Lauren Daigle Cancels Preview Concert To Hold Prayer Vigil for Victims of Nashville Shooting

March 28, 2023

After the Nashville shooting that took place Monday morning, Christian artist Lauren Daigle canceled the album preview concert she was scheduled to hold Monday night and instead held a prayer vigil for the community.

“Today’s shooting is truly heartbreaking for our Nashville community and all of those impacted,” said Daigle in a statement posted Monday. “I’m going to postpone my performance tonight, and in its place, host a community-wide Prayer Vigil. To everyone who was planning to come out, please continue to come join us as we share in a time of prayer and worship to honor the victims and everyone in need.”

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A post shared by Lauren Daigle (@lauren_daigle)

No ticket was required to attend the vigil. Daigle concluded:

To those in the local Nashville area, if you need a safe place to come pray, mourn, and be with your community, please join us. The doors are open for all.

Same location. Same time.

With all my love and support,
Lauren Daigle

Nashville Shooting Devastates Community

Yesterday morning in Nashville, Tennessee, a shooter armed with two assault-style rifles and a handgun opened fire at The Covenant School, which educates children in preschool through the sixth grade. Three 9-year-old children and three adults in their 60s were killed. Officers shot and killed the shooter at the scene of the crime.

Lauren Daigle is set to release her next, self-titled album on May 12 and had been scheduled to perform the entire album Monday evening at Marathon Music Works in Nashville. In a March 25 announcement on Twitter, Daigle said she would be playing her album from beginning to end and sharing stories behind the songs. Those who could not make it in person would be able to stream it at K-LOVE On Demand.

Daigle’s preview concert is now rescheduled for April 5. An update on K-LOVE On Demand’s website says, “Please join us next week for her show and remain in prayer for our city.”

ChildFund International spokesperson Jeremy Willet tweeted Monday evening, “Was supposed to be here tonight for Lauren Daigle’s New Album Preview Show, but in light of the tragic school shooting in Nashville this morning, she replaced the event with a prayer/worship vigil for the community instead. Proud to stand with her tonight!”

Was supposed to be here tonight for Lauren Daigle’s New Album Preview Show, but in light of the tragic school shooting in Nashville this morning, she replaced the event with a prayer/worship vigil for the community instead. Proud to stand with her tonight! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/bYGZ0xCPMu

— Jeremy Willet (@jeremywillet) March 28, 2023

‘Purple Church’ Pastors Mull Leadership Strategies in Polarizing Times

Yonat Shimron

March 28, 2023

Ardmore Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was the site of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina’s Annual Gathering on March 23-24, 2023. RNS photo by Yonat Shimron

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (RNS) — Each Wednesday evening, a group of congregants from First Baptist Church of Mt. Olive, located about 65 miles southeast of Raleigh, gathers for a Bible study called “Tackling Tough Topics Together.” The 10 to 20 regulars have discussed race, human sexuality and mental illness.

Those kinds of conversations are rare and becoming rarer at churches like First Baptist, which is affiliated with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, a network of congregations that offers a moderate alternative to the Southern Baptist Convention.

CBF-affiliating churches generally allow for women’s ordination and view the Bible as authoritative but not literal. They are distinguished these days by the diversity of their congregations, mostly white, but tending to be split nearly equally between Republican-leaning and Democratic-leaning voters.

They are, as the CBF of North Carolina likes to call themselves, neither red nor blue churches, but “purple.”

In an era of increasing polarization, when a deeply acrimonious partisan divide has permeated nearly all aspects of American life, including church, that’s a tough spot to be in.

A recent survey of 467 local pastors by two University of North Carolina political scientists found that of seven Christian groups surveyed in the state, Cooperative Baptist churches were the most evenly politically divided, ahead of Methodists, while, at the other end, Pentecostals and Southern Baptists were least divided.

That makes political discussions in the country’s 1,800 or so CBF-affiliating churches particularly fraught, because pastors risk alienating half the church’s members.

“It’s constraining the kind of debates on moral issues that pastors in purple churches feel comfortable addressing,” said Liesbet Hooghe, a professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, who authored the study along with Gary Marks and Stephanie N. Shady.

For First Baptist’s pastor, Dennis Atwood who attended the leadership forum for CBF pastors in Winston-Salem last week, the effort to reach members about the moral issues of the day is worth the effort.

“We’re pushed into dualistic thinking where we have to have either/or,” he said. “My approach is to model a big tent approach. We can have unity without uniformity.”

Historian Kristin Kobes Du Mez, whose bestselling book “Jesus and John Wayne” traces the rise of militant masculinity in evangelical churches, spoke at the retreat about the difficulty of leading an evangelical congregation in polarizing times.

“Most white evangelicals were not marching with neo-Nazis in Charlottesville, nor were most evangelicals storming the Capitol on Jan. 6,” Du Mez told some 200 church leaders at the leadership forum, sponsored by CBF of North Carolina, on March 23. “But it’s also true that underlying affinities make it difficult for mainstream moderate evangelicals to unequivocally condemn these acts.”

