‘A Light in the Darkness’ — LFO’s Brad Fischetti Clings to His Faith After Multiple Band Members Die from Cancer

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May 2, 2023

Brad Fischetti is the last surviving member of the band, LFO (Lyte Funkie Ones). The band rose to fame in 1999 with its Billboard hit, “Summer Girls,” before experiencing a series of tragedies over the years. While recounting the band’s tragic history, Fischetti said, “I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that I do my best to stay strong in my faith.”

The other two original members, Devin Lima and Rich Cronin, both died after battles with cancer years ago. Most recently, however, Brian “Brizz” Gillis, a newer band member, died in March 2023. Fans have claimed the band is cursed, but Fishcetti doesn’t accept that label.

Brad Fischetti Describes LFO’s ‘Tragic Story’

LFO “burst on the scene” back in 1999 in Massachusetts and celebrated many hits with their unique R&B and pop-rap sound.

Fischetti recalled that when he heard of Gillis’s passing, “I was just completely dumbfounded. I was just shocked. I was sort of in a fog for about two days.”

“But I have always said since the death of Rich and Devin that the LFO story is a tragic story,” Fischetti told Fox News Digital. “And so what I’m trying to do in this tragedy is shed light in the darkness. You know, I really do believe that through great struggle comes great grace.”

“And so I think about how those guys would want me to live, what they would want me to do,” he continued, “And we have no control over what happens to us. But we have the ability to respond – and responsibility. And so I choose and have chosen to respond in a positive way to try to bring some peace and some love and some joy into what is a very tragic story.”

The story of LFO extends beyond Cronin, Lima, and Gillis. Other deaths associated with the band include recording label rep Kelly Schweinsberg, the band’s keyboardist, LFO’s choreographer, and a producer.

According to TMZ, Fischetti “says he’s not scared by the fact death seems to come early to those involved with the band … He’s alive and well, and touring in their honor.”

With thousands of views and many comments, fans are sharing their shock and condolences. Some fans didn’t realize so many people associated with LFO had passed at young ages.

“My heart breaks for Brad….. the last remaining member of LFO. 😥 To lose so many incredible bandmates (all at such a young age) who shared their beautiful gift of music & soulful voices with the entire world is truly heartbreaking, devastating & sad!!!” a commenter named Philip wrote. “I pray for all of their loved ones & millions of fans whose lives they touched with their gifts. Rip.”

Another commenter, Rey, encouraged the last band member, Fischetti. “God bless you bro! I been a fan since I was a kid. 39 now. We know as God’s children God can take something bad and in his mysterious ways turn it into something good… Stay up bro! Keep the faith and God bless you and your famz.”

While Fischetti appreciates the encouragement from fans, he says his losses are no different than those of anyone else. Fischetti said, “I try my best to do God’s will and try to be a light in the darkness.”

As Fishcetti was navigating so much deep loss and hurt, he and his wife decided he should talk with his doctor, who referred Fischetti to a psychiatrist. “The problem,” he said, “is a lot of us are not vulnerable enough to admit when we need help.” Fischetti recognizes the impact his entire team of supporters has had on his life.

Jackie Hill Perry Warns That Beyoncé’s Music Has a Demonic Influence

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Jessica Mouser

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May 2, 2023

Author and speaker Jackie Hill Perry has made waves on social media for saying that the music of Beyoncé and Kehlani has a demonic influence on people. Perry specifically addressed the singers’ promotion of non-Christian deities in music that celebrates Black identity.

“I don’t know who told us you got to be a witch to be Black,” said Perry in an Instagram clip of her speaking at a Glory event. “You are not more Black by engaging in witchcraft. That is still propagating a white supremacist lie that Black people in Africa didn’t know Jesus.”

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A post shared by Jackie Hill Perry (@jackiehillperry)

“I am angry that the powers that be — in social media and in culture and in music and in Beyoncé’s music and in Kehlani’s music and in whatever the others are,” Perry continued, “like I’m angry that they are really trying to convince us that all spiritualism is the same. And we have digested this impurity. We want so bad not to be legalistic that we actually become profane. We want so bad to have all these freedoms that we are entertaining demons.”

Jackie Hill Perry No Longer Listens to Beyoncé

Jackie Hill Perry is a poet, Bible teacher, and artist. She is the author of “Gay Girl, Good God: The Story of Who I Was, and Who God Has Always Been” and “Holier Than Thou: How God’s Holiness Helps Us Trust Him.”

Perry has partnered with Lifeway to hold Glory events, gatherings where women around the country worship God and study his Word. She concluded her recent Glory clip by warning that items with a demonic influence can cause harm in people’s lives. “And you wonder why you are depressed,” she said. “And you wonder why you are anxious. And you wonder why you have nightmares. And you wonder why you can’t sleep. And you wonder why you see things in your room at night. It’s because you’re opening up doors to all kinds of demons. Close them.”

Perry concluded, “Whatever you got in your home that’s witchcraft—throw it away. Throw it away. Burn everything you got because we are women who are going to love God with all of our heart and all of our mind and all of our soul. We are not going to imitate the detestable practices of the nations.”

Jackie Hill Perry is not the only influencer who has recently used her platform to warn Christians against the dangers of Beyoncé. In February, a self-described prophet named Tiphani Montgomery warned her followers that Beyoncé is a “witch” and her fans are a “coven.”

Perry has not stated she believes that Beyoncé is practicing witchcraft as such and even explained her concerns about the artist in detail in a video posted Feb. 15.

‘I Am Christian. That’s Not What We Stand For’—Taylor Swift’s Political Comments Resurface As She Returns to Tennessee

By

Stephanie Martin

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May 2, 2023

taylor swift is christian — Screenshot from TikTok / @swifts.clips

Ahead of Taylor Swift’s upcoming Nashville concerts, the singer-songwriter’s past comments about political involvement and Christian faith are going viral. The pop star, a registered voter in Tennessee, is playing three “Eras Tour” concerts at Nissan Stadium May 5 to 7.

Swift hadn’t spoken publicly about politics or religion until 2018, when she endorsed two Democratic congressional nominees in Tennessee. The musician took a particularly strong stance against U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, whom Swift accused of opposing equal rights for women and gay people. “These are not MY Tennessee values,” Swift posted online.

In June 2022, after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Swift tweeted, “I’m absolutely terrified that this is where we are – that after so many decades of people fighting for women’s rights to their own bodies, today’s decision has stripped us of that.”

