Tuesday's Catch: 'Taking Shallow Christians Deeper' And More

Taking Shallow Christians Deeper

...the reason we’re having such a small impact on the culture today is that we’re just not serious about diving deep into what it means to live a vibrant Christian life.

As Phil Cooke points out, Christians have lost their credibility. At the same time people are more likely to pay attention to the negative things that Christians do than the positive ones due to what psychologists call the "negativity bias." To recover their credibility and have a discernible positive impact in their communities Christians need to become more serious about discipleship.

How to Evaluate Your Church’s Discipleship Program
Some months ago, Chuck Lawless published the book Disciple: How to Create a Community that Develops Passionate and Healthy Followers of Jesus. In that book, he points out that many churches that think they’re disciplemaking churches really are not. He invite you to use this excerpt from the book to see if any of these characteristics mark your church as one of those congregations....


Diffusing Tensions on Social Media
Social media is a double-edged sword that breeds anonymity—personal attacks feel less personal from those giving them and more personal to those receiving them. So how can you diffuse the tension on social media? Here are four tips that can help....

How we conduct ourselves on social media is a integral part of our witness as Christians. As in our other contacts with our fellow human beings, we need to think, speak, and act in accordance with the principles Jesus taught.

10 Steps to Better Prepare Your Church to Respond to Trauma
Trauma is all around us. Here are 10 best practices to use as spiritual first aid tools to help your church become more trauma-informed.

Children’s anxiety, stress tops list of parental concerns
A recent Pew Research study said mental health topped parents’ concerns over their children, with 40 percent saying they were “extremely” or “very” worried over struggles with anxiety or depression. That was just ahead of being bullied (35 percent) and more than physical threats such as being kidnapped (28 percent), beaten up (25 percent) or having problems with drugs and alcohol (23 percent).

Why We Reread the Bible
The Bible is not like other books. When we finish a novel or biography, we put it down and pick up something new. But many Christians complete a Bible reading and start right in again. For those new to the faith, this may seem strange.

Use Your Gifts in the Local Church
We don’t necessarily need a platform to use our gifts for the kingdom.

5 Reasons Why Reaching New People Is Increasingly Complex
What is the toughest thing you have experienced about reaching new people for Christ? It’s complicated, isn’t it? The good news is that we are all in this together as church leaders. Here’s why.

Monday's Catch: 'Is Your Livestream a Part of Your Safe Sanctuary Plan?' And More

Is Your Livestream a Part of Your Safe Sanctuary Plan?
Recently, a United Methodist pastor in New York shared a disturbing story of pedophiles watching videos of his church’s children’s moments. These clips had been posted online for families to view remotely.

7 Questions to Ask When Starting a Church Planting Network
...rather than joining a network, maybe you’d rather start a church planting network. After all, more networks will lead to more churches planted. Today we look at seven questions we believe you should answer before starting a network.

There Is Hope: Five Principles for Replacing Those Who Leave the Church
Thom Rainr shares some news of hope for local churches.

44% of US adults say aftermath of COVID-19 has made them 'more open to God': study
All generations strongly believe a 'supernatural' or 'spiritual dimension' has power over the world.

Public Trust in Pastors Falls to Historic Low
Trust in pastors fell for the third straight year and reached an all-time low of 34%, according to the latest Gallup survey.

For Gen Z, crystals embed spirituality in the planet
They often seem to occupy a place once held by traditional religious beliefs.

All Hallows Sunday Morning and Evening Worship (January 29, 2023) Is Now Online

 

The order of service for this Sunday's morning and evening worship is based upon the basic pattern of worship found in The United Methodist Book of Worship. The songs used in each service come from the United Methodist Church’s The Faith We Sing (2000) or Worship and Song (2011). The Faith We Sing and Worship and Song are supplements to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).

Morning Worship begins at the top of the page. Scroll down the page for the beginning of Evening Worship.

Morning Worship begins at the top of the page. Scroll down the page for the beginning of Evening Worship.

Morning Worship:

Scripture Reading: Luke 6: 20-22

Message: Plain Talk: The Beatitudes

Evening Worship

Scripture Reading: Micah 6: 1-8

Message: What Does God Require?

The link to the services of Morning and Evening Worship for this Sunday is—

https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2023/01/all-hallows-morning-and-evening-prayer_28.html

Please feel free to share the link to the service with anyone whom you believe might benefit from the service.

When you open the link to a video in a new tab, check auto-play to make sure it is in the off position. Otherwise, a second video with a different song will follow the first. If an ad plays when you open a link to a video in a new tab, click the refresh icon of your browser until the song appears. If a song begins partway through the video, click pause, move the slider to the beginning, and then click play. An ad may follow a song so as soon as the song is finished, close the tab.

Previous services are online at

https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/

May these services be a blessing to you.

Saturday Lagniappe: 'The World Isn’t Looking For a Bigger Church, They Want A Better Church" And More

The World Isn’t Looking For a Bigger Church, They Want A Better Church

What people really want from the church are the characteristics the New Testament has always told us the church is supposed to be about.

Stop Sitting on Your Assets
Your church may have more going for it than you realize. Now is the time to identify its assets and to make use of them.

8 Ways Churches Miss It When Recruitig Vounteers
There’s no question churches have struggled securing volunteers coming out of COVID. Some of the issues related to recruiting volunteers pre-dated COVID, however, and the pandemic only magnified them. Here are some of them....

