5 Myths About Hell

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March 19, 2022

This article is part of the 5 Myths series. Author Mark Jones debunks these myths using Bible verses about hell.

Myth #1: Jesus wasn’t concerned with hell.

Christ spoke a great deal more about judgment and hell than many might care to admit. Not only that, but he speaks of hell in a number of different ways to illustrate its endless, horrifying torment. For example, he uses a “parable” in Luke 16 to describe the place called “Hades” (Luke 16:23), which has a “great chasm” (Luke 16:26) fixed by God to prevent crossing from hell to heaven and vice versa. He speaks of the “hell of fire” (Matt. 5:22); the danger of the “whole body” being “thrown into hell” (Matt. 5:29); it is the “unquenchable fire” (Mark 9:43); the impenitent are “thrown” there (Mark 9:45), “where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:48).

Jesus, the Son of man, with his angels, will send all “law-breakers” and “throw them into the fiery furnace” where there will be “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matt. 13:41-42). Jesus called it a place of “outer darkness” (Matt. 25:30). In the end, there is little doubt that our Lord did not shy away from discussing a place of endless torment, often using evocative language to make his point in order to warn sinners of the coming judgment (Matt. 3:12; Matt. 7:22–23; Matt. 10:28; Matt. 11:23; Matt. 13:30, 41–42, 49–50; Matt. 23:16, 33; Matt. 25:10, 31–33; Matt. 26:24; Mark 8:36; 9:43–48; 16:16; Luke 9:25; 12:9–10, 46; John 5:28–29).

Myth #2: The Old Testament wasn’t concerned with hell.

Like most doctrines, the doctrine of hell is not fully developed in the Old Testament, but that does not mean it is not present. For example, in Isaiah, the godless should tremble since they are threatened with “the consuming fire” and the “everlasting burnings” (Isa. 33:14). Isaiah frequently speaks of God’s wrath (Isa. 10:16–18; Isa. 29:5–6; Isa. 30:27, Isa. 30; Isa. 33:14).

This culminates in the final chapter where he speaks of the Lord coming in fire “to render his anger in fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire will the LORD enter into judgment, and by his sword, with all flesh; and those slain by the LORD shall be many” (Isa. 66:15-16). Finally, at the very end, the righteous “shall go out and look on the dead bodies of the men who have rebelled against [God]. For their worm shall not die, their fire shall not be quenched, and they shall be an abhorrence to all flesh” (Isa. 66:24; see Christ’s use of these words in Mark 9:48). This language is mirrored in Daniel, too, where we are told of the final judgment that “many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt” (Dan. 12:2).

Myth #3: Hell is not an endless place of punishment.

The New Testament is clear that hell is a place of “everlasting punishment” (Matt. 25:46); it is an “everlasting fire” (Matt. 18:8) that can never be quenched (Mark 9:45), where their worm never dies (Mark 9:48). Sodom and Gomorrah were punished for their sins by “undergoing a punishment of eternal fire” (Jude 7). False teachers have a place reserved in hell where the “gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever” (Jude 13). In Revelation 14:11 the suffering of the wicked is described: “And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night. . . ” (see also Revelation 19:3, Revelation 20:10, “forever and ever”). As William Shedd says, “Had Christ intended to teach that future punishment is remedial and temporary, he would have compared it to a dying worm, and not to an undying worm; to a fire that is quenched, and not to an unquenchable fire.”

He adds that other words and metaphors could have been used to describe a long, but not endless, punishment. Indeed, if hell is not endless, the New Testament writers “were morally bound to have avoided conveying the impression they actually have conveyed by the kind of figures they have selected” (Shedd). In the New Testament, the same word used to describe “everlasting life” is also used to describe “everlasting punishment.” Thus in Revelation 22:14–15 we see that the existence of the righteous in heaven is coterminous with the existence of the wicked “outside” heaven (i.e., in hell).

Myth #4: Hell is merely separation from God.

Hell is a place of punishment by God; sinners who have committed treason against an infinite God will remain in the place of torment where they shall only be able to continually hate the God they hated in their previous life. The idea that hell is mere “separation from God” is misleading and wrongheaded, though it certainly includes the idea of separation from Christ (Matt. 25:41). Rather, it is the opposite: a God-hating sinner, who does not have a mediator, remains in the presence of a holy, righteous, and powerful God.

Hell is a place, not a metaphor to describe some inner thought processes. The rich man in hell calls it a “place of torment” (Luke 16:28). Judas went to “his own place” (Acts 1:25). Just as there is a “place” for the righteous after death, so there is a “place” for the wicked after death. Gehenna refers to the Valley of Hinnom, outside Jerusalem. This place has a horrible history, with Israelites and kings of Israel, at one time, burning their children as sacrifices to false gods (i.e., Molech; see 2 Chron. 33:6; Ahaz did much of the same—see 2 Chron. 28:3). Gehenna may not be a reference to a burning trash dump, but it is actually far worse: a place where the most horrible things take place, such as the willful sacrifice of children. Evil at its worst is associated with Gehenna. Hell is a place of pure evil, a place as scary as it is destitute of all hope.

Rather than being mere “separation from God,” hell is, as the Puritan Thomas Goodwin said, a place where “God himself, by his own hands, that is, the power of his wrath, is the immediate inflicter of that punishment of men’s souls in hell.” God’s power will be “exercised” as his wrath towards those who cast away from the presence of God’s blessedness. In other words, those in hell will receive the opposite of those in glory, but they will still be in God’s presence. For those in heaven, they have a Mediator; for those in hell, they have nothing between them and an avenging God.

Myth #5: Hell is simply giving people what they want.

This is only partly true and open to possible misunderstanding. In one sense, hell is an endless (suffering) existence whereby the wicked do not commune with God. In this sense, their life in hell mirrors their life on earth. They did not want Christ on earth and they will, therefore, be without him in hell. However, nobody desires to suffer at the hands of God, especially forever. Nobody wants their despair to increase as well. As the creature in hell realizes more and more that they are suffering forever, the despair of eternal judgment can only increase. Those in hell have no promises, and thus no hope, but only increasing despair.

According to Goodwin, the “wretched soul in hell . . . finds that it shall not outlive that misery, nor yet can it find one space or moment of time of freedom and intermission, having forever to do with him who is the living God.” The wicked will despair because there is no end to the wrath of the living God. Therefore, the concept of ever-increasing despair for all eternity, whereby the creature damned to hell can do nothing else but blaspheme a living, eternal God, gives us all the reason in the world to persuade sinners to put their faith in the one who experienced hellish despair on the cross.

True, many do not want to worship the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we need to convince people that hell is not people ultimately getting “what they wanted” as if there were some victory for the wicked, or possibly in an attempt to “sanitize” the doctrine to somehow make it palatable to unbelievers. In one sense, the wicked are going to get the opposite of what they wished for (and often experienced) on earth. We all want happiness, and as such we should all come to the fountain of blessedness, the Lord Jesus Christ, so that he can give to us all that we really desire: joy unspeakable.