Taylor Swift: Christians Don’t Stand for Inequality

The 2020 documentary “Miss Americana” featured a candid peek at Swift’s decision to use her platform for social advocacy. In a two-minute clip from 2018 that’s now recirculating, the singer had a heated discussion with her parents and team. Although Swift’s father and another man expressed concerns about the singer’s safety and fan base, Swift was adamant about needing to go public and be “on the right side of history.”

@swifts.clips Replying to @formicality FULL SCENE of her talking about her politics! #swifttok #swifties #taylorswift #swiftie #marshablackburn #tennessee #democrat #feminism #lgbt #missamericana ♬ original sound – swift clips

Swift said she regretted not speaking out during the 2016 presidential election, because “really basic human rights” are at stake. Politicians disguise their stance “behind Tennessee Christian values,” she said, adding, “I live in Tennessee. I am Christian. That’s not what we stand for.”

On May 1, Lance Cotten shared that clip on Twitter, garnering thousands of likes. “That moment Taylor Swift tells her dad she’s not staying quiet anymore!” he writes. “She is finally going to ignite her base! Listen till the end #taylorswift well done!”

Someone who retweeted the clip wrote, “I realize it’s from a few years ago, but I needed the reminder tonight.” Another person commented, “I am surprised [Swift] hasn’t been more vocal lately,” to which someone else responded, “Here’s hoping for a word from her this weekend in Nashville!”

Taylor Swift as LGBTQ Ally

In the September 2019 issue of Vogue magazine, Swift addressed her shift to advocacy. The turning point, she said, was seeing rights being “stripped from basically everyone who isn’t a straight white cisgender male.”

Prominent gay celebrities appeared in the singer’s music video for her 2019 hit “You Need to Calm Down.” Some critics accused her of “using gay rights as a fashion statement,” while others took issue with the negative portrayal of anti-gay protesters.

Iran, 27 Other Countries Critiqued by Watchdog for Religious Freedom Violations

By

Adelle M Banks

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May 2, 2023

uscirf — Protesters are pressing the Iranian regime for changes since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel)

(RNS) — A watchdog for global religious freedom has used its new annual report to call out the Iranian government for targeting women’s rights protesters during demonstrations last year. The report also points out the country’s “decades-long campaign” against religious minorities.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom criticized Iran for repressing the religious rights of people of a variety of faiths — from Baha’i to Zoroastrian — and nonreligious communities and decried the use of violence against girls and young women who protested in the wake of Mahsa Amini’s death. Amini, 22, perished after the country’s morality police detained her last year based on an accusation that her visible hair breached a headscarf law.

“While religious freedom conditions in Iran were extremely poor even before protests began in September 2022, they have deteriorated considerably due to the government’s severe brutality against Iranians peacefully asserting their religious freedom,” said USCIRF Chair Nury Turkel, during a Monday (May 1) virtual event when the 2023 USCIRF report was released.

“Iran‘s security forces have shot and killed peaceful protesters, detained and tortured others and engaged in a systematic campaign of sexual and gender-based violence against not only women and men, but boys and girls as well.”

These circumstances were determined by USCIRF to be “systematic, egregious, and ongoing” religious freedom violations, which qualify Iran to remain on the State Department’s list of “countries of particular concern,” or CPCs.

The watchdog has called for the redesignation of a total of a dozen countries as CPCs: Myanmar (which the department and USCIRF refer to as Burma), China, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, Nicaragua, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

In addition to Iran, USCIRF drew special attention to violations it has observed in Cuba and Nicaragua, two nations that were added to the State Department’s list last year.

“In Cuba, religious freedom conditions in 2022 worsened considerably, with the government seeking total dominance over religious life in the country,” the watchdog said in its report. “Additionally, the regime in Nicaragua has sharply increased its persecution of the Catholic Church by imprisoning clergy, shuttering church-affiliated organizations, and prohibiting Catholic rituals.”

In its new report, USCIRF recommends five other nations be considered as additional CPCs: Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, Syria and Vietnam.

Turkel expressed the commissioners’ disappointment that the State Department had not listed Nigeria nor India in its recent lists of CPCs. He noted that parts of Nigeria are “hotbeds of persecution” and said the Indian government “enforces religious nationalist policies, including restriction on citizenship, religious conversion, interfaith marriage and cow slaughter” that negatively affect people of a range of faiths.

Missio Alliance Hosts Hopeful Conversation for Disruptive Times

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Bob Smietana

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May 2, 2023

EVANSTON, Ill. (RNS) — The last time the Missio Alliance held a conference, organizers invited expert speakers to help church leaders deal with a changing culture. Then came COVID-19. And the whirlwind of other changes in the past few years.

“There are no experts anymore,” said the Rev. Wayne Faison.

In its first national gathering since 2019, about 300 people came together Thursday (April 27) for the opening session of the “Awakenings” conference, organized by Missio Alliance, a cross-denominational, multiethnic network of church leaders interested in how churches fulfill their mission in a changing world.

The gathering was a place to ask hard questions, said Faison, a board member of Missio Alliance and the executive director of the Baptist General Association of Virginia. And a place to find friendship and community in trying times.

Lisa Rodriguez-Watson, Missio Alliance national director, began her talk by outlining some of the challenges that churches have faced in recent years, during what she referred to as a “season of apocalypse.”

Missio Alliance organized the “Awakenings” conference at Vineyard church in Evanston, Illinois, Thursday, April 27, 2023. RNS photo by Bob Smietana

Missio Alliance organized the “Awakenings” conference at Vineyard church in Evanston, Illinois, April 27, 2023. RNS photo by Bob Smietana

A global pandemic. The nation’s racial reckoning after the 2020 death of George Floyd. Christian nationalism. Church scandals.

“It’s been kind of sucky for a while,” Rodriguez-Watson said.

Those challenges, she said, had taken their toll on congregations and church leaders. The past few years have been a time of disruption, with friendships lost and hopes shattered, leading to significant disruption in many congregations, Rodriguez-Watson told attendees.

“There’s probably a number of things that you’d hoped had gone differently in your life in this recent season,” she said.

She went on to tell a story about a plant she’d gotten around the time of her father-in-law’s funeral. Rodriguez-Watson said she’d taken the plant home and for years, it had been a reminder of her beloved father-in-law, a kind of steady presence in her family’s home.

Then, during the pandemic, the plant died. It was a small thing, she said, but painful — yet another in a series of losses.

Still, she told attendees, there were signs of hope. Churches have long dealt with seasons of disruption, often with creativity and innovation. Responding to this current season of disruption, she said, will require a renewed focus on spiritual formation — as well as an outward focus on justice.