7 Guideposts to Lead Yourself Well
Why is it that leading ourselves can be more difficult than leading others?

Sermons Don’t Make Disciples
An uncomfortable truth is that while preaching has a place in the life, worship, and ministry of the local church, it does not make disciples.

Pastor, Are You Chasing Stray Dogs?
This doesn’t work. Here’s why....

All Hallows Saturday Evening Worship (January 28, 2023) Is Now Online

 God generously bestows gifts upon his people. One of these gifts is the gift of the Holy Spirit, the gift of God’s own presence and power dwelling in us.

The order of worship for this Saturday evening is based on the basic pattern of worship in The United Methodist Book of Worship (1992). The songs are taken from The Faith We Sing (2000) and Worship and Song (2011), supplements to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).

The Scripture reading for this Saturday evening is 1 Corinthians 12: 1-11.

The message is titled “The Gifts of the Spirit.”

The link to this Saturday evening’s service is—

https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2023/01/all-hallows-saturday-evening-worship_26.html

Please feel free to share the link to the service with anyone whom you believe might benefit from the service.

When you open the link to a video in a new tab, check auto-play to make sure it is in the off position. Otherwise, a second video with a different song will follow the first. If an ad plays when you open a link to a video in a new tab, click the refresh icon of your browser until the song appears. If a song begins partway through the video, click pause, move the slider to the beginning, and then click play. An ad may follow a song so as soon as the song is finished, close the tab.

Previous services are online at

https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/

May these services be a blessing to you.

Friday's Catch: 'Discipling Your Congregation to Understand the Importance of the Church" And More

Discipling Your Congregation to Understand the Importance of the Church
Most Americans say worshiping alone is a valid replacement for regularly attending church. How do you teach the importance of the church?

Christianity is a corporate faith. It is a faith that is practiced as a part of a community of believers. The Holy Spirit who unites us to Jesus also unites us to the other members of that community. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are not to us as individuals but to the community of which we are a part. We cannot live Jesus' love commandments, particular his commandment to love one another, as solitary Christians. When Jesus talks about loving others, he is talking about those outside our immediate family or circle of friends.

Was Jesus Poor? Was Jesus Rich?
Scott Morton did overlook in his article what Jesus said about the sorrows facing the rich in the Sermon on the Plain in Luke's Gospel.

4 Limitations Pastors Unknowingly Set For Their Church
There are limitations pastors unknowingly set for their church. It’s often a matter of control, yet I believe most of the time we do it without realizing they are. Many of these are natural occurrences from doing things a certain way over time. Yet, when these are in place the church will often fail to reach its full potential.

3 Reasons Preachers (and Christians) Should Say “I Don’t Know” More Frequently
Eric Geiger explains why saying, "I don't know," in the Q&A time that concludes each session of the theology course he is teaching seems to help people more than any other answer he gives.

Developing Leaders – 10 Core Skills You Need
In this article Dan Reiland gives an outline of these core skills.

Want Youth Group Transformation? Start Here. 5 reasons every youth leader should read the new "Gospelize Your Youth Ministry" book.

Ivan Provorov and the Pressure to Punish LGBT+ Dissent
What intrigues Trevin Wax most about this most recent dustup is why there’s so much pressure on everyone to affirm the self-conception or sexuality of someone else.

Christians in Science Perceived As Less Competent By Non-Religious People: Study
A recent study has revealed that nonreligious people are likely to be biased against Christians who work in scientific fields, believing them to be less competent in those fields due to perceived incompatibility between scientific theory and the Christian faith.

Thursday's Catch: '5 Reasons I Am Hopeful for the Church in 2023' And More

5 Reasons I Am Hopeful for the Church in 2023

In this article Eric Geiger offers the first five of ten reasons that he is hopeful for the Church in 2023.

5 More Reasons I Am Hopeful for the Church in 2023
In this article Eric Geiger offers the remaining five of ten reasons that he is hopeful for the Church in 2023.

Do You Need Counseling? 6 Questions to Help You Discern
There are times when talking with someone who has focused expertise may be helpful.

What’s the Right Approach to Church Lighting?
Bob Kauflin offers four reasons for turning up the lights for church lighting.

A Decade of Musical Worship
Jacob Crouch shares three things he has learned in a decade of musical worship.

“Advertising” for Worship Team Members
Every three or four months I’ll put a little blurb in my church’s weekly bulletin in an attempt to let church members know that if they’d like to sing or play an instrument on the worship team, I’m the person to contact. I’ve learned that how I word these little advertisements for worship team members is important.

Vital Questions for Small Group Leaders
Here are some impactful questions to have prepared to ask when checking in with a small group leader.

Wespath expands services to Methodist kin
The United Methodist Church’s pension agency is now offering retirement benefits to two other denominations, one founded in 1816 and one just getting started.Wespath is managing a new plan for the African Methodist Episcopal Church in the wake of that denomination’s pension scandal. The agency also is offering a plan for the newly formed Global Methodist Church, which has broken away from The United Methodist Church. Wespath’s plans for each denomination are completely separate from The United Methodist Church’s pension plan.

Wednesday's Catch: 'Reviving Evangelism for the Next Generation' And More

Reviving Evangelism for the Next Generation

A majority of practicing Christians do not consistently support evangelism, and 47% of millennial Christians believe it is flat-out wrong to evangelize.

