Francis Chan: Should Christians Fear Death?

April 18, 2025

I visited a man on his death bed yesterday. I left confused. This man had no relationship with Jesus, no interest in the gospel, yet no fear of death. His only desire was to ease his physical pain and die without a struggle. I couldn’t understand it. Really? No fear of death at all? It led me to consider: should Christians fear death?

The first time I remember seeing a dead body was when I was eight. I was terrified! It was my stepmother’s body in a casket. My mother died giving birth to me, so this was the woman that I knew as mom. Seeing her lifeless body scared me. The whole concept of death confused me and gave me a sick feeling. There was nothing casual about it.

Seeing my dad in a casket four years later brought the same kind of fear and sobriety. Forty years later, I still get deeply disturbed at funerals. Whenever I see a dead body, I inevitably think, “That will be me soon.” Then all sorts of uncomfortable thoughts follow. Uncomfortable thoughts, yes: but should Christians fear death?

RELATED: Fear of Death

Should Christians Fear Death?

Wisdom Ponders Death

I understand that Christians should not fear death. Jesus died and rose from the grave, therefore death has lost its “sting” (1 Corinthians 15:55 –56). But just because the fear subsides, it doesn’t mean we are left feeling indifferent. Death has a way of jolting us into seriousness. Don’t you still get an eerie or maybe even sick feeling when you think about your own death?

Some of it is just trying to grasp something so foreign to us: the separation of the soul from the body. We are unable to fathom existing apart from the only body we’ve known. The other troubling mystery is trying to imagine what we will first see and experience after death. What will it be like when we first see a heavenly being or God himself?

Death is not an easy thing to meditate on, but the wise person will think about death often.

Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

When was the last time you prayed that prayer? A wise man thinks about his death often, and the fool ignores it. This is why the enemy keeps us from thinking and talking about death. And this is why we must work to keep the brevity of life on the forefront of our minds.

Next week, one of my friends is going to court. There is a chance that he will be sentenced to several years in prison. As you can imagine, it is hard for him to think about anything else. As much as he will try to have a “normal” week, I’m pretty sure his mind will be preoccupied with what the judge is going to say.

Shouldn’t we also be preoccupied with our upcoming day in God’s court? The Bible says that one day we will stand before a Judge who is referred to as a “Consuming Fire” (Hebrews 12:29). Unbelievably, some will go their whole lives without ever considering what this moment will be like.

Should Christians Fear Death? Francis Chan considers two more points on page two:

Team-Building Activities for Youth Retreats: 10 Ways To Build Unity

Staff

April 17, 2025

Team-building activities for youth retreats strengthen friendships and cooperation. Stepping away from daily routines lets teens reflect on their faith and engage with Scripture. In the process, your group will grow closer and stronger.

A well-planned youth retreat fosters trust and unity. So keep reading for ways to help students experience the love of Christ and the fellowship of peers!

Keys to a Successful Youth Group Retreat

Begin by considering these factors to maximize the impact of youth retreats:

Set clear goals. Define spiritual and relational objectives.
Create a balance. Mix structured activities with free time.
Encourage participation. Ensure every youth has a role.
Keep it Christ-centered. Integrate Scripture, prayer, and worship.
Reflect and discuss. Debrief each activity with meaningful conversations.
Focus on teamwork! Add to the schedule some team-building activities for youth retreats.

10 Team-Building Activities for Youth Retreats

Here are 10 Bible-based teamwork ideas to try with teens!

1. Human Knot (Easy, Indoor/Outdoor)

How to Play: Kids stand in a circle and reach across to grab two different hands. Then they must work together to untangle themselves.

Bible Connection: 1 Corinthians 12:12 – Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.

Discussion Questions:

What was most challenging about this?
How does this activity reflect the need to work together in the body of Christ?

2. Blindfolded Obstacle Course (Medium, Outdoor/Indoor)

How to Play: Blindfold one person. Then have teammates guide them through an obstacle course, using only verbal instructions.

Bible Connection: Psalm 119:105 – Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Discussion Questions:

How did it feel to rely on others for guidance?
How can we trust God to lead us in life?

3. Trust Fall (Medium, Indoor/Outdoor)

How to Play: One person falls backward, trusting teammates to catch them.

Bible Connection: Proverbs 3:5 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

Discussion Questions:

Was it tough to totally trust your team? Why or why not?
How can we develop trust in God and in others?

4. Bible Verse Scramble (Easy, Indoor)

How to Play: Teams receive cut-up words from a Bible verse. Then they must piece them together in the correct order.

Bible Connection: 2 Timothy 3:16 – All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.

Discussion Questions:

How did your team approach this challenge?
Why is it important to understand Scripture as a group?

5. Cross the River (Medium, Outdoor/Indoor)

How to Play: Teams use stepping stones (paper plates or boards) to cross a designated space. No touching the ground!

Bible Connection: Isaiah 43:2 – “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. And when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.”

Discussion Questions:

What made this challenge difficult?
How does this relate to overcoming obstacles in life with faith?

Mother’s Day Activities for Children’s Ministry: 5 Ways To Honor Moms

ChildrensMinistry.com

April 17, 2025

Need some creative, Bible-based Mother’s Day activities for Sunday school? Then engage students with these fun, exciting ideas. Help kids honor their moms and other special women with heartfelt children’s ministry ideas for Mother’s Day.

