversial pastor Greg Locke was sued this week by the Wilson County Government in Tennessee for zoning violations and “excessive noise” complaints against Global Vision Bible Church in Mt. Juliet.

The lawsuit was filed by Director of Wilson County Development Services Tom Brashear and states that the property owned by Global Vision Bible Church “has a history of numerous complaints, some of which are related to zoning violations and others about excessive noise.”

Global Vision Bible, Inc., Global Vision Baptist, Inc., and Global Vision Church are listed as defendants alongside Locke.

The lawsuit alleges that the church has failed to obtain proper building permits for construction over the years and has violated multiple county “Notice to Stop Work” orders.

In addition to construction violations, the suit also claims that an increasing number of local residents have filed noise complaints.

“The complaints have increased in number and the frequency from neighbors who suffer from the excessive noise, drainage from the property, and other issues,” the suit reads.

The suit argues that if Global Vision Bible Church fails to bring the property into complete compliance, they are be required to “remove all buildings from the property and be permanently enjoined from placing any other buildings on the property until there is full and strict compliance with the Wilson County Zoning Ordinance and the Wilson County Strormwater Regulations.”

Locke told ChurchLeaders that “not only is this lawsuit unconstitutional, it’s flat out not true. We have done everything we can to be in compliance. We’ve even had a Tennessee State Inspection applaud us on our progress and give us areas that have needed attention.”

“There is no noise ordinance, and we’ve gone above and beyond to minimize the sound,” Locke continued. “And now that we’ve done that, they have to find some other trumped up nonsense to violate us on.”

Locke said that the church won’t “be bullied,” explaining that the complaints listed in the lawsuit reference a building that they haven’t met in for over three years.

“Let me be plain: we will counter sue the County. We will keep having services. We will not be bullied and we will continue to do all we can to minimize sound, be good neighbors, and serve the community,” Locke said.

Kansas State Basketball Coach Thanks ‘My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ’ After Victory Over Michigan State

By

Stephanie Martin

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March 24, 2023

As the Kansas State men’s basketball team heads to the Elite Eight this weekend, first-year head coach Jerome Tang is glorifying God and crediting the power of love. Last night (March 23), the Wildcats won an overtime thriller against Michigan State to advance in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

After Thursday night’s 98-93 March Madness victory over the Spartans, Coach Tang told a CBS reporter that he and his players have “a ton of faith in each other.” Tang just tries to “love ’em,” he added, saying, “When you love people, it’s amazing what you can accomplish.”

If Kansas State wins Saturday against Florida Atlantic, the Wildcats will advance to their first Final Four since 1964. The university’s men’s basketball team has never won a national championship.

Coach Jerome Tang Gives Credit, Glory to God

Jerome Tang began his post-game press conference by thanking “my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” saying, “I would not be where I’m at right now if it wasn’t for his faithfulness in my life and guidance.” All his players have some type of faith that “guides their life,” the coach said, noting it’s evident in their work ethic and in “how they treat people off the court.”

To reporters, Tang said, “I hope y’all saw the love that they have for each other, the joy in which they play, and the freedom that they’re allowed to be out there and play with.” The coach expressed gratitude that he gets to spend more time this season practicing and playing with his players.

One of those athletes, guard Markquis Nowell, set a school record Thursday night, with 19 assists (and 20 points). The New York City native, whose Twitter handle is @MrNewYorkCityy, electrified fans at Madison Square Garden, tweeting afterward: “ALL GLORY TO GOD!!!”

Speaking to a reporter after the victory, Nowell said, “I just want to start by saying all glory to God. He gave me these gifts and these talents, and I’m just glad that I have a platform to showcase them.”

Coach Jerome Tang Is a Former Youth Pastor

Jerome Tang, 56, is the first Black coach in Kansas State history. Born in Trinidad and raised in Texas, he served as a youth pastor while coaching the basketball team at Heritage Christian Academy to four state championships. Next up for Tang was a 19-year stint as an assistant coach at Baylor.