Many Americans Left Church Attendance in Their Childhood
While 50% of U.S. adults say they attended church weekly as children, only 22% continue church attendance at the same rate today.

Only a minority of parents emphasize passing on their faith to children: study
While mental health concerns top the list of worries for parents today, and studies suggest religion is good for mental health, passing on their religious beliefs to their children is not highly prioritized by U.S. adults with children younger than 18, new data from the Pew Research Center show.

What You Are Likely Missing in Your Church Membership Class
At Church Answers, we’ve researched membership classes for over two decades. Every one of our projects reveals the value of these classes. Here are some research highlights from our findings.

The Role of Community in Preventing Human Trafficking
The prevention of human trafficking takes all of us, looking out for the needs and rights of everyone in our communities.

I first encountered human trafficking decades ago while I was working as a social worker in New Orleans. Sex trafficking rings working out of New Orleans and other US cities were exploiting runaway and underprivileged teenagers, boys and girls, even transporting them across interstate lines.

Libraries Aren’t Safe, But They Are Good
Amid controversies and threats of defunding, Christian public librarians work for the good of their communities.

Four Reasons Scripture Memory Might Just Be My Favorite Spiritual Discipline
Cindy Matson shares four reasons why she belives memorizing Scripture is worth it.

Like Buying a Pig in a Poke
John E Harnish looks at the disadvantages of disaffiliation for United Methodist churches and subsequent affiliation with the Global Methodist Church.

Congregations and clergy faced a similar situation around the time the Anglican Church in North America was formed. Promises would be made and not kept. For some congregations and clergy the ACNA has been just what they were hoping for. For others, however, the ACNA has been a mixed blessing. For a number of congregations and clergy, the ACNA has been a great disappointment.

All Hallows Wednesday Evening Worship (January 25, 2023) Is Now Online.

 

The order of worship for this Wednesday evening is based on the basic pattern of worship in The United Methodist Book of Worship (1992). The songs are taken from The Faith We Sing (2000) and Worship and Song (2011), supplements to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).

The Scripture reading for this Wednesday evening is Colossians 1:24-2:7.

The message is titled, “Are You Rooted in Jesus and Building Your Life on Him?”

The link to this Wednesday evening’s service is—

https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2023/01/all-hallows-wednesday-evening-worship.html

Please feel free to share the link to the service with anyone whom you believe might benefit from the service.

When you open the link to a video in a new tab, check auto-play to make sure it is in the off position. Otherwise, a second video with a different song will follow the first. If an ad plays when you open a link to a video in a new tab, click the refresh icon of your browser until the song appears. If a song begins partway through the video, click pause, move the slider to the beginning, and then click play. An ad may follow a song so as soon as the song is finished, close the tab.

Previous services are online at

https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/

May these services be a blessing to you.

Tuesday's Catch: 'What Story Does Your Facility Tell?' And More

What Story Does Your Facility Tell?

Among church leaders, the art of sacred storytelling has traditionally been confined to the pulpit and children’s classrooms. But today’s world is becoming increasingly post-Christian; placing story in sacred silos alone isn’t an option any longer. Instead, our churches must embody successful storytelling from branding to building, and beyond.

The Church Was Meant to Enjoy Its Diversity, Not Wish It Away.
America is set to be minority white by 2045. Evangelicals need to stop thinking that’s a bad thing.

4 Reasons to Pursue Unity, Not Political Alignment in Your Church
Man’s kingdoms are not God’s kingdom. Here are four reasons pursuing political alignment is not the same as pursuing church unity.

11 Christianese Words and Phrases We Should Retire
Our language can alienate those outside of our faith tradition or church community. We should take care to ensure that our peculiar words and phrases never obscure the lifesaving message of Jesus.

Faith-based organizations urge Biden not to enact ‘asylum ban’
The proposed policy 'borders on a wealth test for some of the most vulnerable children and families,' said one advocate.

The worst kind of Christianity
Lukewarm religion. Passionless Christianity. The worst kind.

10 ways to make your worship space less ableist
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to ending ableism, but disability activists spoke with RNS about where religious communities can start.

How to introduce new worship songs to your church congregation
New worship songs can added a fresh perspective during our times of worship on a Sunday morning, but it takes time for your congregation to own the song themselves and make it their own prayer. This is a look into my thought process when it comes to adding new songs into rotation, some things to keep in mind and some things to avoid.

I definitely recommend this video. I also recommend insisting that those who plan and lead worship at your church view this video several times and then giving them a pop quiz on its contents to make sure they were paying attention. I learned not to overwhelm a congregation with too many new songs in a service years ago, but in many churches that lesson appears to have gone unlearned. Songs are not chosen for their accessibility to the congregation, and the congregation is given little or no opportunity to learn and master the songs , much less to own them.

Do You (Inadvertently) Treat Youth Pastors Like Second String?
Here are three reasons to start treating your youth pastor like a “real” pastor.

Parent Safety Expectations—A Personal Perspective
Whether you are a small church plant or a large, established program, child safety is the key to attracting new families and giving peace-of-mind to the families you already serve. Here are some concerns from a parent’s perspective on what happens when a church neglects to prioritize the safety of the children in their care.

5 Ways to Follow-Up Digitally
We work hard to follow up after major events, but it's a struggle to follow up digitally. All is not lost! Here are five strategies you can use to follow up with people digitally.

Using Google to Share the Gospel
J. D. Greear points out that we do not need a public speaking course or a seminary degree to share the gospel.

