How to Share the Gospel With an Atheist

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November 26, 2020

Last week, I sat next to James on a flight from St. Louis to Denver. As we talked, the subject turned to spirituality and religion. I confessed that I was a preacher, and he confessed that he was an atheist. What unfolded on the rest of the flight was a deep, thought-provocative, laughter-laced gospel conversation.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of engaging many atheists like James in various settings. I’ve discovered five helpful tips when sharing the gospel with someone who claims to not believe in God.

**1. Don’t be shocked and do ask tons of questions.**

Some atheists like to shock Christians with the fact that they don’t believe in God. This brand of atheist pulls the pin on the “there is no God” grenade and drops it in the middle of the conversation, expecting Christians to run for cover.

Don’t be phased. As a matter of fact, start asking questions about their atheism. Find out what they mean by atheism (some are agnostics, but call themselves atheists.) Ask questions about their background. Were they raised in church? Do they have any Christian friends? Where were they educated about atheism?

And remember that, as you ask questions, your goal is not to trap them, but to understand them. Find out areas where you agree. Just like Paul found common ground with the Athenians when he discovered an altar “To the Unknown God,” we can find common ground in a mutual rejection of legalistic religion, a passion for science and reason, and, usually, an overall positive view of the historic Jesus.

Although James spoke somewhat negatively of religion, he spoke well of Jesus. While he didn’t view Jesus as the Son of God, he did perceive him as an enlightened soul. At the minimum, that was something I could build on in making my own case for Christ.

2. Listen deeply for the real “why.”

Often, atheists have a reason (other than “reason“) for becoming atheists. Listen for it. Sometimes, it’s anger over losing a loved one. Other times, it’s that they were hurt by the church in some way. But often there’s a “why” behind the lie they are embracing.

In John 4, Jesus masterfully attacked the why behind the lie that the woman at the well was embracing. She was not an atheist, but a hedonist who thought that satisfaction could be found if she finally found the right guy. But Jesus offers her living water to satisfy her deepest needs and, finally, her thirst was fully quenched.

James shared with me about his upbringing in England and his regular attendance at The Church of England. He told me about how his wife had left him and how he could only see his kids every other weekend. James shared how he reads at least a book a week and how he loses himself in novels.

As he shared, I couldn’t quite nail why he was an atheist, but I could sense that he was a lonely man. My heart went out to him, and I think he could sense my sympathy.

New Discipleship Research: Selflessness Leads to Spiritual Maturity

By

Ed Stetzer

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November 26, 2020

Throughout the year, we have been releasing new research in support of Transformational Discipleship. This latest research is on “Serving God and Others”– one of eight attributes of discipleship that consistently show up in the lives of believers who are progressing in spiritual maturity.

Service doesn’t just happen in a church. It must be modeled and encouraged. As we look at the breakdown of attributes and correlated disciplines, the data shows that praying expectantly, getting involved in the community and discipling others fosters a posture of serving. As such, disciples are serving in, through, and beyond their churches for the cause of Christ.

Service and activism have become popular in our culture today, especially among younger adults. However, most of this benevolent activity is fairly low-level involvement that does not cost the giver much. The midrange responses on the Serving God and Others attribute reveals lots of good intentions and some occasional actions but much lower intentionality, consistency or sacrifice.

Serving clearly impacts growth, and the study shows that individuals who have positive scores for Serving God and Others have higher scores in the other seven attributes of the Transformational Discipleship study, as well.

For example, scores for Sharing Christ jump 24 percent when individuals have positive Serving God and Others’ scores and 51 percent for individuals with the highest Serving God and Others scores. Likewise, positive responses in the other seven attributes of discipleship correlate with higher scores in Serving God and Others.

Growth leads to service and serving leads to growth – it’s deeply connected. Positive scores in Bible Engagement result in a 17 percent increase in scores for Serving God and Others compared to those who do not have positive scores for Bible Engagement.

We saw most say they were serving in some way, but far too many are sitting down on the job – particularly when the Bible says everyone should ‘…use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God’ (1 Peter 4:10; HCSB). There is a huge gap between this passage and most churches’ practice.

From the release (read the full article here):

The survey shows 58 percent of Protestant churchgoers in the United States agree with the statement: “I am intentionally putting my spiritual gift(s) to use serving God and others.” Seventeen percent disagree with the statement.

A greater percentage of respondents indicate they look for opportunities to serve others in the community. Asked to respond to the statement: “I intentionally try to serve people outside my church who have tangible needs,” 60 percent agree – although only 17 percent strongly agree. Fifteen percent disagreed with the statement.

Churchgoers indicate much lower agreement related to sacrificial giving. Just 9 percent of churchgoers strongly agree with the statement: “I intentionally give up certain purchases so I can use that money for others.” Thirty percent somewhat agree and 32 percent disagree.

Approximately a quarter of respondents selected “neither agree nor disagree” as their answer for the three statements.

I shared a pre-release version of this data at the Q Conference, which was focused on serving other for the common good. Statistically, growing Christians serve and serving Christians grow. Sojourners reported on the data here. I’m encouraged to see the statistical connection, but am not surprised considering the biblical connection.

One Dozen Wonderful Thanksgiving Quotes

By

Ray Hollenbach

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November 25, 2020

Of course Thanksgiving quotes are wonderful during the holiday. But it also turns out that Thanksgiving quotes can also be formative in our spiritual development. Take a moment to look at what these great believers have had to say about gratitude.