That outward focus, she said, is linked to spiritual formation. People can’t share the “boundless love of God” unless they know it, she said.

Dennis Edwards, another of the first day’s speakers, challenged attendees to turn the idea of disruption on its head. A New Testament scholar and dean of North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago, Edwards said the earliest followers of Jesus lived in chaotic and disruptive times.

Dennis Edwards addresses the “Awakenings” conference at Vineyard church in Evanston, Illinois, Thursday, April 27, 2023. RNS photo by Bob Smietana

Dennis Edwards addresses the “Awakenings” conference at Vineyard church in Evanston, Illinois, April 27, 2023. RNS photo by Bob Smietana

But they also disrupted the status quo of the Roman Empire at a time when social stratification and violence were commonplace. In that world, he said, some people prospered while others were crucified.

In NC, a Church Network Turns Unused Church Buildings Into Homes for Refugees

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Yonat Shimron

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May 2, 2023

Randy Carter, pastor of Temple Baptist Church in Durham, North Carolina, looks out on a house the church owns that was recently retrofitted to house refugees. RNS photo by Yonat Shimron

(RNS) — With the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan nearly two years ago, religious congregations across the country began extending an embrace to refugees.

Partnering with resettlement agencies, they helped families escaping war and political turmoil settle into homes, find jobs, learn English and acclimate to life in the U.S.

Now, in a corner of North Carolina, a group of Baptist churches has begun to deepen that support by retrofitting vacant church-owned buildings — often homes — for refugee housing.

Organized through the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina but open to any religious congregation, a new initiative encourages churches to refurbish church-owned parsonages, office buildings, youth clubhouses or single-family homes and make them available to refugees or humanitarian parolees for a nominal fee.

“It’s increasingly difficult to find affordable housing for refugees,” said Marc Wyatt, a missionary who founded the Welcome House Community Network. “Churches have physical property and buildings that are underutilized. Rethinking the use of those buildings for housing is our vision.”

On Saturday (April 29), the network held its first housing and hospitality summit with 210 congregational leaders — mostly from North Carolina — wanting to learn more about how to use vacant church properties to minister to refugees.

The conference made plain twin realities: A glut of underutilized church properties and a severe shortage of affordable housing for newly arrived refugees with few means.

So far, about a dozen churches in North Carolina’s Triangle region, anchored by Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, have retrofitted ancillary buildings for use by refugees. In all, about 40, including churches in Virginia, Tennessee and Texas, have joined the Welcome House network.

Two boys, part of a refugee family from the Democratic Republic of Congo, share an afternoon snack at a house owned by Temple Baptist Church in Durham, North Carolina. RNS photo by Yonat Shimron

Two boys, part of a refugee family from Congo, share an afternoon snack at a house owned by Temple Baptist Church in Durham, North Carolina. RNS photo by Yonat Shimron

They include First Baptist Church in Hillsborough, which is housing a seven-member Afghan family in its parsonage, and Temple Baptist Church in Durham, which owns a ranch-style home a few yards away from its sanctuary where an eight-member family from Congo is now staying.

Churches typically charge the families $10 a day to cover the cost of utilities and otherwise provide hospitality and connection.

“A lot of (church) folks like to clean and prep the house,” said Randy Carter, pastor of Temple Baptist. “Some people like to work in repairs or on the yard. A small group of folks are more engaged with the family itself.”

Until recently, many of these church-owned homes had been used by pastors or foreign missionaries on leave. Increasingly, they have stood vacant.

The surge of refugee and humanitarian parole programs under the Biden administration has made affordable housing an urgent need.

Since he took office in January 2021, Biden’s administration has reversed Trump-era restrictions on immigration to the United States. The boost in refugee admissions includes some 300,000 Ukrainians who have arrived in the United States fleeing war with Russia, more than all the people from around the world admitted through the official U.S. refugee program in the last five years.

United Methodist Bishops Meet, Look to Pivot After 2,400+ Churches Disaffiliate

By

Emily McFarlan Miller

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May 2, 2023

CHICAGO (RNS) — About 100 active and retired United Methodist bishops from across the globe are meeting this week in Chicago for the first time in person since the COVID-19 pandemic and since the launch one year ago of the Global Methodist Church, a conservative denomination formed for United Methodist churches looking to disaffiliate over LGBTQ ordination and marriage.

Bishop Thomas Bickerton told the United Methodist Church’s Council of Bishops it was time to pivot, as the denomination has been losing churches since a 2019 special session of its General Conference approved a disaffiliation plan for congregations wishing to leave for “reasons of conscience” related to their beliefs about sexuality. The United Methodist Church has been stuck in disagreement over the ordination and marriage of its LGBTQ members for decades.

“There is a way through the morass. But it depends completely on where we cast our eyes — not on the dilemmas in this world, but on the goodness of God’s mercy and grace,” Bickerton said during his president’s livestreamed address Monday (May 1).

The bishop’s remarks came one year to the day after the Global Methodist Church launched.

The Global Methodist Church got its official start on May 1, 2022, after the United Methodist Church’s General Conference meeting was delayed for the third time for pandemic-related reasons. Delegates to that meeting had been expected to vote on a proposal to effectively split the mainline denomination, dedicating money to the creation of the new theologically conservative Methodist denomination.

Since 2019, more than 2,400 churches have disaffiliated from the United Methodist Church, according to the latest tally by the United Methodist News Service.

The majority — about 2,000 churches and 2,450 clergy, including three former United Methodist bishops — have joined the Global Methodist Church, according to the Rev. Keith Boyette, who leads the new denomination as its transitional connectional officer. And more congregations and conferences around the world have declared their intention to join the Global Methodist Church, according to a post on the new denomination’s website.

Bishop Thomas Bickerton addresses a meeting of United Methodist bishops, Monday, May 1, 2023, in Chicago. Video screen grab

Bishop Thomas Bickerton addresses a meeting of United Methodist bishops, May 1, 2023, in Chicago. Video screen grab

Meantime, those leading the denomination Global Methodists have left behind are “tired, worn and vulnerable,” according to Bickerton, president of the United Methodist Church’s Council of Bishops.

“There’s no doubt in this room that the second wave of disaffiliations has taken a toll. In conversations with many of you, it’s not hard to sense the fatigue, the disappointment, the anger, the sadness, the confusion within us all,” he said.

More disaffiliations are expected as regional annual conferences gather this year for regular meetings and special sessions.

Dec. 31 can’t come soon enough, Bickerton said.