More Americans say they want to grow spiritually amid growing openness to other faiths: study
Despite a growing rejection of organized religion, with fewer than 50% of Americans holding formal church membership, spiritual openness is on the rise, with a majority of U.S. adults saying they believe in God or a higher power and want to grow spiritually, new data from the Barna Group suggests.

‘Not a real schism’: Four years later, UMC exodus less a gush, more a trickle
An analysis of departing churches suggests the country’s second-largest Protestant denomination will be weakened, but it is unlikely to break.

Monday's Catch: 'Why Your Church Has to Replace 32 Percent of Its Attendance to Stay Even Each Year' And More

Why Your Church Has to Replace 32 Percent of Its Attendance to Stay Even Each Year

In a church with 100 in attendance, an additional 32 attendees would have to be added to stay even, and they would have to attend every Sunday. If they attend every other Sunday, the church would need an additional 64 attendees. In a church with 100 in attendance, an additional 32 attendees would have to be added to stay even, and they would have to attend every Sunday. If they attend every other Sunday, the church would need an additional 64 attendees. Where have all the church attendees gone? Let’s look at four important components....

On Migrants and Immigration: What Are We Afraid Of?
Blaming the Venezuelan mother seeking to alleviate her child's hunger or the Cuban teenager on our border won't actually save American lives.

How to Equip Your Church to do the Work of Ministry
Though you desire to share ministry with others, you might wonder about their ability to lead. How do you equip others for ministry?

Three Warnings for Those Who Preach the Word
Preaching is a high calling.

Audience Perception and the Length of Sunday Sermons
Not a surprise - pastors and congregations still don’t agree on sermon length.

How to “Sing Like Never Before”
Like millions of other people, I’ve enjoyed Matt Redman’s song “Ten Thousand Reasons” ever since he wrote it in 2011. I’ve sung it a lot, led it a lot, listened to it a lot, and been helped by it a lot. But one of the lines in the chorus has kind of always bugged me. “…Sing like never before, O my soul…”

We Don’t Sing for Fun
Singing is serious business! It is as serious as preaching and prayer and communion.

It’s not too late to pick a Bible reading plan for 2023. Here are 3 options.
So, here are three options for Bible reading plans that will take you from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 before the clock strikes midnight on Jan. 2, 2024 — should the Lord tarry, of course.

Why I Chose the Church with Worn-Out Bathrooms
Their hearts and their budget were set more on people than on their facility.

'The Church is not in decline,' says missiologist
Widespread belief in the resurrection of Jesus is an opportunity for the Church, a missiologist has said.

Responding to the Bishops’ Proposals for Same-Sex Blessings
There are so many things to say in response to this that it is hard to know where to begin. It may be best to outline some initial responses simply in bullet point form, before we get the more detailed proposals (on Friday apparently).

All Hallows Sunday Morning and Evening Worship (January 22, 2023) Is Now Online

 

This Sunday’s order of worship for the morning and the evening is based upon A Form for Ordering a Service of the Word, suggested in the Appendices of A New Zealand Prayer Book (2020). The four songs used in each service come from the United Methodist Church’s The Faith We Sing (2000) or Worship and Song (2011). The Faith We Sing and Worship and Song are supplements to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989). The hymns and worship songs in these two collections have proven their usefulness in worship. The choral benediction is Carlton R. Young's musical setting of the biblical benediction, "The Lord Bless You and Keep You."

Morning Worship begins at the top of the page. Scroll down the page for the beginning of Evening Worship.

Morning Worship:

Reading: 1 John 1: 1-4

Message: More than a Great Teacher

Evening Worship

Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-12

Message: A Prayer and a Thought

The link to the services of Morning and Evening Worship for this Sunday is—

https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2023/01/all-hallows-sunday-morning-and-evening.html

Please feel free to share the link to the service with anyone whom you believe might benefit from the service.

When you open the link to a video in a new tab, check auto-play to make sure it is in the off position. Otherwise, a second video with a different song will follow the first. If an ad plays when you open a link to a video in a new tab, click the refresh icon of your browser until the song appears. If a song begins partway through the video, click pause, move the slider to the beginning, and then click play. An ad may follow a song so as soon as the song is finished, close the tab.

Previous services are online at

https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/

May these services be a blessing to you.

Saturday Lagniappe: 'More Than Jumper Cable Christianity' And More

More Than Jumper Cable Christianity

Jesus is calling us to more than a singular morning meeting.

Lost in the Wrong details, or Leveraging the Right Details? (And how you can know.)
There is a huge difference between details that are unimportant distractions, and details that can actually change a life. A good leader knows the difference.

4 Obstacles Pastors Face in Setting Boundaries
Healthy boundaries make for healthy souls. Unhealthy boundaries make for unhealthy souls.

Overcoming Objections to Leading Small Groups
Here are some common objections and ways to overcome them....

Church of England releases draft prayers for same-sex blessings
The Church of England released the details of a proposal to offer blessings, but not marriage, to same-sex couples on Jan. 20. The proposed prayers and liturgies would be the church’s first-ever formal recognition of same-sex relationships, though they would not change its traditional teaching on marriage and would be optional for clergy to offer.

CofE same-sex blessings will lead to change in doctrine, say evangelicals
Evangelicals in the Church of England have expressed concern about the apparent contradiction at the heart of proposals announced this week to allow prayers and blessings for same-sex couples.