Judge Rules Immigration Officials Violated Pastor’s Religious Freedom Rights

Jack Jenkins

March 28, 2023

Judge-Rules-Immigration — The Rev. Kaji Douša. Courtesy photo

(RNS) — A New York pastor and immigrant rights activist has won a protracted legal battle against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, with a judge ruling last week that federal agents violated her religious freedom and retaliated against her following a 2019 incident along the U.S.-Mexico border.

In his ruling, U.S. District Judge Todd W. Robinson said the Rev. Kaji Douša had established that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection had “unlawfully retaliated against her for her protected First Amendment activity, violated her Free Exercise right to minister to migrants in Mexico, and violated” the 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

Douša, the senior pastor of Park Avenue Christian Church, celebrated the ruling in a statement to Religion News Service on Monday (March 27).

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude for Judge Robinson’s sound, fair and just ruling,” Douša said. “The government’s approach — stalling, gaslighting, even lying — was entirely unconvincing to the court, and I am thrilled for the vindication. Judge Robinson cleared my name, and I thank God for it.”

The case dates back to January 2019, under former President Donald Trump’s administration, when Douša was stopped and questioned for roughly an hour and a half by federal agents while crossing from Tijuana, Mexico, back into the U.S. Douša had been participating in a 40-day “Sanctuary Caravan” assisting Central American asylum-seekers on the Mexican side of the border, one of several similar faith-based efforts at the time designed to aid migrants.

Two months later, a San Diego NBC affiliate published documents from a secret U.S. government database of activists, journalists and others connected to the migrant caravan that showcased, among other things, Douša’s name and photo with a yellow “X” across her face. The documents suggested the pastor’s SENTRI pass — which allows for expedited screening along the Southwest U.S.-Mexico border — had been revoked.

Douša eventually sued the government, kicking off a lengthy trial that stretched more than three and a half years. Additional documents unearthed over the course of the lawsuit revealed evidence the U.S. government surveilled and investigated Douša for her activism, at one point tying her to Antifa.

“To be honest I don’t even know what antifa is,” Douša said in 2020 when RNS asked her about the designation.

The government’s actions appeared to focus on marriages performed for asylum-seekers by Douša while she visited the caravan, although the pastor noted in a brief that she made no promises and “no representations regarding the legal impact our religious ceremonies would have in any application for asylum” and pointed to a document she helped create that encouraged clergy to “make sure the people understand it is a religious ceremony and certificate.”

What’s more, Douša and her lawyers accused the government of targeting her “because she engaged in ‘acts of devotion commanded by the core tenets of her Christian faith’ — namely, advocating for and ministering to migrants in New York and at the Southern Border by blessing their marriages, dedicating their children to Christ, hearing their confessions, and providing them other forms of pastoral care.”

Such actions, Douša and her lawyers argued, are protected under the Constitution and the 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

Judge Robinson ultimately reached a similar conclusion, noting that other documents revealed during the case included a December 2018 email from a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol official to Mexican authorities. The communique asked Mexican officials to bar more than a dozen U.S. citizens from entering the country — including Douša — insisting they “lack(ed) the proper documentation to be in Mexico.”

In his ruling, Robinson noted CBP officials admitted the email was “creative writing” without “any basis,” and concluded the government had violated Douša’s right to freely exercise her religion as well as her rights under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act by “restricting her ability to minister to migrants in Mexico.”

The pastor received support from her fellow faith leaders throughout the lawsuit, with a coalition of more than 850 ordained clergy from around North America signing a letter in support of Douša in 2019. Her denomination, the United Church of Christ, also issued a statement of support, calling the government’s actions “abusive assertions of political power.”

This article originally appeared here.

Faith-Based Volunteers Show Up to Help After Mississippi Tornadoes

Bob Smietana

March 28, 2023

Faith-Based-Volunteers-Show-Up-to-Help — Debris is strewn about tornado-damaged homes, Sunday, March 26, 2023, in Rolling Fork, Mississippi. At least 25 people were killed and dozens of others were injured in Mississippi as the massive storm ripped through several towns late Friday. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

(RNS) — When volunteers show up after a disaster like this past weekend’s deadly tornadoes in Mississippi, some bring chainsaws, tarps and heavy equipment.

Donnie Wedgworth and his friends bring catfish.

On Monday (March 27), Wedgworth and a group of church friends — who call themselves the Catfish Navy — were frying up catfish, French fries and hush-puppies, planning to serve about 600 meals to local residents and first responders in Silver City, Mississippi, one of the small, rural towns affected by Friday’s tornado, which killed 26 people.

The volunteer group, which hails from Greensboro, Alabama, a town of fewer than 3,000 people, served another 500 meals on Sunday before a thunderstorm forced them to shut down.