One Dozen Wonderful Thanksgiving Quotes

I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder. ~ G.K. Chesterton

The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest. ~ William Blake

Be true to yourself, help others, make each day your masterpiece, make friendship a fine art, drink deeply from good books – especially the Bible, build a shelter against a rainy day, give thanks for your blessings and pray for guidance every day. ~ John Wooden

It must be an odd feeling to be thankful to nobody in particular. Christians in public institutions often see this odd thing happening on Thanksgiving Day. Everyone in the institution seems to be thankful “in general.” It’s very strange. It’s a little like being married in general. ~ Cornelius Plantinga, Jr.

Thou who hast given so much to me, give me one more thing – a grateful heart! ~ George Herbert

It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness. ~ Charles Spurgeon

Gratitude is the least of the virtues, but ingratitude is the worst of vices. ~ Thomas Fuller

If you remember the dignity of the Giver, no gift will seem small or mean, for nothing can be valueless that is given by the most high God. ~ Thomas a Kempis

The best things are nearest: breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of God just before you. ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

We have received too much from God to allow ourselves opportunities for unbelief. We have received too many gifts and privileges to allow a grumbling, murmuring heart to disqualify us of our destiny. In contrast, the thankful heart sees the best part of every situation. It sees problems and weaknesses as opportunities, struggles as refining tools, and sinners as saints in progress. ~ Francis Frangipane

Gratitude . . . goes beyond the “mine” and “thine” and claims the truth that all of life is a pure gift. In the past I always thought of gratitude as a spontaneous response to the awareness of gifts received, but now I realize that gratitude can also be lived as a discipline. The discipline of gratitude is the explicit effort to acknowledge that all I am and have is given to me as a gift of love, a gift to be celebrated with joy. ~ Henri J. M. Nouwen

We ought to give thanks for all fortune: if it is good, because it is good; if bad, because it works in us patience, humility, contempt of this world and the hope of our eternal country. ~ C. S. Lewis

This collection of wonderful Thanksgiving quotes originally appeared here, and is used by permission.

Explainer: What You Need to Know About the COVID Vaccine and Fetal Tissue

By

Stephanie Martin

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November 25, 2020

Recent news about promising COVID-19 vaccines are raising hopes that an end to the coronavirus pandemic could be near. But details about how vaccines are developed and tested are raising moral concerns for some Christians and pro-life advocates, specifically regarding the role of fetal tissue.

Christian and secular experts have conducted deep dives into that debate, concluding that the “immortalized” cell lines in use today no longer contain fetal tissue. Several faith leaders are urging Christians not to turn down the COVID-19 vaccine because of those concerns.

The success of immunizations depends partly on how many people take them, so public health experts are working to combat misinformation and encourage widespread compliance when a coronavirus vaccine becomes available.

The Role of Cell Lines in Research

As Church Leaders has reported, pro-life groups in several nations are urging researchers to develop vaccines that are “not ethically tainted.” Medical experts push back by noting that so-called “immortalized” cell lines have existed for years and aren’t obtained from recent fetuses.

Stringent regulations, experts add, are in place for this type of research, which has been integral to producing numerous vaccines, medical advances, and disease treatments. “It’s essentially impossible” to avoid medical interactions that aren’t somehow tied to various cell-line research projects, says Professor Maureen Condic.

Bioethicist Nicholas Evans echoes that, saying, “Chances are, if you have had a medical intervention in (America) or pretty much any other country, you have benefited from the use of these cell lines in some way.” In most cases, he adds, “The risk to public health, if one chooses not to vaccinate, outweighs the legitimate concerns about the origins of the vaccine.”

The fetal-tissue debate arose again in October, when President Trump was diagnosed with COVID-19 and received an experimental antibody cocktail from Regeneron. It’s derived from a cell line originating from a fetus in the 1970s, but records about how that tissue was obtained are no longer available. Regardless of whether the fetus was miscarried or aborted, say researchers, the cell line now in use no longer contains fetal tissue.

The cells essentially serve as “factories for production,” says Dr. Deepak Srivastava, immediate past president of the International Society for Stem Cell Research. “What’s important for the public to know even if they are opposed to the use of fetal cells for therapies, these medicines that are being made and vaccines do not contain any aspect of the cells in them.”

Consent and Other Considerations

In the U.S., COVID-19 vaccines being developed by Pfizer and Moderna were tested with a line originating from cells from a fetus aborted in 1985. Pastor Joe Carter, in an article for The Gospel Coalition, explores the moral complexities by discussing issues of cooperation, consent, and impact.

If an abortion were being performed “for the purpose of creating a cell line,” he writes, “then it would clearly be immoral” because it would involve “cooperating in evil.” By contrast, researchers can acquire fetal tissue after a fetus dies, no matter how that death occurs.

Consent also is key, says Carter, comparing the issue to organ donation following a healthy person’s unexpected death. Parents might willingly donate fetal tissue after experiencing a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, for example, which is not morally complicit.

Christina Dent: How Becoming a Foster Parent Changed My Views on the Best Way to Fight Drugs

By

Jason Daye

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November 25, 2020

Christina Dent is a mother of three and the founder and president of End It for Good, a conservative non-profit that invites people to consider alternatives to our criminal justice approach to drugs and drug use. These alternatives range from ending criminal penalties for drug possession to legal regulation of substances, all with a Kingdom-focused goal of less societal harm.

