Wednesday's Catch: 'WAKE UP CALL! 5 truths a church must wake up to so that revival can happen' And More

WAKE UP CALL! 5 truths a church must wake up to so that revival can happen
It’s time to wake up our churches to the need for revival and spiritual awakening. It’s time to answer the Holy Spirit’s wake up call!

Churches Are Missing the Big Opportunity to Minister to Single-Parents
Single-parent homes are far more prevalent in the United States than most realize. They comprise one-quarter to one-third of homes with children in many communities.

Someone — Anyone — Please Volunteer
... we’re looking at volunteer ministry the wrong way. We see it as a way to get work done rather than a way to help people become more like Christ.

Okay Thought Leaders: It’s Time to Stop Bagging Out the “Average Church Member”
With the right gospel vision, the right training and framework, the right encouragement, and the right recognition of what the average church member’s life is already like, the average church member is more than willing to be part of the mission of the church. The key is to take their lives and experiences seriously as the first step.

Anglicans Celebrate Florence Li Tim-Oi
The first woman ordained to the Anglican priesthood practiced sacrificial ministry in a Chinese labor camp.

The Lost Art of Independent Thinking
...never before have we had so much access to information and so little wisdom. It would be difficult to forecast the many implications this will have on coming generations, but here is one dynamic that no longer needs imagining: The lost art of independent thinking.

What Are Demons, and How Should Christians Think about Them?
This article is adapted from Knowing God’s Truth: An Introduction to Systematic Theology by Jon Nielson.

4 Signs Decision Fatigue is Degrading your Decisions
The more decisons you make, the worse they can get.

5 Keys to Writing Sermon Titles That Make People Want to Listen
Have you ever thought about how you title a sermon or a sermon series?

College Summers Count: How Camps Prepare Your Students for Ministry
Summer camps aren’t the only ministry training ground, but for these former staffers, they were intensives that propelled them into ministry.

Get Creative with 8 KidMin Learning/Activity Stations
Have you considered the use of learning/activity stations in your children's ministry. 

The Most Pessimistic Religion in the World
Our deep-seated pessimism about human nature sets Christianity apart from nearly every other worldview.

VOICES: Does Alistair Begg have a point about gay weddings?
"...a particular logical fallacy is driving many of the responses to Begg’s advice to this conflicted grandmother and has been at the heart of the debate since we had to face this reality almost 14 years ago. It is called the False Equivalence Fallacy. A false equivalency is an informal fallacy in which an equivalence is drawn between two subjects based on flawed or false reasoning. The flawed reasoning here is that “presence” and “celebration” are the same thing. If you are present, you are by default celebrating."

Pastors and politicians slam DeSantis for luring immigrants from a church to be sent out of state.
U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost pulled no punches in criticizing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for hiring private companies to distribute migrant relocation flyers at an Orlando-area church that serves immigrants. Titled “Welcome to my bright horizon,” the brochures promised immigrants of color free relocation to other states where they could build new lives. But the reality is they would be transported to Democratic-led states and abandoned without contacts or resources, Frost and numerous political and religious leaders said during a recent news conference.

Tuesday's Catch: 'Asbury revival – My reflection 1 year later' And More

VOICES: Asbury revival – My reflection 1 year later
Evangelicals have prayed for revival in America for decades. But do we know what to do when it happens?

The Dream of an Uncluttered Church
De-cluttering has one significant advantage: focus. When you clear away the clutter, you can focus on the most important tasks at hand.

Getting Honest About Church Planting
The truth about church planting never resembles the architect’s renderings and the slick “plant with us” pamphlets. The realities can leave you confused and disillusioned. Here are five truths that might keep you keep you sane and in the game.

Tackling Human Trafficking: Where Do We Go From Here?
There are a few things every church can do to help push back the darkness of human trafficking in their communities and even in their pews.

10 Truths Jesus Holds About Scripture
It seems everyone has a view of Scripture. Some think it is verbatim God’s Word to us. Others believe it is not the words themselves that are important; it is the experience we have while reading it. In other words, the true Word of God lies behind the text. Others believe it is a book merely written by men. Some will even say, “We follow Jesus, not the Bible.” With all these ideas floating around, asking how Jesus views Scripture seems wise. The first chapter of The Doctrine of Scripture: An Introduction by Mark D. Thompson does precisely that and gives us ten truths Jesus holds about Scripture. Doug Eaton summarizes them in his article.

3 Bible Verses that Teach Us 3 Things About Grace
If you wondered about the importance of “grace” in biblical theology, it’s pretty revelatory to see the word appearing 116 times in the New Testament. But in particular, here are three verses that help us see the truth about grace....

Learning Homiletics from Francis J. Grimké
"...every sermon should have one clear, forceful main point, and everything in the sermon should revolve around, be organized under that, and reinforce the application of that main point."

Preaching a Church Vision Sermon Series? 4 Principles and 4 Tips
Because the fall happens to be in the final weeks of Pentecost season, leading up to Advent, it’s also an optimum time to speak to the church’s identity as the institution Jesus commissioned to extend God’s Kingdom and the good news of Christ into every community. We’ve been empowered by the Spirit to take every opportunity to show and share the good news with everyone. Therefore, it’s an optimum time to preach a “vision series.”

Alistair Begg stands by same-sex wedding advice Pastor Alistair Begg is refusing to backdown following a backlash over his advice to Christians about attending same-sex weddings.