5 Mother’s Day Activities That Kids & Moms Will Love

Here are 5 lovely Mother’s Day crafts for church:

1. Mother’s Day Card: Bearing Fruit

Give each child a packet of fruit or vegetable seeds and a sheet of construction paper. Ask a child to read aloud Galatians 5:22-23 about the fruit of the Spirit. Talk about these Scriptures as children fold their papers in half to make cards.

On the front of the cards, have children write, “Mom, you plant the seeds…” Inside the cards on the right-hand side, have children glue their seed packets and write, “…that’ll help me bear fruit for Jesus.” On the inside left-hand page, have kids write the words from Galatians 5:22-23. Then have children sign their cards. Mothers will treasure this encouraging card.

2. Mother’s Day Song: My Mother Is So Special

Teach children this song to the tune of Oscar Mayer’s “The Bologna Song.” Have children sing it to their moms during your worship service.

My mother is so special, she means so much to me.

She’s patient, understanding, and as gentle as can be.

She’s lots of fun to be with and she’s always there for me.

That’s why she’s a great example of J-E-S-U-S to me.

3. Give Mom a Hand

Theme: Mother’s Day text: Proverbs 31:28-31

Preparation: In a box or paper sack, place different kinds of gloves. You’ll also need a Bible.

The Message: Read the Scripture.

Say: What does this Bible verse tell us to do? God tells us to praise our moms and say great things about them so everyone will know how terrific they are! Today, we’ll give our moms a special hand. Gloves are good for lots of things. Let’s see how these gloves help us.

Give each child at least one glove.

Then say: Hold up your glove and tell how it reminds you of things your mom does. Our moms sure do lots of different things!

Collect the gloves.

Say: Let’s pray. Dear God, thanks for our moms and other special women who work, play, clean, cook, and love us with their hands. Show us how to honor them every day. Amen.

Say: Now, let’s use our hands to praise our moms!

Lead kids in applauding for their mothers.

John Michael Finley Is ‘Really Excited’ To Reprise His Role as Bart Millard in ‘I Can Only Imagine 2’

Jessica Lea

April 17, 2025

I Can Only Imagine 2 — John Michael Finley. Screengrab from YouTube / @Churchleaders

Actor John Michael Finley played MercyMe frontman Bart Millard in the hit 2018 film “I Can Only Imagine,” titled after MercyMe’s song of the same name. Now, Finley is set to reprise his role in the movie’s sequel, “I Can Only Imagine 2,” and he is thrilled about it.

“I’m really excited,” he said in an interview with ChurchLeaders. “I’m getting excited for everybody else to get excited, you know, because I’m kind of on the inside. I’ve read the script and we’ve got kind of a game plan, and I think people are going to be really excited.”

‘I Can Only Imagine 2’ Continues Bart Millard’s Story

“I Can Only Imagine” was a hit at the box office, opening in third place behind “Black Panther” and “Tomb Raider.” It grossed over $83 million domestically and over $86 million worldwide. The film told the true story of Bart Millard, lead singer of the Christian band MercyMe, and his struggles with an abusive father, played by Dennis Quaid (“Reagan,” “Frequency”).

Finley told ChurchLeaders, “I’ve kind of fallen in love with telling true stories.” Finley’s latest film is “Faith of Angels,” which is premiering on Great American Family Saturday, April 18. That film tells the true story of Joshua Dennis, who as a boy in the 1980s became lost in an abandoned mine for five days but whose community persisted in faith that he would be found alive.

In that movie, Finley plays John Skinner, the man whose detailed knowledge of the mine led to Dennis’ rescue. “I think people love true stories,” Finley said. “I think people love stories that they can get wrapped up in.”

“I Can Only Imagine 2” is set to be released in March 2026 and continues Millard’s story. Dennis Quaid is returning, and other cast members include Milo Ventimiglia (“This Is Us,” “Gilmore Girls”), Joshua Bassett (“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”), Trace Adkins (“Old Henry,” “Deepwater Horizon”), Sophie Skelton, and Arielle Kebbel (“John Tucker Must Die,” “The Grudge 2”).

When he appeared in “I Can Only Imagine,” Finley said, “I had never really played a real person. And this is the second time now, with ‘Faith of Angels,’ that not only have I gotten to do a true story, but I’ve gotten to play a real person and that person is still alive, and I can kind of fellowship and chat with that person.”

‘I Learned a Lot About Faith’—Actor John Michael Finley Speaks to ChurchLeaders About His Film ‘Faith of Angels’

Jessica Lea

April 17, 2025

John Michael Finley (center) as John Skinner in "Faith of Angels." Image courtesy of 130 Agency

Actor John Michael Finley, who is known for portraying MercyMe frontman Bart Millard in the film “I Can Only Imagine,” spoke to ChurchLeaders about what he learned about faith while filming his latest movie, “Faith of Angels.”

The movie, which premieres on Great American Family Saturday, April 19, is based on the true story of Joshua Dennis, who as a boy in the 1980s became lost in an abandoned mine for five days.

“I learned a lot about faith with this particular film,” Finley said. He plays John Skinner, the man whose detailed knowledge of the mine led to Dennis’ rescue.

“In general, I think faith is always kind of like this direction, up and down, and I think this almost enhanced my faith horizontally. You know what I mean?” said Finley. “Like, really leaning on your people and trusting your community, or, in general, finding that community so that if you were ever lost in a mine, you’d have people praying for you and hoping for your safe return.”

‘Faith of Angels’ Is a ‘Powerful True Story,’ Says John Michael Finley

In 1989, Joshua Dennis got lost in a mine in Utah with no food, water, or flashlight. On his website, Dennis said, “A massive search began. Hours turned into days and there seemed to be no explanation for [my] disappearance. Time was running out and little hope remained for [my] survival.”