Wedgworth, an elder at a Presbyterian church, said most of the folks in the group knew each other from working in the catfish industry. There are also Baptists and Methodists in the group of senior citizens.

“The youngest person with us is 60,” he said.

Faith-based volunteers like Wedgworth are often among the first on the ground to help clean up after major disasters. Many are senior citizens who have devoted time and energy to getting prepared to lend a hand. For Wedgworth and his friends, that meant getting a 24-foot trailer a few years ago to carry their cooking equipment.

Volunteers with Catfish Navy prepare meals for local residents and first responders in Silver City, Mississippi. Courtesy photo

They set up in Silver City after talking with other faith-based disaster-relief groups. Wedgworth said that other groups are often set up to help larger communities and stay long-term. The group he’s part of works best in small towns and shows up as soon as they can.

For Wedgworth, responding to a disaster feels like the right thing to do.

“I do like helping people, and we do like serving God,” he said.

Baptists from Mississippi and Arkansas have set up disaster-response sites in Rolling Fork, where much of the town was destroyed by the tornado, and in the town of Armory. Hubert Yates, director of Mississippi Baptist Disaster Relief, said the group will likely continue to work in both areas for at least six weeks. Volunteer teams will bring chainsaws and heavy equipment to clear trees, he said, and they’ll also be helping residents get tarps on their roofs.

“We’ll also see what needs develop,” said Yates, who said that Baptists may also set up mobile kitchens and other forms of assistance in the weeks to come.

Other faith-based groups, like Mennonite Disaster Services, are currently talking with their volunteers and assessing whether or not to get involved with the immediate response in Mississippi.

Darin Bontrager, a regional operations coordinator of Mennonite Disaster Services, said that the group already has 10 long-term projects going in other parts of the Eastern United States. Some of those projects, like rebuilding in Mayfield, Kentucky, and Lake Charles, Louisiana, are about to go on hold due to a lack of volunteers during the summer months.

He said Mennonites may wait until the initial clean-up and response — that disaster-aid groups like the Southern Baptists excel at — is over before beginning any work in Mississippi. Mennonites tend to focus on long-term rebuilding but do have some volunteers who are trained in cleanup efforts.

Bontrager said that the number of disasters in recent years has left relief groups stretched thin.

Still, he said, disaster relief is one place where different faith groups as well as secular groups work as partners — coordinating their efforts and playing to their strengths.

“There’s nothing like a disaster to bring people together,” he said.

This article originally appeared here.

Does Having a Savings Account Mean I Don’t Trust God?

Randy Alcorn

March 28, 2023

Someone sent me this question:

I was asked a question about saving money. Can you help me answer it?

“And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:16-21, ESV).

This was the question: “This passage makes me view savings in a negative light. I don’t know where I land on it but how is this passage true, yet saving money not against it? Is saving money not trusting that God will provide in the future?”

Here are the thoughts I shared in response:

In His parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16), Jesus warns against excessive savings, not against all savings. He also warns against loving money and placing our faith in money, and the presumption that our self-care and self-provision is worthy of our trust.

In the parable in Luke 12, the rich man foolishly failed to consider his mortality (God calls him not “you evil man,” but “you fool”). He didn’t understand that his earthly treasures would either be taken from him, or he would be taken from them. He’s guilty of presumption, and of not recognizing God’s complete power over his life, or his own powerlessness to preserve or extend his life.

Jesus says, “so is the one who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Clearly this parable calls for the followers of Jesus to obey Him by storing up treasures in Heaven, not on Earth.

But that doesn’t mean God forbids us to have anything of value on Earth. Indeed, in order for the rich man to own and tend a farm and herds, and have a roof over his head, or, in the case of Joseph and Jesus, to have wood and tools with which to do carpentry, keeping SOME treasures on Earth is necessary!

Scripture clearly calls us to give generously (see 1 Timothy 6:18-21), a call that few Christians seem to take to heart. Only in isolated cases does Jesus ask someone to give away everything. Yet, He didn’t tell Lazarus, Martha and Mary to give away all they owned. And in fact, He stayed at their estate which had enough room to house, feed, and take care of His whole band of disciples.

When Zacchaeus told Jesus he was going to sell what he had and give half to the poor (see Luke 19), Jesus did not say you shouldn’t give away half, you should give it all. He instead recognized that salvation had come to Zacchaeus’ heart and house, as demonstrated by his willingness to give away so much. We see no condemnation of Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea, and the women who had sufficient wealth to fund Jesus and the disciples.

I think it’s fair to assume that they had savings from which they drew for their giving as well as their living. Indeed, anyone who owns more than they need, which most people do, has assets they can liquidate in times of financial downturn. This is the equivalent of savings. If someone didn’t have a dime in the bank, but owned land, house, barn, plough, furniture, and farm animals, they could sell any of those assets to meet a need.

3 Tough Questions Kids Ask About God (and How To Answer Them)

David Jennings

March 28, 2023

How would you answer tough questions kids ask about God? Sometimes in children’s ministry, kids ask hard questions. So today I’d like to tackle three tough questions kids ask about God. Hopefully these will help guide you the next time a child asks a stumper.