The controversy surroundi listair Beggs'advice to a grandmother who asked him whether she should attend her grandson's wedding to a transgender person has generated more heat than it has light. The question which has gone unanswered is how can Christians establish or maintain relatioships with sinners and share with them the gospel if they are avoiding them and the special events or occasions in their lives.

Diaspora Christians and Theological Education
One issue that preoccupies many theological educators is the post-COVID challenge of navigating the future amid pressure to shift to online learning. The immediate need to respond carefully and thoughtfully to the unknowns of mixed modes of delivery might make us overlook some of the other significant changes we are facing. Theological educators also face a demographic shift shaping both church and seminary.

Image Credit: Asbury University

Monday's Catch: 'A Quarter of Mainline Methodist Churches Left the Denomination Last Year. Now What?" And More

A Quarter of Mainline Methodist Churches Left the Denomination Last Year. Now What?
United Methodism is widely expected, absent many traditionalists, to finally liberalize the church’s policies on marriage and sex.

Whether or not they are willing to admit it, the traditionalists share the blame for the direction which the UMC takes. "How?" you ask. They chose to leave, and by their departure helped the progressives to advance their cause. See also: Churches continue to leave UMC after disaffiliation provision expires and The Global Methodist Church: These Things I Pray

Could the Rise of the Nones Be Over?
The latest research indicates that the growth of religiously unaffiliated Americans has slowed or even stopped.

See also: Here’s what I’m learning about the ‘nones’

A Call for Churches and Individuals to Ministry Among the Elderly
Caring for the elderly is seen as admirable, but only for a select group who are made for it. Spending time with those who are nearer to death is a little too close to home for most. This is especially true for retirees who have the time to spend, but are themselves also approaching the later stages of life.

See also: A Standing Ovation for the Older and Wiser

Civil War England and the Church
From 1643, in the time of the English Civil Wars (1642-51), in the areas they occupied the Parliamentarian forces instigated tribunals to screen local clergy for their suitability to carry on ministering.

Preaching to the Imagination
We don’t preach to entertain; we preach for transformation. But doing so may require us to use and preach to the imagination.

Are We Free to Worship God However We Choose? A Brief Case for the Regulative Principle
What is acceptable public worship of the one true God?

4 Powerful Steps to Leading Worship with Confidence
What is the key to leading worship with confidence?

In Praise of Rote Learning: Why We Need Catechisms
We expect young children won’t fully understand the answers they’ve memorized. The process is truly mechanical. Is this right?

Image Credit: Pasadena United Methodist Church

Saturday Lagniappe: 'Generational Shifts in Evangelism: Approaches for Today' And More

Generational Shifts in Evangelism: Approaches for Today

Over the last 20 years, churches have largely drifted from the practice of evangelism. At the same time, as younger generations like Gen Z and Gen Alpha come of age as digital natives, there is an ever-growing need to understand how to evangelize in the digital era. In order to respond to this evangelism lull, we need to look more at general approaches that are effective and less at this curriculum or that training method—we need to focus on what is working rather than nit-picking over what isn’t.

4 Missional Shifts for Churches in 2024
The beginning of a new year brings new opportunities to examine and adjust our priorities and our approach to life. Like clockwork after the ball drops in Times Square, fitness centers are flooded with newcomers, throngs of people commit to fad diets, couples commit to spend less and save more, and more.

4 More Missional Shifts for Churches in 2024
There’s little doubt that we are in a time of tremendous change, both within the church as well as the cultures God has called us to. In order for us to respond well to the cultural moment, we must identify significant shifts in how we minister to build flourishing, mission minded church communities in the years to come.

5 Vital Truths About Salvation
The way to be saved is so simple—and yet so easy to get wrong.

Opinion: The unconscionable rejection of food aid for hungry kids is all about politics
Food insecurity is a very real problem in the United States. Many low income children will go hungry when school is out of session because the state in which they reside has opted not to participate in the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program. Community food banks and church food pantries and food distribution ministries cannot meet the need.

Listening Well to Domestic Abuse Survivors
Victims of abuse often fail to disclose the abuse for fear of how their husbands may react, especially in marriage counseling sessions where their abusers are present. It is generally wise to separate couples and move to individual counseling any time abuse is suspected. To counsel victims of domestic abuse, the counselor must consider some of the characteristics of domestic abuse survivors and carefully provide what they most need.

Ministerial Platforms, Self-Praise, and Self-Glory
Recognise the difference between proclaiming the cause of Christ and promotion of self.

Love Your God More, Not Your Country Less
When you love something or someone, you are tempted to love that thing or person more than God. Because we are prone to idolatry, we can easily take good things—blessings in our lives—and give those blessings our worship. I can do this with Kaye, my daughters, my role, and so many things. C.S. Lewis wrote about how to solve the problem when we love others more than God.

Children’s Pastor: 9 Helpful Career Traits You’ll Need
To become a children’s pastor, the following qualities are helpful....

5 Steps for Purposeful Conversations
With all the information that needs to be shared, and all sorts of different technologies to do that communicating, here are five steps towards purposeful conversations and communicating[.

Choosing Godliness in 2024
Acts of recollection are those intentional and sometimes small acts whereby we consciously turn to God at regular times throughout our day. “It is a simple, momentary response to his ever-present love, a remembrance of his presence.” Such acts are one way to resist the habitually distracted state in which we find ourselves and to condition our souls toward habitual recollection instead, and thus are a good aim for the ordinary Christian.

Sundays at All Hallows (Sunday, January 28, 2024) Is Now Online

Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.