“But there were a few who wouldn’t give up hope,” said Dennis. “Communities, families and individuals were united in prayer, and strengthened by the efforts to rescue one small boy.”

In the movie, Dennis and his father are camping with a group of other boys and men near Hidden Treasure Mine. As they are exploring the mine, Dennis becomes separated from everyone else, and the group soon realizes they have a crisis on their hands.

A local sheriff and rescue teams get involved in searching for Dennis but are unable to find him. As days pass, it grows increasingly likely that the young boy will not be found or that he will not be alive when he is. The community, however, refuses to give up and perseveres in trusting God with their prayers that Dennis will make it out alive. The film shows Dennis leaning on his faith in Jesus, trusting for a miracle as he waits in the mine to be rescued.

Meanwhile, a man named John Skinner has been hearing a mysterious voice tell him, “Help them see,” and feeling divine promptings to help with the search. It so happens that no one knows the abandoned mine like he does.

When asked what drew him to “Faith of Angels,” Finley said, “Another powerful true story. I’ve kind of fallen in love with telling true stories…someone sent me the script, and I read it, and I thought it was clever and moving and powerful. And I said, ‘I want to be a part of this.’”

Helping Friends Heal: Guide to Support & Growth

Josh Spurlock

April 17, 2025

Helping Friends Heal — Source: Lightstock #211696

Witnessing a friend endure an emotionally painful situation can leave you feeling helpless, eager to offer support but uncertain about the best way to do so. Understanding how to help your friends metabolize their pain, process their grief, and prevent the experience from solidifying into trauma is not only a profound act of friendship but also a powerful way to contribute to their journey towards resilience, growth, and maturity. This article explores how you, as a supportive friend, can play a crucial role in your friends’ healing process.

Acknowledge and Validate Their Feelings

Begin by acknowledging your friends’ pain and validating their feelings. It’s important for them to know that what they’re going through is real and that it’s okay to feel whatever they’re feeling. Avoid minimizing their emotions or offering cliché reassurances. Instead, offer a simple, “I’m here for you, and I’m truly sorry you’re going through this.” This acknowledgment can be the first step towards healing.

Be Present and Listen

Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is simply be there. Offer your presence, whether physically or virtually, and give your friends the space to express their emotions and thoughts. Active listening, without the urge to fix their problems, allows your friends to feel seen and heard, which is invaluable during times of emotional turmoil.

Encourage Expression in Comfortable Ways

Encourage your friends to express their feelings in ways they find comfortable, whether through talking, writing, art, or another form of expression. If they’re open to it, suggest journaling or engaging in creative activities like painting or music, which can serve as therapeutic outlets for their emotions.

Offer To Be Their ‘Wise Supportive Other’

Position yourself as a “wise other”—someone who offers empathy, understanding, and, when appropriate, guidance. You don’t have to have all the answers, but offering a perspective based on care, concern, and genuine desire to help can be incredibly beneficial. Remember, the goal isn’t to solve their problems but to support them in navigating their feelings and finding their path to healing.

Suggest Professional Help When Necessary

If you feel that your friends’ pain is overwhelming and they’re struggling to cope, gently suggest seeking professional help. A therapist or counselor can provide the support and tools needed to process grief healthily and prevent the experience from developing into trauma.

Encourage Building a Support Network

While your support is invaluable, encouraging your friends to build or lean on a broader support network can also be beneficial. This could mean connecting with other friends, family members, or support groups where they can share their experiences and feelings with those who understand or have gone through similar situations.

Promote Self-Care and Healthy Routines

Gently encourage your friends to engage in self-care practices and maintain healthy routines. Physical activity, adequate sleep, healthy eating, and mindfulness practices like meditation can significantly impact emotional well-being and resilience.

Be Patient and Give Them Time

Healing from emotional pain is a process that takes time. Be patient with your friends and understand that everyone’s journey to recovery is unique. There might be good days and bad days, and what they need from you can change over time. Continue to offer your support, understanding, and patience as they navigate their path towards healing.

Neuroscience–Dyadic Regulation & Meaning Making

Dyadic regulation and the process of engaging with a “wise other” (a person who can offer empathy, understanding, and guidance) play crucial roles in the processing of painful experiences and in preventing these experiences from becoming traumatic. These concepts are deeply rooted in psychological theories related to attachment, trauma, and emotional regulation. Here’s how they work together to facilitate healthy processing of pain and prevent overwhelm.

Dyadic Regulation

Emotional Co-Regulation

Dyadic regulation involves a shared emotional experience where one person helps another to regulate his or her emotional state. This process is critical in early childhood development but remains important throughout life. When faced with painful experiences, being in the presence of a trusted and emotionally regulated other can help to modulate one’s own emotional responses, preventing the nervous system from becoming overwhelmed.

Franklin Graham, Paula White, and Jentezen Franklin Join President Trump at White House Easter Event

Stephanie Martin

April 17, 2025

At a White House Easter event on Wednesday (April 16), President Trump spoke about “the miracles of Holy Week” and recapped the ways his administration is defending Christians. “There’s so much to celebrate this Easter,” the president told the gathering of faith leaders. “And we’ll not forget the true source of our joy and our strength. America has put our trust in God.”

The event, organized by the White House Faith Office, followed Trump’s Holy Week proclamation on Sunday (April 13). In it, the president said he and the first lady “join in prayer with Christians celebrating the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—the living Son of God, who conquered death, freed us from sin, and unlocked the gates of heaven for all of humanity.”