That’s the last day churches can leave the United Methodist Church under the disaffiliation plan approved at the 2019 special session of its General Conference.

“I admit to you I’m eager to get past all this. I want us to stop talking about disaffiliations. I’m worried genuinely that we’ve spent more time on those that are leaving than focusing our energy on those who are staying,” he said to applause.

The United Methodist Church will look different moving forward, Bickerton said. Too much has changed, he said, and he anticipates a “drop in the denomination numerically.”

He encouraged bishops to grieve all that had been lost, making time during his address for them to pause and pray together.

But he also encouraged them to look for new opportunities.

“We should anticipate less bishops, reconfigured boundaries, reformed agencies and a revised work plan to achieve our mission. We cannot work with what is not there. But we can see it as a longtime overdue opportunity to reposition this denomination for its next expression,” he said.

“That is the pivot.”

During Monday’s opening worship, the Council of Bishops planned to anoint the new bishops who were elected in November. It also is scheduled to hear from general secretaries of United Methodist agencies and boards and discuss how to endow theological education in conferences outside of the United States and promote racial equality in the workplace, according to a press release.

This article originally appeared here.

Pastors: Children’s Ministry Is More Than a Place to Keep Kids Occupied

By

Stephen Moore

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May 2, 2023

children's ministry — Adobestock #377068006

As the pastor prayed the benediction over his congregation, his 3-year-old daughter ran screaming up to him. The congregation chuckled as he scooped her up with his head bowed.

The next day he received two emails. One said, “Having your kids behave like that in church is disruptive and disrespectful.” The other said, “Seeing your kids run and play in church is such a blessing!”

Kids and church—it’s a duo that often brings conflicting perspectives. Nearly two-thirds of children’s ministry leaders strongly agree that churches cannot grow without an effective children’s ministry. Depending on resources, some churches have vibrant children’s ministries while others are threadbare. But regardless of size or structure, children are both the present and the future of the church. How the church receives and ministers to children are of Kingdom significance.

Consider the story in Mark 10, when parents brought their children to Jesus for his blessing. The disciples turned them away, mainly because—at that time—children were the epitome of “to be seen and not heard.” Children were not seen as special or sacred to anyone other than their parents. But Jesus became frustrated with the disciples and said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.”

The church is more than just a place of physical activities to keep kids occupied; it’s where children’s spiritual lives are grown, too. Traditionally, both are done through things like Sunday School and Children’s Church. But one of the most significant and memorable experiences for the bodies and souls of kids is summer camp.

A Christian summer camp can be a profoundly influential event in a child’s life and faith. But what if a church doesn’t have the means to host camp, or parents don’t have the resources to send their kids out of state or even out of town?

At WinShape Camps, we began to see this struggle and knew we had to do something. That’s why we created a model of ministry to meet kids and families right where they are.

WinShape Camps for Communities partners with local churches and businesses to host a one-week summer day camp experience in cities across the nation. These weeks model our WinShape overnight camps in Georgia, but the best part is that they happen right where campers live—offering epic adventures during the day and the chance to sleep soundly in one’s own bed at night.

When summer camp comes to a local church or school, some people might not recognize the place. It’s fun seeing summer camp excitement combined with a classic church setting—flag football, archery and science amidst a regular gathering place of weekly fellowship.

Most importantly, though, everything we do is centered around faith. Each year introduces an intentional theme about Jesus that finds its way into every aspect of camp, including small groups and worship services. Year after year, I see kids grow in their God-given skills and talents through singing, games, physical activity and creative play—all of it helping them learn more about Jesus.

Jesus said, “let the children come to me,” as he walked among us on earth. Our prayerful intention is to invest in the future of the church by bringing a camp experience that does just that—paving the way for children to come to Christ through a week of fun and friendship, all covered in faith.

Should Christian Businesses Tithe?

By

Nick Nicholaou

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May 2, 2023

Back in 2008 I wrote an article about how to tithe on behalf of a business. There is surprisingly little published on the topic, which is why I addressed it. After [10] years, it’s still the 3rd highest ranked resource via Google, and I continue to get questions from people wanting to know specifics on how to apply it to their business. Should Christian businesses tithe?

Should Christian Businesses Tithe?

I received an interesting question this weekend that really was about whether one can trust their church’s leadership and, ultimately, the Lord. The ramifications go much further than the original question — even to church IT, and [it] seemed worthy of an article.

The Question Posed

“If I feel that the leaders of the church are not doing what they suppose [sic] to do in the church and when something is needed for the house of God they don’t buy it like furniture, carpets etc, can I use my tithe money to buy those necessary things for the house of God. PLEASE ADVISE”

It felt to me like this is a larger question that relates to faith. Faith in the Lord, and faith in his ability to lead through the leadership he’s put in place in his church.

The Answer I Gave

“If your faith is in the God of the Bible through Jesus Christ, then you can’t help seeing in Scripture that the church is his church. In fact, it is referred to as the bride of Christ!

Character with Anointing: A Recipe for Avoiding Burnout

By

Megan Briggs

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May 2, 2023

Jason Vallotton makes an argument for ministers to intentionally focus on taking care of their own needs and the needs of their families in the following video segment about character with anointing.

This practice is about having a character with anointing on your life or the supernatural gifting he has given you. “When our character matches our gifting, our gift won’t be a negative. It won’t be a weakness to us,” Vallotton says.

Vallotton gives examples of some of the great revivalists of the 20th century. John G. Lake is one of the ones he mentions. Lake had an incredible ministry in Africa and all over the world. Vallatton says that Lake would get “caught up in the presence [of God] so much so, that his kids started to feel neglected. The presence would come, and he would just check out,” Vallatton explains. Worshipping God is not a bad thing, but in the case of Lake, his kids weren’t getting the attention they needed, especially since their mom had passed away.

Reading a passage from the book “God’s Generals”, Vallatton states “many miracles wrought at his [Lake’s] hands were personally unfulfilling and not worth the loss of his family. John’s strength in ministry to God cost him his family because he wasn’t aware of his personal needs and the needs of his kids.”

Vallatton then explains he has personal experience with this habit of ministers to continuously give out of lack, neglecting themselves or their families. This practice resulted in a nervous breakdown for Vallatton.

“If we really want to steward what God has given us, we have to actually take care of our body, soul, and our spirit.” This, essentially, is about being able to pass on the ministries we have received to the next generation and equip them to be able to sustain them.

Vallatton concludes with 3 John 1:2: “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.”