***

Three Tough Questions Kids Ask About God

1. Why does God let people die?

Preschooler:

Preschoolers are learning to deal with separation—Mommy comes back when she leaves me—and may not understand the permanency of physical death. They do understand sadness and someone going away. Explain that God is sad when we’re sad and that people who know Jesus go to heaven to be with God.

Elementary-Age:

Following a death, elementary-age children may be scared they will die, too. Reassure your child that although death on earth means the person is absent from us, he’s present with God. It’s hard when we can’t be with someone we love, but one day we’ll be together in heaven. It’s okay to be sad or even angry at God.

Preteen:

Preteens can understand that God never wanted death. Death is a result of sin and, since we’re all sinners, God sent Jesus so we can have eternal life. People who know Christ go to heaven. Although we’re sad when someone we love dies, we have to trust God. It’s hard to understand that our time on earth is insignificant compared with our eternal life in a perfect place forever.

After Easter: 3 Steps to Launch New Groups

Mark Howell

March 28, 2023

post-easter-bible — With Easter 2015 just about as early as it can possibly be (April 5th), there is still plenty of spring left before summer to launch another small group.

With Easter 2023 just about as early as it can possibly be (April 9th), there is still plenty of spring left before summer, and it makes a lot of sense to launch new groups right after the holiday.

3 Steps to Launch New Groups

1. Step One to launch new groups

As you know, we’re coming into a season (regardless of your hemisphere!) where many people are thinking, at least a little bit, about spiritual things. Regardless of one’s religious background, there are a number of noticeable references to Lent and Easter over the next 40 days.

The week leading up to Easter can be a good opportunity to cast vision into existing small groups about opportunities to invite unchurched neighbors, friends, co-workers and family to Easter services. A simple video of your senior pastor speaking directly to group members about the opportunity could be played in every group.

2. Step Two to launch new groups

Easter (April 9th) is quite early in 2023. With over two months left before school is out for summer (at least in the United States), there is plenty of time for a connecting event and enough weeks to allow new groups to have a chance of solidifying.

If a study was selected that would appeal to infrequent attenders (who will be attending this Easter) as well as friends and neighbors, it could lead to an easy opportunity to connect unconnected people. (See also, Design Your Connecting Event with Unconnected People in Mind and Four Secrets of Connecting Unconnected People.)

Promotion of a connecting event could begin the week before Easter. The event itself could be scheduled for April 16th.

3. Step Three to launch new groups

Choosing the right study will make it easier to promote the connecting event and encourage unconnected people to join “a six week group.” Of course, you’ll be doing everything you can to make it such a good experience that they will want to continue, but you’ll also be leveraging the power of a test-drive.

The right study will also make it easy for those who have invited friends and neighbors to host a group in their home that will do the study. Also, if you want to connect unconnected people, you must select topics that will actually appeal to unconnected people. See also, Preoccupied With the Needs and Interests of the Right People.

Shooter at Christian Nashville Elementary School Kills 3 Kids, 3 Adults

Jesse T. Jackson

March 27, 2023

Children from The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville, Tenn., hold hands as they are taken to a reunification site at the Woodmont Baptist Church after a shooting at their school, on Monday, March, 27, 2023. (George Uribe via AP)

UPDATE: The victims have been identified as Evelyn Dieckhaus (9), William Kinney (9), Hallie Scruggs (9), custodian Mike Hill (61), teacher Katherine Koonce (60), and Cynthia Peak (61).

Police have identified the shooter as 28-year-old Audrey Hale, a former student at the school. Nashville police chief John Drake said the shooter “identified as transgender,” had a manifesto, and a map of the school.

According to reports Hale’s completed rampage was thwarted after Hale was shot dead by Officer Rex Englebert and Officer Michael Collazo of the Metro Nashville Police Department.

Hale messaged friend Averianna Patton on social media the morning of the shooting informing them that “something bad” was going to happen.

Hale told Patton, “I’m planning to die today,” and “This is my last goodbye. I love you. See you again in another life.”

Patton replied, “Audrey! You have so much for life to live. I pray God keeps and covers you,” and called the suicide prevention helpline and the police.

On Monday morning (March 27), an assailant armed with two assault-style rifles and a handgun entered The Covenant School located at Covenant Presbyterian Church on Burton Hills Blvd. in Nashville, Tennessee, killing three students and three adults.

The Christian elementary school teaches preschool through sixth grade and has the motto of “Shepherding Hearts, Empowering Minds, Celebrating Childhood.”

“The beauty of a PreSchool-6th school is in its simplicity and innocence,” the school’s website reads. “Students are free to be children—they can feel fully and safely known by our faculty and become leaders under their guidance.”

That simplicity, innocence, freedom, and safety was violently violated after a 28-year-old white female entered the school through a “side entrance and [traversed] her way from the first floor to the second floor, firing multiple shots,” according to a Metro Nashville Police Department spokesperson.