Musical performers at Wednesday’s event included a Liberty University chorus, the Marine Corps Band, and Charles Billingsley. Speakers included Paula White, Franklin Graham, President Trump, and Jentezen Franklin.

Franklin Graham: ‘Spiritual Drought’ in DC Now Over

Paula White, who heads the White House Faith Office, welcomed attendees. She noted, “We’ve actually had over a thousand faith leaders in through the White House in just this short time period,” since Trump’s second inauguration in January.

White, Trump’s personal pastor, spoke briefly about “our most holy time” as Christians, saying Jesus endured the “crown of thorns” before receiving the “crown of glory.” Referencing John 15:13, White explained that Jesus laid down his life for us, his friends, and paid our debt in full. “Because of that cross,” she said, “no sin is too great, no person is too lost, and no night is too dark. [Jesus’] blood still saves. His sacrifice still speaks.”

Evangelist Franklin Graham, whom White introduced as “a hero of faith,” thanked Trump for his faith-related actions. “I think I can speak on behalf of all of us how grateful we are for you, your leadership, and standing tall, standing firm,” said Graham. “There’s been a spiritual drought in this city the last few years and in this house. And so I’m very grateful for the Easter declaration that you put out.”

After praying to God that “many people this Easter would turn from their sins and by faith believe on the name of your Son,” Graham introduced Trump to speak.

President Trump on the ‘New Life’ Easter Offers

Trump thanked faith leaders for their “tremendous support,” saying, “With God’s help, we can overcome every challenge, triumph over every evil, and restore the spirit of faith in the United States for generations to come.”

Breanna Nix Brings Her ‘Faith Into Being,’ Singing Lauren Daigle’s ‘Still Rolling Stones’ on ‘American Idol’

Janna Firestone

April 17, 2025

Breanna Nix on 'American Idol' — Screengrab via YouTube / @American Idol

Breanna Nix, 25, went from stay-at-home mom to the stage as a contestant in the 23rd season of “American Idol.” For multiple weeks, Nix has chosen Christian songs to display her unwavering faith in God alongside her pitch-perfect, soulful voice. This time, Nix sang Lauren Daigle’s “Still Rolling Stones.”

“Can the congregation say, ‘Amen?'” offered “American Idol” judge Lionel Richie.

Christian Contestant Breanna Nix Compared to ‘Adele in Her Zone’ on ‘American Idol’

Competing for the Top 20 on “American Idol,” Breanna Nix has continued to stun the judges. The Denton, Texas, resident recently traveled to the Aulani Disney Resort in Kapolei, Hawaii, for the next round of the competition.

“Having the best time! I love my friends!!” Nix posted on Facebook. “I also wanted to come on here and say THANK YALL! Thank you for your support & love!! It truly means everything to me. I find out results Easter Sunday.”

Judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood listened in awe as Nix sang “Still Rolling Stones,” by Lauren Daigle. The lyrics to the song include:

Out of the shadows
Bound for the gallows
A dead man walking
Till love came calling
Rise up (rise up)

Six feet under
I thought it was over
An answer to prayer
The voice of a Savior
Rise up (rise up)

All at once I came alive
This beating heart, these open eyes
The grave let go
The darkness should have known
You’re still rolling stones

I thought that I was too far goneFor everything I’ve done wrongYeah, I’m the one who dug this graveBut You called my name

“The first note out of your mouth was like a growl,” said Underwood. “We joined you in your moment, that beautiful big voice just overtaking everybody.”

Bryan commented on how the song was just right for Nix—showcasing her heart and talent. “The confidence that you embody, I mean, it was like watching when Adele is in her zone,” he remarked. “You truly owned that moment, and you never let off the gas from the start till the finish.”

Richie said, “You brought something into this whole competition. You have actually been leading in terms of just bringing more and more of your faith into being.”

VA Pastor Charged With Election Fraud for Allegedly Falsifying Signatures To Qualify for City Council Ballot

Dale Chamberlain

April 17, 2025

J.L. Jackson — Screengrab via YouTube / @ReFreshing Church

A pastor in Roanoke, Virginia, is facing felony charges for allegedly falsifying signatures to qualify to appear on the ballot for a 2024 city council election. Bishop J.L. Jackson of ReFreshing Church has been charged with four counts of election fraud.

Jackson had been running as a Democrat in a primary election for the Roanoke city council.

According to WDBJ, the alleged offense took place on March 17, 2024, when Jackson filed to run. In June, the registrars office received an email alleging that Jackson had falsified his ballot-qualifying signatures.

Jackson is accused of copying signatures from a previous campaign in 2022. Additionally, 11 signatures were reportedly found to have been dated after the signature page was notarized.

In total, allegedly only 97 of the required 125 signatures were valid.

When these allegations became known, Jackson dropped out of the race.

“After careful consideration and reflection, I have decided to withdraw from the 2024 Roanoke City Council race. This decision is rooted in my unwavering devotion to my faith, family, and community,” Jackson said at the time. “I am committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and to always acting in a manner that brings honor to my family and the community I cherish.”

“At this juncture, my primary focus is on prioritizing my family, my church, as well as my personal well-being and mental health. These are essential to my ability to fulfill my roles as a devoted husband, father, and pastor,” the statement continued. “Following guidance from counsel and taking the necessary time for rest and rejuvenation, I fully intend to resume my efforts in serving our community. I am sincerely grateful for your understanding and support during this period of transition.”

Jackson has now been criminally charged and could face jail time if convicted.

