Monday, May 12, 2025

Monday's Catch: 'When Christ Is En Vogue, Christians Beware' And More


When Christ Is En Vogue, Christians Beware
Recently there have been a few surprising endorsements for Christianity. American Idol had an entire night dedicated to Christian music. Silicon Valley, which has been notoriously atheistic, is now embracing Christianity at the highest levels. Even the United States Government has come to openly embrace Christianity again. In some sense, I am glad to see these things. I want to have the perspective of Paul, that “whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice” (Phil 1:18). But with this widespread cultural acceptance comes a level of danger. I want to give three warnings about the dangers of Christian popularity.

US has highest belief in personal relevance of Scripture among 'Secular West' countries: report
The United States has a significantly more favorable view of the Bible and Christianity than other countries that comprise the notoriously secular parts of the world, according to a new report. The American Bible Society has released the second chapter of its State of the Bible: USA 2025 report. The information in the chapter, titled “The Bible Around the World,” is based on responses collected from 91,000 people in 85 countries as part of the Patmos World Attitudes Bible Survey. The survey was a collaborative effort between the American Bible Society and British and Foreign Bible Society.

Episcopal dioceses to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and some Episcopal dioceses are celebrating the contributions of people of Asian descent in The Episcopal Church and throughout the United States. “The Episcopal Church should celebrate the fact that Asian congregations and members have been around for a long time in The Episcopal Church, and they have contributed to the church,” New York Bishop Suffragan Allen K. Shin, who was born in Seoul, South Korea, grew up in Daegu and immigrated to the United States in 1972, told Episcopal News Service.

9 Reasons To Embrace The Term “Small Church”
Being small is not a problem, so calling us small churches isn't a problem either.

Eight Unforced Errors Churches Make
An “unforced error” is a term borrowed from sports, especially tennis, meaning a mistake made due to one’s own lapse rather than being forced by an opponent. In everyday language, it refers to an avoidable mistake or misstep, typically resulting from a lack of attention or care rather than external pressure. Church leaders make unforced errors. In fact, they are far more common than they need to be. Though a list of eight is far from exhaustive, it will give you an idea how we could improve our churches with just minimal effort and cost.

9 Challenges Every Church Planter Faces (And How to Overcome Them)
Starting a new church is an exciting and faith-filled endeavor, but it also comes with a unique set of trials. Church planters often enter the process full of vision and passion, only to discover that the journey is filled with unexpected obstacles. While every church plant is different, there are some common hurdles that many planters encounter. Recognizing the challenges of church planting and preparing to address them is key to planting a thriving, sustainable church.

Breaking The Cycle Of Small-Church Pastor Loneliness
Too many pastors are doing most of their ministry alone. Especially in smaller churches. But there is hope.

Bible Study Groups Offer Pastors a Path From Loneliness to Community
Through the power of community and the Word of God, pastors don’t have to suffer through loneliness in ministry.

8 Reasons Why Worship Is More Than Just Music
Worship is often equated with music, especially in modern church settings where singing and playing instruments form a large part of the service. While music is a powerful and beautiful expression of adoration, the biblical concept of worship is far more expansive. True worship encompasses every part of a believer’s life and is vital to the spiritual health of a church community. Let’s explore the importance of worship in church, the eight reasons why worship is more than just music and why understanding the importance of worship in church is essential.

The Doctrine of Prayer
Prayer is the act of asking God to do what he has already promised to do, which is modeled throughout the Bible by the patriarchs, the psalmists, the prophets, Jesus, and the apostles.

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