Content adapted from Living for God by Mark Jones. This article first appeared on Crossway.org; used with permission.

Alexa, Do Not Hypnotize Me

By

James Emery White

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March 19, 2022

The use of hypnosis is gaining more acceptance from the medical community to alleviate anxiety, ward off pain, and inhibit various fears. But get ready for it to go viral.

Literally.

A new generation of hypnosis programs and apps are making the practice available digitally, hoping to popularize hypnosis in the same way as meditation. The dilemma is that people “either think it’s ridiculous or dangerous,” says David Spiegel, a clinical psychiatrist and professor at Stanford University School of Medicine and co-founder of Reveri Health that offers self-hypnosis through Alexa.

He’s right, people do think it’s dangerous. And they should, and for reasons they are probably not even thinking about.

Hypnosis is the practice of placing someone in a “relaxed, highly focused state that makes them unusually susceptible to suggestion, typically through verbal cues and mental imagery.” The use of hypnosis ranges from the treatment of pain to conditions such as “anxiety, phobias and sleep disorders, and to help stop behaviors like smoking or overeating.”

So how does it work?

As one California hypnotherapist explains it, “hypnosis gets the conscious mind out of the way.”

That’s the problem.

The spiritual concern with hypnosis is how it opens someone to influence, and that influence can come from any source, including the demonic. Franz Anton Mesmer, sometimes referred to as the “father of hypnotism” and from whom we get the word “mesmerize,” was also involved with the occult.

In the hands of a well-qualified Christian professional, there can be benefit to the use of hypnosis. As an article posted on the Focus on the Family website details,

Under the careful supervision of a well-qualified Christian professional, it can sometimes be beneficial. Before submitting to hypnosis, however, it is critical to know the administering therapist and to be familiar with their credentials, background, worldview, value system and personal beliefs. In the wrong hands, hypnosis has the potential to create confusion and to cause more problems than it resolves.

It’s worth adding that hypnosis, like any other therapeutic technique, should be rejected out of hand when it takes on questionable spiritual overtones—for example, when it becomes occultic in nature or is clearly connected with the tenets of Eastern religion or New Age philosophy.

In proper, medical hands hypnosis may be of some value. Turned loose and offered on demand through Alexa is terrifying. To have your conscious bypassed – for any reason – is a serious affair. As one person who went through self-hypnosis sessions at home for a month and successfully ended their craving for cigarettes said, “This hypnosis is some crazy-a** voodoo.”

Yes, it is. Which means proceed with caution.

And tell Alexa to keep her hypnosis to herself.

This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.

Woman Who Set Fire to Church, Synagogue Was ‘Worshiping Santería and Witchcraft,’ Says Former Friend

By

Jessica Lea

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March 18, 2022

kimorah parker — L: Kimorah Parker via News 8 R: Screenshot from Facebook / @Kimorah Arroyo

A woman in New Britain, Conn., has been arrested in connection with two fires that were set at a church and a synagogue the evening of Friday, March 11. Former friends of Kimorah Parker, 30, have suggested her actions were related to her pursuit of witchcraft and demonic rituals.

“She [started] worshiping Santería and witchcraft and all that stuff and that’s what she’s practicing,” Luis Malave, who said he’s known Parker for 15 years, told WFSB News. “And that’s what she is putting in her home. She is taking elements from our streets, breaking them and using them as part of rituals. She said that it’s time for the world to change.”

Kimorah Parker’s Bond Set at $260,000

Around 8 p.m. the evening of Friday, March 11, someone set fire to Congregation Tephereth Israel, a synagogue in New Britain. About 45 minutes later, another fire started at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, which is less than a mile away from the synagogue. Following those incidents, the burglar alarm at St. Joseph’s Church went off due to a break-in.

On March 12, New Britain mayor Erin Stewart posted on Facebook that authorities had arrested a suspect in the case. She said:

Below is a message from the Federal Bureau of Investigations regarding the incidents of last evening:

Please be advised that the FBI is coordinating with the Connecticut State Police and New Britain Police Department (NBPD) with regard to the break-ins, one possible attempted break-in and/or fires that recently occurred at multiple different denominations of houses of worship in the City of New Britain, Connecticut.

Local police have arrested a suspect well-known to them and retain the lead over the ongoing investigations. No other incidents have been reported since the arrest. The FBI will continue to coordinate with local law enforcement and, pending further evidence collection, will determine whether federal charges are appropriate.

The FBI is unaware of any specific, credible threat to the religious community stemming from these incidents.

Stewart then said that the suspect was Kimorah Parker and that Parker had been charged with Arson 3rd Degree and Burglary 3rd Degree. Parker has a history of vandalizing other houses of worship, as well as of committing assault and larceny.

Parker, who has been put on suicide watch, was in court Monday, where the judge said that she posed a “significant risk to public safety” and set her bond at $260,000. The FBI is considering federal charges against Parker; she will return to court on March 28.

No one was injured in the fires, but it is not yet certain whether the synagogue can be rebuilt. The repairs needed at St. Matthew’s are not extensive, but will be time-consuming. Pastor Mark Valigorsky said, “It is a hate crime, if you will, that someone would do this.”

Ed Stetzer Asked Pastors Share Their Most Embarrassing Baptism Experiences—The Responses Will Bring You to Tears 🤣

By

Jesse T. Jackson

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March 18, 2022

Outreach Magazine’s editor-in-chief Ed Stetzer asked pastors and church leaders to share their most embarrassing baptism experiences on his social media channels earlier this week. His followers replied with numerous stories that are guaranteed to have you rolling on the floor.

North American Mission Board’s National Next Gen Director, Shane Pruitt, shared one funny baptism stories from when he was a youth pastor.

“One of the students that took a long time to reach—[he was the] prankster type—but completely fell in love with Jesus. Once he was saved, he was on fire,” Pruitt said. “I was in the baptism water—talking to the crowd—and about to bring him out. I turn to the side and he is standing at the top of the steps, where the crowd can’t see him with arm floaties and goggles on.

Pruitt said that he “lost it [and] no one knew why. He took them off quickly and I baptized him.”

Dare2Share Ministries founder Greg Stier reached out to ChurchLeaders and told us about a time when he announced to everyone on a cruise to gather around the pool to witness the baptism of his 10-year-old daughter—it wasn’t a Christian cruise.

“When my daughter was 10-years-old I took my family on a cruise to Alaska for my wife and I’s 25-year wedding anniversary,” Stier explained. “On the cruise I was convicted that I should baptize her because she had put her faith in Christ. In the early church they baptized in public settings, not hidden away in a church building. On the cruise ship’s main deck—in the middle of the day—where everybody was out, and right in front of the bar they were drinking and partying.”

Stier said, “I got in the water with my daughter and I made an announcement at the top of my lungs. ‘May I have your attention please. Everybody stop what you’re doing right now,’ and they did.”