Last spring, Tang left Baylor after much prayer. He took over a Kansas State team that had three consecutive losing seasons and was picked to finish last in the Big 12 this year. Defying expectations, he led the Wildcats to a 26-9 record, which he described as “a testament to God’s faithfulness.” But Tang insisted that he’s “simply an instrument” and that “basketball is just the platform that God’s given me in order to help mentor young men.”

‘Sex-Ridden’ — Utah Parent Requests Bible To Be Removed From School Libraries Under New Anti-Porn Legislation

By

Dale Chamberlain

-

March 24, 2023

A Utah parent has filed a formal request to have the Bible removed from the libraries of the Davis County School District under new state legislation that bars “pornographic or indecent” content.

Referring to the Bible as “one of the most sex-ridden books around,” the parent apparently made the request in protest of the 2022 state legislation that resulted in a wave of book bannings in Utah schools.

“I thank the Utah Legislature and Utah Parents United for making this bad faith process so much easier and way more efficient. Now we can all ban books and you don’t even need to read them or be accurate about it,” the parent wrote in the request, which was obtained by the Salt Lake Tribune. “Heck, you don’t even need to see the book!”

“Ceding our children’s education, First Amendment Rights, and library access to a white supremacist hate group like Utah Parents United seems like a wonderful idea for a school district literally under investigation for being racist,” the parent went on to write.

Utah Parents United is a conservative advocacy group that pushed for the legislation to remove pornographic and indecent reading material from public schools. They have been accused by their opponents of specifically targeting works authored by or written about the LGBTQ+ community and people of color.

One of the books at the center of this debate—both in Utah and around the nation—has been “Gender Queer: A Memoir,” a graphic novel written by Maia Kobabe. Proponents of its removal cite its explicit illustrations of oral sex and masturbation. Those opposed to its removal accuse conservatives of attempting to silence minority voices.

The parent’s allusion to Davis County School District being “under investigation for being racist” is apparently a reference to a 2021 investigation conducted by the Justice Department, which found that the district had intentionally ignored “serious and widespread” racial harassment in its schools for years.

In 2022, the family of a Black junior high student who allegedly endured a pattern of racial discrimination and harassment sued the district. That harassment reportedly included being called a “cotton picker” and the n-word.

“I noticed there’s a gap, though,” the parent’s request went on to read, referring to books and materials that have already been banned. “Utah Parents United left off one of the most sex-ridden books around: The Bible.”

“Incest, onanism, bestiality, prostitution, genital mutilation, fellatio, dildos, rape, and even infanticide. You’ll no doubt find that the Bible, under Utah Code Ann. § 76-10-1227, has ‘no serious values (sic) for minors’ because it’s pornographic by our new definition,” the parent wrote. “Get this PORN out of our schools! If the books that have been banned so far are any indication for way lesser offenses, this should be a slam dunk.”

Survey: Catholic Biblical Literalists More Likely to Have Anti-Jewish Views

By

Jack Jenkins

-

March 24, 2023

(RNS) — Nearly six decades after the Second Vatican Council called for a renewal of Catholic-Jewish relations, American Catholics exhibit a marked lack of knowledge of their church’s teachings about Judaism, according to wide-ranging new survey of U.S. Catholic views on Jews, Judaism and the Israel-Palestine conflict.

“The survey shows that there’s a need to more intensely raise the consciousness of American Catholics about Catholic views on the Bible and understandings of Jewish covenantal life,” said Philip Cunningham, director of St. Joseph’s Institute for Jewish-Catholic Relations, which conducted the survey in July 2022 with SurveyUSA.

Most surprising among the survey’s findings is that fewer than half of U.S. Catholics affirm the idea that God’s covenant with the Jewish people remains intact, with just 41.7% of U.S. Catholics responding yes. More than 42% said they didn’t know, and 15.8% said the covenant either ended or never existed.

Echoing the documents and pronouncements of several of his predecessors, Pope Francis wrote in 2013 that Catholics “hold the Jewish people in special regard because their covenant with God has never been revoked.”