Jesus did not promise his disciples that following him would be easy. In fact, he warned them that their faithfulness to him and to his teaching and example might turn others against them. He foresaw that a number of his disciples might fall away, led astray by false prophets and false messiahs and their followers. He did, however, promise that those who persevered would be saved.

Readings: Deuteronomy 18:15–20; Mark 1:21–28

Message: What Jesus Did Not Say and Do

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2024/01/sundays-at-all-hallows-sunday-january_27.html

Please feel free to share this link with anyone who may be interested.

If you are new to Sundays at All Hallows, you may find these directions helpful:

-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.

May Sundays at All Hallows be a blessing to you.

Friday's Catch: 'The Cult of Personality' And More

The Cult of Personality

A growing phenomenon within the ranks of churches, large and small (but mostly large), is the cult of personality. What is a cult of personality?

The cult of personality is also a growing phenomenon in twenty-first century US politics.

VOICES: 6 signs of power hungry leaders
God-ordained public service should never be about a person’s desire for power but should arise out of a servant’s heart to meet the needs of the people they represent.

Turn It Around: Restoring Momentum Through Clarity of Mission and Vision 

Facing a turnaround situation in your organization? 'Turn It Around' provides you with the essential tools to restore momentum by redefining and communicating a clear mission and vision. Explore practical advice from a seasoned leader who has walked the path and gain actionable strategies to lead with purpose.

Gray Matters: Aging Believers Can Serve an Eternal Kingdom
A unified church valuing every generation will have a greater global and eternal impact than any anti-aging technology.

Why I’m Hopeful for the Future of Disability Ministry
Both parents and ministry leaders acknowledge the need churches have for more education and training on disability ministry.

The UMC lost a quarter of its churches — most in the South
The same area of the country that tends to be the most politically conservative and Republican-leaning was where most United Methodist churches voted to leave the denomination.

Indictments fueled extremists’ support for Trump, survey finds
The criminal charges against Donald Trump have fueled increased radical support for the former president while his efforts to paint the government and Democrats as a threat to democracy have convinced more people to distrust democratic institutions.

Singing the Truth Within
Christian singing is countercultural. Outside of church we don’t formally sing with others.....

Do Good to All People – It’s God’s Will!
Do you ever wonder about the will of God? What he wants for you and your life? Where he wants you? What he wants you to do? What he doesn’t want you to do? Where should you go? How you should get there? When to start? When to stop?

Thursday's Catch: "Who are the ‘nones’? New Pew study debunks myths about America’s nonreligious." And More

Who are the ‘nones’? New Pew study debunks myths about America’s nonreligious.

Today, the ‘nones’ kind of look like everybody else,' said sociologist Ryan Cragun. 'At some level, we're saying, hey, actually, this is just your neighbor.'

Also see: Religious ‘Nones’ Now Outnumber All Individual Religious Cohorts, Outpacing Catholics and Evangelicals.

Unveiling the Numbers: The Global Spread of Pentecostalism and Charismatics
Pentecostalism and Charismatic Christianity are vibrant and dynamic streams within global Christianity. Defined by their emphasis on a direct personal experience with God through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, these movements have witnessed unprecedented growth over the past century.

Exploring the Spectrum: Charismatic Practices in Various Christian Communities
Charismatic Christianity, with its vibrant expressions and emphasis on the Holy Spirit, transcends denominational boundaries, creating a rich tapestry of worship and belief.

6 Keys to Successful Church Member Assimilation
On January 23rd, Pastors.com held a FREE live webinar with Pastor Brian Moss to talk about the six keys to successful church member assimilation. You can now watch the replay, and get instant access to the full set of notes Pastor Brian Pastors.com us on the call... PLUS you'll also get access to Pastor Brian's "Secret Weapon" for assimilating new members in the church... and a free template to make your own!

Start With Serving
"We’re very intentional about providing quality opportunities for people to serve and to make a difference in our community," writes Helen Schnese. "Through that we have a lot of success in getting new people connected to the life of the church." 

The Strange and Wonderful Sociology of the Early Christians
What would the early Christians think about the 21st-century Western church? It might not be fair to throw all Christian groups together, but by and large, our ancient forebears would have trouble recognizing the way of Jesus in our lives and behavior. Unfortunately, the Western church too often mirrors the divisive, tribal and classist nature of wider society.

Is the Episcopal Church Anglican?
"Those involved in their desired revision of the 1979 prayer book (if we even have a prayer book instead of online resources) are very avant-garde in wanting to make language, gender, and theological changes. The development of experimental services so far has departed from a more traditional approach. All this raises the question that I have been struggling with for about 10 years now: Is the Episcopal Church still Anglican?"

The Episcopal Church is not the only ecclesial entity that claims historic ties to the Church of England, which has drifted away from the benchmarks of authentic historic Anglicanism. So has the Anglican Church in North America, the Continuing Anglican Churches, the Anglican Orthodox Church, and the Reformed Episcopal Church one way or another. In some of these entities the drift is more pronounced than in others.

Video Switcher Basics
Since so many houses of worship live-stream and/or record their productions, sermons, and classes, it’s important to note that using a video switcher is a great idea.

Also see: What Does a Video Switcher Do? 

Unraveling the View: Trump's Biblical Allegory as a Deceptive Prophet

Comparisons between former President Donald Trump and various biblical figures have recently sparked controversy and challenged perceptions of faith and politics in the United States. The idea of Trump being compared to a “false prophet,” as mentioned in biblical texts, has particularly stirred attention.