“People gathered up. They didn’t know what was going on. I said I’m about to baptize my daughter and that she had put her faith in Christ.” Stier then explained what baptism was, and some people looked concerned. He then told them “not to worry because I am a licensed professional. I gave the gospel and asked my daughter if she had put her faith in Jesus Christ. She responded, ‘Yes,’ and I baptized her. Everyone that was gathered around cheered. Then I told the crowd, ‘If you heard that gospel message and you’ve put your faith in Christ and would like to make that public, come on in the water is fine,’—Nobody responded.”

“People were congratulating my daughter and I got in the hot tub. This guy who was also in the hot tub said, ‘What the [bleep] was that all about?’ I told the guy that I’d baptize him right now. 🤣”

Those who say that God doesn’t have a sense of humor may change their mind after reading some of these experiences below.

Pastors’ Most Embarrassing Baptism Experiences

“One time we baptized a guy who was a semi-professional runner. After he gave his testimony, he pulled off his shirt (which was already unexpected) and then ripped off his snap-away pants and was just wearing those short runners shorts underneath. Then he just jumped in the tub—he didn’t seem to think it was odd at all that he was basically standing there in his underwear in front of our whole church.”

Vladimir Putin Quotes the Bible During Pro-Russia Rally in Moscow

By

Stephanie Martin

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March 18, 2022

In a speech at a packed Moscow stadium Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized that the “special military operation” in Ukraine is an effort to “save people from genocide” and to “demilitarize and denazify” the country.

During his appearance at the pro-Russia rally, which marked the eighth anniversary of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, Putin also quoted Scripture. “There is no greater love than giving up one’s soul for one’s friends,” he said, paraphrasing Jesus’ words from John 15:13.

Vladimir Putin’s Pro-War Rally Focuses on Russian Patriotism

According to Russian officials, more than 200,000 people gathered Friday in and around Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 81,000. Attendees waved Russian flags marked with the letter “Z” and listened to patriotic songs, in an atmosphere one reporter called “very Wrestlemania.”

The rally celebrated what Russia labels the “reunification” of Crimea, which it officially annexed on March 18, 2014. But Putin also used the occasion to praise Russia’s brave soldiers and to justify last month’s invasion of Ukraine, which continues to intensify.

“We know what we need to do, how to do it, and at what cost,” Putin told the cheering crowd. “And we will absolutely accomplish all of our plans.” The 69-year-old Russian leader repeated his justification that the “main purpose” of the operation in Ukraine is to “save people from suffering and genocide.”

In Ukraine, Russian soldiers are fighting “shoulder to shoulder,” Putin said, adding, “We haven’t had such unity in such a long time.” He also promised to “bring to trial those who perpetrated numerous bloody crimes against civilians, including against citizens of the Russian Federation.”

Putin’s speech was briefly interrupted by what a Kremlin spokesman later called a technical glitch. Russian state television later rebroadcast the leader’s entire five-minute message.

Some People Say They Were Forced to Attend the Rally

A BBC reporter who spoke to Russians waiting to enter the stadium says many described being pressured by employers to attend. “I think most people here don’t support the war; I don’t,” said one man, a state worker who indicated he was forced to attend—and would stay only “for a while.” Some students told the BBC they were told they could go attend “a concert” to get a break from classroom lectures.

Brian Houston’s 2022 Sabbatical Result of Disciplinary Action for Inappropriate Behavior Toward Two Women, Alcohol Use

By

Dale Chamberlain

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March 18, 2022

In January of this year, Brian Houston announced that he would be stepping aside from his responsibilities as Hillsong Church’s global senior pastor for the remainder of 2022, in order to focus on defending himself in charges brought against him in August 2021 for allegedly concealing his father’s child sex offenses.

A statement released by the Hillsong Global Board on Friday (March 18) has now revealed that there was more to the story. According to the board, Houston’s year-long sabbatical is also the result of disciplinary issues related to Houston’s moral indiscretions.

“When he stepped down in January this year, the reasons he gave were genuine,” the statement said, referencing the personal toll Houston’s legal battles had taken on him. “At the time of his announcement, the Hillsong Church board did not make a public statement because we were still working through a number of issues privately with Pastor Brian.”

The statement went on to say that now that these issues have become public, the board wanted to address them directly. According to Crikey, Hillsong staff members had previously been informed regarding these issues in an 800-person all staff meeting led by interim global senior pastor Phil Dooley.

In that meeting, Dooley informed Hillsong staffers that after a conference at Qudos Bank Arena in Homebush, New South Wales in 2019, Houston had drinks at the hotel where Hillsong leaders were staying with a group including a woman who was not on Hillsong’s staff. At the time, Houston was taking anxiety medication and had taken more than the prescribed dose.

After becoming disoriented and unable to unlock the door to his hotel room, Houston knocked on the door of the woman who had been drinking with the group and entered her room.

“The truth is we don’t know exactly what happened next,” Dooley told Hillsong staff members. “This woman has not said if there was any sexual activity. Brian has said there was no sexual activity. But he was in the woman’s room for 40 minutes. He doesn’t have much of a recollection because of the mixture of the anxiety tablets and the alcohol. This woman had also been drinking, so her recollection is not completely coherent.”

After the Hillsong Global Board learned of the incident, they appointed a task force to investigate the matter, after which they concluded that Houston had breached Hillsong Pastor’s Code of Conduct and should take three months off from both ministry and alcohol.

Following the incident, Hillsong refunded the woman for her conference ticket and a donation she had made. Houston then reimbursed the church from his own pocket. However, Houston did not entirely adhere to the terms the board had established for him in the months to come.

Alleged US Anglican Abuse Victims Break With ACNAtoo and Support Bishop

By

Kathryn Post

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March 18, 2022

Alleged US Anglican Abuse Victims Break With ACNAtoo and Support Bishop — Booking photos of Mark Rivera. Photos courtesy of Kane County Sheriff’s Office

(RNS) — At least four self-identified survivors of abuse by Mark Rivera, a former Anglican Church of North America lay minister, spoke out against ACNAtoo, the anti-abuse advocacy group that has advanced charges against Rivera since last year, saying in a statement released Saturday (March 12): “ACNAtoo does not speak for us. We would like to be heard for ourselves.”

Shared via a new Twitter account called BelieveUsToo, the statement asked ACNA’s archbishop and College of Bishops to reinstate Bishop Stewart Ruch III of the church’s Diocese of the Upper Midwest, who began a leave of absence in July after saying he made “regrettable errors” in handling the allegations.

The BelieveUsToo statement said Ruch and the Upper Midwest Diocese have been unfairly blamed for Rivera’s abuse, and also claimed ACNAtoo co-founder Joanna Rudenborg is “unfit” to be a victim advocate.

ACNAtoo launched in June 2021 as Rudenborg made rape allegations against Rivera, who had already been charged with multiple counts of felony child sexual abuse and sexual assault. The group accused Ruch of delaying public disclosure of the allegations and asked for an independent investigation into the diocese’s handling of the case. In January, a designated response team named a law firm to lead it.

But days later, three members of the response team in charge of victim care — and who were not employed by ACNA — resigned, saying the team had “downplayed” abuse survivors’ needs. ACNA proceeded with the investigation and announced a parallel investigation into abuse of ecclesial power through a separate firm. At least five survivors have declined to participate in the investigation after the denomination refused to waive attorney/client privilege or disclose its contract with the firm.