‘God Still Works in the Midst of Darkness’—Sean Feucht Says ‘Over 98 SatanCon Attendees Surrendered Their Lives to Jesus’

By

Jesse T. Jackson

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May 1, 2023

(L) Sean Feucht photo courtesy of "Let Us Worship" (R) Screengrab via Twitter @seanfeucht

Hundreds of people attended the largest satanic gathering in history this past weekend (April 28-30) in New York at the sold out SatanCon 2023.

The event marks the 10-year anniversary of The Satanic Temple (TST) and was dedicated to Boston Mayor Michelle Wu for not allowing the group to deliver an invocation at City Hall last year.

A spokesperson from the City of Boston said, “Neither Mayor Wu nor the City of Boston are sponsoring or affiliated with SatanCon 2023. Mayor Wu will be out town this weekend.”

One SatanCon attendee told CBS Boston, “We’re just normal people. We just believe a little differently,” and said that “we are a very misunderstood group.” Despite its use of satanic imagery, TST states that it is non-theistic group that does not actually worship Satan.

This year’s SatanCon theme was “Hexennacht in Boston.” “Hexennacht” is German for “Witches Night.” The satanic event held multiple panels over the weekend, including topics on “Deconstructing Your Religious Upbringing,” “Hellbillies: Visible Satanism in Rural America,” “The Devil Is in All of You: The Changing Face of Satan in Cinema,” and “Reclaiming the Trans Body.”

In addition to the panels, SatanCon hosted a “Satanic Ball” and an event called “Impius Conventus,” which is Latin for “An Ungodly Assembly.” It featured a drag queen performance and a concert by the band Satanic Planet.

During the opening night of SatanCon 2023, two Satanic leaders led worshipers in chants of “Hail Satan” and said, “We stand here today in defiance of their siege and destroy their symbols of oppression,” before ripping pages out of the Bible. The leader, who was female, was cheered on by the crowd as she shouted, “Hail Satan,” while tearing pages of the Bible and throwing them on the floor.

A video of the Satanic leader destroying the Bible was posted on Twitter by “Let Us Worship” leader Sean Feucht, who shared that more than 98 SatanCon attendees have given their lives to Jesus.

“While they were ripping up pages of the Bible to kick off the largest Satanic gathering ever (SatanCon in Boston), over 98 attendees surrendered their lives to Jesus (verified!) from covert evangelists infiltrating the crowd,” Feucht posted.

One person who commented on Feucht’s tweet said the worship leader was lying. Dr. Eric Sprankle, who led the talk on “Sins of the Flesh: Satanism and Self-Pleasure,” told Feucht, “I presented at this conference and there were no ‘covert evangelists infiltrating the crowd.’ It’s easy to lie about converting 98 Satanists when your whole career is based in delusion and deception.”

Your Kids’ Perspective on Family Health

By

Full Strength Network

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May 1, 2023

Your greatest contribution to the kingdom of God may not be something you do, but someone you raise. -Andy Stanley

Professionally, it’s necessary for us, as leaders, to receive and grow through feedback and coaching from those we lead and are led by. It’s through this that blindspots are revealed, and we can evaluate our efforts as they relate to accomplishing our goals. While these conversations can be tough, they can lead to powerful breakthroughs both personally and professionally. What would it look like for us to approach our parenting with the same level of humility and curiosity?

Our methods of parenting are informed by a myriad of things. We lean on our childhood upbringing, cultural observations, personal values, virtues, and faith to guide us in the principles we use in raising our children. As parents, we have goals and hopes we desire for them to one day leave our home with, and we’ll work tirelessly to ensure their success. Yet, while striving for academic, athletic, and social success, we can get caught up in investing so much of ourselves in our kids. We monitor their progress and success through grades, playing time, and accolades and develop plans to improve potential areas of struggle.

However, an area we can quickly look past or under-develop is the relational health of our families.

Regardless of our position within our organization or the size of our platform, our family is our primary ministry. We all want the best for our kids, but the most vital thing we can offer them is not opportunities for success outside the home. The way we invest in our families’ relational health will ultimately inform how they approach friendships, dating, marriage, and parenting. With that being the case, it’s essential to create opportunities to evaluate the relational health of our families.

Being willing to ask our kids for feedback requires a delicate balance of humility and wisdom. The goal is not to give our kids a “Yes Day” experience but, instead, to gain perspective of what their experience in your family is like. It offers a chance for us to learn from and encourage them. We’ll discover new things to celebrate, while at the same time, we’ll bump into areas where we need to seek forgiveness and adjust our methods.

Below are two lists of questions we can use to guide these conversations with the kids in our home. By no means are these lists exhaustive, and they may serve as inspiration to develop different questions based on the dynamics of your own family. It’s less about the questions we ask and more about intentionally taking the time to learn from our kids and their experiences. Regardless of the age of our kids, it is worth fighting through the awkwardness for the sake of greater depth, trust, and relational health in our families. At the end of this article are suggestions for approaching these conversations to make them feel natural and valuable to your kids.

Preschool and Elementary

What is your favorite way to spend time together as a family? Why?
Is there anything you would like to do more of as a family? Why do you think it’s important?
When do you feel most loved by us as your parents? Are there any times that you don’t feel loved?
What can we do to show kindness and generosity to others in our family? What about people outside of our family?
How do you feel when we pray together or read Bible stories as a family?
Is there something you want to learn how to do that someone in our family can teach you?

UPDATE: Charles Stanley’s Grandson Apologizes for Auctioning Off Inherited Items, Leaves Them on eBay

By

Jessica Mouser

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May 1, 2023

UPDATED May 1, 2023: Dr. Charles Stanley’s grandson, Matthew Brodersen, has apologized for auctioning off his grandfather’s picture and pocket watch on eBay, but has left the items online. Brodersen said he has taken to heart the negative feedback he has received and that people should not judge his extended family by his actions.

“Yes, my family was not happy with me doing this,” said Broderson in a YouTube video titled, “I messed up.” “My uncle, Andy Stanley, begged me to take…the auctions off of eBay. My mom called me and said, ‘You take that stuff down right now.’ My sister, she was mad at me as well.”

“I would like to apologize,” said Brodersen in his video, during which he read aloud an article from the Daily Mail about his actions. “I did not even realize that this was going to make people upset.”

Charles Stanley’s grandson said he was thinking of himself when he posted the items, adding, “I admit I shouldn’t have done that.” With regard to someone who said Charles Stanley would not be proud of him, Brodersen agreed, “Yes. That’s true. I don’t think he would be either.”