Cunningham, the author of a forthcoming paper on the survey’s results along with three other scholars — Adam Gregerman from St. Joseph’s, Kirill Bumin of Stonehill College and Motti Inbari the University of North Carolina at Pembroke — noted Catholics were significantly more likely to affirm Catholic teaching regarding the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Nearly 70% of respondents blamed “the sins of humanity” (41.6%) or Roman soldiers and Pontius Pilate (28.2%).

Even so, the scholars seemed unsettled that roughly 30% of U.S. Catholics didn’t know (9.6%), thought no one is to blame (9.6%) or openly blamed Jewish people (11%).

“Who bears the blame for the crucifixion of Jesus?” Courtesy graphic

“The fact that the Second Vatican Council authoritatively and explicitly rejected the historically inflammatory notion that Jews were ‘rejected or accursed’ could lead to the conclusion that a ‘passing grade’ of 70% on this crucial issue is unacceptably low for Catholic religious education,” reads the paper.

In a parallel finding, Catholics who consider the Bible the word of God and say Scripture should be taken literally (37%) — itself contrary to Catholic teaching — were more likely to blame “the Jews” for Christ’s crucifixion and say that God’s covenant with the Jewish people had ended with Christ’s death.

Regular churchgoers were 19.2% more likely to have negative ideas about Jews and Judaism than less frequent worshippers.

“Does God’s covenant with the Jewish people remain intact today?” Courtesy graphic

Anti-Jewish views were more common as well among Catholics under 30, fewer of whom said that Jews enjoy an ongoing relationship with God than older ones (30% vs. 36.8%). Younger Catholics were also less likely to say the Jewish covenant with God continues (32.5% vs. 43.1%). And they were less likely to say they were worried about antisemitism (24.4%) than older Catholics (40.2%).

The survey drew from a separate poll conducted by another set of researchers in 2021 that asked many of the same questions of evangelical Christians. When compared to the new poll, evangelicals were significantly more likely than Catholics to have “good or very good” views of Jews (65% vs. 54.2%) but were less likely than Catholics to say the same about Muslims (25.6% vs. 31.7%). Evangelicals were also notably more likely to have a poor or very poor opinion of Muslims (27.5%) compared with Catholics (12.8%).

“What is your opinion of Jews and Muslims?” Courtesy graphic

Majorities of both Catholics (68.4% ) and evangelicals (64.5%) said they were not very knowledgeable about the Israel-Palestine conflict. Asked whether they supported the cause of Israel or of Palestinians, the largest subset of both groups said they supported neither (35.1% of Catholics, 30.6% of evangelicals), though evangelicals were notably more likely to say they strongly supported Israel (11.5% of Catholics vs. 25.4% of evangelicals).

Evangelicals (41.1%) were also more likely than Catholics (25.7%) to say that U.S. foreign policy should favor Israel, whereas Catholics (52.6%) were more likely than evangelicals (37.6%) to argue the U.S. should remain neutral or not take sides.

Geopolitics aside, Cunningham suggested the survey hints that Catholic leaders have work to do when it comes to educating the U.S. faithful regarding church teaching on Judaism.

“We saw the tendency for Catholics who claim to know Catholic teaching, to actually not know that teaching as well as they thought … and to actually be more likely to hold negative attitudes toward Jews,” he said.

The survey, which was conducted online, interviewed 1,241 respondents and had a margin of error of 3.2 percentage points.

“Which best expresses what you think about the Bible?” Courtesy graphic

This article originally appeared here.

Nancy Pelosi on Cleric Who Barred Her From Communion: ‘That’s His Problem, Not Mine’

By

Jack Jenkins

-

March 24, 2023

WASHINGTON (RNS) — Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a rare public rebuke of her home bishop on Thursday (March 23), voicing choice words for Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone and other prelates during a wide-ranging interview about the intersection of politics and her Catholic faith.

Her remarks came during an event hosted by Georgetown University’s Center on Faith and Justice as part of a “Higher Calling” series focused on the faith of politicians. When Jim Wallis, the center’s executive director, mentioned that people of faith “don’t always agree with the leaders of our church on every matter of policy,” Pelosi referenced tensions between herself and members of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops as a result of her public advocacy for abortion rights.