ACNAtoo responded to the BelieveUsToo statement in a statement of its own on Tuesday, saying “We believe you, #BelieveUsToo,” adding, “We’re grieved at the trauma you’ve experienced from Mark Rivera’s abuse and we are heartbroken by the ways you are still suffering.”

ACNAtoo went on to note that abuse survivors often disagree about what justice ought to look like. “One of our core principles is that we refuse to treat other survivors as adversaries, no matter what. When survivors publicly fight, abusers win,” the ACNAtoo statement said.

In an email to Religion News Service, Andrew Gross, spokesperson for ACNA, said ACNA was “thankful for the courage of the BelieveUsToo survivors who chose to go public last week and for all survivors who are working to build up the Body of Christ.”

The new group alleged that Rudenborg “abetted Mark Rivera in the abuse of a member of Church of the Resurrection” by allowing him to use her apartment for “sexual encounters” with one of the alleged victims who signed the BelieveUsToo statement and by affirming Rivera’s sexual relationship with the victim as “good and acceptable.”

At Vatican Financial Trial, Cardinal Becciu Says He Is Not Afraid of the Truth

By

Claire Giangrave

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March 18, 2022

Vatican Scandal — FILE - In this Feb. 9, 2017 file photo, Mons. Giovanni Angelo Becciu presides over an eucharistic liturgy, at the St. John in Latheran Basilica, in Rome. The powerful head of the Vatican's saint-making office, Cardinal Angelo Becciu, has resigned from the post and renounced his rights as a cardinal amid a financial scandal that has reportedly implicated him indirectly. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File)

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — With his “head held high,” Cardinal Angelo Becciu testified at the Vatican’s blockbuster financial trial on Thursday (March 17), declaring his innocence against charges of embezzlement, abuse of power and witness tampering with a “clear conscience.”

“I wish to declare here immediately with the strength and transparency of my conscience: I never meant for a euro, or even a cent, that I managed or was aware of, to be subtracted, ill-used or destined for goals that weren’t exclusively institutional,” said Becciu in his opening remarks before being questioned by the Vatican judges.

Becciu was substitute, the Vatican’s equivalent of chief of staff, from 2011 to 2018 and later headed its department overseeing the making of saints. Pope Francis stripped him of his rights as a cardinal — though not his title — in February 2020 after reports tied Becciu to a controversial investment into luxury real estate in London made with a Vatican fund destined for charity known as Peter’s Pence.

Ten individuals, including Becciu, have been accused by Vatican prosecutors of having defrauded the Catholic Church of over $200 million. The former substitute is also charged with mismanaging Catholic and Vatican funds that were allegedly paid to an intelligence consultant named Cecilia Marogna and members of Becciu’s family.

“I confess that it isn’t easy to speak and defend my honor in this place,” Becciu told the judges, adding that he was a victim of “a media massacre without precedent” that portrayed him as “the worst of cardinals” to the entire world.

“I have been described as a corrupt man. Greedy. Disloyal toward the pope. Only concerned with the well-being of my family members,” Becciu said.

According to Vatican prosecutors, the cardinal sent more than $276,000 from the Vatican to a personal account belonging to his brother Antonino Becciu, who runs Spes, a charitable organization in the Diocese of Ozieri in Sardinia.

A Vatican trial of 10 people accused of financial crimes, including Cardinal Angelo Becciu, resumes after a chief judge ordered the prosecution to give the defense more access to evidence and to question defendants who were not given the right to speak earlier, at the Vatican, Nov. 17, 2021. Photo by Vatican Media

A Vatican trial of 10 people accused of financial crimes, including Cardinal Angelo Becciu, at the Vatican, Nov. 17, 2021. Photo by Vatican Media

The first installment, of more than $100,000, was allegedly issued by the cardinal from the funds of the Italian bishop’s conference to his brother’s bank account in 2013. Asked about the transaction by the judges, Becciu said that he sent the money on loan because he “was excited” to contribute to a Spes project that offered work to underprivileged people. He said that while half the loan was paid back, he forgave the rest.

“Before my brother’s charitable work I, as a priest, blush,” Becciu said.

Two more payments were made to Antonino’s bank account, one from a Vatican Secretariat of State account in 2015, amounting to more than $27,000, and another in 2018, of more than $100,000. Becciu explained that it was common practice at the Vatican to make financial contributions to priests or lay individuals who needed help for a good cause.

“There was always trust to begin with,” Becciu said, adding that the 2015 payment was made to support initiatives by the local bishop. The second installment, the cardinal said, was never actually spent. He denied knowing that the bank account belonged to his brother, adding that Spes acted as the operational branch of the Catholic charity Caritas.

Spes loaned more than $143,000 to Becciu’s niece Maria Luisa Zambrano between 2014 and 2015, according to Vatican prosecutors, but Becciu denied being aware of the loan and pointed out that he and Zambrano are not directly related but they “have been friends for a long time.”

Disney Employees and Former Judge Among 108 Arrested in Florida Human Trafficking Sting

By

Bri Lamm

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March 18, 2022

Human Trafficking — Screen grab from Facebook // @PolkCountySheriff

An undercover investigation led to the arrest of more than 100 people Wednesday, including several Disney theme park employees and a retired judge, all charged with crimes related to human trafficking, prostitution, and child predation.

The sting operation, named “Operation March Sadness 2,” was spearheaded by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in Florida. Spanning six days, the operation was inspired by this month’s NCAA March Madness tournament, in which fans complete brackets predicting the championship.

“We have our own bracket,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said Wednesday. “But instead of brackets of winners, we have brackets of losers.”

Undercover detectives communicated online with the suspects and arranged for a meetup at a location where they were arrested after their arrival.

In a press conference Wednesday, Judd spoke about several suspects who came as a “surprise” to the team behind the “bracket.” Most notably, Judd said, was 66-year-old Daniel Peters, a retired judge from Cook County, Ill., who was arrested for allegedly seeking an escort. After his arrest, Peters told authorities that he had also served as the director of professional regulations for the Cook County Sheriff’s Office.

Others included Xavier Jackson, a 27-year-old lifeguard at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, was charged with three counts of harmful material and one count of unlawful communication for allegedly sending explicit photos to a detective whom he believed was a 14-year-old girl.

Wilakson Fidele, who works at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café in Tomorrowland, and Ralph Leese, who works in information technology, were also arrested for allegedly seeking prostitutes.

Walt Disney World says the three Disney theme park employees have been placed on unpaid leave.

“The arrests of a human trafficker and four child predators alone makes this whole operation worthwhile,” Judd said in a press release. “The online prostitution industry enables traffickers and victimizes those who are being trafficked. Our goal is to identify victims, offer them help, and find and arrest those who are profiting from the exploitation of human beings. Johns fuel the trafficking and victimization. Where there is prostitution, there is exploitation, disease, dysfunction, and broken families.”

Tiffany Nash, a KFC manager with 61 prior criminal charges was allegedly caught bringing a trafficking victim to what she believed was a sexual encounter.