Brodersen said he would not take the items off eBay, however, because “now it’s kind of awkward. People already started bidding on the items.” Stanley’s grandson said he does not want to deprive his grandfather’s admirers of the chance to get the picture and watch. Currently, the bid on the picture of Stanley is $2,325 and the bid on the watch is $1,375. Bidding on both items closes today.

Brodersen also said that his uncle, Andy Stanley, was “disgusted” with Brodersen’s behavior, and Brodersen asked people not to “get mad at [Andy Stanley] for what I did.” Brodersen has mailed his uncle his grandfather’s passport, which Brodersen had showed his viewers earlier this week and which he had planned to keep as an heirloom.

ChurchLeaders original article written on April 28, 2023, below.

The grandson of Dr. Charles Stanley has received criticism for selling some of his grandfather’s items following Stanley’s death. On Tuesday, Matthew Brodersen announced on his YouTube channel that he would be auctioning off some of his grandfather’s possessions on eBay, a decision some have called “shocking” and a “disgrace.”

“Listen, guys, I’ve already got some negative feedback on eBay for wanting to auction off some of my grandpa’s things,” said Brodersen in his video. “And I promise you, I have a bunch of my grandpa’s stuff that you don’t see that I’m going to keep and cherish and hold on to forever.”

Charles Stanley’s Items for Sale on eBay

Dr. Charles Frazier Stanley was the founder of In Touch Ministries, pastor emeritus of First Baptist Atlanta, and a former president of the Southern Baptist Convention. He passed away at his home the morning of Tuesday, April 18, at the age of 90. A memorial honoring Stanley’s legacy took place April 23. Attendees included Chuck Swindoll, Donald Trump, Dr. Tony Evans, Franklin Graham and CeCe Winans.

‘Through God, All Things Are Possible’ — Dolly Parton on How Faith Shaped Her Anti-Bullying Children’s Book

By

Janna Firestone

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May 1, 2023

Beloved country music legend Dolly Parton has never shied from publicly sharing her faith and love for God. One of 12 children in her large family, Parton grew up in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains singing together with her family. After her break into show business, Parton recorded dozens of hit albums and has won numerous awards throughout her career. Through it all, she credits her relationship with God for her success, happiness, and desire to give back.

Parton recently sat down with Fox News Digital and shared more about how her faith is at the center of her life. “My faith impacts everything that I do because I do believe that, through God, all things are possible,” Parton said. “And so I always ask God to bless everything that I do and the people that I work with and to bring all the right things and right people into my life and to take the wrong ones out.”

Dolly Parton’s New Children’s Book Helps Kids Stand Up to Bullies

As Parton nears 80, she doesn’t have any plans on slowing down much. “I don’t have any children, and I love my work,” the country music star shared. “And, I guess I’ll just work until I can’t no more and then I’ll quit.”

“I’ve always wondered what I could do in my lifetime, and I’ve been very fortunate and very blessed that I’ve been successful,” she continued. “So, I try to just live through love as much as I can. And so I just think that my spirituality has been a guiding light in my life and my strength, really, in my creative energy.” she continued, “And my spiritual energy has really been a great force to keep me going all these years and still being productive.”

The multi-talented artist has now written her third children’s book, “Billy the Kid Makes it Big.” Her previous works include “Coat of Many Colors” and “Kindness Is My Superpower.”

As she began to dream about the story for her third children’s book, Parton looked no further than to her own dog, Billy the Kid. “When he meets some big bullies at the Battle of the Bow-wows, Billy worries he’s barking up the wrong tree,” Parton said. “He’ll need his favorite songs (‘Jowlene’ and ‘I Will Pawlways Love You,’ of course), a group of scrappy new friends, and his favorite country music star to regain self-confidence and be the star he always knew he could be.”

Parton’s music career spans decades. Within that time, she’s encountered her fair share of bullies on her way to stardom. “I wanted kids to understand how harmful bullying can be to someone,” said Parton.

@apnews Dolly Parton, who just released her own children’s book called “Billy the Kid Makes It Big” and has a rock album on the way, talks about staying busy and when she will retire. #dollyparton ♬ original sound – The Associated Press

Comments remain positive and supportive of the country star and philanthropist. Ty mentioned, “She would have been a fantastic mother.”

Christians Haven Madison, Megan Danielle, and Warren Peay Remain Among ‘American Idol’ Top 10 Finalists

By

Stephanie Martin

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May 1, 2023

On April 30, “American Idol” revealed its Top 10 finalists for Season 21. Of those 10 singers, three are outspoken Christians: Megan Danielle, Haven Madison, and Warren Peay. As ChurchLeaders has reported, the three musical artists are vying for the top prize of $250,000 plus a recording contract.

Here’s a look at the three Christians remaining in this season of “American Idol.”

‘American Idol’ Finalist Megan Danielle

To land in the top 10, Georgia native Megan Danielle sang “Angel From Montgomery” by John Prine. The 21-year-old Christian singer and songwriter auditioned for “Idol” by singing “You Say,” the hit from Christian singer Lauren Daigle. During Danielle’s audition, Daigle walked in the room and started singing along, to the surprise of her young fan.

To earn a Top 12 spot, Danielle sang We the Kingdom’s “Holy Water,” a song about God’s grace and forgiveness. After making it into the top 12, Danielle sang Daigle’s recent single “Thank God I Do.”

Danielle, whose parents divorced when she was 7, admits to a lifelong struggle with self-confidence. She credits her grandfather for encouraging her to use her talents to glorify God. Participating in the competition provides “an opportunity to share my love of God,” Danielle told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I want to be able to just lead people where the world is missing, and the world is missing God.”

‘American Idol’ Finalist Haven Madison

Haven Madison, the youngest remaining contestant (and the youngest “Idol” finalist ever), made it to the top 10 Sunday night by singing Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer.” The 17-year-old singer-songwriter from Tennessee is the daughter of Jason Roy, lead singer of Grammy-nominated CCM band Building 429. “I swear I came out of the womb singing,” Madison told Billboard. By age 8, she had traveled to 46 states and was composing her own songs.

For her “Idol” audition, Madison sang “15,” an original she penned at age 15. Her dad accompanied her on guitar. Then for Hollywood Week, she sang her original song “Still Need You,” about her brother’s struggles with suicidal ideation. “I convinced myself I didn’t have anybody to talk to” during that time, Madison said, “so I talked to my piano.”

About her “Idol” appearances, the performer said, “The most beautiful part of getting to do my originals on the show is that other people are relating to the songs, which makes me feel less alone.”