Registrar Nicholas Ocampo told WSLS, “The office of voter registration and elections takes every claim of election fraud seriously. We turn over any findings to the commonwealth’s attorney, as we did in this case with Bishop Jackson.”

Here Are 4 Things Healthy Leaders Do

Full Strength Network

April 17, 2025

healthy leaders — Source: Lightstock #737352

No leader or pastor starts their career or starts a church with thinking about quitting. All of them start with grand plans and dreams of the future and finishing, retiring, making it to the end with friends and family around them.

Yet statistically that is incredibly rare. Most quit, give up, fall out of the race, or simply stop trying while still collecting a paycheck.

According to stats:

78% of pastors say they have no close friends.
1,500 pastors quit each month.
70% of pastors battle depression.
Only 10% of pastors will retire as a pastor.

Recently I’ve had several pastors talk about not wanting to burn out, which seems like a good goal. But the moment you start talking about burnout, you have moved into a dangerous place.

Let me throw out a different question, one I think is better: How can you lead and live at a sustainable pace?

There is a great passage in Matthew that you have more than likely heard a sermon on, or if you are a pastor you’ve preached on this passage. It is so common and so easy to forget the power in it.

To remind you, this is what it says in The Message version:

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.

I think according to this passage, there are four things healthy leaders (or non-leaders) do:

1. Healthy leaders don’t try to be God.

We say we aren’t trying to be God or we say we can’t save anyone, only the Holy Spirit can, but many leaders carry the burden that they can, or at the very least, they will try.

We think, “If I can just talk to them, or get them to read this book or hear this podcast, that will help.” It might, but it might not.

We can also drift so far from God personally that we simply lead out of our abilities and strengths. This is easy to do if you have a strong speaking gift. You can cover up your lack of relationship with God by being charismatic or interesting on stage.

2. Healthy leaders walk and work with Jesus, not for Jesus.

Yes, Jesus is the chief shepherd and the senior pastor of your church, but you don’t work for him. We work with him and through the power of the Holy Spirit. We follow what the Spirit starts and is doing.

How to Handle Small Group Conflict

Small Group Network

April 17, 2025

small group conflict — Adobe Stock #319264151

Community is messy business! Having differences in a small group, acknowledging disappointments and hurt feelings, running up against frustrations and challenges is all part of moving to deeper maturity in community and Christ-likeness. If you experience small group conflict, take heart! Conflict can be the very thing that helps your group to break-through to new levels of honesty and freedom in Christ.

When you trace Christ’s interactions with the Pharisees, His reaction at the Temple with the money-changers, and some exchanges with the disciples – it becomes clear that Jesus did not avoid conflict. The New Testament does not gloss over the reality of conflict in community. However, God’s Word makes a difference between constructive conflict and small group pitfalls like senseless quarreling.

There is a mixture of personalities and gifts that will surface in your small group. Sometimes the dynamic that is created will function as a conduit of God’s healing love and peace. Other times, people will feel friction as fellow believers challenge them to turn from complacency and sin and move toward complete commitment to Jesus Christ. Either of these scenarios are desirable, and we ought to pray for them to occur. However, there will be times when small group conflict and confusion arise because of egoism, ignorance, insensitivity, or quarreling over petty issues, etc.

Let’s take a look at some of the more common sources of small group conflict and how to avoid them so that your small group can be a safe place where grace reigns and authentic biblical community can grow.

How to Handle Small Group Conflict

1. Don’t Tolerate Bickering Over Trivial Issues

Don’t allow abstract theological arguments to ensue over technical points of doctrine or trivial matters. This doesn’t help to build a healthy small group dynamic and it’s a turn-off to those just getting started in their relationship with God. You can ask those who tend to enjoy this to debate outside of your regular group time. Intellectualism is a good thing and can enrich your small group. However, unless it is coupled with “why” and “how” application questions, it is not beneficial in a mixed group dynamic. Promote safety and err toward discussion over debate. Maintain the highest level of awareness toward those with the lowest level of biblical literacy.

2. Beware the “Introversion and Argumentation Correlation”

Petty conflict frequently signals that your small group has turned in on itself. For example, if your group is more concerned with the signs and times of the end of the world more than bringing in the harvest before Jesus returns, there’s a good chance your group has gotten off track. At times you will need to dredge the bottom of your small group’s stream so it can flow again by turning the focus of people away from themselves onto the wandering, lost sheep that should be gut-wrenching for believers. The best way to do this is to engage in outreach together.

3. What if someone begins promoting false theology?

There is a difference between somebody saying something that happens to be erroneous (most of the times this is the case) and somebody who is actually promoting false theology. If somebody is doing the latter, address it head-on. The Bible is the Word of God, and for this reason, the Scriptures need to be the standard of truth in all of your small group discussions. It’s important you show love and grace in how you do this. Here are some pointers for dealing with biblical misinterpretations or false theology that’s shared aloud in your small group:

Ask the person to clarify what they’re really saying – you might even restate it for them: “Are you saying that_____….am I hearing you correctly?”
Ask them to show you scriptural support for what they’re saying. Oftentimes, this will bring a halt to it. If they try to justify their position, invite your co-leader or other trusted group members into the conversation by asking them, “What do you think about this?”
Gently but firmly express the truth and if possible support what you share with a biblical reference and bring closure to the matter – don’t let the individual’s misunderstanding derail the whole meeting. If they are in fact promoting something other than the truth – connect with them privately outside of your group time and be direct in asking them not to do it again. If they’re contentious, contact your coach or pastor for support.