Among the bracket is also Timothy Finley, a 39-year-old handyman, who is charged with traveling to meet a young child, resisting arrest, attempted lewd battery, and transmission of explicit material. Shannon Johnson, a 41-year-old, is charged with traveling to meet a 13-year-old girl, attempted lewd battery, and transmission of explicit material. Jody Rose, 36, is facing 11 felony charges for allegedly sending sexually explicit material to who he believed was a 14-year-old girl, saying, “Don’t tell the cops.”

Auburndale Police Chief Andy Ray addressed reporters after Judd to thank all parties involved in the successful operation.

“Everybody is involved in this because it’s important and because the victims of human trafficking and the sex business deserve our help and need our help,” Ray said. “We’re happy to be a part of taking people off the street that are dangerous to your kids and the community.”

Why There Is a Shortage of Student Ministers and What Can Be Done About It

By

Scott Barkley

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March 18, 2022

Student Ministers — Photo via Unsplash.com @Jesus Loves Austin

NASHVILLE (BP) – Richard Ross has decades of experience when it comes to student ministry. And today, he’s observing a troubling trend.

“I often hear from churches searching for student pastors,” said Ross, senior professor of student ministry at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. “It would be a joy to provide them with names of potential candidates. But the vast percentage of the time, I have no name to share.

“From my perspective, there are far more churches searching for student pastors than there are leaders available to serve. At any given moment, I expect that the total number of churches with funded positions exceeds the total number of student pastors by several thousand.”

Shane Pruitt speaks to thousands of students and their leaders in his role as National Next Gen director for the North American Mission Board. He agrees with Ross and went so far as to address it in a video in August.

“Almost every week I get phone calls from three to five local churches looking for youth pastors or college pastors,” he said. It’s always followed by asking if there is a shortage.

“I think the easy answer is ‘yes,’” he said.

The subject isn’t relegated to the United States. “Churches are desperate for youth workers. So why can’t they find any?” asked a headline in Premiere Christianity magazine, based in the United Kingdom.

Various reasons arise. They aren’t paid nor appreciated enough. They don’t receive adequate training. They get tired of being asked when they’re going to move up to “real ministry.”

A common one is that there simply aren’t enough in the pipeline.

The church-planting emphasis over the last 12 years or so almost certainly led many young pastors to pursue that avenue who otherwise would have entered student ministry. Ross believes many seasoned student ministers remain in their calling, but in the role of next generation or family pastor. Those titles typically expand responsibilities beyond middle and high school to include children and college students.

“Student pastors entering midlife may see family ministry or next-gen ministry as a better fit for them.” Ross said.

Russell Jackson is family pastor at Holly Creek Baptist Church in Chatsworth, Ga., transitioning to that position two years ago after serving as student pastor. He and others recently responded to questions on the topic in a private Facebook group for the Georgia Student Ministry Network. All gave permission for their comments to be used.

Jackson oversees kindergarten through college ministries at Holly Creek. Teams of volunteers work the children’s and student ministries, with Jackson focusing on collegians.

“Yes, it is a lot of areas to oversee, but I have great help and wonderful families,” he said.

Several factors could lead to student ministers moving to other roles, said Jonathan Brantley, a veteran student minister who has served in Virginia and Georgia.

Salaries can make it difficult to provide for your family, he said, “especially if they are moving into an area where houses are 60 percent more than what the average church member paid 30 years ago.”

Ross agreed. “We need to recognize that student pastors taking on new and even more important roles will need salary support,” he said. “They should not have to change jobs only because they cannot afford braces and trombones for their growing families.”

A perspective that student ministry is the “junior league” can also wear you down, Brantley said.

10 Skills You Need to Be an Exceptional Children’s Ministry Leader

By

Dale Hudson

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March 18, 2022

Do you want to be an exceptional children’s ministry leader? Here are 10 key skills you can work on and grow in that will help you knock it out of the ballpark.

10 Skills You Need to Be an Exceptional Children’s Ministry Leader

1. Skill of Motivation

Motivate people to give their very best. Show them the value they add to the team. Get them excited about the “why” of the ministry.

Lead the way. One of the biggest motivations is the example and passion that you set as a children’s ministry leader. Remember that motivation is caught more than it is taught. Passion inspires passion.

Get motivated yourself first and then you will be able to motivate those around you.

2. Skill of Empathy

Exceptional leadership must have exceptional empathy. Learn to walk in others’ shoes. Lead not just with your head, but with your heart as well. Seek to understand how others feel and show compassion toward them. Seek to understand where people are coming from. Seek to understand where they are in life at the time.

3. Skill of Empowerment

Exceptional children’s ministry leaders have people they are developing and investing in. Exceptional leaders help people grow in their skills. Good leaders are powerful. Exceptional leaders are empowering. Good leaders are stars. Exceptional leaders create stars. They spend more time equipping than doing. They make the people around them better.

4. Skill of Casting Vision

One of the most important skills you can have as a children’s ministry leader is casting vision. If you want to attract exceptional volunteers, then you have to cast an exceptional vision. This includes creating a compelling narrative for what God can do through each person on the team.

5. Skill of Team Building

If there is one skill that comes from an exceptional leader in children’s ministry, this is it. Building volunteer teams. You can have many of these skills, but if you miss this one, you’ll have a tough time being an exceptional leader. Remember…it’s not about what you can do, it’s about what you can do through the team of leaders you build.

If you want to grow in this area, my book The Formula for Building Great Volunteer Teams is a must read.

6. Skill of a Positive Attitude

A positive attitude is part of an exceptional leaders DNA. But let’s dig a little deeper on this. It doesn’t mean you always walk around smiling from ear to ear. It is the ability to recognize that setbacks and problems happen. It’s part of life. It’s being able to then face those circumstances and deal with them in a positive manner.

7. Skill of Time Management

There is a difference between being busy and being productive. Exceptional children’s ministry leaders get a lot done. And it’s not because they have to burn the midnight oil. It’s because they have a strategic plan for how they prioritize their schedule and duties.

If you are looking for help with time management, I can provide you with some great time management tools in my coaching program. You can get more info. about Advance Children’s Ministry Coaching Program at this link.

8. Skill of Listening

Exceptional leaders know how to ask the right questions. They ask questions and they listen. They really listen. Instead of thinking about what his or her response will be once the other person stops talking, they first listen carefully to understand the other person’s viewpoint.

9. Skill of Self-Confidence

Exceptional leaders walk in confidence. They know they can add value to the ministry. They think back to past victories and use that to build upon for future challenges. This doesn’t mean they are arrogant or cocky or a know-it-all. Rather it means you humbly know that God has prepared you for the role He has for you.

10. Skill of Continuous Learning

Exceptional leaders never stop learning. They read. They listen. They attend conferences and workshops. They push themselves out of their comfort zone. They are not “know-it-alls.” The older they get, the more inquisitive they become. They stay curious. They stay teachable so they can remain usable.