Without mentioning him by name, Pelosi singled out Cordileone, who oversees her home archdiocese of San Francisco. Cordileone barred Pelosi from receiving Communion in churches under his purview last year because of her stance on legalizing abortion.

“I have a problem with my archbishop,” she said, “and I figure that’s his problem, not mine.”

Friction between bishops and Catholic Democrats over abortion, which the Catholic Church condemns, eventually spurred at least three other bishops to bar Pelosi from Communion in their dioceses as well. Despite the bans, Pelosi has continued to receive Communion in Washington and took part in the Eucharist while visiting the Vatican last year.

In June 2021, as bishops weighed barring President Joe Biden, also a Catholic, from Communion, a group of 60 House Catholic Democrats published a public letter urging clerics to avoid “weaponizing” the Eucharist. However, Pelosi was not among the signers of the document.

On Thursday, Pelosi said she is “pretty much in sync” with bishops on most other issues, but believes some clerics have been willing to “abandon the bulk” of their “social contract” in pursuit of their opposition to abortion.

She noted the bishops’ opposition to the Affordable Care Act in 2010, which passed 13 years ago to the day on Thursday. The prelates were ultimately rebuffed by Catholic nuns who came out in support of the law, a move credited with helping pass the measure but also widely seen as one of the catalysts that triggered a Vatican investigation of U.S. nuns.

“Thank God for the nuns,” Pelosi said.

Pelosi singled out Cordileone again later in the program while responding to a question about her support for LGBTQ rights. She noted the key role the bishop played in the passage of California’s Proposition 8, briefly banning in the state same-sex marriage — which church leaders have decried as outside “God’s plan for marriage and family.”

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, left, in 2020. San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, right, in 2020. (AP Photos)

“We’ve had very, very negative anti-LGBTQ stuff coming from our archbishop,” she said, later adding: “He’s made it very clear: Maybe we’re not all God’s children. Maybe we do not have a free will.”

Pelosi struck a different tone when discussing Pope Francis, who she intimated has taken a more compassionate approach toward LGBTQ people. She also cited one of his encyclicals — “Laudato Si’,” which focuses on climate change — while discussing the need to protect “God’s creation.”

However, Pelosi said she had “a little disagreement” with Pope Francis regarding China, taking issue with the Vatican’s decision to allow the Chinese government to have a say in the selection of Catholic bishops in the country.

“I don’t think they gained anything from it,” she said, referring to the Vatican.

The former House speaker also described at length her history of challenging the Chinese government on human rights issues, including her recent visit to Taiwan. She insisted more work needed to be done but added that cooperation between the U.S. government and China remains important on several issues — particularly the threat of global climate change.

“We do have to work together to find some common ground to protect God’s creation,” she said. “I’d consider the people of China God’s creation.”

The rest of the interview, which stretched nearly an hour and a half, touched on Pelosi’s personal faith and approach to politics. She noted that her mother wanted her to be a nun, but Pelosi said she was more drawn to the priesthood, particularly the officiating of the Eucharist.

Report: LGBTQ Americans Tend to Be Younger and Have No Religion

By

Bob Smietana

-

March 24, 2023

LGBTQ-Americans-Tend-to-Be-Younger — Photo credit: Brielle French / Unsplash.com

(RNS) — For the most part, religious Americans say their LGBTQ neighbors should be free of discrimination when they are at work, in public or at home.

This is true even among groups that oppose same-sex marriage.

One place they disagree is over whether businesses — such as cake bakers or other vendors — ever have the right to refuse service. On that issue, Americans are split along religious and party lines.

Meanwhile, almost half of LGBTQ Americans are young and claim no religion.

Those are among the findings of a new report on polarization and LGBTQ rights from the Washington, D.C.-based Public Religion Research Institute. The report, based on data from PRRI’s 2022 American Values Atlas, looked at the views of 22,984 adults living in all 50 states.

PRRI’s researchers found that about 10% of Americans overall — almost half (46%) of them under the age of 30 — identify as LGBTQ: 3% as gay or lesbian, 4% as bisexual and 2% as something else. Nearly one-quarter of Americans under 30 identify as LGBTQ (23%).