An Eton Mess: The Failure of English Bishops
While the doctrine of marriage has not officially changed it has in practice … it will make nobody happy.

Will the Anglican Communion hold together?
In a stretch of logic few will be able to understand, the Archbishop of Canterbury yesterday announced that the publication of Prayers of Love and Faith, which enable couples to come to church to have their civil same-sex marriage blessed, "fall very clearly within" Lambeth 1998 Resolution I.10.

Traditionalists, reform and women
As the Catholic Synod on Synodality enters its "continental phase," some have wondered if the church is moving toward Vatican Three. Of course, there are still fights going on about Vatican Two.

Friday's Catch: 'New Data Reveals Big Gains for Non-Denominational Churches' And More

New Data Reveals Big Gains for Non-Denominational Churches
A recent Christianity Today article reported on data from the 2020 Religion Census. According to the report, every Protestant denomination has declined while those congregations claiming to be non-denominational gained millions of people. Thom Rainer and Sam Rainer discuss their thoughts on this report and what it may mean for the future of churches affiliated with Protestant denominations.

Leading a Church Revitalization Even When You Don’t Feel Like You Are a Leader – Part 2: Four Common Leadership Obstacles in a Church Revitalization

It is almost cliche to say revitalization is tough. But it is a challenge. Thom Rainer and Mark Clifton speak with countless pastors and staff who don’t think they are up to the task. This three-part series may prove to be a blessing to those who are discouraged and wonder if they can lead the revitalization. In this second episode, Thom and Mark look at four of the more common leadership obstacles in revitalization.

Necessary Conversations: The Church, Suicide, and Mental Health
The church is for the broken. A church without the broken is a broken church.

Sunday Schools Build Back After COVID Challenges
Episcopal Sunday schools across the country have long struggled to make do with very little. For some churches, that has meant a lack of funding, resources, teachers, or even children.

The struggles of Episcopal Sunday schools are not particular to the Episcopal Church but affect small churches of other denominations.

How to Use Social Media for Outreach Events
Large events and holiday celebrations can lead to huge boosts in church attendance, growth, and engagement. But if you’ve ever planned one, you know planning isn’t the hardest part. The menu is set, the band has practiced, the speaker is booked. All that’s left is getting people in the door. Easy enough, right?

Valuing Intentional Community
Community is a Christian buzzword, usually meaning a group of Christ followers that care for one another, but the scriptures expand on this definition to cast a vision for community that can truly change the world.

The Oxygen That Sustains Our Evangelism The oxygen that nourishes us and fuels our evangelism is largely composed of four things.

US worst country for pushing 'extreme gender ideology,' sex change surgeries on youth: study
The United States is the most permissive country when it comes to pushing gender ideology and prescribing puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones to children, compared to nearly a dozen European countries that have implemented more strenuous barriers for youth seeking to obtain drugs and body-mutilating surgeries to look more like the opposite sex.

Church of England publishes draft prayers for same-sex blessings
The Church of England has today published draft prayers to be used in blessing services for same-sex couples. The bishops have published a set of eight prayers and an acclamation for ministers to use at their discretion. They include prayers for thanksgiving, dedication and God's guidance.

The Church of England Takes a "Third Way" on Gay Marriage
...it came as something of a surprise that the Anglican bishops voted this week to stand firm on gay marriage. The result is somewhat qualified—the bishops also voted to permit blessings and prayers for same-sex civil partnerships and to issue a forthcoming apology about past sins against LGBTQ+ people.

Evangelicals may reject authority of liberal bishops in Church of England
Evangelical ministers in the Church of England are being urged to indicate their willingness to repudiate their obedience to any bishop who departs from established orthodoxy on issues of sexual morality – and to seek alternative episcopal oversight. It follows the announcement this week that the Church of England intends to allow blessings for same-sex couples.

All Hallows Saturday Evening Worship (January 21, 2023) Is Now Online

The order of worship for this Saturday evening is based upon A Form for Ordering a Service of the Word, suggested in the Appendices of A New Zealand Prayer Book (2020). The four songs used in the service come from the United Methodist Church’s The Faith We Sing (2000), a supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).

The Scripture reading is Matthew 18: 1-7.

The message is "Who Is the Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven? What Jesus’ Answer Means for Us."

The link to this service is—

https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2023/01/all-hallows-saturday-evening-worship.html

Please feel free to share the link to the service with anyone whom you believe might benefit from the service.

When you open the link to a video in a new tab, check auto-play to make sure it is in the off position. Otherwise, a second video with a different song will follow the first. If an ad plays when you open a link to a video in a new tab, click the refresh icon of your browser until the song appears. If a song begins partway through the video, click pause, move the slider to the beginning, and then click play. An ad may follow a song so as soon as the song is finished, close the tab.

Previous services are online at

https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/

May these services be a blessing to you.

Thursday's Catch: "7 Reasons Guests Don’t Return' And More

7 Reasons Guests Don’t Return

Why don’t guests return? This is a question most church leaders will ask themselves. It is encouraging to see visitors come into the church, but it can be discouraging when the vast majority seem to only be one-time visitors. Here is a list of possible reasons that may be helpful as you evaluate what is happening in your church.

Serving Together
We were created by God to serve, and our service is one way we glorify him. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do” (Eph. 2:10). Many churches are involved in service projects that help those in need and also make a positive impression on their communities.