Thursday Evenings at All Hallows (Thursday, January 25, 2024) Is Now Online

Welcome to Thursday Evenings at All Hallows.

As followers of Jesus, we are expected to be generous in loving others as God is generous in loving us. We may be tempted, however, to make God’s love narrower with our own false limits so that we can make our own love narrower.

Readings: Leviticus 25: 1-22; Luke 4: 14-30

Message: Far Greater Than We Can Imagine

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2024/01/thursday-evenings-at-all-hallows_25.html

Please feel free to share this link with anyone who may be interested.

If you are new to Thursday Evenings at All Hallows, you may find these directions helpful:

-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.

May Thursday Evenings at All Hallows be a blessing to you.

Wednesday's Catch: 'The Hidden Costs of Top-Down Decisions: A 7-Step System for Better Decisions' And More

The Hidden Costs of Top-Down Decisions: A 7-Step System for Better Decisions

This post presents a 7-step system to improve decisions, enhance team morale, spark innovation, and build trust. Embrace inclusive leadership for lasting success.

Why the “Fishbowl” of Ministry is Not a Bad Thing, and One Step to Consider
Ordinary Christians as well as pastors live in a "fishbowl." Chuck Lawless explains why that may not be a bad thing.

VOICES: Why God never forces anyone to love Him
Dan Delzell explains why God gave us free will.

Seven Things Church Leaders Need to Consider
When we gather as churches for a celebration of the gospel, or when we sit together for prayer, or when we pore over the scriptures in a group, we are, in those moments, touching something much deeper than we realise. We are engaged in something more eternal than our marriages since at these moments we’ve stepped out of the rehearsal room and onto the stage.

Religious donors keep giving to houses of worship and beyond amid inflation
Most religious donors gave the same amount of money (or more) to their congregations in 2023 as in 2022, a new report finds.

Trump and evangelicals - round two 

It is genuinely baffling to most British Christians that so many of our US counterparts can support a man of Trump's – hardly Christlike – character and actions. And this time round, the prospect of his election threatens to destabilise the entire globe, as he proposes to withdraw support from Ukraine and pull out of NATO.

How to Raise the Spiritual Temperature of Your Church
No one does more to determine the spiritual temperature of your church than the Pastor. It’s part of shepherding. You’re the lid. You’re the limit.

Illness Policy for Children’s Ministry: How to Handle Cold & Flu Season
Why does your children’s ministry need an illness policy? And what type of information should it contain? Read on to learn about best practices for keeping everyone safe.

Redeem Time in the Age of TikTok
Even if you don’t use the app, TikTok represents the experience you’ve likely felt living in an era that emphasizes momentary engagement and instant gratification. TikTok reflects a societal shift from the rigid, though uniting, structures of Mechanical Time to a more fragmented, individualistic, and flexible understanding of time in the digital world.

Take the Test: Is God Calling You to Ministry Leadership?
Is God calling you to serve Him in ministry? First of all, it’s a big YES. God draws lost people to himself to save them, and his desire is that all saved people serve people. So, if you’re a believer, you are called! Obviously, however, there is a kind of “calling” that sets certain individuals apart for positions of ministry leadership. The New Testament refers to some people as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. And they are given to the church to teach, preach, shepherd, equip and instruct.

Tuesday's Catch: "Is it time to scrap the term ‘Evangelical’?" And More

VOICES: Is it time to scrap the term ‘Evangelical’?
There are many followers of Jesus in America today who do not describe themselves as “Christians.” It is not because they are ashamed of their faith. Instead, it is because the word “Christian” has become so diluted that almost anyone can call themselves a Christian, regardless of how they live or what they believe.

Colorful Compassion
When Jesus was asked to illustrate what loving others was all about, he painted a cross-racial picture. He told a surprisingly colorful (and scandalous) story about a marginalized Samaritan who lavishly loved a more privileged Jew.

VOICES: 10 ways to improve your daily Bible reading habit
Here are 10 practical ways to enhance your daily Bible reading habit and experience a deeper connection with God.

To Lead Quiet and Peaceful Lives: A Christian’s Prayer for Those In High Positions
In 1 Timothy 2:1–2, Paul wants believers to pray all kinds of prayers for all kinds of people. This practice is good and pleasing to God (1 Tim. 2:3). But what are the kinds of things we should pray for? Paul says to pray for “kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Tim. 2:2).

Youth Ministry Numbers in Decline? Please, Try Not to Panic!
Are your youth ministry numbers in decline? For kickoff weekend, the place was filled. Then the next couple of weeks, attendance numbers leveled out. Now you’re beginning to wonder, “Where did everyone go?”

Why Your Church Needs to Be Planning VBS in January
Earlier events on the calendar may push VBS planning to the back burner. But it may be the most important planning of the church year.

An Update on Rooted: One of the Best Discipleship Resources I’ve Ever Seen
"I’m hearing from more and more pastors, across different denominations and church sizes, that Rooted has been instrumental in the growth of their discipleship groups and increased volunteer engagement," reports Thom Rainer, "while significantly impacting the generosity of their people." 

A Believer’s Wake-Up Call
Too many Christians are napping through a high-stakes battle. Here’s why and how to get up and fight.

Monday's Catch: ''8 Encouraging Trends in Global Christianity for 2024' And More

8 Encouraging Trends in Global Christianity for 2024 

The 2024 Status of Global Christianity report provides at least eight positive trends that paint a picture of a healthy, growing global church.