‘American Idol’ Finalist Warren Peay

For his spot in the top 10, South Carolina worship leader Warren Peay sang “House of the Rising Sun,” a folk song by The Animals. Peay, 24, grew up listening to and appreciating a wide range of music.

‘Don’t Quit, Y’all’—Beth Moore Encourages Believers To Persevere

By

Jessica Mouser

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May 1, 2023

In a video Beth Moore filmed Sunday evening after working in her garden, she exhorted her fellow believers not to give up on serving God.

“Don’t quit, y’all,” said Moore in the caption of her tweet. “Don’t stop serving Jesus.”

Don’t quit, y’all. Don’t stop serving Jesus. pic.twitter.com/RPjTDyIvKL

— Beth Moore (@BethMooreLPM) May 1, 2023

Beth Moore: ‘Don’t Stop Serving the Lord’

Beth Moore is a speaker, a bestselling author and the founder of Living Proof Ministries. In her memoir, “All My Knotted-Up Life” (released Feb. 21), Moore reveals how God has been faithful to her throughout her life, including her tumultuous childhood and various trials she has faced as an adult. Among other experiences, the memoir recounts Moore’s upbringing, which included being sexually abused by her father, as well as her history with the Southern Baptist Convention.

“I’m heading back to my house after tending to my vines and tending to my garden, and the sun’s going down on this gorgeous Lord’s Day,” Moore said in her Sunday video, “and I just feel so moved in my spirit to say to somebody this evening, ‘Don’t stop serving the Lord.’”

“I know that there are lots of frustrations and discouragements and a lot going on in some of our churches,” she continued, “but I’m going to tell you something. You may need to go somewhere else and do something different in service to the Lord, but don’t, don’t stop, don’t quit. We’re gonna get one glimpse of his face and all we’re going to be able to say is, ‘You are so worthy. Worthy are you Lord.’”

In an Instagram post of a cluster of grapes also shared on Sunday, Moore once more encouraged her followers to persevere. “If you don’t think your vinedresser notices when you produce some fruit after a hard season, think again,” she said. “He knows the winter you’ve had. Come on out. Risk it again. Don’t compare yourself to your fellow branches. Just bask in the light and living water and grow, baby, grow. It is to your Father’s glory that you bear much fruit and show yourself to be Christ’s disciple.”

People thanked Moore in the comments on her tweet. “I needed to hear this today,” said one. “Thank you for your encouragement.”

LA’s Atheist Street Pirates Go National in Efforts To Remove Illegal Religious Signs

By

Alejandra Molina

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May 1, 2023

LOS ANGELES (RNS) — It started as a small group of atheists tracking and removing religious signs from public streets in Los Angeles. Now, this network spans more than a handful of states, with volunteers documenting and taking down illegally placed religious material on utility poles and overpasses across the country.

Known as the Atheist Street Pirates, the group formed in 2021 as a subset of the LA-based Atheists United, a nonprofit that’s been in the city for 40 years and that seeks to “empower people to express secular values and promote separation of government and religion.”

The street pirates’ goal is to clear city streets of religious propaganda.

Evan Clark, the executive director for Atheists United, created a public Google map database where the street pirates upload photos and locations of the signage they encounter during commutes.

A year ago, the map showed about 70 signs across LA County, including material taken down by the pirates or others. The map now includes about 1,000 markers for religious signage that has been reported, tracked, or removed in such states as Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, Illinois and Kentucky. Volunteers focus on religious signs on public land, not paid billboards or signage on church property.

La’s Atheist Street Pirates Go National in Efforts to Remove Illegal Religious Signs Bright yellow “JESUS SAVES” signs also appear quite commonly in North Carolina, according to the map.

Through this work, Clark, who identifies as an atheist and humanist, said he has recognized a “larger phenomenon happening, where Christian nationalists, evangelicals and other types of religious fanatics are using our public land illegally for their proselytizing.”

On Sunday (April 23), Atheists United held an art exhibition in LA featuring signs and banners that volunteers have removed from across Southern California. Clark said showcasing the signs this way helps show the magnitude of the issue.

Dozens of posters with the words “Jesus. The way. The truth. The life” were prominently showcased on a wall during the exhibit. These signs are the most commonly seen in LA along busy intersections, public parks and freeway off-ramps. More than 130 have been removed, according to Atheists United. Some of these signs are stapled and can be easily torn down, but many are placed atop telephone poles and attached with roofing nails. Volunteers have had to use a crowbar and ladder to remove some signs.

Fulani Kill 18 Christians, Wound Pastor in Plateau State, Nigeria

By

Morning Star News

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May 1, 2023

Villagers-at-site-where-six-Christians-were-killed-on-Tuesday-April-25-in-Farin-Lamba-Plateau-state-Nigeria.-Ron-Thomas-for-Morning-Star-News.-300x244 — Villagers at site where six Christians were killed on Tuesday (April 25) in Farin Lamba, Plateau state, Nigeria. (Ron Thomas for Morning Star News)

ABUJA, Nigeria (Morning Star News) – In 11 days of attacks through Wednesday (April 26), Fulani herdsmen killed 18 people and wounded others in predominantly Christian villages of Plateau state, Nigeria, sources said.

The herdsmen attacked 11 communities in Jos South, Riyom, Barkin-Ladi, Mangu and Bokkos counties.

Three Christians in Darwat village were wounded in attacks as they worked on their farms on Wednesday (April 26), Dalyop Solomon Mwamtiri, an attorney with the Emancipation Centre for Crisis Victims in Nigeria (ECCVN), said in a press statement.

“The attackers were identified by Christian victims as Fulani terrorists,” said Mwamtiri, adding that “Gyang Danbwrang, Joshua Gyang and Mark Gyang were shot and injured by the terrorists.”

The Rev. Gwong Dachollom of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Darwat was ambushed, shot and cut with a machete along the Darwat-Wereng Camp route at about 3 p.m. on Monday (April 24), area resident Rwang Tengwong said.

“The pastor was hacked and his motorcycle carted away by his attackers,” Tengwong said in a message to Morning Star News, adding that his injuries are life-threatening. “He’s presently receiving medical attention at Vom Christian Hospital of the COCIN.”

In Farin Lamba village of Jos South Local Government Area, Fulani terrorists killed six Christians on Tuesday (April 25), said area resident Ron Thomas Gyang in a message to Morning Star News.

Mwamtiri said in his statement that while the “burial of the six Christians killed [April 25] at Farin Lamba of Turu in Vwang was ongoing, another tragic incident of armed attack was carried out against Christians in Gako community in Riyom LGA, where a Polytechnic graduate, Mr. Philip Bitrus, was shot dead by Fulani militias.”