Other Ways to Listen to this Podcast with Christina Dent:

► Listen on Apple
► Listen on GooglePlay
► Listen on Spotify
► Listen on Stitcher
► Listen on YouTube

Key Questions for Christina Dent

-How did becoming a foster parent change your view on the War on Drugs?

-You contend that the vast majority of harm that comes from drugs is from criminalizing drugs, not the drugs themselves. Why do you believe that?

-What do you say to the idea that as soon as you decriminalize drugs, you are condoning their use?

-What is the responsibility of church leaders in the efforts to help the U.S.’s drug problem?

Key Quotes from Christina Dent

“My story is not a radically changed lifestyle. It’s really a radically changed mind.”

“I thought a mom who used drugs when she was pregnant must not love her child…[but] I just saw this mother who loved her son just as much as I loved my three sons, this fierce love, this desperate desire to do the right thing, to be there for him, to be a good mom, even though she was struggling with this addiction.”

“The United States has by far the highest incarceration rate in the world.”

“Even if I think drugs aren’t good and even if I think drug use isn’t good, is outlawing, criminalizing the right thing to do? Is the criminal justice system the right tool to be using for this issue?”

“How we handle drugs is about how we handle people.”

“I started to see this pattern in the kinds of harm that I was coming across and learning about….One kind of harm from drugs comes from the harm that substances can do themselves by putting them in our bodies. The other kind of harm comes from what happens when you criminalize a substance.”

“We are not fighting crime by prohibiting drugs. We’re actually funding it.”

Biden Indicates He Is For In-Person Worship, If Done ‘Safely’

By

Jack Jenkins

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November 25, 2020

(RNS) — President-elect Joe Biden says Americans should be allowed to worship in person “safely” during the ongoing pandemic. But as cases of COVID-19 spike in the U.S. just weeks before major religious holidays, questions abound as to whether attending religious services in person can, in fact, be safe — and if Biden’s approach to the contentious issue will differ from that of the Trump administration.

Biden, a Catholic, voiced his support for in-person worship on Saturday (Nov. 21) as he left Mass at St. Joseph on the Brandywine in Greenville, Delaware. When asked by a reporter whether Americans should be able to attend religious services despite the ongoing pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus, the president-elect responded, “Yes, safely.”

The former vice president, who has attended in-person Mass regularly throughout the pandemic, did not detail what “safe” worship looks like. And so far, his staff isn’t offering any clues: Neither his transition team nor members of his COVID-19 task force responded to repeated requests for comment on this story.

Restrictions on worship in the U.S. have thus far been managed through dialogues between faith groups and local governments, and Delaware is no exception: The state recently updated its guidance for indoor gatherings — including religious services — restricting events in buildings to 30 percent capacity with a maximum cap of 50 people. Meanwhile, the Diocese of Wilmington, which oversees St. Joseph and encompasses all of Delaware, has directed churches under its purview to abide by the recommendations of state and local authorities.

In addition, the diocese requires worship participants to remain 6 feet from each other and wear masks, and discourages people with symptoms and vulnerable populations from attending. St. Joseph also lists extensive sanitation practices on its website, and a representative for the diocese explained that Communion in the region is performed without wine and under strict guidelines — including repetitive sanitation of the priest’s hands during distribution of the host.

“A lot of our parishes will have pews roped off or blocked off to facilitate social distancing,” the spokesperson said.

The debate over how — or even if — to worship in person during the pandemic has raged since states first began implementing measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 in March. Some religious groups were quick to suspend services altogether, choosing instead to worship online. The Unitarian Universalist Association has recommended all its member congregations cancel in-person services until May 2021.

But others have been less willing to halt or limit physical gatherings, decisions that have put them in conflict with local authorities. While most governors and local officials have granted religious groups at least partial exemptions from orders limiting the size of in-person gatherings, others have cracked down on houses of worship that disregard health protocols.

On Sept. 10, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge granted a preliminary injunction against pastor John MacArthur’s Grace Community Church, prohibiting it from holding indoor worship services, though it has continued to do so. At least two evangelical Christian pastors in Florida and Louisiana have been arrested this year for openly flouting local regulations, and police in New York City sparked controversy for repeatedly breaking up large Orthodox Jewish gatherings.

Evangelical Christian musician Sean Feucht hosted a series of concerts — some without permits — in cities across the country as part of his “Let Us Worship” tour, where large crowds packed together and sang loudly, many without masks.

Trump took up the cause of those demanding worship in May, when he declared houses of worship “essential services” in an attempt to pressure state governors into allowing faith groups to worship.

Justin Bieber Leads a “Church Service” at Staples Center

By

Esther Laurie

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November 25, 2020

Justin Bieber continues to transform his image from a troubled pop star to a kind celebrity and thoughtful artist. His recent concert at Staples Center was less of a concert and more like “a church service” according to an LA Times article titled “How Justin Bieber turned Staples Center into a megachurch.”

“An Evening with Justin Bieber” turned out to be a night of pop music, a film premiere and some skateboarding tricks.

LA Times wrote, “Timed to coincide with the release of the 21-year-old singer’s new album, “Purpose,” Friday’s show began with Bieber riding his board to a small stage positioned at the center of the arena’s floor. Later, he did an acoustic performance of several new songs (along with some oldies), then presented the first public screening of a film in which each track from “Purpose” was set to a different dance piece.”