How I Use My Bible Journaling App

Charles Stone

April 17, 2025

I’m a busy pastor. Even though I never can complete my to-do list, I must never let this one to-do slip, my walk with Jesus. Technology supports my spiritual disciplines as I use my Mac, iPad, and iPhone in tandem. I use a Bible journaling app that helps me journal more consistently.

My Bible Journaling App – DayOne

Journaling, a classic spiritual discipline, keeps me spiritually sharp in these ways.

I can record what God is doing in my life.
I can cut and past key scriptures from my bible app, Olivetree.
I can process my frustrations and get them off my mind.
I can look back over the past to see good or bad trends in my life.
I am leaving a record of my life should my kids and their kids and their kids’s kids want to read about me when I’m gone.

The app I use is DayOne. I’ve used several journaling apps before and this one tops the list for these reasons.

It’s available on my Mac, iPad, and iPhone and it syncs via DropBox (or iCloud).
Because it’s on all three, I can add to that day’s journal at any time (I’m never without either my iPhone or iPad).
It’s simple and intuitive.
It provides a calendar so I can see what days I journaled (and the days I skipped).
It allows me star an entry that I want to stand out.

Check out the tool and see if it helps you. Also, do you recommend any apps that have helped your walk with Christ?

Charles Stone has been sing the DayOne Bible journaling app for nearly a decade. THis article originally appeared here, and is used by permission.

Billy Hallowell Began ‘Investigating the Supernatural’ as a ‘Skeptic’ But Left ‘Convicted’

Jesse T. Jackson

April 16, 2025

What happens when a journalist who is skeptical of supernatural miracles sets out to investigate whether miracles are still happening today?

CBN News investigative journalist Billy Hallowell spoke with ChurchLeaders about his new film “Investigating the Supernatural: Miracles.”

“We really wanted to tackle some of the topics that are difficult topics in the church,” Hallowell said—topics that “maybe we talk about them but in some circles not enough.”

A lot of vetting went into the stories featured in the film, Hallowell explained. “We wanted to make sure that we had the ones we felt we needed to focus on,” he said, “to really give people the evidence that they needed to make a decision for whether or not they believe these things can actually happen today.”

Hallowell shared that he was “super convicted” while “Investigating the Supernatural: Miracles” was being filmed.

“I believe that miracles are possible,” he said. “I’ve been a Christian my whole life. I read the Scriptures. I know that there are miracles in them. I know the church has an argument going on—and it’s not just right now, it’s all the time—over whether or not miracles have ceased.” Hallowell said he’s never subscribed to that belief.

“But I’ve also never been somebody who’s shown up to events and watched insane miracles happen in front of me,” he added. “Or watch people get up and walk when they haven’t walked in 10 years.” That, he said, has never been “something that was part of my visual experience.”

Hallowell admitted, “So going into this, I went in a skeptic. Not like an atheist skeptic, but a skeptic in terms of, ‘I want to present the information and make sure that I’m really doing my due diligence to see if these things are actually true.’”

During his investigation, Hallowell discovered that in every one of the stories featured in the film, the people did not get immediate healings. “They were going to prayer event after prayer event,” he said. “They just did not give up, and they were so persistent.”

“It was convicting to me, because, as I was going through their stories, I’m thinking, if I had this happen to me, if I had a terminal illness [or] if my wife did, would we fight that hard?” Hallowell said. “Based on my worldview going into this, whereas I hadn’t seen those miracles, I think the answer would have been, ‘I probably wouldn’t have.’”

Word of Life Is ‘Pouring Gas on Gospel Reach’ With ‘Eternity 5 Million’ Challenge

Jesse T. Jackson

April 16, 2025

Word of Life Eternity 5 Million — Image courtesy of Word of Life / E5M

Word of Life has created a challenge in the month of April with the goal of sharing the gospel with 5 million people across the world.

Word of Life is an organization that uses the Bible Institute, camps, youth ministries, and international missions to give students and families experiences that help them grow in their spiritual walk.

Word of Life is calling the challenge “Eternity 5 Million” or E5M for short. ChurchLeaders spoke with Scott Foreman, Word of Life’s vice president of growth and impact strategies, about E5M and what inspired the challenge.

“We try to track gospel reach every year,” Foreman said. “About a year ago, we were able to determine that we figured we were having pretty quantifiable gospel reach with about 2 million people annually.” Foreman explained that those numbers are reflective of Word of Life’s regular outreach in nearly 90 countries.

Word of Life is celebrating its 85th year of ministry, and Foreman shared that the organization decided to come up with a “challenge to all of our countries to say, ‘Hey, what if we did a little bit more, trusted God to do something awesome?’”

“So that’s where we came up with the idea,” Foreman said, adding that “if we’ve been able to do 2 million relatively easy, what if we tried five?”

“And so the idea came up of, okay, let’s do ‘Eternity 5 Million,’ and let’s get every country to have focused gospel reach in one month,” he continued, “[where] every country is going to focus on really pouring gas on gospel reach.”

E5M’s website describes the challenge as:

An ambitious global evangelism initiative by Word of Life, aiming to share the life-transforming message of Jesus Christ with 5 million people in April 2025. As part of our THRIVE 2025 objectives, E5M is not just a campaign; it’s a call to action for every believer to step out in faith and make a difference in the lives of those around them.

Word of Life is encouraging people to get involved with the challenge by mobilizing their churches to share the gospel with others. Another way, Forman said, is for Christians to use social media to share their testimonies online.