The great thing about each of these skills is they can be learned. As you’ve read through these, stop and think about it for awhile. Which of these do you need to grow in? Which of these are hindering you from being an exceptional leader?

Don’t be satisfied with being an average children’s ministry leader. Strive to be an exceptional leader. We are living in a time in history when we need exceptional leaders. We are facing exceptional challenges that can only be overcome by exceptional leaders who are empowered by God to be the person for such a time as this.

This article originally appeared here.

The Importance of NOT Equating ‘Painful’ With ‘Difficult’ in Leadership

By

Eric Geiger

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March 18, 2022

Just because a decision is painful does not mean that the decision is difficult.

A person on your team displays a lack of moral integrity. Indeed, it will indeed be painful to act and remove the person from the team, but the decision is not. It is clear.
Someone you work alongside consistently displays a negative attitude that harms the joy of the team. A confrontational conversation will likely be painful but deciding if it is best to have the conversation is not difficult. You know it is best and necessary.
The person you work for has a blind spot that you are convinced is hurting your effectiveness, their effectiveness, and the organization’s effectiveness. Bringing up the issue in a private meeting with your leader could be painful but it should not be difficult.
A person who is on the team you lead continues to drop some balls in communication or execution. Leaders know that the longer a problem is left unaddressed, the larger the problem tends to grow. Offering correction will be painful, as you don’t want to hurt the person’s morale. Or perhaps you struggle confronting, and even the thought of confronting is painful. But whether to address or not address the situation is not difficult as you know you need to have the conversation.

Yes, all of those conversations and decisions may be painful. But the decision to have them, as a general rule, is not difficult. It is the right thing, the wise thing, the prudent thing. Here are three reasons why it is paramount to not equate “painful” and “difficult” when making decisions as a leader.

If you equate “painful” with “difficult,” you run the risk of delaying a decision because you love comfort. You can fool yourself into thinking a decision or conversation can be delayed because it is “difficult” and challenging when in reality it is only “painful.” The decision is clear but you delay because it is painful.
If you equate “painful” with “difficult,” you risk over-thinking and over-evaluating what is simple and obvious. When you spend too much emotional and mental energy on what is already obvious, you have less energy to deploy towards the truly difficult challenges.
If you equate “painful” with “difficult,” you lose credibility as a leader. When others know the right decision, because it is supremely clear, and you fail to act because it is “painful,” you lose credibility.

Some leadership theorists say leadership is about change. Others say leadership is about solving problems. Either view means leadership will include painful seasons because solving problems and leading change will inevitably, at times, mean painful decisions and painful communication with people we love. Often those decisions and those conversations are clear and simple (not difficult), but that does not mean they are not painful.

This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.

Question: Is Your Church Founded on Strong Theology?

By

Chuck Lawless

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March 18, 2022

In the model of a healthy church I mentioned in yesterday’s post (seen in the diagram above from my book, Discipled Warriors), I argue that a strong theological foundation is non-negotiable for a healthy church. To build that foundation, though, takes intentionality. Here are some questions to ask about your church regarding this topic:

Does your church emphasize the importance of theology? I realize that’s a simplistic first question, but that’s the point. If you don’t know for certain that your church emphasizes the significance of theology, they likely do not.
Has your church taught you how to understand and interpret the Bible? Raising up disciples means helping them understand basic Bible hermeneutics so they can apply what the Word teaches. Folks who don’t know how to interpret the Word sometimes develop strange beliefs.
Does your church have regularly-scheduled classes or emphases that focus on building a theological foundation? I’m thinking sermon series, small group studies, churchwide doctrinal studies, discipleship classes, and even university and seminary classes offered in conjunction with our local churches. There are a lot of options if theology matters to us.
Do your church leaders talk in detail about your church’s doctrinal statement in the church’s membership class? Members who join without ever hearing that doctrinal fidelity matters to your church might conclude that it really doesn’t. Those who do learn what your church believes will, on the other hand, have to decide whether they are on board. That’s not a bad thing.
How much attention does your church give to helping children and youth develop a strong theology? One of my PhD graduates at Southeastern Seminary has written and illustrated children’s theology books (see the set here), and he reminded me of the responsibility of parents and churches to train the next generations theologically. Our kids and teens face so many issues today that we must not neglect this responsibility.
Does/do your pastor(s) point out theological truths as they preach the Word? I trust they do, but I’ve seen many pastors miss opportunities to teach theology from the pulpit. The preaching event may, in fact, be the opportunity to influence the greatest number of people in one setting.
Does your church include theological questions when interviewing prospective pastors/elders? Deacons? How about small group leaders? Potential new members? Most churches I know ask questions of the first two groups, but not necessarily the second two groups. Those latter omissions can become problematic in the long run.
Do your church leaders talk much about the relationship between what we believe and what we do? Good theology should lead to right living. I appreciate how one pastor describes theology: “It is not an exercise in head-scratching puzzles, but a discipline that should lead to heart-stirring emotions, which in turn leads to worshipful obedience in every area of life.”

Again, how do you evaluate your church in this area?

This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.

20 Bible Verses About Being Thankful for Blessings

By

Jarrid Wilson

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March 18, 2022

A church overflowing with thanks and gratitude is very attractive to first-time visitors. Here are 20 Bible verses about being thankful for blessings that will help you structure an effective outreach-oriented church.

In the Bible, God calls us to be thankful again and again. These 20 Bible verses about being thankful for blessings will help us give giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

20 Bible Verses About Being Thankful for Blessings

1. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

2. Psalm 107:1

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!

3. Ephesians 5:20

Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

4. Colossians 3:15-17

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

5. James 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

6. Philippians 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

7. 2 Corinthians 9:15

Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

8. Psalm 106:1

Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!

9. Psalm 105:1

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!

Church Graduation Program Ideas: 5 Ways to Celebrate Grads

By

Youth Ministrycom

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March 17, 2022

How does your church and youth ministry celebrate graduates? We have a celebration Sunday for our high school ministry, and it’s always a hit. Here are a few church graduation program ideas you can try!

5 Awesome Church Graduation Program Ideas

1. The Board

I’m not looking for new ideas; I’m looking for great ideas. This year I’m doing a “College Destinations” board. I saw it here on our blog a few years ago. It’s currently in process and shaping up to be a great addition to our Graduation Sunday.

2. The Gift

I still have the Bible I received from my church when I graduated. It’s a great gift, but I’ve found that most churchgoing students already have a Bible…probably three or more. Instead, we buy the Graduation Bundle from SYM. Practical and affordable! And if kids need a Bible, we just give them one. Click here to check out some options.

3. The Celebration

We host a continental brunch (breakfasty/pastry snack foods) for all our students and the families of our senior class. This does cost us a little. But you can keep costs down by asking underclassmen (i.e., their parents) to bring the food.

4. The Visuals

I open the celebration with a premade/purchased graduation video. Here are a few to preview. Later in the program we show a second video, a slideshow of seniors we create with Animoto. We ask our seniors to provide 3 photos: a baby picture, an image from late elementary or junior high, and a senior photo.

Each student gets a few seconds of screen time. We display their photos, name, and the school they’re graduating from.