But there was a moment in between all these element where “Bieber sat on a stool next to Judah Smith, the man described as his pastor, and more or less preached,” LA Times shared.

Incredibly, “He talked about the importance of maintaining a positive spirit and surrounding himself with encouraging people. (“Amazing,” Smith said.) He credited his connection with God for helping him to get back on his feet after a string of widely publicized tabloid troubles. And when a fan in the audience — one of a dozen or so selected by the singer’s team for a question-and-answer session — asked if he had any advice on how to get through a romantic breakup, he demurred, flashing a bit of the humility that every religious leader knows is crucial in establishing a bond with one’s flock.”

This may come as a surprise to some, but his new faith seems to be genuine. His new album, “Purpose” is vulnerable and thoughtful.

“As transparent an image-rehab attempt as any in pop history, “Purpose” finds the singer apologizing for his supposed misdeeds — one song is literally called “Sorry” — and vowing earnestly to change his ways,” wrote LA TIMES.

Hear from Judah Smith about the Biggest Challenges for the Church, Leadership Culture and Preaching Prep.

3 Methods for Recruiting Volunteers During the Pandemic

By

Chris Wesley

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November 25, 2020

Like many other parishes, we saw attrition in the number of our volunteers. It was not a surprise, and it makes sense considering everyone’s lives have been turning around. People are unsure about committing to a volunteer situation because:

Schedules And Responsibilities Have Changed.
The Programs They Were A Part Of Being Suspended
Physical Health And Safety Is A High Priority.

But, we still need volunteers because the only way we’re going to navigate through this tumultuous season is if we have help. It’s also essential to recruit volunteers because as you start developing new initiatives and projects, having volunteers will help you reach your goals in a timely fashion. And I think we all understand the need; however, the big question I get asked is, “How Can I Recruit Volunteers When The Interaction Is Limited?” While there is no silver bullet, here are three approaches that do work whether you are in or outside a pandemic:

SEEK REFERRALS FROM THOSE WHO KNOW YOU AND YOUR MINISTRY

When I first started at my current parish, I reached out to staff and parish council for referrals of people they thought might be interested in youth ministry. I was able to compile an extensive list and made phone calls. At the end of it, I got an overwhelming amount of rejection; however, at the same time, there were enough willing participants.

No one likes rejection, but that isn’t a reason to hold back from picking up the phone and making some calls. At the same time, getting referrals create leverage in your ask. It tells that person that there is someone that sees something positive in them. It helps them recognize a hidden gift or talent. A referral from another person is the encouragement someone who has doubted themselves might need to say, “Yes” to your invitation.

Reach out to your coworkers, parish council, current volunteers, and even students to ask them, “Who Should I Invite To Serve With Us In Ministry?” Use that list and start setting up conversations.

COMMUNICATE THROUGH ALL PLATFORMS

While many of us don’t have the ability to make a pulpit announcement, we can get creative through social media, email marketing, and traditional mailings. Utilize video to make a pitch (Pick Up Your Phone, Record, And Post To Social media) and invite people to serve. Create mailings and images (I Use Canva.Com) to create a look and campaign. Don’t settle for one method; diversify and amplify your message. Have fun and be creative with your pitch.

CREATE AN EVENT THAT CASTS YOUR VISION

The problem with a cold call, postcard, or social media push is that people need time to process your ask. One of the best ways to walk someone through their discernment, especially if they are reluctant, is to invite them to an Open House. While in-person events are limited, you can create this opportunity online.

Organize an event where people can jump in to learn more about your ministry. In this Open House, you’ll want to communicate what you want them to do and how they can serve, but more importantly, you need to CAST VISION. To do that, invite current volunteers and students to deliver witness talks. Incorporate as much media as possible to help inspire and motivate them and, in the end, give them ample opportunity to answer questions. Lastly, give them a call to action that clearly communicates their next step.

Again, there is no silver bullet, but we shouldn’t wait around for one to be created. Building a team of volunteers takes work. However, the more consistent you are with your asks and invitations, the more results you’ll see. Take advantage of this season and invite people to something bigger than what the world is offering.

How are you inviting people to serve during this season of ministry?

Looking To Build A Team Of Volunteers Or Simply Manage The Ones You Have Better? Check Out Our Huddle Course HERE

This article originally appeared here.

Thoughts on Messy Relationships During the Holidays

By

Scott Sauls

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November 25, 2020

While being “the most wonderful time of the year” for some, the holidays can be lonely, alienating, and isolating for others. Loneliness, alienation, and isolation often come from struggles related to family. Many of us have at least one “Cousin Eddie” situation that confronts us during the holidays, and that tempts us to look at our nuclear and extended families with cynicism, anger, and even despair.

(If you don’t know who Cousin Eddie is, he is Clark Griswold’s blowhard, boisterous, high-maintenance, hard to love of a cousin who shows up, unannounced, to Clark’s house in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation…a true classic for those of us who also couldn’t imagine life without Tommy Boy, Napoleon Dynamite, and Dumb & Dumber).

But I digress…

With Thanksgiving upon us this week, I want to reflect on the solution Jesus provides for the fractured relationships—family and otherwise. Not only is his solution good for us; it also provides an empowering resource, one that enables us to move toward “Cousin Eddie” in ways that heal instead of perpetuate the wounds.