According to the report, LGBTQ Americans are more likely to have no religious affiliation (50%) than Americans in general (26%). They are also much more likely to be Democrats (48%) than Republicans (8%).

Among non-Christian Americans, about 1 in 5 identify as LGBTQ, according to the report.

“This includes 19% of Unitarian Universalists, 19% of the religiously unaffiliated, 15% of Buddhists, 11% of Jews, 9% of Muslims, 5% of Hindus, and 32% of members of other non-Christian religions,” according to the report. “Members of Christian religious traditions are less likely to identify as LGBTQ, with the exception of Hispanic Protestants (12%).”

“Support for Nondiscrimination Protections for LGBT People, by Religious Affiliation, 2015-2022” Graphic courtesy of PRRI

Researchers from PRRI found that most religious groups, from 92% of Unitarian Universalists to 62% of white evangelical Protestants, support anti-discrimination laws. This includes Jews (86%), Hispanic Catholics (86%), Black Protestants (79%), Latter-day Saints (78%), Hindus (76%) and Hispanic Protestants (62%). Jehovah’s Witnesses (50%) are the religious group least likely to support such laws.

When it comes to views of small businesses that want to refuse to provide products or services to lesbian or gay people, faith groups were more divided. Unitarian Universalists (88%), Hispanic Catholics (78%), Hindus (77%) and people of other non-Christian faiths (77%) were most likely to oppose the idea of refusing service. White evangelical Protestants (37%), Latter-day Saints (46%), Jehovah’s Witnesses (50%) and Orthodox Christians (51%) were less likely.

When Workplace Policies Contradict Your Christian Convictions

By

Tamara Chamberlain

-

March 24, 2023

Christians navigating workplace policies and procedures alongside their faith is not a new concept, but the question of what Christians ought to do when the beliefs of their workplace contradict their own has recently become an issue of increasing concern.

Recently some companies have begun to offer paid benefits for those who choose to have an abortion, whether that be time off or an employer covering expenses to travel to another state for the procedure. Companies like Apple, Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, Starbucks and many more are providing a range of financial and medical benefits for employees seeking an abortion. This has become a mainstream response to the overturn of Roe v. Wade.

Other workplace policies and procedures have become more intentional about tolerance and inclusion for employees who identify as trans. For some companies, this looks like changing dress code policies, updating sexual harassment training, or even requiring employees to use preferred pronouns when addressing fellow co-workers.

There are many other workplace philosophies and procedures that run counter to the Christian worldview, but these are two of the most widespread changes that workplaces across America have been adopting.

So is there one appropriate Christian stance that Christians working in companies with these types of policies should take?

It would be great to open up the Bible and find a specific book or verse that addressed these specific topics, but there was no framework for these subjects when scripture was written. But that doesn’t mean we are left with no wisdom or guidance. It just requires us to look at the entire council of scripture and the examples or exhortations of what it means to be a Christian.

Here are three principles to keep in mind as you navigate ethical or moral conflict within your workplace.

Evaluate Whether Your Employer Is Asking You To Sin Against God

One of the easiest ways to gauge whether you need to find a new employer based on ethical differences is whether your employer is asking you to sin. Are the policies and procedures set in place requiring you to sin in order to complete your job? If so, this is cause for you to begin searching for a new employer.

Oftentimes, sin in the workplace flies under the radar and is not as apparent as written policies and procedures. It may be more like a request from your boss to inflate numbers or be dishonest in reporting outcomes. Sometimes, these types of requests seem relatively harmless, but are actually a call for you to sin and be dishonest.

Our desire to be obedient to the Lord and his commands should be greater than the needs provided through our workplace. That is certainly much easier said than done, but God will honor you and care for you as you make difficult decisions to keep his commands. Christians should desire obedience over prosperity, even if that means costing us in various ways.

Evaluate Whether Your Employer Is Asking You To Sin Against Another Person

Jesus said that the greatest commands in scripture are to love God and love others. This way of life should translate into everything we do, including our workplace. We should be people who are known by our love for God and love for others. As an employee, you are committing to uphold the company’s policies and procedures. If the company is asking you to sin against another person, then you are running in direct conflict with the commands of God.

