When Gen Xers and Millennials were children, many churches shunned trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. Families were told Halloween events were evil and to be avoided. Around the same time, some churches started offering alternative events for neighborhood families. Today, churches have become the place to be on Halloween in many communities. Thom and Sam examine what happened and reminisce about their childhood.
All Ages Welcome
Many churches consist of one primary generation, and that’s not the healthiest church. At the same time, though, growing an intentionally multi-generational church is not easy. Take a look at these reasons to be a multi-generational congregation, and then be aware of why it’s hard to get there.
I live in North Carolina and see FEMA’s presence every day
"To suggest that FEMA or the government response from the federal level has been missing, absent or inadequate is a flat-out fabrication. Many who are sharing these posts, videos or ideas without vetting their facts first are engaging in a full-fledged misinformation campaign aimed at attacking the public servants and their superiors who are doing all in their power to support those in need."
Having experienced Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath, I regard it is the height of irresponsibility to spread the kind of misinformation these individuals are sharing.Supreme Court rejects Colo. church’s challenge to state lockdown measures
While state and local governments, churches, and other private organizations play a part in disaster relief and recovery, they cannot carry its full burden. Donald Trump's proposal to dismantle FEMA if he is elected, is totally wrong-headed and shows no understanding of the seriousness of natural disasters and the difficulties involved in responding to their effects or concern for the people affected.
Whatever the cause, the shift in weather patterns due to the planet's changing climate is expected to result in more hurricanes. severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, microbursts, flooding, mud slides, drought, wild fires, and other natural disasters. No state is going to be able to cope with a series of natural disasters on its own, especially when these disasters may do serious damage to its infrastructure.
Trump's own record of dealing with natural disasters is abysmal, denying the severity of the COVID-19 epidemic and withholding aid to California and Puerto Rico on political grounds.
The United States Supreme Court has rejected a request from a Colorado church that wanted to be protected from future pandemic-related restrictions on its worship gatherings.
The Church at Election Time
"...I believe pastors must be careful how they lead their churches in our politically polarized culture. I know there are good brothers and sisters who may disagree with these principles and their practical implications. But at the very least, pastors must disciple their leaders and their congregations in thinking through these matters wisely and theologically."
You understand the importance of recruiting help in ministry. And the way you ask for volunteers can make or break the church’s enthusiasm.
Why Do People Deconstruct? Beware the Grand Theories.
In recent weeks, there’s been considerable conversation about the reasons why people drop out of church or walk away from their Christian convictions. Let’s consider three theories often thrown around.
The Digital Revolution is More Significant Than You Think
If you’re a church, ministry, or nonprofit leader, it’s time to pay attention....
"What are the lies small group pastors believe? I know. You may think you're above this kind of behavior. But I have to tell you...I've fallen for a couple of these myself. Have you?"
Media Saturation and Its Impact on Teens: Don’t Throw in the Towel
Media saturation and its impact on teens is an important topic. Yet many youth leaders and parents have thrown in the towel. How can we help teens avoid negative impacts of media saturation? Read insights from a ministry veteran.
Has Your Church Forgotte about Children's Ministry?
"I was at a church a few years ago that had no children. No babies. No toddlers. No preschoolers. No elementary children. No teenagers. As I looked around, it became very clear that this church was dying a slow death. Zoom forward a few years and you will see a church that is permanently closed. If you ask me what happened, I would respond by saying, "They were not intentional about passing on the faith to the next generation."
Why I want to run from children’s ministry but am still called to serve
Sarah Boberg explains why she wants to run away from children's ministry and why she has been unable to do so.
Go D.E.E.P.E.R. in Discipleship
As a church leader, I have often grappled with the challenge of equipping people to be more than just passive recipients of information. In today’s rapidly changing culture, it is imperative that we develop and mobilize leaders who can effectively lead and make disciples in diverse and dynamic environments. Over the years, I have found that the D.E.E.P.E.R. framework—Demonstrate, Experience, Explain, Practice, Expose, Reflect—provides a holistic and effective strategy for equipping disciple-makers and developing leaders.
Also See: 2024 election checklist: Five ways Catholic parishes can keep politics out of church7 Things Not to Say When Asking for Ministry Volunteers
You understand the importance of recruiting help in ministry. And the way you ask for volunteers can make or break the church’s enthusiasm.
Why Do People Deconstruct? Beware the Grand Theories.
In recent weeks, there’s been considerable conversation about the reasons why people drop out of church or walk away from their Christian convictions. Let’s consider three theories often thrown around.
The Digital Revolution is More Significant Than You Think
If you’re a church, ministry, or nonprofit leader, it’s time to pay attention....
See Also: Harnessing the Power of Technology5 Lies Small Group Pastors Believe
"What are the lies small group pastors believe? I know. You may think you're above this kind of behavior. But I have to tell you...I've fallen for a couple of these myself. Have you?"
Media Saturation and Its Impact on Teens: Don’t Throw in the Towel
Media saturation and its impact on teens is an important topic. Yet many youth leaders and parents have thrown in the towel. How can we help teens avoid negative impacts of media saturation? Read insights from a ministry veteran.
Has Your Church Forgotte about Children's Ministry?
"I was at a church a few years ago that had no children. No babies. No toddlers. No preschoolers. No elementary children. No teenagers. As I looked around, it became very clear that this church was dying a slow death. Zoom forward a few years and you will see a church that is permanently closed. If you ask me what happened, I would respond by saying, "They were not intentional about passing on the faith to the next generation."
Why I want to run from children’s ministry but am still called to serve
Sarah Boberg explains why she wants to run away from children's ministry and why she has been unable to do so.
Go D.E.E.P.E.R. in Discipleship
As a church leader, I have often grappled with the challenge of equipping people to be more than just passive recipients of information. In today’s rapidly changing culture, it is imperative that we develop and mobilize leaders who can effectively lead and make disciples in diverse and dynamic environments. Over the years, I have found that the D.E.E.P.E.R. framework—Demonstrate, Experience, Explain, Practice, Expose, Reflect—provides a holistic and effective strategy for equipping disciple-makers and developing leaders.
No comments:
Post a Comment