At approximately 10:13 a.m., the Metro Nashville Police Department was notified that the school was dealing with an active shooter situation. After officers arrived at the scene, a five-member team entered the building. As they were clearing the first floor, they heard shots coming from the second floor.

The department spokesperson reported that the officers proceeded up the stairs toward the gunfire. Two of the members of that team then engaged with the shooter, shooting and killing her just before 10:30 a.m.

At the time of the shooting, emergency dispatchers issued a mass causality alert to first responders and the local hospital to prepare for the worst.

Police investigations are ongoing, but Nashville police chief John Drake told reporters that he believes the shooter was a former student at the school.

The six victims, including the shooter, have been identified. Their names will not be disclosed to the public until the appropriate time.

“Right now I will refrain from saying the ages other than to say I was literally moved to tears to see the kids as they were being lifted out of the building,” Drake said.

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director David Roush voiced his “heartfelt prayers to the families [and] to this community of these victims. Now I know there’ll be people who want to criticize us for prayers, but that’s the way we do it in the south. We believe in prayer. We believe in the power of prayer. So our prayers go out to these families.”

The Covenant School is located in a wealthy part of Nashville’s Williamson County.

As news of the shooting spread throughout the nation, Christian leaders asked followers of Jesus to pray for those involved.

Evangelist Franklin Graham tweeted, “Please join me in praying for the students, faculty, staff, and families of The Covenant School in Nashville, TN, in the wake of a shooting this morning where at least three children and three adults are reported dead. May God comfort and uphold these families.”

Candace Cameron Bure, Trevor Lawrence Among Celebrities Who Attended Tim Tebow’s Celebrity Gala & Golf Classic

Jessica Mouser

March 27, 2023

Candace Cameron Bure, Jessie James Decker, Trevor Lawrence, and Shawn Johnson East were among the celebrities that turned out this past weekend for Tim Tebow’s 12th annual Celebrity Gala & Golf Classic. Over the years, the event has raised money for the different outreaches that the Tim Tebow Foundation supports.

“God is good,” said Tim Tebow on his Instagram page. “There’s so much to be grateful for after [the] 12th annual @timtebowfoundation Celebrity Gala & Golf Classic. All the celebrities who came and loved on our kids and our family — Thank you, the way you selflessly serve alongside us is so encouraging! I’m so grateful for every one of you!”

“We had a beautiful weekend in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL supporting @timtebowfoundation,” said Candace Cameron Bure on Instagram. “The work Tim and Demi are doing to lift up the most vulnerable is so important and beautiful. Thank you @timtebow @demitebow for including us to help make a difference .”

Tim Tebow Foundation: Celebrity Gala & Golf Classic

Tim Tebow started his foundation in 2010 “to bring faith, hope and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need.” It flows directly from his belief that followers of Jesus are called to serve others.

The Tim Tebow Foundation fights human trafficking, serves orphans, and supports children who have significant medical needs. It also serves children with special needs and is known for its annual Night to Shine event, a prom night for children with special needs where every attendee is celebrated and crowned king and queen. In February, the first in-person Night to Shine events were held since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

The Celebrity Gala & Golf Classic traditionally begins with the gala on Friday evening and the Golf Classic on Saturday. “What an incredible 24hrs,” singer and author Jessie James Decker posted on Instagram. “Thank you to @timtebowfoundation @demitebow @timtebow and their wonderful team for having us❤️ please learn about their foundation and how you can help.”

One photo shared by Candace Cameron Bure showed her posing with her husband, Valeri Bure, along with Decker and her husband, Eric Decker, and Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson East and her husband, Andrew East. Eric Decker and Andrew East are former NFL players, and Valeri Bure is a former NHL player.

Tim Tebow’s wife, Demi-Leigh, who was the 2017 Miss Universe and who has attended the gala in the past, played in the Golf Classic for the first time. She practiced leading up to the event and made an impressive shot at the 17th hole.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tim Tebow (@timtebow)

“This weekend will contribute to impacting many lives all around the world,” said Demi-Leigh Tebow on Instagram. “So grateful to everyone who attended and who showed up to show their support to fight for the most vulnerable people around the world.”

Animated Movie ‘David’ Raises Nearly $50M, Surpassing ‘The Chosen’ for Crowdfunding Record

Janna Firestone

March 27, 2023

“David,” an upcoming animated film depicting the life of the biblical character, has set a new crowdfunding record, raising nearly $50 million. The previous record was held by “The Chosen.”

The faith-based project has $10 million more to go to reach its $60 million production goal by March 31.

Nearly 10,000 people have financially backed the film. Investments have ranged from the minimum amount of $100 to thousands of dollars.

An Epic Biblical Story — ‘The David Movie’

“There is no better story of faith and courage than that of David, who not only defeated a giant but inspired a nation!” the film’s website boasts. “Throughout David’s life, he was a warrior, poet, shepherd, and king whose life was full of energy and adventure. DAVID portrays the possibility of a living and breathing relationship with God.”