Tengwong said that on Sunday night (April 23), “Fulani militias” killed six Christians and wounded two others “during coordinated attacks on residents of Wereng community and Bachi District of Riyom LGA as well as Tapo village of Heipang District in Barkin Ladi LGA.”

“Two Christians were killed in Wereng village of Riyom Local Government Area, while the other four persons were killed in Tapo village of Heipang in Barkin Ladi LGA,” Tengwong said.

The attacks were simultaneously coordinated between the hours of 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., he said.

“In Wereng, a household was attacked, leaving one family member dead, and a second family member was ambushed while he was on his way to Kwi community. In Tapo, nine Christians were ambushed by the terrorists while they were on their way from another village. Four of them were killed, while five of them escaped with injuries.”

Survivors said the assailants spoke Fulfulde, he said.

“They laid an ambush at Tapo forest and sporadically opened gunfire at them,” Tengwong said. “These Christians were returning home from Heipang, the District headquarters in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.”

He gave the name of one of the Christians killed as Tapshak Guwus, 24, a student at the Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi.

Area community leader Shwamut Ishaku Elisha said in a message to Morning Star News that five Christians were killed and dozens of houses burned down in Murish, Dungmunan and Manja villages of Mangu County in attacks at about midnight on April 16.

Mwamtiri of the ECCVN confirmed killings of Christians this month in the Murish community of Mangu LGA, Marish and Maitunbi villages of Bokkos LGA, Kuru Station in Wereng and Kwi of Riyom LGA, Rawuru of Fan and Tapo of Heipang in Barkin Ladi LGA, and Farin Lamba of Turu-Vwang of Jos South LGA.

How Integrating VoIP & ChMS Solves Problems (We Don’t Not Know About or Try to Ignore)

By

Kevin Kresge

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May 1, 2023

intulse-voip — Photo courtesy of Intulse

As a pastor, I know I am in good company. Pastors give it all for our church communities. Sayings like “there’s no such thing as part time ministry” are common, as are familial problems that can stem from pastors who do not prioritize well.

Basically, there is a lot of risk in ministry. We see it all too often in the news: abuse, adultery, loneliness, and people leaving the church. Our own families can take a hit from broken marriages, lack of communication, even just missing out on family events because “something came up at church.” Probably not what you anticipated in an article that is pointed towards technology in the church, but if you’re a fellow pastor, you know that we’re great at ignoring the uncomfortable.

Pastors and churches must deal with these challenges often brought on by common problems: poor communication, bad habits, and opportunities to fall into temptation.

Luddite or tech-wizard, churches, and pastors—and their faith communities—can benefit from combining modern technologies to help prevent these problems.

The Good Lord knows I dislike giving my cell phone number to anyone except staff members or church leadership. Direct communication through personal devices is problematic. It’s risky, especially in a day when text, voice, and video messages can be faked seemingly with great ease, especially with the advent of AI systems that are capable of creating believable fakes.

Poor communication can be just as compromising as inappropriate physical situations. So how can we protect ourselves, our churches, and those we serve? By adopting technology that helps us.

What Can VoIP & ChMS Technology Do to Help?

Who among us spends every moment at the church? Or, how often have we been told by friends, spouses, or children that we do not spend enough time on ourselves or our families?

My most recent church appointment is small, so I’m rarely at my church. This also affords me more time with my family, which I appreciate. However, this introduces several points of risk. Because of our limited resources as a church, we do not have a lot of technology. Honestly, we do not even have internet in the building; I bring in a wi-fi hotspot each week. Our “ChMS”, or church management software, consists of a simple spreadsheet with a few worksheets in it to track birthdays and anniversaries, as well as administrative roles. This often means my communication is done with my personal device, which can introduce risk.

When I was appointed at a larger church of over 1,000 members and around 800 in weekly attendance, I found that our ChMS software made it easy to find email addresses, phone numbers, and even home addresses. But if the software is only used to store membership information, is it being used to its full potential? We definitely were not using it that way. I rarely saw any kind of record that indicated if anyone had communicated with an attendee or member, let alone what that communication had been. Though we had paper files, I finally instituted the use of the ChMS to track background checks and clearance information of staff and volunteers with automated reminders for renewals.

The problem? A ChMS is only as good or as versatile as the people using it.

Which Nutty Christians to Unfriend on Facebook

By

Brian Jones

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May 1, 2023

If you’re sick of nutty Christians arguing on Facebook, I have GREAT news for you. There’s this thing on Facebook called an unfriend button, and it works!

A while back, I said “that’s it” and began to unfriend crazy Christians “friends” like I was on crack. Since I thought that you, my dear friends, might want to do the same, I took notes.

Here are some of the ways you can know which Christians you should (and should not) delete on Facebook BASED ON ACTUAL PEOPLE I JUST DELETED:

Which Nutty Christians to Unfriend on Facebook

Anyone who describes themselves as a “Prophetic Evangelistic” who “studied at the school of the Holy Spirit” is a safe DELETE.
Nine times out of 10, the title “Apologist” is “code” for “I live in my parents’ basement and can’t get a real job because I like belligerently arguing with everyone.” DELETE.
Backstreet Boys pic for Facebook image? This is a tricky one. How old are they? Any Christian in their 30s who regularly posts about the Backstreet Boys is not someone you want to tick off. KEEP.
Anyone who is the pastor of “The Fire Baptized Holiness Church of God of the Americas” you must keep. BEST CHURCH. NAME. EVER.
Someone with a guitar in their hand? Could be a worship pastor, could be an Elvis impersonator. Tread lightly on the unfriend button. We can all agree that we need fewer worship pastors and MORE Elvis impersonators as Facebook friends! KEEP.
Facebook profile photo of a super ripped Christian trucker in his 50s wearing a sleeveless flannel shirt holding TWO AR-15 rifles? Again, that’s tricky, but my guess is you WANT that Christian guy standing up for you if you’re being bullied online. KEEP.

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Preschool and Elementary

Charles Stanley’s Items for Sale on eBay

Dolly Parton’s New Children’s Book Helps Kids Stand Up to Bullies

‘American Idol’ Finalist Megan Danielle

‘American Idol’ Finalist Haven Madison

‘American Idol’ Finalist Warren Peay

Beth Moore: ‘Don’t Stop Serving the Lord’

What Can VoIP & ChMS Technology Do to Help?

Which Nutty Christians to Unfriend on Facebook

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