We also ask seniors to fill out a questionnaire with future goals, college, career, dreams, etc. Then we make a small booklet to give out to all attendees. We make it in Microsoft Publisher and print it in house.

Resurrection Scavenger Hunt: Embark on a Fun Easter Event

By

ChildrensMinistry.com

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March 17, 2022

Try this unique, meaningful Resurrection scavenger hunt with families. They’ll have a blast while learning the true point of Easter.

Easter is the perfect time to celebrate Jesus’ love with families in your church and community. Thanks to Jesus our Savior, we have so much to celebrate and be joyful for! This holy season is also a wonderful opportunity to maximize families’ understanding of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

A Resurrection scavenger hunt with a purpose is a perfect source of fun and adventure. Plus, it helps guide families into discovering more about Jesus’ life-changing actions and love.

Plan the Resurrection Scavenger Hunt

Long before your scavenger hunters arrive, begin with the following steps:

1. Pray about the event.

Ask God to bring families to your hunt, even those who might not attend your church. Also ask God to prepare your community’s heart to welcome the friendly strangers who end up on their doorstep. Pray for families to have fun, enjoy their time together, and truly learn more about Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection.

2. Plan it.

Determine what supplies you’ll need to make the hunt successful. Then set your search location, and decide whether you’ll need additional volunteers to travel along with families.

3. Get the word out.

Invite families to the Resurrection scavenger hunt over several weeks’ time. Be sure to cover these bases:

Make an announcement during worship and place one in the church bulletin.
Create fliers to distribute.
Encourage families to invite a neighbor or friend.

The Resurrection Scavenger Hunt Begins

In this one- to two-hour Resurrection scavenger hunt, you’ll send families or teams hunting together in your neighborhood or other location. They’ll be seeking out clues to the truth about Easter. The goal is for teams to have tons of fun—while learning about and discussing the amazing truth of Jesus’ deep, abiding love for us.

Start by clearly defining the hunt area beforehand for families. You might consider including a map of the neighborhood if you plan to have people search your surrounding area. Have families or teams stay together for safety. Distribute a scavenger hunt list, a Bible, and about 20 “Thanks for Playing” cards to each team.

To play, teams must bring back each item listed or a photo of the entire team posing with the item to prove they found it. Teams have to find each item by going door-to-door and asking. The item can’t already be in your team’s possession (such as a team member’s cellphone clock for the watch or clock item). Whenever a team leaves a location after asking for an item, have them leave a “Thanks for Playing” card in appreciation. Ensure at least one adult is with each team at all times.

Let’s Play!

Distribute the Resurrection scavenger hunt list to each team. Remind them to read the rules before starting. Each time teams locate an item, they must read the Scripture and talk through the discussion question together before moving on.

Remind everyone where your finish point will be and at what time the search is over. If teams finish early, they can go to the finish point early.

Treasures Found

Once teams gather at the finish point location, invite them to show off their findings and recap how each item ties into different Easter events. Congratulate everyone on a search well done.

Provide refreshments, and encourage families to discuss the following as they eat:

What’s one thing new you learned about Easter during this experience?
If you could tell a friend just one thing about Easter, what would you say?
What was your favorite part of our Resurrection scavenger hunt, and why?

Close in a team prayer, thanking God for his amazing grace.

Looking for even more great ideas for Easter? Check out all these Easter posts.

This article about a Resurrection scavenger hunt originally appeared here.

Liberty University Student With Voice Deeper Than Johnny Cash Advances on American Idol

By

Jesse T. Jackson

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March 17, 2022

Luke Taylor American Idol — (L) Katy Perry (R) Luke Taylor. Screengrab via YouTube @American Idol

Luke Taylor, a Commercial Music major at Liberty University, is one of the newest recipients of “American Idol’s” coveted golden tickets, which sends a vocalist on to the next round of the competition.

The Liberty University student shocked the judges with his extremely deep baritone voice as soon as he walked on the set and responded with, “nothing much, how are you,” after he was greeted by the “American Idol” celebrities.

After the judges remarked that his voice sounded like famous actor James Earl Jones, the 20-year-old Taylor sang Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” for the panel.

“I went from being four foot eleven and singing alto to being six foot one and singing below bass,” Taylor explained as he described the transformation he went through his junior year of high school.

“American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest told Taylor that he should be making money doing movie trailer voice-over’s right before he auditioned. After hearing Taylor speak, the judges agreed with Seacrest.

While singing “Ring of Fire,” judge Lionel Richie told the other two judges, Luke Bryan and Katy Perry, that Taylor sings “lower than Cash.”

Bryan interrupted Taylor’s audition a minute into him singing, telling him he’s going to Hollywood. He then asked Taylor if he’d sing “Frosty the Snowman” for him.

“Well, listen, son. You’re going to Hollywood—I don’t care if I’ve got to cut an arm off” to make it happen, Bryan told him. Taylor then obliged Bryan and sang the children’s Christmas song.

“We don’t want you to be a novelty Christmas song singer,” Bryan told Taylor. “But voices like you have, there’s always a place for it.”

Richie said, “If you pick the right songs, you’d be an ‘Oh my gosh’” type of singer.”

Although Perry was impressed with Taylor’s voice, she wasn’t quite sure how much he’d be able to offer the show. ”I think it’s cool,” she said. “But if you don’t give us those other notes, it’s just one gimmick. I’m worried that it’s just going to be funny, but not seriously able to compete.”

While two of “American Idol’s” judges, Bryant and Richie both gave Taylor a “Yes,” which moves him into the Hollywood portion of the show, Perry told the college student, “I like you a lot. I want to hear Christmas songs forever from you,” but shared with him she believes it’s an impractical idea that he’d be crowned the winner of the show.

Taylor has nearly 3 million followers on TikTok who have given him close to 40 million likes for his videos that mostly feature his singing.

“I’ve never known much about life or what I’m supposed to do with life, but I feel like God presenting this beautiful gift to me is really just a sign that no matter what happens, through the ups and downs,” Taylor told Liberty University, “He gave this opportunity to me so I could glorify Him and so that I could share music with the world. This is a really, really cool opportunity.”

NBA Star Bismack Biyombo To Donate Entire $1.3 Million Salary To Build a Hospital

By

Dale Chamberlain

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March 17, 2022

NBA star Bismack Biyombo has pledged to donate the entirety of his 2021-2022 salary in order to build a hospital in his home country of Democratic Republic of the Congo. The hospital will be built through his foundation, and Biyombo, who is 29 and plays for the Phoenix Suns, will personally contribute $1.3 million.

Biyombo’s decision is inspired both by his faith and his relationship with his late father, François Biyombo, who died last August.

Speaking about his time playing in Yemen before he was drafted in the NBA, Biyombo had emphasized the importance of his faith in his life, telling Hoops Hype, “You know, there were difficulties because of my religious beliefs. I’m a Christian.”

Now that Biyombo has found success in the U.S., he wants to leverage it to the benefit of his home country. As Biyombo’s father battled medical issues, Biyombo had taken him to receive better treatment in Europe, due to a lack of high quality medical care in the Congo.