Executives for “David” credit the online community surrounding the film for this record-breaking support.

“In partnership with Angel Studios, and as an expression of faith, we set the goal of making DAVID the most-watched theatrically released animated film of all time,” shared movie executives. “This is not a goal driven by ego, but rather by a stretch of vision. We know that God is ‘able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine’ (Ephesians 3:20).”

Angel Studios also produced “The Chosen,” a multi-season TV drama telling the “story of Jesus through the eyes of those who followed him.” Millions of people have watched and shared the series with friends and family.

Artists, animators, filmmakers, and musicians from “David” have also worked on successful projects such as “Finding Nemo,” “Moana,” “Monsters, Inc.,” “The Lord of the Rings,” and “Zootopia.”

Executive Producers Phil and Jacqui Cunningham have kept their faith at the center of their lives and careers through the creation of Sunrise, a computer animation studio. Together, they believe in building teams of talented people in a community rich with mentoring relationships.

Sunrise Studios and Angel Studios have come together for the monumental project.

As David authored many of the Psalms, it makes sense for this movie to be a musical, and the film’s music is produced by Grammy Award-winning Jason Halbert. Halbert is known for his work on The Kelly Clarkson Show and as a keyboardist for DC Talk.

The David Movie will also have film-related merchandise available even before the movie releases. A plush doll of Tali, a lamb featured in the film, is now available.

Kanye West Credits Jonah Hill for Helping Him ‘Like Jewish People Again’

Jesse T. Jackson

March 27, 2023

24-time Grammy Award winning rapper, producer, and fashion designer Kanye West posted on Instagram over the weekend (March 25) that watching actor Jonah Hill’s performance in “21 Jump Street” has made him “like Jewish people again.”

In a movie that was released in 2012, Hill plays an undercover police officer who, along with his partner played by Channing Tatum, is assigned as a student at a local high school to stop the spread of a synthetic drug.

“Watching Jonah Hill in ’21 Jump Street’ made me like Jewish people again. No one should take anger against one or two individuals and transform that into hatred towards millions of innocent people. No Christian can be labeled antisemite knowing Jesus is Jew. Thank you Jonah Hill. I love you,” West wrote under an image of the 21 Jump Street movie poster.

After publicly converting Christianity, West released “Jesus Is King” on October 25, 2019. Unlike West’s previous albums which often featured provocative themes and profane language, “Jesus Is King” praised Jesus, spoke about West’s transformation, and pointed people to God.

“Jesus Is King” was nominated for a Dove Award at the Gospel Music Association’s 51st awards ceremony, won multiple 2020 Billboard Music Awards, and received a Grammy for Best Contemporary Music Album in 2021.

While campaigning to be the next President of the United States in 2020, a remorseful West revealed that he had considered asking his then-wife Kim Kardashian to get an abortion when she was pregnant with their daughter North. The couple were married in 2014 and share four children together.

West’s public comments didn’t sit well with Kardashian, eventually leading to a series of events that caused them to separate and eventually divorce in 2022.

West followed up “Jesus Is King” with the release of “Donda,” an album named after his late mother, on Aug. 29, 2021. West continued to speak about Jesus and Christianity, but the album also featured lyrics reflecting his estranged relationship with Kardashian. The album included guest appearances by Jay-Z, Andre 3000, The Weeknd, Travis Scott, and Marilyn Manson.

“Donda” received two Grammy Awards for the songs “Hurricane” and “Jail.”

In addition to acknowledging his newfound faith with his albums, West started a contemporary Sunday morning worship service he called “Sunday Service,” which traveled to select towns, festivals, and invite-only events across the nation.

The “Sunday Services,” which would often times draw celebrities like Justin Bieber, Brad Pitt, Dave Chappelle, Bradley Cooper, and the Kardashians, featured West’s Sunday Service Choir and would frequently include preaching times, with some sermons delivered by well-known pastors like Joel Osteen and Rich Wilkerson Jr.

A 2021 “Sunday Service” that took place on Halloween turned heads when Satanic shock-rocker Marylin Manson appeared alongside of West and Bieber following allegations that Manson had sexually assaulted past girlfriends.

On Oct. 4, 2022, West ignited a social media blaze when he and Candace Owens appeared at a Yeezy fashion show in Paris wearing shirts with the phrase “White Lives Matter” on them.

“Everyone Knows Black Lives Matter Was a Scam. Now It’s Over. You’re Welcome,” West said in an now-deleted Instagram post.

Days later, West told Tucker Carlson that he “performs for an audience of one, and that’s God” while discussing his pro-life stance and his decision to wear the now-infamous “White Lives Matter” shirt.

Four days after Carlson’s interview aired, West’s social media tirades came to a halt after Twitter and Instagram blocked him for posts including a declaration that he would soon go “death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE.”

