Can someone commit apostasy? It’s an important question facing the church in light of our entry into a post-Christian world, one where increasing numbers are claiming to have once been Christians and now claim to be “nothing.” This rise of the nones raises not only cultural questions, but also theological ones. How should we view a newly minted “none”?
Getting Your Church Recession Ready Without Killing Your Ministry
Here is the bottom line: There is a 50/50 chance you need to budget for a recession in 2025...Since 1950, the United States has experienced a recession approximately every 6.5 years on average. These recessions have varied in duration, lasting anywhere from two to 18 months, with the average recession lasting around ten months.
Among the factors which might contribute to a recession are the economic proposals of one of the candidates in the 2024 presidential election. They would only benefit the wealthy if enacted into law while significantly increasing the cost of living for Americans in the middle or lower economic bracket, according to economists, and could have serious disruptive effects on the economy.Everything Communicates
In a recent staff meeting, we went over a simple but profound idea. It’s not a new one, but it is one that needs constant re-emphasizing. “Everything communicates.”
We do not always appreciate this truth.The Man Who Made Global Methodism Possible
Keith Boyette prepares for retirement as the denomination gathers formally for the first time.
‘Who is my neighbor?’
"What I am most interested in around this rhetorical dustup about immigrants has to do with Christian responses to it," writes Greg Garrett. "Reliable news media have fact-checked this story into oblivion, since even Republican officials in Springfield and in Ohio are saying it isn’t reality. But what I’m observing on social media is an amazing — if alarming — debate between varieties of Christians about how Christians should or should not respond to this story."
The Bible is not silent on the treatment of foreigners: “You must not mistreat or oppress foreigners in any way. Remember, you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt." Exodus 22:21 “You must not oppress foreigners. You know what it’s like to be a foreigner, for you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt." Exodus 23: 9 “Do not take advantage of foreigners who live among you in your land. Treat them like native-born Israelites, and love them as you love yourself. Remember that you were once foreigners living in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God." Leviticus 19:33-34 "Native-born Israelites and foreigners are equal before the Lord and are subject to the same decrees. This is a permanent law for you, to be observed from generation to generation. The same instructions and regulations will apply both to you and to the foreigners living among you.” Numbers 15:15-16 "“Be careful to obey all these commands I am giving you. Show love to the Lord your God by walking in his ways and holding tightly to him." Deuteronomy 11:22 "Be merciful just as your Father is merciful." Luke 6: 362 Realities That Often Stifle Conviction for Developing Leaders
Until one holds a deep conviction to develop younger or emerging leaders, leadership development will not happen. Conviction is necessary. How do you know if you have a conviction?
7 Ways to Earn and Keep Trust
People follow leaders they trust. So, building and maintaining trust is critical to good leadership. Thankfully, there are ways to earn and keep trust as a leader.
The Trinity Is Not a Team
The word communion might bring to mind the Lord’s Supper that Jesus instituted before his death and has been practiced by Christians ever since (Luke 22:7–23; 1 Cor. 11:17–34). For now we will discuss the idea of communion more generally. Here is a simple working definition for communion in Christian theology: the sharing of fellowship among God and his people.
Why We Need to Start Preaching and Teaching the Basics of Christianity
In 2016, Lifeway Research revealed a study which indicated that the ignorance of American Christians has grown to the point that the majority could actually be considered heretics.
Seminaries prompt students to ask: Can AI write a sermon?
From divinity school hallways to organized seminars to governing bodies, professors of the art of preaching are considering about what AI means their students.
10 Personal Discoveries I Made While Preaching
Ben Reed discovered that sometimes the very first person to be helped by the sermon is the preacher himself.
The Next Worship Leaders
People gather in homes, churches and pubs saying “Where, when can I go and meet with God?” The “worship leader” of every age says “What about here, what about now?” and lights the candles of music, visual art, design, architecture, sacramental actions and other languages of worship for the gathered community of faith.
How to Increase Biblical Literacy in Your Church
You must create a strategic plan of study and discipleship for your church that promotes spiritual growth and biblical literacy.
While Christians need more than a passing acquaintance with the Bible, they also need to know how to interpret and apply what it teaches, to avoid the common mistakes in interpretation and application, and to use commentaries and other Bible study tools. Reading and studying the Bible is not just about being well-informed but mor importantly it is about being transformed.24 Smart Ways to Get Kids With Different Learning Styles Into the Bible
Use these 24 smart Bible study idea designed to help kids get into the Bible—made exactly for them.
The Five Marks of Spiritual Maturity
One of God’s five purposes for your church is to help your congregation grow in spiritual maturity. But there’s a lot of confusion about what Christian maturity looks like. As you’re making disciples, it’s important that you are clear about what it means to grow more like Jesus.
Exposed to Hope: The Evangelism of Welcome
“Are you a Christian?” Kathy asked me in the school cafeteria, feet swinging under the cold benches. What was a Christian? I wondered. “I don’t know,” I mumbled around my sandwich. “Well, have you asked Jesus into your heart?” she demanded. I didn’t have the faintest idea what she meant. Who was Jesus? And how do you ask him, or anyone, into your heart? It sounded like a foreign language to my ten-year-old ears. And it was. She had been encouraged to evangelize, and she did her job well. The problem was that her methods didn’t match my needs.
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