“One thing that really sticks out in my mind is that every day I go to the hospital back home to take care of [my dad], I was always asking myself, ‘What about these people that can’t take their family members out,’” Biyombo said in a video announcing the project.

Following his father’s death, Biyombo almost opted not to return to the NBA for another season. However, when he made the decision that he would, he wanted to “find something that would motivate” him.

“I wanted to make this year about my dad, because my dad spent most of his life making his life about me, my brothers, my sisters, and servicing people,” Biyombo said.

Biyombo said that he wants to build a hospital in the Congo to “give hope to the hopeless” and for those who do not have the resources to take their family members to find better treatment outside the country.

“I want to be able to give them better conditions, so that they can somewhat have hope that their loved ones will be able to leave [the hospital] and see another day,” Biyombo said.

Saying that his father’s death has motivated him to do more to improve the lives of the people in his home country, Biyombo said, “I’ve seen how people try to survive daily in the Congo. I thought we were doing enough by refurbishing hospitals and clinics, but I think it’s time that we go a little bigger and build something that will service people, hopefully, for generations.”

Biyombo is wearing the number 18 this season to honor his dad’s birthday, June 18. The new hospital in Congo will also bear François Biyombo’s name.

Watch Biyombo’s announcement of the project below.

‘More and More Discipleship’—Ben Roethlisberger Buys Farmhouse for Father-Son Retreats

By

Stephanie Martin

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March 17, 2022

After 18 seasons as quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Ben Roethlisberger is moving forward with retirement plans that include “more and more discipleship.” Last week, the NFL great revealed details about those plans when he spoke at the Ignite Men’s Conference and on the “Sports Spectrum” podcast.

Roethlisberger, a two-time Super Bowl champion, played his final football game in January. Afterward, he said, “I’m going to do everything I can to be the best husband and father I can be, and try and expand God’s Kingdom.” Now the former QB, who turned 40 earlier this month, shares how he’ll help other men be their best too.

Ben Roethlisberger: People Need Father Figures

Expanding God’s Kingdom can mean a lot of things and can lead in many directions, Roethlisberger tells “Sports Spectrum.” The variety of discipleship options adds excitement to living for Jesus, he says. Now he can spend more time helping his children learn about their faith and meeting with young players to share his experiences.

Plus, Roethlisberger recently bought farm property just one mile from his family’s house. The plan, he says, is to turn that land into a father-son retreat that builds and strengthens family connections. Features will include hiking trails, 12 horses, fishing, fruit trees, chickens, and honeybees, he says, so dads and sons of all ages can spend time together outside.

Two things often missing in today’s society, says Roethlisberger, are father figures and outdoor experiences. “People need to get back outside and understand the beauty that God created,” says the athlete, who calls himself a “huge outdoorsman.”

The 100-year-old farmhouse that Roethlisberger’s wife, Ashley, is remodeling will be available for a variety of uses, he says. He’s also building a house on that property for his own parents, with whom he’s very close.

Big Ben’s Foundation Now Has a Family Focus

Previously, the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation helped police and fire departments obtain service dogs for their K-9 units. Last week, the former QB, nicknamed “Big Ben,” announced that the foundation will transition to become the Roethlisberger Family Foundation, with an emphasis on connecting families.

Roethlisberger, who grew up in a Christian home and was baptized as an infant, decided to get rebaptized several years ago to show his kids and “the world…that I’m living for Jesus.” Although his three children have been dedicated, they haven’t yet been baptized, he says, because that’s their decision to make.

‘Never Happened’: Former Christianity Today Editor in Chief Denies Sexual Harassment Allegations

By

Dale Chamberlain

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March 17, 2022

Mark Galli — Photo by Árni Svanur Daníelsson (via Unsplash); logo courtesy of Christianity Today

Earlier this week, Christianity Today reported that it had failed to properly respond to allegations of sexual harassment against two former employees, one of whom was former editor in chief Mark Galli.

On the same day, CT president, CEO, and current editor in chief Tim Dalrymple also published an editorial explaining that CT had hired Guidepost Solutions to conduct an independent investigation and invited CT news editor Daniel Silliman to report on the matter, as CT would do were a similar situation occurring at a different organization. Members of CT’s executive team did not review the news article prior to its publishing.

Galli has now responded to CT’s report regarding the allegations that he sexually harassed numerous female employees at CT with an article of his own.

Citing his 30 year tenure at CT, Galli said that he was not surprised that he “sometimes said or did things that made other men or women uncomfortable, confused, or hurt,” adding that he has always sought to “apologize and bring reconciliation to the relationship.”

Nevertheless, while Galli expressed regret about his offenses, he also said that he “never in 30 years ever approached a women with the intent of sexually harassing, intimidating, or ‘hitting’ on her. Never.”

Some have been quick to point out that sexual harassment is not defined by the intent of the harasser but by whether the victim in the situation had cause to feel harassed.

However, as it pertains to the specific allegations against him, which came to light by way of Silliman’s interviews with more than two dozen current and former CT employees, Galli denied that those specific incidents ever occurred.

“Just three examples among many,” Galli wrote. “It is said that I lingered over a woman’s bra clip and that my hand got caught in her bra. Never happened. It is said that I ‘felt up’ a woman. Never happened. It is said that I said aloud that I like to watch women golfers bend over. Never said it.”

“So amidst the stories in which I can see I genuinely offended or confused some women, there were allegations that just mystify me,” Galli went on to write. When ChurchLeaders asked Galli why he believes allegations have been made against him that he claims to be false, Galli replied, “It’s not for me to speculate on the motives of others, especially those whose names I don’t know.”

While the independent Guidepost Solutions assessment did not speak to the specific instances of harassment, it did establish that Galli engaged in “inappropriate behavior toward women” on multiple occasions and toward multiple employees. According to Silliman’s reporting, Galli’s harassment spanned years.

Myth #1: Jesus wasn’t concerned with hell.

Myth #2: The Old Testament wasn’t concerned with hell.

Myth #3: Hell is not an endless place of punishment.

Myth #4: Hell is merely separation from God.

Myth #5: Hell is simply giving people what they want.

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10 Skills You Need to Be an Exceptional Children’s Ministry Leader

1. Skill of Motivation

2. Skill of Empathy

3. Skill of Empowerment

4. Skill of Casting Vision

5. Skill of Team Building

6. Skill of a Positive Attitude

7. Skill of Time Management

8. Skill of Listening

9. Skill of Self-Confidence

10. Skill of Continuous Learning

20 Bible Verses About Being Thankful for Blessings

5 Awesome Church Graduation Program Ideas

1. The Board

2. The Gift

3. The Celebration

4. The Visuals

Plan the Resurrection Scavenger Hunt

1. Pray about the event.

2. Plan it.

3. Get the word out.

The Resurrection Scavenger Hunt Begins

Let’s Play!

Treasures Found

Ben Roethlisberger: People Need Father Figures

Big Ben’s Foundation Now Has a Family Focus

New Articles

New Podcasts