Miami Basketball Players Drop to Knees in Prayer Following Victory Advancing Them to Final Four

Dale Chamberlain

March 27, 2023

As the University of Miami Hurricanes overtook the Texas Longhorns on Sunday (March 26) to advance to the Final Four, the team knelt to express gratitude through prayer.

Beating the Longhorns by a score of 88-81, the Hurricanes will be making the first Final Four appearance in the school’s history. The victory is significant, especially given that the team lost in this same round of the NCAA March Madness tournament last year.

Immediately after recording the victory, a number of the Hurricanes players gathered in a circle and dropped to their knees to pray. The prayer of gratitude was led by Nicaraguan-born third-year sophomore Norchad Omier.

“Thank you for bringing us here,” Omier prayed. Following Omier’s prayer, the team stood and cheered to celebrate their victory.

Omier, who is an Arkansas State transfer, contributed 11 points and nine rebounds in the game.

A video clip of the prayer was posted to Twitter, with the team receiving praise online for their expression of faith.

“It was a beautiful moment. What I noticed was how quickly they all knew to drop to their knees in prayer,” one person wrote. “I wonder which player is the spiritual leader of these young men? What a great witness and leadership from college athletes!”

Another said, “Noticed this and loved it!!”

Others pointed out how quickly CBS diverted camera coverage away from the prayer huddle, including former NFL star and outspoken Christian Benjamin Watson.

“I saw that! And they moved that network camera shot with the quickness,” Watson remarked. Others commented that they had noticed it too.

The Hurricanes will face off against the University of Connecticut Huskies on April 1. Notably, UConn is the only team among those remaining in the tournament that has been to the Final Four in the past.

The other two teams that will face off on April 1 are Final Four newcomers Florida Atlantic Owls and San Diego State Aztecs.

Members of the @CanesHoops team knelt in prayer to thank God following their win today. 🙏

Final Four bound!

🎥: @MarchMadnessMBB pic.twitter.com/pxvytznsNS

— The Athletes’ Corner (@AthletesCorner_) March 27, 2023

Terrorists Kill 27 Christians in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Morning Star News

March 27, 2023

ABUJA, Nigeria (Morning Star News) – Fulani herdsmen and other terrorists killed 27 Christians in two attacks this month in Kaduna state, Nigeria, local sources said.

Both attacks took place in Zangon Kataf County, where 10 Christians were killed on March 14 in Langson village and 17 slain in Ungwan Wakili village on March 10, residents said.

Residents of Langson said dozens more were wounded in the attack that began at 9 p.m.

“I urge the government to match words with action by arresting the perpetrators since the government knows them and where they are,” said Sam Achie, president of the area community development association. “I appeal to Nigeria government to as a matter of urgency deploy more security agents to Zangon Kataf Local Government Area in order to arrest the recurring attacks on innocent Christians whose lives and property are being destroyed for no justifiable reason.”

In Ungwan Wakili, residents said Muslim terrorists attacked the village and nearby Christian communities at about 9 p.m. for about 40 minutes before retreating.

“My family house in the village was attacked by the terrorists and armed herdsmen,” resident Joshua Solomon told Morning Star News in a text message. “The house was burned down, and no one is left alive. They killed all my family members.”

Solomon identified 16 of those killed as Daniel Soji, Emmanuei Ibrahim, Jummai Gajere, Aaron Thomas, Rahila Sunday Ishaya, Blessing Zakaria, Felicia Zakaria, Gloria Zakaria, Gaji Tonak, Elizabeth Tokan, Peace Tokan, Favour Patrick, Peace Patrick, Chinwe Patrick, Ruth John and Emmanuel John.

He also identified six Christians receiving hospital treatment for wounds received in the attack as Precious Timothy, Sunday Ishaya, Jessica Zakaria, Chison Ikechukwu, Patience Matthew and Jessica Tokan.

Area resident Barnabas Tonak said his mother and an in-law with her two children were among those killed.

“Our attackers were Muslim Fulani herdsmen who came along with terrorists to invade our community,” Tonak said in a text message to Morning Star News. “In all, 17 Christians were killed during the attack. Five members of my family were among those killed, and another family member was injured. Aside from the killing of our people, these herdsmen have in the past deliberately destroyed our farms and crops.”

Christians from southern Kaduna who have fled to Europe condemned the attacks.

“We are concerned with the recent killings in Ungwan Wakili and other villages that resulted in the loss of over 17 lives, with innocent citizens injured,” Casimir Biriyok and Janet Nale, president and secretary respectively of the Southern Kaduna People in Diaspora (SOKAPDA), Europe, said in a statement. “These attacks are coming barely three months after the mass murder of 38 harmless Christian villagers in Malagum, Kamuru-Ikulu and Abun (Broni Prono) communities in southern Kaduna on Dec. 18, 2022.”

They said that they have heard no statement from authorities on the attacks, much less visits by officials to the survivors.