John MacArthur Returns to Public Ministry: ‘The Rumors of My Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated’

Jessica Lea

April 16, 2025

Pastor John MacArthur returned to the recording studio on Tuesday, April 15, where he informed his followers that his health is good and he is ready to come “roaring back” to public ministry.

“I feel fine. I’m not ill at all. My heart is working well; my lungs are working well…there’s nothing terminal that I’m experiencing,” said MacArthur in a video posted to X. “There’s no heart failure. In fact, my heart is probably stronger now than it’s been in the last decade of my life. I’m under good care from the doctors.”

The caption of MacArthur’s video says, “The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated. So thankful to the Lord for your prayers as I continue to recover.”

The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated. 🤓 So thankful to the Lord for your prayers as I continue to recover. pic.twitter.com/rRCz3ebAIM

— John MacArthur (@johnmacarthur) April 16, 2025

John MacArthur: ‘I Feel Great’

John MacArthur is the pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church (GCC) in Sun Valley, California, chancellor of The Master’s University and Seminary, and president and featured teacher with Grace to You (GTY).

The pastor has been dealing with a number of ongoing health issues, including complications from a heart valve replacement he had in the summer of 2024. These health problems have kept him from the pulpit and public ministry for the better part of a year. On Feb. 7, GCC elder and GTY Executive Director Phil Johnson shared that MacArthur was recovering at home after seven weeks in the hospital.

MacArthur’s health prevented him from attending GCC’s Shepherds Conference in early March, but he provided a written version of a sermon he had prepared and shared a prerecorded video with attendees. In that video, he expressed his “disappointment” in missing the conference. “I haven’t had such a speedy recovery as I hoped to have,” MacArthur said, noting he had lost strength from his seven-week hospital stay.

“I realize I’m on the last lap,” he shared.

In the March 4 episode of “The MacArthur Center Podcast,” MacArthur revealed that his “kidneys have essentially come down to the final stage” and that he was on dialysis. The podcast description notes that “since June of 2024, the last time we released an episode, John MacArthur’s been in and out of the hospital, dealing with one medical crisis after another.”

Bethel Music To Sing New Single ‘The Church’ on ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’ on Good Friday

Janna Firestone

April 16, 2025

For nearly 25 years, Bethel Music has brought award-winning albums and singles to churches and homes around the world. According to a press release, the collective of songwriters and musicians has been invited to sing a new song, “The Church,” on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” on Good Friday.

The lyrics of the song include:

For the different ways we see you
For all the ways you move
All the colors and expressions
Oh, the beauty of your Church

Kelly Clarkson Welcomes Bethel Music on Her Show on Good Friday, April 18

From a “local church ministry to an internally renowned collective,” Bethel Music still strives to “raise up worshippers.” The collective has broken multiple music chart records with songs listed in Christian Copyright Licensing International’s (CCLI) Top 25 songs since 2013.

Bethel Music, led by Jenn Johnson, will perform a “powerful new single” from their latest album, “We Must Respond.” Fans can watch the performance on Friday, April 18, 2025, on NBC at 3:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. CT. Check local listings for specific times in local areas.

The chosen song, “The Church,” is a worshipful outcry for unity within the church written by Jenn Johnson, David Funk, Oscar Gamboa, Gabriel Gamboa, Julian Gamboa, Sebastian Suarez, Abbie Gambos, Elyssa Smith, and Kristian Stanfill.

Kenneth Copeland To Attend Trump’s Easter Dinner

Dale Chamberlain

April 16, 2025

Kenneth Copeland and Donald Trump — Screengrab via C-SPAN

Televangelist Kenneth Copeland has announced he will be present at President Donald Trump’s Easter dinner on Wednesday (April 16). The event is part of the Trump White House’s celebration of Holy Week.

“We are excited to announce that Brother Copeland will be with President Trump at a special Easter dinner tomorrow night,” Copeland’s team posted to X on Tuesday. “What a great honor this will be. God bless America!!”

Earlier this week, Trump announced his plans to celebrate Holy Week with several events and ceremonies.

“This Holy Week, Melania and I join in prayer with Christians celebrating the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—the living Son of God who conquered death, freed us from sin, and unlocked the gates of Heaven for all of humanity,” Trump said in a presidential message.

“During this sacred week, we acknowledge that the glory of Easter Sunday cannot come without the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on the cross. In His final hours on Earth, Christ willingly endured excruciating pain, torture, and execution on the cross out of a deep and abiding love for all His creation,” Trump added. “Through His suffering, we have redemption. Through His death, we are forgiven of our sins. Through His Resurrection, we have hope of eternal life.”

“On Easter morning, the stone is rolled away, the tomb is empty, and light prevails over darkness—signaling that death does not have the final word,” Trump’s message read.

“This Holy Week, my Administration renews its promise to defend the Christian faith in our schools, military, workplaces, hospitals, and halls of government,” said Trump. “We will never waver in safeguarding the right to religious liberty, upholding the dignity of life, and protecting God in our public square.”

Despite criminal convictions and civil judgments against Trump for financial fraud and sexual abuse, the president has for nearly a decade enjoyed strong support among evangelicals—Copeland included.

At a rally in 2022, Trump invited Copeland to offer an invocation, referring to Copeland as “one of the great men of our country.”

Copeland said, “By covenant, this nation belongs to God. Therefore, voting is a sacred trust.” Copeland went on to describe Trump as “a man who will do what he says and keep his campaign promises.”