So then, what is Jesus’ solution to our holiday woes? I believe it’s this…

Jesus gives us himself;

He also gives us a family…in the local Church.

To disciples who had left everything to follow him, Jesus responded with these words:

Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel,who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life (Mark 10:29-30).

Did you hear that? Who is your mother and father and sisters and brothers? Even if your earthly family is a train wreck, if you are with Jesus then you have another anchor family—mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers who, like you, are united to Jesus by faith. The Church is God’s redeemed society, a family of surrogates united together by one LORD, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father (Ephesians 4:4-6).

In the Church is a solidarity that transcends all other loyalties while also demolishing divisions.

Peter, a loud and intense man with low emotional intelligence, and John, a gentle and contemplative man, become as inseparable brothers through their shared union with Jesus.

Simon, an anti-government zealot and Matthew, a government employed tax collector, are transformed from enemies to friends by that same union.

David and Jonathan, the son of a shepherd and the son of a king, become the dearest of friends through a shared faith.

These are merely a sampling of what theologian Donald Carson has said about the family of God in his book, Love in Hard Places:

The Church itself is not made up of natural “friends…” What binds us together is not common education, common race, common income levels, common politics, common nationality, common accents, common jobs, or anything of the sort. Christians come together, not because they form a natural collocation, but because they have been saved by Jesus Christ and owe him a common allegiance. In the light of this common allegiance, in light of the fact that they have all been loved by Jesus himself, they commit themselves to doing what he says—and he commands them to love one another. In this light, they are a band of natural enemies who love one another for Jesus’ sake.

This solidarity around the experience of loving Jesus—or, rather, of being deeply loved by Jesus—has also made the Church the most inclusive community in the history of the world. This was felt deeply especially in first century Jerusalem, where Rabbis openly and often prayed, “Thank you, God, that I am not a woman, a slave, or a gentile.”

In a culture of social pecking orders where Jewish men ran things and everybody else’s role was to support them in their privilege and treat them as important, Jesus came in to level the playing field, and to re-affirm that all people are equal in dignity and value.

The Holy Spirit then punched the Rabbi’s prayer in the gut, ensuring that the first three Christian converts were a woman, Lydia, who hosted a congregation in her house, a slave in Philippi, and a gentile prison guard (Acts 16:11-40).

Inspired by God’s stance of showing no partiality, the Apostle Paul would write these words about God’s family, the Church:

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28).

In the Church God has given us a family—a first and anchor family—where healing from the dysfunctions and sorrows and losses experienced outside the Church can occur. What many have been denied in their nuclear families—a loving spouse, supportive parents, honoring children—existed for Jesus and also exist for us inside the family of God.

But like the nuclear family, the Church will also live with dysfunction until Jesus returns. But because we know that Jesus will complete the work he has begun in us, because we are his workmanship, because resurrection and new life are in our future, we can treat ourselves and each other with hope instead of cynicism. We can live in confidence that we are not yet what we will be. We can look at the caterpillar in front of us—whether in the mirror or face to face with another—and envision the butterfly. Jesus will soon present his family, the Church, to himself as a radiant bride without spot, wrinkle or blemish. It’s already settled (Philippians 1:6; Ephesians 2:10; John 11:25; Ephesians 5:27).

So then, what if the Church became the first place, instead of the last place, that people went looking for family?

What if the Church was filled with unmarried people but had no “single” people, because unmarried people were as family to each other, and surrogate brothers and sisters and mothers and fathers and sons and daughters to the rest of the Church?

What if the Church was the place where no parent felt the burden of having to raise children alone, and where every child had hundreds of mothers and fathers and grandmas and grandpas and aunts and uncles and big sisters and brothers?

What if it were true that God sets the lonely in families? (Psalm 68:6) What if the Church was the place where anyone in the world could find refuge and solace from the age-old malediction—first uttered into Paradise—that it is not good to be alone?

This is exactly what God intended for the Church to be.

Do you know what else? When we “leave” our earthly families for the anchor family that God provides in the Church, we actually end up “cleaving” better to our earthly families. Why is this so?

Because in the Church, we are taught first to know God as a Father who protects, defends and provides, and as a Mother Hen who gathers us under his wings to shelter us.

In the Church, we are taught to know Jesus as a Brother who is not ashamed of us, and as a Husband who repeatedly forgives us, empowers us, holds us, and lays down his life for us.

In the Church, we are taught to know the Holy Spirit as a Comforter, Counselor, and Guide.

The more we come to know Father, Son and Spirit in these ways, the more equipped, empowered, and energized we will be to protect, defend, provide, shelter, bless, forgive, empower, hold, lay down our lives, comfort, counsel and guide in our earthly families.

In short, through the character formation we experience through hard-fought love inside the Church, we are better equipped to love and bless our earthly family members who may be outside the Church.

Rather than a pain in the neck, Cousin Eddie becomes a target of our love, a chief beneficiary of our kindness. Because of the influence of the anchor family, the family of Jesus, we will start thinking creatively how we can love Cousin Eddie well in spite of his offensiveness, abrasiveness, low emotional intelligence, and painstaking awkwardness.

Don’t let your earthly family be your Jesus.

Instead, let Jesus and his Family be your anchor family.

When you do, your earthly family will be better for it.

This article originally appeared here.