When Were Christians First Regarded as Intolerant “Haters”?
In the midst of the high octane culture wars of the last ten years, Christians have been labelled all sorts of things: intolerant, bigoted, arrogant, narrow, dogmatic, just to name a few. But, one noteworthy word stands out. Christians have been labelled haters. Despite the fact that Christians are to be known by their love (John 13:35), it seems the world often associates us with hate.

5 Terrible Ideas That Will Make Your Worship Services Fake
Rich Kirkpatrick identifies 5 things not to do in our worsip services.

How Can We Welcome Kids to “Big Church”?
Many churches are returning to worship with all ages included in the service for the entire time or for a portion of the time. And for many, that is new, which means this question is being asked: “How can we welcome children and youth into worship service times?”

Churches are rediscovering what my generation discovered in the 1970s: churches that separate children from the adults and relegate them to children's church should not be surprised that they drift away from church in their teens.

7 Suprises for New Children's Ministry Leaders
As a new children's ministry leader, director or pastor, you may think you have everything under control and know what to expect. Nothing could be farther from the truth. You've got some big surprises ahead of you. Here are a few surprises that you may face and how to be prepared to deal with it.

4 Keys to Flourishing Small Group Friendships in 2023
Everyone knows in their heads that friendships are important...But the experience of many is that we’re in a pronounced decline when it comes to experiencing friendships.

Wedesday's Catch: 'Dinner Church, Anyone? ' And More

Dinner Church, Anyone?
What is dinner church? Well, it’s dinner. And church. Scrunched together. But there’s so much more to it than that. Here’s a few dinner churches from around the world to give you a little taste.

To Whom Much Is Given, Much Will Be Required: On Christians and Climate Change
The data in the new Pew Research Center study on Christians and the environment is conflicting. How can we best respond?

5 Ways to Teach the Art of Dying: Recognizing the Sanctity of Life Through all of Life
Everyone’s going to die, but no one wants to talk about it. Living well as Christians requires that we rediscover the art of dying well.

6 Things Pastors Should Say in Every Sermon
To address the reality of the unreached and those lacking knowledge among us, here are six things pastors should say in every sermon.

People You Should Avoid and Why
Their mouths say they love Jesus, but their actions don’t show it.

Evangelicals lament Church of England's plans to introduce blessings for same-sex couples
Evangelicals have come out in strong opposition to today's announcement by the Church of England outlining plans to introduce blessings for same-sex couples.

Tuesday's Catch: 'Winning the New and Old Front Doors' And More

Winning the New and Old Front Doors

Decades ago, the church doors were where people would check out a local church. On rare occasions, maybe the church had a radio or small market television ministry where nonmembers could connect to the church. But today, every church leader, through podcasts and social media availability, has a larger ministry footprint outside the geographical bounds of the church campus. So how does a church differentiate between the church down the street and them?

Seven Reasons Church Revitalization Begins with Me as a Church Leader
Most churches in North America need revitalization. Our Church Answers team seeks to offer support, encouragement, resources, and conversations to help church leaders move in that direction. At the same time, though, any true revitalization begins with those of us who lead those churches. Here’s why....

Churches that do not need revitalization, even replanting, form a small minority of churches in the United States and Canada. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the weaknesses of local churches in North America and accelerated the decline of a number of local churches. A growing number of local churches have been forced to close their doors. The pandemic was a wakeup call that church leaders would be very foolish to ignore.

One OTHER Reason to Read the Bible This Year
We know as Christians that there’s not a better thing we can do than to immerse ourselves in God’s Word, and the first of the year is a great time to try and incorporate that discipline into our lives. There are all kinds of reasons why this is a good and right thing for us to do, but the main one is that if you read the Bible every day, then you know you are going to grow spiritually....

How Should I Dispose of a Bible?
How do you dispose of a worn-out Bible? Is there a protocol, like with a flag?

My inclination is to seal the old Bible in an air-tight container that may prevent further deterioration of the Bible and bury it in a place where a future generation might discover it and read it. We do not know what the future holds and a time may come when the discover and reading of that Bible may be invaluable. God might use it to initiate a spiritual resurgence in North America.

The Speck You See in Their Eye Might Be the Exact Log in Your Eye
It is not uncommon for people to project onto someone else their own flaws and shortcomings. It is one way of avoiding them. A good question to ask ourselves when we notice what we perceive to be a flaw or shortcoming in someone else is to ask ourselves whether we might also suffer from this flaw or shortcoming and to ask others to share their observations with us. Everyone has blind spots, flaws and shortcomings that they do not recognize, which are hid from them but not from others.

Why Christians Should Not Get Angry with the Lost
There is a kind of Christianity that is angry with the sinful world and rails against the evils of our time. It is angry because it does not grasp the human condition: By nature, we are blind, bound, and dead...Blaring the horns of condemnation may give vent to Christian frustrations, but it does nothing to solve the human problem.

All Hallows Evening Worship for Wednesday Evening (January 18, 2023) Is Now Online

 

The order of worship for this Wednesday evening is based upon A Form for Ordering a Service of the Word, suggested in the Appendices of A New Zealand Prayer Book (2020). The three songs used in the service come from the United Methodist Church’s The Faith We Sing (2000), a supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal (1989).

The Scripture reading is Amos 8.

The message is “A Famine of God’s Word in the Midst of Plenty?.”

The link to this service is—

https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2023/01/all-hallows-evening-worship-for.html

Please feel free to share the link to the service with anyone whom you believe might benefit from the service.