How To Be A More Innovative Small Church (3 Starter Principles)
Jesus Christ was the most revolutionary, innovative, world-changing person who ever lived. His followers should be the same.

Pray (Don’t Play) Politics
In a politically obsessed world, Christians must elevate praying politics above playing politics. Paul’s exhortation to young Timothy is as timely as ever: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Tim. 2:1–2, NIV).

Must Every Christian Evangelize?
Church members sometimes wonder if they should just leave evangelism to the “professionals.” After all, isn’t evangelism a spiritual gift? In this article Tim Beougher offers a quick guide for pastors to know how to answer them.

New conservative Methodist denomination eyeing expansion in the Southwest
A recently launched theologically conservative alternative to the United Methodist Church is looking to expand its presence into the Southwestern and West Coast of the United States. The Global Methodist Church, which was launched in 2022 and already has more than 4,200 member congregations, is in the process of expanding its presence in the westernmost states.

Violent threats, rhetoric becoming commonplace, researchers warn
Violent threats and rhetoric targeting judges, poll workers and political figures are on the rise in the United States -- and not just on fringe websites or platforms by organized extremist groups. Advance Democracy, a nonprofit public interest research organization, said it has become particularly aware of threats lobbed at judges in cases involving former President Donald Trump.

Sundays at All Hallows (Sunday, January 21, 2024) Is Now Online

 

Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows

Do you struggle with the question, “Do I have a unique purpose in life?” Christians believe that each of us does have a unique purpose. We all have a role to play in God’s scheme of things.

Readings: Jonah 3:1-10; Mark 1: 14-20

Message: Called to Serve

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2024/01/sundays-at-all-hallows-sunday-january_20.html

Please feel free to share this link with anyone who may be interested.

If you are new to Sundays at All Hallows, you may find these directions helpful:

-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.

May Sundays at All Hallows be a blessing to you.

Saturday Laniappe: '7 Reasons Why Some Prodigals Return' And More

7 Reasons Why Some Prodigals Return

Based on his own experience, Chuck Lawless identifies 7 reasons why some prodigals return to their family and their faith.

Why You Need Senior Adults in Your Church
Don’t get so focused on reaching the next generation that you forget to reach and disciple seniors as well.

Initiative will help congregations nurture faith lives of children through worship and prayer
Lilly Endowment is seeking to support efforts that nurture the faith of children by helping Christian congregations more fully and intentionally engage children in intergenerational corporate worship and prayer practices.

Leaders and Managing the Gift of Momentum
Eric Geiger shares some lessons he has learned about managing the gift of momentum, through the lens of time, money, people, and energy.

Exhausted by Title IV, Parish Quits Connecticut Diocese
After years of unresolved disciplinary charges against their rector, which completely drained their bank accounts, the members of a historic Connecticut church have voted to disassociate themselves from the Episcopal Church in Connecticut (ECCT) — and they are not going quietly.

Twenty-Five Percent of Churches Disaffiliated from the United Methodist Church
The Lewis Center has issued a final report on disaffiliating churches in the United Methodist Church covering 7,631 churches approved by annual conferences for disaffiliation by December 31, 2023. There continue to be more similarities than differences between the cohort of disaffiliating churches and the total pool of United Methodist churches. Disaffiliating churches are disproportionately in the Southeastern (50 percent) and South Central (21 percent) jurisdictions.

Some Questions for Further Research from the Disaffiliation Process
One stark difference seen between disaffiliating churches and similar departures from other mainline denominations is the decision of disaffiliating churches to remain independent of any denomination, at least for now.

Thousands Sign Christian Petition Urging Bishops Not to Back Donald Trump
Faithful America, which backs social justice causes and opposes "Christian nationalism," urged Catholics to condemn bishops who "boost the Christofascist campaign of Donald Trump" in a recently launched online petition that had been signed by over 12,500 as of Friday afternoon.

Friday's Catch: 'Living With a Single Priority' And More

Living With a Single Priority
One of the most important questions you can ever answer about yourself is, what is the one thing for which I’m really living?

Award winning Episcopal history of a tradition of racism for adult and youth study groups
There are many good books on racism but few notable works that have as their focus the turmoil in the Episcopal Church as it lumbered toward integration. Justified By Her Children: Deeds of Courage Confronting a Tradition of Racism recounts the brave deeds of little known men, women and young people coming into conflict with the evils of racial segregation in the church.

Equipping Women to Begin a Women’s Ministry in Your Church
If you are a pastor or church leader considering ways to equip women to begin a women’s ministry, here are four things to consider.

Use Social Media Reinforcement After Your Sermon—And Before!
Social media is a powerful medium, you can use it to make your Sunday morning preaching more effective and more likely to enact life-change in your congregation. Call it social media reinforcement. Here are some super easy ideas to engage with people about your sermon in the days before or after you actually preach it.

What Is the Most Important Thing Taught in the Bible?
The apostle Paul reminds the Corinthian church of the most important thing in all of Scripture—the gospel.In many churches today the focus ends up drifting away from the gospel to other things.

Be Confident in God’s Direction
Confidence is important for all leaders, but it’s particularly important for leaders pursuing God’s mission in the world. Why is confidence so important for biblical leadership?

Dean Alan W. Jones of San Francisco, 1940-2024
The Very Rev. Alan W. Jones, dean emeritus of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, died Sunday at 83. The dean’s most recent successor, the Very Rev. Dr. Malcolm Clemens Young, announced his death on Grace’s website on January 15.