We Can Worship God Even When We Don’t Understand

By

J.D. Greear

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November 25, 2020

Florence Chadwick, the first woman to swim the English Channel, decided in 1952 that she wanted to swim from Catalina Island to the California coast, about 26 miles. No woman had ever done that before. It was very foggy when she started her swim, and she couldn’t see. After 15 hours in the water (yes, you read that right), she looked up at her mother in the little boat beside her and said, “Mama, I can’t make it; I can’t go any further.”

Her mother tried to encourage her, but, after swimming for another 55 minutes, she gave up and got in the boat.

A couple minutes later, she discovered she was half a mile from the coastline. When asked later why she quit, Chadwick said, “It was because I couldn’t see anything. If I could’ve just seen the coastline, I know I would have made it.”

Two months later, she got back in the water, and not only did she swim from Catalina Island to California, but she also beat the women’s world record for that distance.

And the men’s: By two and a half hours.

Interestingly, the second time she swam, it was even foggier than the first time. She couldn’t see anything. When reporters asked her about it afterward, she said, “I was ready this time. And it’s real simple: I kept a picture in my mind of the shoreline. Even though I couldn’t see it with my eyes, it was ever before me. I never lost sight of the California shoreline, and so I felt like I was always closing in on it. As long as I lived for the picture in my mind, I could keep slogging through the fog of my challenge.”

We need this kind of vision when we have unanswered questions about things that don’t add up. As a pastor, I can tell people what the Bible says, but my heart is not always at peace with it. And there are times I sit with people in pain and think, “God, if you love this person, why would you let this happen?”

But I see revealed in the gospel the evidence of God’s goodness. And I think of the words of that timeless hymn, “For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I’ve committed unto him against that day.” And I know that, just like he came out of the tomb when everyone thought he was gone, one day he’s going to return and make all the sad things come untrue.

One of the things I hate is when a worship leader asks, “How does everybody feel this morning?” How do I feel? That’s where we are going to start? It’s Sunday morning at 8. I feel terrible. Things are going wrong in my house. I’ve got bills I’m not sure how to pay. My kids have me holding on by my last string. I feel overwhelmed and confused.

Instead of asking me how I feel, why don’t you tell me what I should know? Tell me about him in whom I have believed and can trust. I feel terrible, but I know he is faithful.

Worship is not about how you feel. It’s about who God is.

I’m concerned for those who base their understanding of how God feels about them on their perceptions of what is going on in their lives. If things are going well, then God must love them. But you’re always going to misinterpret things if you do that.

God’s ways are untraceable. But his character, revealed in Christ, is undoubtable.

I don’t know all that God is doing in every situation, and neither will you. But I know that what he is doing is bathed in love because that’s who he is.

And I know that one day all of this pain and confusion will be swallowed up in a glory that will give us such joy that the suffering leading up to it won’t even be worth comparing to it.

I don’t understand why God would allow a cancer diagnosis or a broken marriage or a bankruptcy. I don’t see any silver lining to it. Candidly, I don’t even see God’s plan in it.

But I know who Jesus is and why I worship Him.

I know that just as God used Jesus’ death for good and brought resurrection out of it, so will he do with this situation. Where I can’t trace his hand, I can trust his heart.

And one day, like Paul, we’ll say,

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and of the knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and untraceable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? And who has ever given to God, that he should be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

– Romans 11:33–36 CSB

As long as you can keep living for the picture of future glory in your mind, you can keep slogging through in the fog of your challenge and continue to worship Him.

The shore in your mind should be Jesus. He is Jehovah. He is everything you’ve ever needed. In everything you’ve felt insufficient, he’s been your overflowing supply.

For all the ways you are not, he is the great I AM. And because of this, you can worship.

This article originally appeared here.

Millennials … What You Need to Know About the Young Parents You’re Trying to Reach

By

Dale Hudson

-

November 24, 2020

The Millennials are defined as adults between the ages of 18 and 34 in 2015. In an article earlier this week, we talked about their marriage stats and views. Now let’s take a look at Millennials as parents.

There are now more than 22 million Millennials in America with about 9,000 babies born to them each day. They account for 80 percent of the 4 million annual births and the number of new millennial parents is expected to grow exponentially over the next decade.

They are digitally native, ethnically diverse, late marrying and less bound by traditional gender roles than any previous generation. They are becoming parents later … the average age being 26 compared to age 21 in 1970.

How are millennials parenting?
They are moving away from the command-and-control model that many of them were raised with. They are taking a more democratic approach. It is not uncommon for them to take a poll with their kids in deciding what to do for the weekend. They are more empathetic, understanding and questioning of what their children’s needs are.

• 52 percent closely monitor their children’s diet.

• 64 percent say the environment is a top concern.

• 61 percent agree that kids need more unstructured playtime. This indicates a backlash against the “helicopter parenting” of the Boomers. They are backing away from the over-scheduled days of their youth, preferring a more responsive, less dictatorial approach to activities.

• 21 percent think their kids are over scheduled.

• 48 percent believe children do best if a stay-at-home mom raises them.

• 23 percent are stay-at-home parents compared to just 16 percent of Gen Xer’s and 22 percent of Baby Boomers. This indicates a traditional streak.

• 80 percent feel the pressure to be the “perfect” parent compared to only 70 percent of Gen X parents.

What do millennial parents value?