When you open the link to a video in a new tab, check auto-play to make sure it is in the off position. Otherwise, a second video with a different song will follow the first. If an ad plays when you open a link to a video in a new tab, click the refresh icon of your browser until the song appears. If a song begins partway through the video, click pause, move the slider to the beginning, and then click play. An ad may follow a song so as soon as the song is finished, close the tab.

Previous services are online at

https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/

May these services be a blessing to you.

Free E-Book: 101 Ways to Overcome Burnout

Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of burnout—and take steps to recover from it.

By Jamie Anan and Kent Annan

Download your free eBook: 101 Ways to Overcome Burnout. Then keep reading to better understand burnout, including how to spot its signs and symptoms.

Most people—including us—have difficulty knowing when it’s time to take a break from their helping efforts. If the needs of others take precedence over every other responsibility and activity, including self-care, you’ll burn out and lose your ability to effectively serve. It’s important to learn to care well for yourself as you care for others, which begins with learning to recognize burnout and practice strategies for healthy coping. Read More

All Hallows Morning and Evening Prayer for Sunday (January 15, 2023) Is Now Online

 

The order of service for this Sunday’s Morning and Evening Worship is taken from the Anglican Church of Australia’s A Prayer Book for Australia (1998). The songs used in the two services are taken from the United Methodist Church’s The Faith We Sing (2000).

Morning Worship begins at the top of the page. Scroll down the page for the beginning of Evening Worship.

Morning Worship:

Readings: Jeremiah 1:4-10; Mark 1: 14-20

Message: Called to Serve

Evening Worship

Readings: Ezekiel 2:1-3:4; Galatians 1: 11-24

Message: God’s Transforming Grace

The link to the services of Morning and Evening Worship for this Sunday is—

https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2023/01/all-hallows-morning-and-evening-worship.html

Please feel free to share the link to the service with anyone whom you believe might benefit from the service.

When you open the link to a video in a new tab, check auto-play to make sure it is in the off position. Otherwise, a second video with a different song will follow the first. If an ad plays when you open a link to a video in a new tab, click the refresh icon of your browser until the song appears. If a song begins partway through the video, click pause, move the slider to the beginning, and then click play. An ad may follow a song so as soon as the song is finished, close the tab.

Previous services are online at

https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/

May these services be a blessing to you.

Saturday Lagniappe: '12 Ways to Increase Attendance at Your Church This Weekend' And More

12 Ways to Increase Attendance at Your Church This Weekend

We’re now beginning to see attendance at some churches meet or exceed pre-COVID numbers, but other churches are still struggling. In either case, here are some simple ways to increase your church’s attendance this weekend....

What Is Distinct about the Theology of Mark? 

All four Gospels give us accounts of Jesus’s life, his teaching, his journey towards Jerusalem, and his death and his resurrection. Nevertheless, as we read the Gospels alongside each other, distinctives (not contradictions!) do appear.

The Ultimate Balanced Guide to Arminianism (from a Calvinist)
C. Michael Patton dispels a number of common misconceptions about Arminianism.

What Music Is For in Corporate Worship
The first common-language hymnal is a milestone to remember and an opportunity to reflect on how music serves Christian worship today.

How Christian Communicators Can Provide Comfort in Uncertain Times
A new crisis playbook for church communicators.

Most children have viewed porn before age of 13 - survey
Nearly three out of every four teenagers have viewed pornography at some point in their lives, with more than half first seeing sexually explicit material by age 13, according to a new study.

10 Commandments For Great Discussions
Geoff Surratt shares some principles for facilitating discussions, which he has picked up over the years.

An Evangelism Professor's List of Personal Lessons Learned about Telling the Good News
Chuck Lawless shares a number of lessons on evangelism he has learned in 26 years as a professor of evangelism.

All Hallows Evening Prayer for Saturday Evening (January 14, 2023) Is Now Online

 

Every Sunday and feast day on the Christian calendar has two eves. The first eve is the evening before the Sunday or feast day and the second eve is the evening of that Sunday or feast day. We begin our observance of a Sunday or feast day on the first eve, and we conclude our observance on the second eve. In a number of Christian traditions, it is customary to begin and conclude the observance with a service of evening prayer.

The Scripture reading is Matthew 22: 34-40.

The homily is “The Greatest Commandment: What Is It and How Do We Keep It?”

The link to this service is—

https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2023/01/all-hallows-evening-prayer-for-saturday_13.html

Please feel free to share the link to the service with anyone whom you believe might benefit from the service.

When you open the link to a video in a new tab, check auto-play to make sure it is in the off position. Otherwise, a second video with a different song will follow the first. If an ad plays when you open a link to a video in a new tab, click the refresh icon of your browser until the song appears. If a song begins partway through the video, click pause, move the slider to the beginning, and then click play. An ad may follow a song so as soon as the song is finished, close the tab.

Previous services are online at

https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/

May these services be a blessing to you.

Friday's Catch: 'Wheel and Heal: Medical Bus Wins Award for Church Innovation' And More

Wheel and Heal: Medical Bus Wins Award for Church Innovation
After hospitals closed in rural Tennessee, church volunteers stepped in to provide basic care, cut hair, and pull teeth.

A lack of health care facilities and providers in rural areas is a nation-wide problem in the United States and it is growing worse.