For Many in Hurricane Helene’s Path, North Carolina Baptists Provide Home-Repair Lifeline

Yonat Shimron

April 16, 2025

Hurricane Helene — Baptists on Mission work at the damaged home of Jeff and Christy Fox, across from the North Toe River in Burnsville, N.C., March 4, 2025. (RNS photo/Yonat Shimron)

BURNSVILLE, N.C. (RNS) — A kerosene heater still sits in the middle of Mack and Lucille Thomason’s living room, a testament to the trauma they and others in their rural Yancey County North Carolina community experienced when Hurricane Helene unleashed its raging waters last fall.

The Thomasons, retired in their 70s, saw 4 feet of water slosh up to the door of their doublewide trailer, destroying the floor, furnace, back porch and most of their kitchen appliances. The hurricane also damaged their well, leaving them without water. For weeks, Mack Thomason had to walk to the creek behind the house to collect water in five-gallon buckets so he and wife could flush the toilet.

They were nearly despondent and living in a borrowed camper when their daughter told them she found someone who could help with repairs. That someone was Keith Ashe, the site coordinator for Baptists on Mission in Burnsville, a town about 7 miles north of Pensacola, where the Thomasons live.

“He said he’d be back, so I looked for him and, true to his word, they’ve been here,” Thomason, 77, said.

Hurricane Helene caused unprecedented damage in the mountain region of Western North Carolina, where hurricane-level rainfall is rare and only 4% of residents have flood insurance. The September storm destroyed about 4,400 homes and damaged 185,000.

Gov. Josh Stein estimated the damage at $60 billion, with about $15 billion needed for housing. On Monday (April 14), the Federal Emergency Management Agency denied North Carolina’s request to continue matching 100% of the state’s spending on Hurricane Helene recovery.

Six months later, that recovery has just begun. Securing funding and contractors for home repairs has been a huge challenge for many homeowners, especially those with limited means. The Thomasons — he worked third shift at a textile factory, and she was a housekeeper at a nursing home — were lucky. Baptists on Mission, an auxiliary of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, came to their rescue on Jan. 21.

Volunteers installed two ductless heating and cooling systems, called mini-splits, rebuilt the back deck, hung two new doors and surrounded the raised trailer home with new vinyl skirting. Best of all, one volunteer, a well drilling specialist from Texas, was able to repair the well.

Samaritan’s Purse, another Christian humanitarian relief organization, provided the couple with a new refrigerator, dishwasher and freezer to replace the ones the flood rusted.

The two Christian groups are among a slew of faith-based organizations that rushed to help in the wake of the storm. About half a dozen are still there, but Baptists on Mission and Samaritan’s Purse — both based in North Carolina — have made a long-term commitment to remain. The two organizations plan to help homeowners there, cost-free, for as long as it takes — likely another five years.

Samaritan’s Purse is the bigger of the two organizations and has provided 111 campers for people whose homes were uninhabitable, 179 new vehicles, numerous appliances and other household goods, said Luther Harrison, the organization’s vice president of North American ministries.

Based in Boone, it also plans to build new homes from scratch: 36 have been approved and 10 are under construction. The organization has budgeted $523 million — all from private donations — to help with Hurricane Helene recovery. Of that, it has already spent $61 million.

20 Differences From Worship Songs from Psalms

Using Worship Songs from Psalms, God is described as someone who:

The 12 habits that lead to divorce

1. Constant Criticism Can Lead to Divorce.

#2 is something many couples do as soon as they get married, but they don’t realize they’re just preparing themselves for divorce…

2. Dividing Everything Into “His” and “Hers” Can Lead to Divorce.

#3 is the reason there’s an epidemic of divorce among couples who have been married for 20 years or more…

3. Putting the Marriage “On Hold” While Raising Kids Can Lead to Divorce.

#4 might be the most common (and one of the most dangerous) habits that lead to divorce on the list…

Should Christians Fear Death?

Wisdom Ponders Death

Should Christians Fear Death? Francis Chan considers two more points on page two:

Keys to a Successful Youth Group Retreat

10 Team-Building Activities for Youth Retreats

1. Human Knot (Easy, Indoor/Outdoor)

2. Blindfolded Obstacle Course (Medium, Outdoor/Indoor)

3. Trust Fall (Medium, Indoor/Outdoor)

4. Bible Verse Scramble (Easy, Indoor)

5. Cross the River (Medium, Outdoor/Indoor)

5 Mother’s Day Activities That Kids & Moms Will Love

1. Mother’s Day Card: Bearing Fruit

2. Mother’s Day Song: My Mother Is So Special

3. Give Mom a Hand

‘I Can Only Imagine 2’ Continues Bart Millard’s Story

‘Faith of Angels’ Is a ‘Powerful True Story,’ Says John Michael Finley

Acknowledge and Validate Their Feelings

Be Present and Listen

Encourage Expression in Comfortable Ways

Offer To Be Their ‘Wise Supportive Other’

Suggest Professional Help When Necessary

Encourage Building a Support Network

Promote Self-Care and Healthy Routines

Be Patient and Give Them Time

Neuroscience–Dyadic Regulation & Meaning Making

Dyadic Regulation

Emotional Co-Regulation

Franklin Graham: ‘Spiritual Drought’ in DC Now Over

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Christian Contestant Breanna Nix Compared to ‘Adele in Her Zone’ on ‘American Idol’

1. Healthy leaders don’t try to be God.

2. Healthy leaders walk and work with Jesus, not for Jesus.

How to Handle Small Group Conflict

1. Don’t Tolerate Bickering Over Trivial Issues

2. Beware the “Introversion and Argumentation Correlation”

3. What if someone begins promoting false theology?

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