Heartbreak, hope follow season of church exits
The Lewis Center for Church Leadership has released its third and final report comparing U.S. congregations disaffiliating from The United Methodist Church with those staying. About 25% of the denomination’s U.S. churches have left since 2019 under a policy prompted by intensifying debate over LGBTQ inclusion. But even as they mourn these losses, United Methodists are starting new faith communities and welcoming people long unaffiliated with any church. Also worth noting: The vast majority of United Methodist congregations remain in the denomination.

We can’t take democracy for granted
Racial and religious minorities depend upon the values of pluralism and the rule of law for our rights to be protected.

The ‘god’ many American Christians worship
Driving along Highway 27 in Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., in mid-September 2021, motorists were surprised to see a billboard bearing a phrase from the Bible they had often heard during the Christmas season in their churches: “Unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulders.” The quotation is taken from the King James Version of Isaiah 9:6 and is also the text of one of the beloved choruses of Handel’s Messiah. But this billboard was not an early Christmas message of hope. It was instead a partisan political trope.

Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world.  But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.

“Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people.

“Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. See, I have warned you about this ahead of time. (Matthew 24: 4-13; 23-25 NLT)

Thursday Evenings at All Hallows (Thursday, January 18, 2024) Is Now Online

 

Welcome to Thursday Evenings at All Hallows.

A cold, dark winter’s night is a good time for reflection and prayer.

Reading: 2 Timothy 4: 1-8

Message: People of Light

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2024/01/thursday-evenings-at-all-hallows_18.html

Please feel free to share this link with anyone who may be interested.

If you are new to Thursday Evenings at All Hallows, you may find these directions helpful:

-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.

May Thursday Evenings at All Hallows be a blessing to you.

Thursday's Catch: 'Is Your Church Ready for the New World?' And More

Is Your Church Ready for the New World?
How can we encourage church members to be evangelistic in this new world as they interact with people from different faiths and cultures?

Improve Your Youth Ministry Program With 7 Simple Steps
Looking for easy ideas to improve your youth ministry? Then check out these 7 pro tips that lead to powerful impact.

Unleash Your Youth Group
It’s easy to think of Gen Z (the current generation of teenagers) and Gen Alpha (the coming generation of teenagers) as somehow exempt from this gospel call. We may be tempted to think things like, Well, they are too post-Christian or Teenagers are far more concerned about social issues than spiritual ones, or whatever. But the reality is that the gospel is as effective today as it ever was, and teenagers are open to its message.

6 Things That Happen When a Youth Group Focuses on Evangelism
Every youth pastor wants to see their students on fire for Jesus. But what’s the best way to help them get there? Youth ministry tradition says a weekly game, 20-minute sermon, and the occasional special event can do the trick. But tradition is losing its impact on today’s teens who need and want more. Instead, let’s look at 6 things that happen when you switch gears and start to focus on relational evangelism.

They Will Listen: Evangelistic Confidence in a Cynical Age
When it comes to personal evangelism, many Christians might say, “I’m not at all cynical, I’m only experienced.” They’ve tried, and it just doesn’t seem to go anywhere. Again and again, they’ve sought to build relationships and share the gospel with others, only to bump up against apathy or antagonism. Soon, sharing their faith begins to seem like a waste of time.

Bishops Issue Pastoral Letter about Trump’s Rhetoric
Writing as “teachers of the faith” and “shepherds of the souls of our parishioners,” 13 Southern and Southwestern bishops from Province VII issued the following pastoral letter on January 9, about the racial rhetoric of presidential candidate, Donald Trump.... 

Is God the partner of racists?
"I am having trouble understanding, or making sense of, what I am hearing and seeing in this country," writes Susan Smith. "So many white people — and plenty of non-whites as well — are fully committed to the former president. Nothing he has said or done has moved them; the efforts to hold him accountable for his crimes have instead driven more people to support him."

Trump keeps wooing evangelical voters through grievance and promises of protection
“He’s the only savior I can see,” one woman told a reporter as she explained her plans to vote for Donald Trump for the third time this fall. “I believe Trump is appointed by God — appointed-slash-anointed, however you want to say it,” explained another woman. “He’s the only one that’s speaking the truth.”

Wednesday's Catch: 'How to Recognize Real Revival' And More

How to Recognize Real Revival

What is revival? And how do you know if what you’re experiencing is real revival or if it’s simply emotionalism?

Generation Alpha Comes into Focus
... a few things are beginning to come into focus about understanding and reaching them. Axios brought many of those things together in a recent article about the only generation born fully in the 21st century. Here’s a precis....

7 Key Steps of Recruiting, Training and Retaining Church Volunteers
Anthoy Coppedge describes 7 key steps for recruiting, training and retaining church volunteers.

How to Recruit Volunteers in Your Church All Year Long (Without Really Recruiting)
Here are five ways you can recruit volunteers all year long.

Church Volunteers Are Only The Beginning: Coaching Your Team Makes All The Difference
Church members bring the gifts but you must train them on how to best utilize their talents and gifts to support your IT infrastructure. This is the key to ensuring a stable, secure, and scalable environment capable of supporting the growth of your organization. The following steps will help you build that foundation and have a strong technical volunteer group.

Discerning in Doctrine But Not Discerning in Character
Sometimes the people who most value discernment in doctrine are the people most prone to neglect discernment in character. They can display a kind of credulity that makes them especially susceptible to listening to and believing untrustworthy sources. Ironically, their emphasis on discernment leaves them vulnerable to lies.