A Tiny Pantry Becomes a Blessing Box
I originally was skeptical about the usefulness of what are known as "little pantries" or "blessing boxes," but I have come to see that they meet a need in an unexpected food emergency when social service agencies, community food banks, and church food pantries are closed. The challenge is keep them well-stocked with food that a family or individual may be able to use in such a food emergency. It is, however, a challenge that can be overcome.

Theology of Middle-Earth
Louis Markos reviews Austin M. Freeman's Tolkein's Dogmatics.

How Can Churches Create Space for Organic Mentoring Relationships?
Organic mentoring relationships enable pastors to steer their congregations with discipleship that harnesses the changing cultural currents.

God Has Not Given You a Stone
Jacob Croach writes, "I want to put a spotlight on this truth: God has not given you a stone." He goes on to explain.

Top 10 Guidelines For Growing Worship Leaders
"Worship leaders: what areas are you still working on? Which parts of your ministry can you improve on?" Mark Cole shares 10 guidelines he still reviews to make sure that he stays on track.

No Is a Perfectly Good Answer
As Christians, we get sucked into the social expectations of superficial niceness. We think saying "yes" to every request is what good Christians are supposed to do. This wasn't what Jesus did. Jesus said "no." In fact, Jesus said "no" a lot.

Thom Rainer: 7 Reasons Why Church Outreach Programs Fail
Thom Rainer explains why most church outreach programs fail.

Living the Fruit of the Spirit
Through the Church Evangelism Institute, the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College hosts cohorts of senior pastors across North America who are committed to growing both their personal and congregational evangelism and outreach passion. Josh Howlett, small groups and community pastor at Hill Country Bible Church in Pflugerville, Texas, shares why it is important for leaders to develop their character.

Developing our character is also important when we are not a church leader.

Thursday's Catch: 'Leading a Church Revitalization Even When You Don’t Feel Like You Are a Leader – Part 1' And More

Leading a Church Revitalization Even When You Don’t Feel Like You Are a Leader – Part 1: Why Some Revitalization Leaders Don’t Think They Are Leaders
It is almost cliche to say revitalization is tough. But it is a challenge. Thom Rainer and Mark Clifton speak with countless pastors and staff who don’t think they are up to the task. This three-part series may prove to be a blessing to those who are discouraged and wonder if they can lead the revitalization. In this first episode, Thom and Mark examine why some of these leaders have doubts.

Members who build the body
Healthy local churches make a powerful and attractive testimony to a watching world. This means that every member has to be devoted to building others up.

5 Simple Steps to Handle Conflict Like a Pro
The truth is that church conflict can be used as an opportunity for growth and progress. But getting there will take a shift in thinking, as well as embracing imperfections, discovering motivations, decoding conflicts, strategizing for success, and seeking deeper guidance.

3 Steps to a Better Understanding of Poverty
Poverty alleviation work is difficult. But with God’s help, we can tackle not only the symptoms of poverty, but also the root causes.

I Was Preaching to My Twitter Feed
The aim of preaching is the increase of love toward God and neighbor. That won’t happen if we focus on social media squabbles.

3 Reasons to Encourage Teenagers to Serve in the Church
Since being a pastor, Eric Geiger has never liked the idea of “youth-led Sunday”—of relegating teenagers to serving just once a year. Instead he want to see teenagers serving consistently. He explains why....

Children Being Raised in America Today Attend Church Far Less Frequently than Their Parents and Grandparents Did
Children being raised in America today attend church far less frequently than their parents and grandparents did, largely because their parents have stopped attending as adults.

Wednesday's Catch: 'Growing, Healthy Churches Need Protectors and Advancers' And More

Growing, Healthy Churches Need Protectors and Advancers

Every organization needs both protectors and advancers.

Take the Test: Is God Calling You to Ministry Leadership?
When someone expresses an interest in ministry or talks of a calling, there are several questions that are quite appropriate to be asked, and through which a prospective leader can and should be screened....

Seven Ways to Be a Better Servant Leader for Your Church
The best leaders for the church are those who demonstrate a willingness to serve first. Is servant leadership necessary for every situation? No, but pastors and church leaders should have a default posture of service. If you’re not willing to be a servant leader, then you are not fit to have authority and influence within the body of Christ.

7 Ways This Year Can Be Better Than Last Year
Chuck Lawless writes, "I realize 2022 was a struggle for some believers. We live in a fallen world, and Christians face the same storms others face. This new year can be better, though, and here are some reasons why...."

Everyone, All the Time
God’s vision of mission is spelled out in Exodus 19:4–6, which Peter revised and adopted in his epistle (1 Peter 2:9–11). It has a more comprehensive overture: everyone, every sphere of life, all the time. How can pastors and church leaders flesh out this vision within a local church? While the following application is in no way comprehensive, here are three ways we can exhort believers to engage in this vision of mission.

Can You Share the Gospel with Sexual Sinners without Sounding like a Bigot?
Alan Shlemon shares his thoughts on sharing the gospel with sexual sinners without sounding bigoted or hyper-judgmental.

3 Insights That Encourage Spiritual Conversations
Despite a deep concern for co-workers, neighbors, and the nation, most churchgoers feel frozen—unable to engage in spiritual conversations.

Catholic Church in Scotland faces 'crisis of closures' if members spend more on Netflix than tithes
Catholics in Scotland would much rather spend their extra cash on streaming and football matches than support their local parishes, which could ultimately lead to their demise, according to a new report.