• 50 percent say they try to buy products that support causes or charities. They are often cited as one of the most socially compassionate generations ever. The brands that connect with millennial parents help them feel better about themselves through purchases and brand engagement. This is further confirmed by the fact that the top three brands they favor—Nike, Target and Apple—all have a cause platform.

• 82 percent want their child to know that they don’t need possessions to be happy.

• 77 percent want their child to graduate from college.

• 56 percent want their child to excel at sports.

Study Shows How ‘COVID-19 World’ Impacts Bible Engagement…and It’s Not Good

By

Jessica Lea

-

November 24, 2020

Research from Barna and the American Bible Society (ABS) for the “State of the Bible 2020” has found that Americans’ engagement with Scripture has suffered significantly over the course of the pandemic. While COVID-19 initially led to an increased interest in the Bible, this interest turned out to be superficial.

“Google Trends recorded a spike in internet searches around the Bible in the spring of 2020,” wrote the authors in the chapter entitled, “The Bible in a COVID-19 World.” “When COVID-19 hit in the first week of April, Bible-related searches hit a five-year high. The increased search activity may have indicated curiosity about what the Bible says about suffering, and sickness. In most cases, however, curiosity about the Bible didn’t deepen into Scripture engagement.”

State of the Bible 2020: Bible Engagement During the Pandemic

Bible engagement in January 2020 was at an encouraging all-time high compared to 2011 when ABS began measuring Scripture engagement. The study’s authors define “Scripture engagement” as “consistent interaction with the Bible that shapes people’s choices and transforms their relationships.” At the beginning of the year, 70.9 million Americans were engaged with the Bible.

By the first week of June, however, 13.1 million of those people “were no longer consistently interacting with the Bible in a way that shaped their choices and transformed their relationships with God and others.” This was a drop from 27.8 percent to 22.6 percent of Americans.

Researchers divided people into five different “Scripture Engagement Segments” based on the level of their interaction with the Bible:

-Bible Disengaged
-Bible Neutral
-Bible Friendly
-Bible Engaged
-Bible Centered

Some good news is that between January and June, there was a slight drop in the Bible Disengaged category, as well as a “surge” in the Bible Neutral and the Bible Friendly categories. But both the Bible Engaged and the Bible Centered segments saw major drops at 4.3 million (1.7 percent) and 9.7 million (3.8 percent), respectively.

While women are usually more engaged with the Bible than men are, female engagement with Scripture fell considerably between January and June. “For the first time,” said the authors, “June State of the Bible data revealed that women and men had approximately the same levels of Scripture engagement across the country.” The authors speculate that the lockdowns increased the pressures women have faced when it comes to taking care of children and managing their homes. These responsibilities, as well as being isolated from their normal social circles, might have contributed to a decline in Scripture engagement among women.

State of the Bible researchers also found differences in Bible engagement based on race and the type of area where people live. African Americans are the most engaged with the Bible overall. In the Bible Engaged category, African Americans scored the highest, followed by Hispanic Americans, Americans who claim two or more races, white Americans, and Asian Americans. When it comes to the type of community people live in, those who reside in cities are more engaged with the Bible than people who live in suburbs or small towns. Americans who live in rural areas are the least engaged out of these four groups.

State of the Bible 2020 on Worship

American adults do not need a survey to tell them that COVID-19 has put a strain on their worship practices, and the study unsurprisingly supports this conclusion. Thirty-eight percent of Americans “strongly or somewhat agree that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on their ability to worship and serve God.” One notable finding in this area when broken down by generation was that Millennials were the group most likely to strongly or somewhat agree that the pandemic has had a negative effect on their ability to worship. This was the case for 48 percent of Millennials. Gen Z came next at 43 percent, followed by Gen X at 39 percent, Elders at 32 percent, and Boomers at 29 percent.

Christian Recording Artist Calls Out Non-Mask Wearers After Aunt Dies From COVID-19

By

Jesse T. Jackson

-

November 24, 2020

Nichole Nordeman is taking to social media to call out those who defy guidelines to wear a mask and avoid physical gatherings after experiencing a personal loss due to COVID-19.

The Christian musician posted on Twitter last Friday November 20, 2020, that her aunt had passed away after contracting COVID-19. Nordeman is a Christian contemporary recording artist and four-time Dove Award winner, including 2003 Female Vocalist of the Year.

Nordeman tweeted that her “aunt was diagnosed w/ Covid this morning in her living facility and passed away 8 hours later, before my mom could even get there to pray through the window. 8 hours.”

My aunt was diagnosed w/ Covid this morning in her living facility and passed away 8 hours later, before my mom could even get there to pray through the window. 8 hours. But please tell me more about how wearing a mask is such an assault on your rights. Tell me about all your

— Nichole Nordeman (@nicholenordeman) November 20, 2020

The Christian singer-songwriter told all those who would see her social media message that she isn’t happy with non-mask wearers. She said indignantly, “But please tell me more about how wearing a mask is such an assault on your rights. Tell me about all your big offended feelings that the government is trying to control your life, your faith, your freedom and worship.”

Nordeman, speaking to those who care more about freedom than their neighbor, said “I have run out of incredulity and disgust.”