Why Pastors Struggle to Ask for Help (And How to Get Past It)
Why do so many pastors struggle to ask for help?

Three Reasons the Old Testament is More Important than You Think
Here are three reasons why the OT might actually matter a lot more than we think.

Truths the devil uses to stop us from praying
The forces of hell will do anything to keep us from praying.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry subject of clergy misconduct complaint over handling of allegations
The complaint is regarding Curry’s response to abuse allegations against Bishop Prince Singh, the former bishop of the Dioceses of Eastern and Western Michigan.

A dangerous undercurrent is pulling Americans toward the political extreme. The media is turning a blind eye to it
There is a dangerous undercurrent dragging Americans who wade into the political waters out toward the extreme. But much of the national press, basking ashore on the sun-soaked beach, refuses to acknowledge it in a serious manner.

This undercurrent is not only a serious threat to democracy and the rule of law in this country but also it will greatly harm the cause of the gospel in the United States.

Tuesday's Catch: 'What Does the Bible Say About Domestic Abuse?' And More

What Does the Bible Say About Domestic Abuse?

What exactly is domestic abuse and who encounters it?

Governors of 15 states opt out of summer food program for children
Governors of 15 U.S. states are putting politics ahead of the needs of hungry children by opting out of a new federal food assistance program that launches this year, critics say. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced the remaining 35 states, four Native American tribes and all five U.S. territories have signed up for the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program, which will provide low-income families $40 a month for each child.

Is my church a cult (or cultish)? 500 words
Clint Archer identifies 5 characteristics of cultic groups.

Creating the Habit of Inviting in Your Church
One of the most powerful things that happens in the life of a believer or church-goer is when they invite someone to church, that person actually comes, and they have their life changed. You know personal invitations are powerful. And chances are, you've preached or passionately pleaded with your people to invite others to church. So why don't you hear these types of stories more often?

4 Clues for Inviting Others to Church Effectively
Lewis Center Director Doug Powe says many people just don’t like inviting other people to church, in part because faith is so personal and in part because they fear rejection. He provides four clues for inviting in a way that is genuine, specific, honest, and expectant.

Also see: An Opportunity for an Invitation; Evangelism Today Requires New Wineskins; and Time to Invite

Jesus Christ is under attack In a recent editorial for Baptist Press, professors Malcolm Yarnell and Steve McKinion presented a candid assessment of the theological landscape within their midst: “We believe the greatest challenge facing Southern Baptists today comes not from confusion over church offices but from teachers who distort the entire and equal divinity of Jesus Christ.”

VOICES: 10 guidelines to repair relationships
In a world increasingly characterized by what Jesus described at the end of the age, people “offended, betraying and hating” (Matt.24:10), how we need to pay particular attention to doing good by nurturing healthy relationships and repairing broken ones.

Don’t Underestimate Generational Changes—and the Need for Cultural Apologetics
The root of our generational and cultural divide is the belief that the universe is a blank canvas on which to paint our own meanings and craft our own identities.

Monday's Catch: 'The Most Surprising Issue about Church Facilities' And More

The Most Surprising Issue about Church Facilities

...what is the one surprising issue about church facilities?

Why You Should Understand ‘New Religious Movements’
We can shape our explanation of the gospel in helpful ways if we understand who we’re talking to and what they believe.

Life Without Romans 8:28
Without Romans 8:28 we would not have confidence that our experiences in this world “work … for good.”

3 Reasons Some Churches Struggle to Empower Younger Leaders
In churches that struggle to empower younger leaders, these three cultural realities exist....

Why ‘Forgiveness Is a Gift You Give Yourself’ Is a Dangerous Myth
Here are six myths that are threatening our understanding and practice of biblical forgiveness.

What Do Mormons Believe About Humanity?
According to Mormonism, one man saw God and noted his physical form in a vision.

Mormonism shows how easy it is for a false prophet to lead people into error. As well as warning his disciples about false prophets, Jesus also warned them about false messiahs. They too can lead many astray.

ACNA College of Bishops Consents to the Eection of New Bishops
During this week of January 8 through January 12, 2024, the College of Bishops of the Anglican Church in North America is gathered for its regular winter meeting. Of significant note on the agenda is to interview and vote on whether to consent to the election of six new bishops.

In Iowa and beyond, evangelical Christian voters follow their party more than their faith
An evangelical kingmaker in Iowa warned that Donald Trump's campaign is doomed and is backing Ron DeSantis in the upcoming caucuses. Still, Trump seems poised for an easy win in Iowa and beyond.

Reactionary Christians are pushing the country toward authoritarianism — and a Trump 2024 win, ethics professor warns
As we head into one of the most significant election years the nation has faced in recent history, David Gushee, a Baptist pastor and professor of Christian ethics at Mercer University, warns that democracy itself is facing a grave threat from an unlikely source: his fellow Christians.

‘A failure of imagination would be fatal to democracy’
There can be no free speech in a mob. Free speech is one thing a mob can’t stand.

Sundays at All Hallows (Sunday, January 14, 2024) Is Now Online

 

Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.

This Sunday is the second Sunday of the season of Epiphany, also known as Epiphanytide. The season of Epiphany may include anywhere from four to nine Sundays, depending upon the date of Easter. It begins on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 7, and concludes on Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.