This is not always a black and white decision. In some companies, it may be very easy to see that a request or policy is asking for you to mistreat another person based on any number of criteria. If you are in this type of situation, then that clearly goes against what God has called you to. And, again, you should consider another place of employment. But when it comes to policy changes like funding for employees to have an abortion, vaccinations, or even trans inclusion, it’s likely these are not calling for a direct mistreatment from you to other people.

Jack Hayford: The Power of Singing

By

Jack Hayford

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March 24, 2023

Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! —Psalm 96:1 Few believers understand the power of singing. Worship is not just a “warm-up” to the sermon. Singing opens the way for an increase of the Holy Spirit’s overflow in us, as well as an unfolding of discernment regarding His will in our lives. It is by the creative capacity of speech and song given to us by God that man has, among other ways, been glorified above other creatures. The mime of birds is not self-initiated speech. We speak of birds singing but what we call singing, as lovely as it may be, is not song.

Song is a powerful instrument because it is so basic to worship. When it is worked out in the experience of our daily life, it becomes a manifestly powerful means of sustenance, triumph, creativity, deliverance, and ongoing growth and development in the way of the Lord.

Exercise the gift of song, no matter the quality of your voice

A sense of inadequacy about the quality of one’s voice can cripple a believer into fear of singing or entering boldly into worship. The world causes us to draw comparisons, but to the Lord, there is a distinct beauty to everything He’s created. When it comes to the matter of our singing voice, if we will exercise and be faithful in the few things God has given us, He says He will make us rulers over many. People who sing praise and don’t worry about how it sounds see the glory of the Lord begin to break forth in their voice. Don’t allow the spirit of this world to stifle the song God wants to bring from your lips. His Word says there is no sound that is without significance (1 Corinthians 14:10). Ask the Lord to make you an anointed singer of praise and quit laboring with the matter of how you think it sounds.

A personal story about the power of singing:

We don’t enshrine history or hold sacred a few moments that we hearken back to because it’s a ritual or tradition with us. But if you will allow me to tell you this story about something that happened at the inception of God’s grace at The Church On The Way, it is a reminiscence that helps us be reminded of how I first learned some of the principles of release of Jesus’ life and power among His people.

Two weeks after I first stepped into the building that was then The Church On The Way, in February 1969, I took the pastorate of the church. There were only 18 members and an average attendance of 25 people. The key to understanding where the church was at that time was to understand what I discovered—not about the number of church members, but about a hideously oppressive spirit that existed in that place. I had no formula response to it. The only response I knew was what I felt prompted to do.

Sunday School Graduation: Celebrate This Important Milestone

By

Pastor Steffan Carr

-

March 23, 2023

A Sunday school graduation event is a great way to convey children’s importance to God—and to the church. As a pastor and teacher, I’ve always cherished children and youth. Kids also carry a special place in the heart of our outreach center in Maryland. Children are precious!

Scriptural basis for Sunday school graduation

Isaiah 11:6 prophecies about the coming Christ, saying “a little child will lead them.” Jesus admonishes his own disciples in Mark 10:14 that they should “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

Then the apostle Paul, in 1 Timothy 4:12, exhorts Timothy to not “let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”

And we also have that wonderful promise in Proverbs 22:6. It says if we “train up a child in the way he should go, when he is old he will not depart from it.” These are powerful Scriptures about children and youth!

Why celebrate Sunday school graduation?

As a church, it’s important to encourage and affirm our children and young people. That’s especially true because our culture cheapens kids by telling them they’re cosmic accidents through evolution. Students repeatedly hear they’re no more than another animal, unable to control their natural urges and “instincts.”

In school and throughout today’s culture, kids absorb the message that no hope or afterlife exists. “What you see is all there is,” they’re told. Young people hear that as long as something feels good, they should do it.

Finally, they receive the message that it’s judgmental for anyone to talk about sin and the need for a Savior. What an odd and sinful world we live in. And what a hard place to grow up in as a child and teenager.