“Thank you to everyone who is diligent, caring and loving your neighbor by doing everything possible to slow the spread of this monster,” she said to those wearing masks. Nordeman also thanked the health care workers who have had to become family members, chaplains, and companions due to family not being allowed to be with loved ones as they recover or pass.

big offended feelings that the government is trying to control your life, your faith, your freedom and worship. I have run out of incredulity and disgust. Thank you to everyone who is diligent, caring and loving your neighbor by doing everything possible to slow the spread of

— Nichole Nordeman (@nicholenordeman) November 20, 2020

Praising the health care workers, she made this heart-wrenching comment about what they are doing, “Delivering our loved ones straight into the arms of Jesus time and again. Bless you for this sorrowful gift.”

this monster. Thank you especially to our exhausted, faithful health care workers. You’ve had to learn how to be family members, chaplains, and companions in our stead. Delivering our loved ones straight into the arms of Jesus time and again . Bless you for this sorrowful gift.

— Nichole Nordeman (@nicholenordeman) November 20, 2020

Nordeman Is Critical of Churches Gathering in Large Worship Spaces

From the start of the COVID-19 virus, Nordeman has been vocal about those defying government orders and recommendations. In March she posted:

If I see one more quote from members and pastors of large churches in my community (who are still gathering), and have decided that they are ‘covered by the blood of Jesus’ and ‘Satan ain’t gonna win by keeping me away from the house of God.’ Let me remind you that God’s presence has never been and never will be contained in a building. We have the blessing of advanced science and leaders in the medical field who are appealing to the BRAIN that the same Sovereign God put in your skull, for the purpose being actually used in this moment. Leaders, you are charged with shepherding your people well. Do your job. Communicate hope AND reality. The blood of Jesus still covers you at home where you can submit to restrictions and guidelines that (gasp) know more about this pandemic than you. Love your churches well by leading them in truth. Continuing to gather in large worship spaces is not standing your ground against Satan, it’s choosing not to love and protect the most vulnerable neighbors in your flock. Fin.

In September, she posted a reply to a tweet from worship/protest leader Sean Feucht’s social media video posts that read “WE’RE NOT BACKING DOWN CHICAGO!!! Don’t cancel the miracle your city needs!!! @LoriLightfoot LET US WORSHIP.”

Nordeman said: “I am weary of fabricated ‘persecution’ narratives. I bet these brave & busy officers were needed elsewhere in Chicago today. Worship doesn’t require self orchestrated chaos. God isn’t extra glorified because you won’t back down in ALL CAPS. Also you can’t cancel miracles.”

Just recently in a Twitter post in October, she asked her followers, “Why must a Christian sacrifice their brain on the altar of belief? God created both to live in tandem not tension.”

I’m trying to figure out when exactly we were expected to choose between Jesus OR common sense. Jesus OR science. Jesus OR data. Faith OR facts. Surrender OR safety. Why must a Christian sacrifice their brain on the altar of belief? God created both to live in tandem not tension.

— Nichole Nordeman (@nicholenordeman) October 13, 2020

Katy Perry Returned to Her Church Roots Performing Hymn ‘As The Deer’ at AMAs

By

Jesse T. Jackson

-

November 24, 2020

Singer Katy Perry, who was raised by Christian ministers, opened up her American Music Awards performance with the well-known hymn “As the Deer” written by Martin J. Nystrom and based on Psalm 42:1 before signing her song “Only Love.”

Perry dedicated her performance to her father, posting on Instagram before the show, “tonight’s @amas performance is for my father ♥️”.

“Went back to church, met a new friend @dariusrucker and found #OnlyLove ♥️” the new mother posted.

The American Music Awards’ winning singer’s father is a pastor who, according to his website, travels with his wife throughout the U.S. and around the world encouraging people through preaching and the prophetic to reach for a deeper relationship with the Lord. Perry’s parents raised her in a household where the terms “deviled-eggs” and “Dirt Devil” (vacuum cleaner) were banned.

In a Vanity Fair interview she said, “I didn’t have a childhood. I come from a very non-accepting family, but I’m very accepting.” She said of her parents: “We coexist. I don’t try to change them anymore, and I don’t think they try to change me. We agree to disagree. They’re excited about (my success).”

Perry didn’t instantly abandon everything she was taught growing up and didn’t jump directly into the secular music industry. The “I Kissed A Girl” singer first attempted a career in the Christian music industry. She released her self-titled first album Katy Hudso n in 2001 produced by DC Talk’s bassist Otto Price on the independent Christian record sub-label Red Hill Records of Pamplin Music. The company included well-known Christian artists Natalie Grant, Bride, Aaron Sprinkle, and Jody Davis of The Newsboys. Despite promoting her album on the Strangely Normal Tour with The Newsboys’ Phil Joel and up-and-coming band Earthsuit (MuteMath), the album failed to reach success and reportedly sold less than 200 copies.

A 2018 Vogue magazine interview touched on her relationship with God saying, “My mom has prayed for me my entire life, hoping I’d come back to God. I never left Him. I was just a little bit secular. I was more materialistic and more career-driven. But now that I’m in my 30s, it’s more about spirituality and heart wholeness.”

Earlier this year, Perry opened up about her battle with depression and suicidal thoughts, sharing that she had a complete mental breakdown after her 2017 split from her now fiancé Orlando Bloom. That split led her to thinking that taking her own life was the best way out. She attributes her relationship with God to saving her life.

If you or someone you know is thinking about harming yourself/themselves or attempting suicide, reach out to someone who can help right away. Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK to be connected to a trained counselor at a suicide crisis center nearest you.

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