Readings: 1 Samuel 3:1–20; John 1:43–51

Message: Called by God

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2024/01/sundays-at-all-hallows-sunday-january.html

Please feel free to share this link with anyone who may be interested.

If you are new to Sundays at All Hallows, you may find these directions helpful:

-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.

May Sundays at All Hallows be a blessing to you.

Saturday Lagniappe: 'How We Make the Message Relatable" And More

How We Make the Message Relatable

As Christians work to identify issues of concern in communities—either our own or those elsewhere—a posture of respect becomes critical. Ultimately, it’s not about forcing others into agreement or “winning” a debate. It’s about sharing the message of hope that we have and trusting God to change hearts and minds.

Notes on Staying Sane in an Election Year
"As we prepare then for another election year, a year in which this election will, doubtless, be referred to frequently and with no memory of prior elections as 'the most important in our lifetimes,'" writes Jake Meador, "I offer some notes in hopes that they can help our churches, at least, to resist the greatest excesses of stupidity this year and perhaps even to model a still better way to our neighbors."

‘Border control cannot be achieved at the border alone,’ study shows, calling for partnership and reform
Simply beefing up the ranks of U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, building walls or installing razor wire along the Rio Grande will not adequately address the challenge.

The 'gender revolution,' seven years later
Seven years ago this month, National Geographic published an issue that they now refer to as "historic." With a cover featuring a young boy with long pink hair and pink leggings, they announced a "Gender Revolution."

Will following my heart set me free?
...our culture loves to tell: that success in the world means presenting your truest self, pushing off what society tells you to be, to be you. It’s almost like that’s the meaning of life. You are free to be yourself.

Is being rich bad for your soul? Yes, but not for the reason you expect
The rich don’t just end up making themselves unhappy. They want us to be unhappy too.

Remembering a Friend and Defender of C.S. Lewis
David M. Baumann remembers the C.S. Lewis scholar and author, Kathryn Lindskoog.

3 Virtuous Traits in a Leader — That Make Us Want To Follow
Why do you follow the leaders you choose to follow? The key word in that question is “choose.” We all make a deliberate choice to follow who we follow. No one follows a leader by accident.

Are Tattoos a Sin? Explore Biblical Perspectives on Body Modification
Teens today wonder are tattoos a sin. And kids are likely to ask you, their youth minister, what the Bible says about body modification. So…how will you answer? By doing a little research and preparation beforehand, you can present well-developed thoughts on this controversial topic.

PRRI survey connects where people worship to their views on climate change
Religious perspectives play a major role in determining how Americans view climate change, according to a survey conducted by PRRI, the Public Religion Research Institute.

Friday's Catch: 'How America Got Mean' And More

How America Got Mean

David Brooks wrote an important article for the Atlantic that was simply titled, “How America Got Mean.” His conclusion was both insightful and deeply disturbing.

10 Trends Impacting the Church in 2024
As church leaders plan for 2024, they should keep these statistics and trends in mind for their congregation.

Love the Ones Who Drive You Crazy
An election year is upon us and with it all the debate, suspicion, and rancor that is sure to accompany the culmination of another four-year cycle.

How Do We Communicate Our Church’s Doctrinal Beliefs to Guests?
Should churches make clear their doctrinal beliefs to guests? Thom examines some of the issues.

How Do We Communicate Our Church’s Doctrinal Beliefs to Church Members?
It is becoming increasingly obvious that many church members, including a number of church leaders, do not know (or even adhere to) a church’s doctrinal position. Thom looks at this issue that has become increasingly challenging.

A Worthy Successor in English Hymnals
"The much-delayed publication of The Revised English Hymnal (intended for publication in 2018) is another milestone in the history of English hymnody," writes reviewer Stephen Platten.

18 Ways To Ruin Your Reputation on Facebook
Facebook is a great way for you to build and maintain relationships with people both inside your church and in your community. But Facebook is not without its risks. Every time you post something, you risk hurting, offending or distancing yourself from people. You risk ruining your reputation on Facebook.

Outreach Strategy for Advertising: 10 Helps
Here are ten guiding principles for outreach strategy, adapted from a manual co-authored with Eric Ramsey, to consider as you get started.

Thursday's Catch: 'Building A Great Usher Team' And More

Building A Great Usher Team
Your ushers can make or break your worship service.The difference between a grumpy, distracted, and untrained usher compared to a cheerful, engaged, and “serve you with a smile” usher is huge!

C.S. Lewis, the Culture War, and Critical Reading
Don’t just read Lewis’ quotes. Read Lewis’ letters, essays, and books. Instead of mining for gotcha quotes to use on ideological opponents, dig into his works to discover treasures that can shape your thinking.

The absolute worst kind of Christian faith
If being passionate about Jesus Christ means to care most deeply for the Lord, to focus on Him completely, to be willing to devote great amounts of time and energy to pleasing Him, then what would passionless Christianity look like?

Name Your Youth Ministry: Why You Need to Go Beyond Branding
Yes, you can come up with a million names for your teen program. But if you don’t communicate the names correctly, no one will care. Although you should take time to create an effective and catchy youth ministry name, you need to do more than that. The more involves 5 considerations.

What if I’m Not Ready to Be Healed?
Healing comes with a heavy cost.We can release our grip on resentment and rebellion, receive help, and experience renewal in every part of our lives. But....

Multiplication Mindset
What can we learn from the life of Christ about disciple making for church multiplication? What are the transferable concepts for today’s church leaders who are planting churches? How can we intentionally disciple others as we move toward a multiplication mindset?