So as a church, we must embrace every opportunity to praise our younger generation. It’s crucial that we take intentional steps to affirm, encourage and celebrate children and youth. And we need to do that together, as part of the fellowship of believers we call the church! With so many members of the next generation lacking strong role models at home, it’s even more important that we serve as a covering for children in God’s family.

One easy but memorable way to do that is with a Sunday school graduation ceremony or event.

Opportunities abound with Sunday school graduation

Holding a Sunday school graduation event at church is an opportunity to encourage children and youth. At our outreach center, we recognize graduates from kindergarten and elementary school all the way to college. Recognizing young people during or after a Sunday morning worship service is a wonderful way to affirm, encourage, praise, bless and celebrate them.

The attendance and visible support of church members sends a message loud and clear to children that they’re important. It reminds them that they’re made in God’s image and that Christ offers them hope. Plus, kids get to see that the church body cares for them in ways no one in the world ever can.

I hope you’ll seize the opportunity to encourage children and youth by recognizing them at a Sunday school graduation. In fact, it sounds like something Jesus himself would do!

5 Sunday School Graduation Ideas

Here are five creative and meaningful ideas to celebrate Sunday school graduates and make their special day even more memorable:

Graduation Blessing Ceremony

Idea: During a church service, invite graduates to the front and have pastors, teachers, and parents pray over them.

Incorporate Scripture readings like Jeremiah 29:11 (“For I know the plans I have for you…”) or Proverbs 3:5-6.
Present each child with a Bible, devotional book, or personalized certificate.
Have church members lay hands on them in prayer to send them off with blessings.

Why It Works:
✅ Helps graduates feel spiritually affirmed.
✅ Creates a special moment of prayer and encouragement.
✅ Shows the church community’s support for them.

Memory Slideshow & Testimonies

Idea: Create a video montage or photo slideshow showcasing the children’s journey through Sunday school.

Ask graduates to share a short testimony or their favorite Bible verse.
Include photos from past church events, VBS, or mission trips.
Play uplifting Christian music in the background for an emotional touch.

Why It Works:
✅ Makes the celebration personal and heartfelt.
✅ Gives kids a chance to express their faith and gratitude.
✅ Shows how much they’ve grown physically and spiritually.

Commissioning Challenge & Service Project

Idea: Encourage graduates to take what they’ve learned in Sunday school and put it into action.

Organize a small mission project like:
✔️ Assembling blessing bags for the homeless.
✔️ Writing letters of encouragement to younger kids.
✔️ Helping with a church clean-up day or community service event.
Challenge them to live out their faith and be a light in the world as they step into their next season of life.

Why It Works:
✅ Encourages hands-on faith and service.
✅ Helps graduates apply Biblical principles in real life.
✅ Creates a sense of purpose and responsibility.

Graduation Party with Games & Awards

Idea: Host a fun after-service reception with games, awards, and refreshments.

Give out “Most Encouraging,” “Future Pastor,” “Best Scripture Memory,” or “Most Helpful” awards.
Play Bible trivia or a “Who Knows the Bible Best?” team competition.
Serve cupcakes, cookies, or a decorated graduation cake.

Why It Works:
✅ Creates a joyful, lighthearted atmosphere.
✅ Recognizes kids for their unique strengths and contributions.
✅ Encourages fellowship and celebration.

Graduation Worship Night & Commitment Cards

Idea: Host a special worship night where kids can reflect on their faith journey.

Have a short message about staying strong in faith.
Give graduates a commitment card where they can write a personal goal (e.g., “I commit to reading my Bible daily” or “I will trust God with my future”).
End with praise and worship, allowing kids to dedicate their next chapter to God.

Why It Works:
✅ Encourages spiritual reflection.
✅ Helps graduates set personal faith goals.
✅ Strengthens their connection with God before their next step.

Final Thoughts

A Sunday school graduation ceremony is a powerful opportunity to remind children they are loved by God, valued by their church, and equipped to grow in their faith. Whether you choose a prayer blessing, a fun party, a service project, or a worship night, the goal is to affirm and encourage them as they step into a new season!