“The governments of Nigeria and that of Kaduna state have shown little support to either the victims or issued a simple statement of condemnation of the killings,” they said.

Christians from southern Kaduna living in Europe find it difficult to comprehend how human lives seem to have little or no value in Nigeria in general and in Kaduna state, they said.

“It is essential to hold those who have sworn to protect us to do the needful, for we in diaspora are frustrated that in the 21st century, technology like phone tracking, geo orbits satellite, drones and old-fashion spying, etc., have not been fully utilized,” Biriyok and Nale said. “The peaceful Kaduna state that we once knew is no more, and we sincerely hope that somewhere within the political class, someone will take security of lives seriously, for it is absolutely too tragic that our state has become a killing field.”

Muhammad Jalije, spokesman for the Kaduna State Police Command, said in a statement only that, “I can confirm that there was an attack, and people were killed.”

Nigeria led the world in Christians killed for their faith in 2022, with 5,014, according to Open Doors’ 2023 World Watch List (WWL) report. It also led the world in Christians abducted (4,726), sexually assaulted or harassed, forcibly married or physically or mentally abused, and it had the most homes and businesses attacked for faith-based reasons. As in the previous year, Nigeria had the second most church attacks and internally displaced people.

4 Encouragements for Pastors on Monday Morning

Dale Chamberlain

March 27, 2023

Encouragements for Pastors on Monday — Adobestock #379401712

“Don’t quit on a Monday.” This is a common axiom among pastors, and with good reason. Monday is often the hardest day of the week for those who lead a church or ministry.

Whether weekend services went extraordinarily well or spectacularly poorly, pastors often wake up on Monday morning feeling incredibly drained—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. For many, this experience is consistent.

Sometimes, the “Monday blues” are somewhat mild. Other times, it’s all a pastor can do to get out of bed. In either case, pastors are often in need of some spiritual encouragement and renewal on Monday.

While there isn’t always much pastors can do to circumvent the emotional and spiritual ascents and descents that seem to accompany their weekly rhythms, there are things they can do to ensure that they remain healthy for the long haul in the midst of it.

Here are four encouragements for pastors on Monday morning.

1. Remember That Your Ministry Doesn’t Rise and Fall With a Single Weekend.

One reality that is often daunting for pastors is that Sunday is only ever—at most—six days away. If pastors put too much emphasis on every Sunday being “the best Sunday ever,” they are at risk of burning themselves out, and quickly.

But the fact of the matter is that the life of a church will never rise or fall on the experience of any given Sunday. After all, it is only one day of seven in the life of the church.

In fact, some of the most important ministry a pastor does happens between Sundays, whether that comes in the form of meeting with and empowering other leaders, visiting people in the hospital to pray for them, or working on establishing a vision and strategy for reaching their community for Jesus.

Pastor, whether you’ve just preached the worst sermon of your life—or the best, for that matter—your ministry will not be defined by what your church’s weekend experience looked like on any given week.

This is usually something your heart naturally begins to realize by Tuesday, when you’re in the full swing of a new week of ministry. Nevertheless, it’s something good to remind yourself of on Monday when you’re feeling at your lowest.

2. Do Things That Fill You Back Up.

For most pastors, adrenaline and anxiety about the coming Sunday often begin to rise well before their alarm goes off in the early morning hours before service starts. For many, the emotional ramp up begins on Saturday afternoon as they look ahead to delivering a sermon, leading ministry activities, and interacting with people who are looking to them for spiritual guidance and care.

Thus, by the time Sunday evening rolls around, many pastors have been on spiritual and emotional high alert for well over 24 hours. As they attempt to wind down, spend time with their families, and look ahead to the next week of ministry activities, they are spent. They’ve given all they can give.

While that is sometimes just the sign of a job well done, it’s also a dangerous place for pastors to be if they aren’t intentional about ensuring that they minister out of the overflow of their own spiritual life with Jesus.

A pastor cannot pour himself out for the benefit of his congregation if he has not first been filled up. Therefore, pastors must be intentional about doing things that fill their tanks back up.

This includes spiritual disciplines, such as Scripture reading, prayer, silence, and solitude. But it may also include other “non-spiritual” things, such as going golfing, engaging in a hobby, or eating a good meal with a close friend.

3. Remember To Listen to Your Body.

Sometimes, it can feel like your soul is running ragged when really you’re just at the end of your body’s ability to keep going. When it comes to staying healthy and productive in ministry, tending to the needs of your body can be just as important as tending to the needs of your soul. Spiritual life is not disembodied.

What Kind of King? A Powerful Palm Sunday Poem

Michael Gehrling

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?

Chuck Warnock

March 27, 2023

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

Dale Hudson

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

Jesse T. Jackson

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

Greg Stier

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

Philip Wagner

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.

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1. Remember That Your Ministry Doesn’t Rise and Fall With a Single Weekend.

2. Do Things That Fill You Back Up.

3. Remember To Listen to Your Body.

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

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