This article originally appeared here.

Tennessee Library Director Fired for ‘Negative Pushback’ During Kirk Cameron Book Reading

By

Jesse T. Jackson

-

March 23, 2023

(L) Kirk Cameron photo credit: Jesse T. Jackson (R) Screengrab via Facebook @Kirk Cameron

On March 15, Hendersonville Public Library director Allan Morales was terminated after a 4-3 vote by the Sumner County Library Board due to the “unkind pushback” he allegedly demonstrated during Kirk Cameron’s children’s book reading.

Cameron’s event was hosted by Brave Books on Feb. 25 and included Duck Dynasty star Missy Robertson and former University of Kentucky swimmer-turned-women’s-sports-advocate Riley Gaines.

“At our stop in Hendersonville for the Freedom Island Tour, we received negative pushback from a head official at the public library,” Cameron said in an interview with ChurchLeaders. “The community, however, including hundreds of grateful families and gracious mayors and county commissioners, welcomed us with open arms even while the leadership at the library tried to cancel our event. This is happening all over the country! Many public institutions have been infiltrated with individuals who intentionally silence.”

Duck Dynasty Star Missy Robertson Details What Happened

Robertson joined her husband Jase, father-in-law Phil, and brother-in-law Allen on their “Unashamed with Phil & Jase Robertson Podcast” to give details regarding what she called “unkind pushback” they received at the Henderson Public Library.

“I saw some things that happened this past weekend that really scared me for our country and for my grandkids,” Robertson said.

Robertson, whose children’s book Because You’re My Family tells a story about adoption, said the Brave Books’ Freedom Island series from which she and Cameron read is based on conservative Christian traditional values but doesn’t explicitly mention God, Jesus, or church. This was by design on the part of Brave Books to eliminate the possibility of being barred from government establishments, such as public schools and libraries.

Expressing her displeasure, Robertson said, “I think it’s going to take Christians getting angry about this for us to actually stand up and do something about it, because it’s our nature and what we are taught through the Bible to not be confrontational, not start fights—don’t start factions and dissensions. But when we are faced with total untruths and what our children are being attacked with in the public school systems and in the community…families need to know about this.”

According to the authors, before the library opened its doors to the public for the day, Brave Books set up a promotional video shoot to market the books in a specific part of the library. While Cameron and Robertson were shooting the videos, they said library staff were so loud that the Brave Books team had to stop filming because the noise made the footage unusable.

Robertson said that a Brave Books team member asked the staff behind the main desk to lower their voices, but the request was ignored. In addition to speaking loudly, Robertson said the staff started slamming books together, kicking cabinets, clapping, and “hollering out loud.”

Palm Sunday Poem

What Kind of King Are You?

Read more of this Palm Sunday poem on page two . . .

Palm Sunday Sermon: What Kind of King Did You Expect?

The Problem of Palm Sunday

A Day of Two Processions

Hippies vs. Gen Z

Gen Z and Jesus

Four Temptations for Single Christians to Avoid

1. Compromise

2. Thinking Marriage Will Solve Relationship Problems

12 Spring Sunday School Crafts

1. Grow, Flower, Grow!

You’ll need:

What you’ll do:

2. Twiggy Vase

You’ll need:

What you’ll do:

3. Baby Lambs

You’ll need:

What you’ll do:

Prayer Object Lesson for Preteens

Candlelight Prayer

Why Is Judah Smith on Lana Del Rey’s New Album?

Coach Jerome Tang Gives Credit, Glory to God

Coach Jerome Tang Is a Former Youth Pastor

Evaluate Whether Your Employer Is Asking You To Sin Against God

Evaluate Whether Your Employer Is Asking You To Sin Against Another Person

A personal story about the power of singing:

Scriptural basis for Sunday school graduation

Why celebrate Sunday school graduation?

Opportunities abound with Sunday school graduation

5 Sunday School Graduation Ideas

Graduation Blessing Ceremony

Memory Slideshow & Testimonies

Commissioning Challenge & Service Project

Graduation Party with Games & Awards

Graduation Worship Night & Commitment Cards

Final Thoughts

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