Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.
This Sunday is the last Sunday of August, the eleventh Sunday after Trinity. Already the new school year has been marred by tragedy. Two children were killed and eighteen others injured, three adult parishioners who were in their 80s and 15 children, in a church shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Wednesday. Those killed and injured were attending Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church. The children were students of Annunciation Catholic School. Let us remember the victims and their families in our prayers.
Acts of violence like this one not only affect those who were present when the shooting occurred, those whose children were killed, and those who were injured and their families and loved ones, but they also can traumatize children who hear about what happened. How the adults around them react to what happened and what they say can add to their trauma. They can unintentionally make an already stressful situation more stressful.
In this Sunday’s message we take a look at a quality of character about which Jesus not only taught but which he himself also exhibited—humility.
Readings: Proverbs 25:6-7, Hebrews 13:1-8; Luke 14: 1, 7-14
Message: On Humility
Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2025/08/sundays-at-all-hallows-august-31-2025.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:
-It is recommended that after reading or hearing each lesson to take time to reflect on what you read or heard during the period of silence which follows each lesson. It is also recommended that you do the same thing after reading or hearing the message.
-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.
Lightning Storms and Leadership with Moravians
Before there were Protestants, there were Moravians.
In 1415, a Roman Catholic priest named Jan Hus was burned at the stake in Prague for promoting a vernacular liturgy, clergy marriage, and the elimination of indulgences. If he had been born just a few decades later, he might have found a friend in Martin Luther. But instead we know him as the forerunner of a pre-Protestant reforming movement that became the Moravian Church.
Moravians have a unique and robust culture, a fascinating history, and were some of the first and strongest voices for Christian unity, before the ecumenical movement even began.
John Hus was influenced by the writings of John Wycliffe, a fourteenth century English cleric, philosopher, reformer, and theologian, the "Morning Star of the Reformation."
Moravian Liturgies
On this page is a list of liturgies from the Moravian Book of Worship and other sources.
Also See: Moravian Resources
A Patron Saint for Christian Unity?
We in the Christian West sometimes speak of the “age of the undivided Church,” the time before the Great Schism divided Greek East from Latin West. But such a phrase shows a certain provincialism in our historical study. The first large and unresolved schism happened after the council of Ephesus in 431, when the Church of the East (the Assyrian Church) was separated from the Roman-Byzantine Church. Not long after, the Roman Christians were separated from the Oriental Orthodox Christians when the latter could not accept the decision of the Council of Chalcedon.
This history of the Church could, in some ways, be understood as the history of division. And yet the Holy Spirit—the spirit of the crucified Jesus—continues to work in spite of the scandalous wounds of Christ’s body.
In the Celtic Church men and women who lived singularly godly and holy lives were recognized as "saints." There was no formal canonization. They were recognized as "saints" solely upon their reputation, the esteem with which others, both Christians and pagans, held them.
Honor and emulate, not venerate, is the more accurate way of describing the attitude that Anglicans have taken toward the "saints" from the English Reformation on.
Not for Wimps: The Challenges of Pastoral Care Ministry
The blessings of pastoral care ministry far outweigh the challenges of pastoral care ministry, however, the realities below is definitely not easy. Don’t waste your time and money going to seminary or college for pastoral training if you are not prepared for the negative aspects of ministry....
Which “Higher Standard” Measures Actually Make Sense for Pastors
Pastors are often held to a “higher standard,” but not every expectation placed on them is biblical or even wise. In this episode, Josh and Sam explore which higher standards actually make sense for pastors and why. They cut through unrealistic pressures and focus on the standards that truly align with Scripture and healthy leadership.
Was the Gospel of John Originally Favored by the Heretics?
While most scholars would agree that John was the last published among the canonical four—probably sometime in the 90’s—it quickly became one of the most influential and beloved Gospels. If extant manuscripts are a reliable indication of usage, then John was certainly one of the most commonly read (and copied) with nineteen manuscripts from the second and third centuries, more than any other Gospel.
Even so, there’s an important question that still lingers: Who was the Gospel of John popular with? Put differently, who exactly were these early groups that were so favorable to John?
10 Guidelines for Praise and Worship Leadership
Here are my Top 10 guidelines for praise and worship leadership. I have been leading worship teams for 30 years, but I still go back to this list to see what I need to work on!
What Is Textual Criticism of the Bible? A Crash Course
What should we think when we find disagreement between English versions? Which translations are right? Why would translators “change” the biblical text? How can readers make good decisions about these discrepancies between versions?
These questions are important for every student of the Bible, and textual criticism contributes part of the answer. In this article, we will describe what textual criticism is and why it is necessary. We will consider the goal of textual criticism as well as the benefits and limitations of the discipline.
Youth Group Bible Study: Explore & Build Faith with Teens
Youth group Bible study is key to effective youth ministry. Games, retreats, and service projects all nurture teens at church. But opening and applying God’s Word has no substitute. Teen Bible studies also invite kids into a lifelong relationship with Christ.
So let’s look at the role of youth group Bible study. Then we’ll consider topics—both biblical and cultural—that appeal to today’s teens. Finally, check out creative Bible study prompts, complete with Scripture references and teaching points.
Characteristics of a Sunday School Teacher, the KidMin Superhero
What characteristics of a Sunday school teacher come to mind for you? Images that might pop into your head include a sweet grandmother with a flannelgraph board. Or a college student with a guitar. Maybe it’s a harried parent who got “volunteered” at the last minute.
But Sunday school teachers aren’t cut from one mold. They come in all ages, personalities, and backgrounds. Some are energetic extroverts. Others are quiet and steady. Some are creative and love crafts. Others prefer storytelling. Some are lifelong churchgoers. Others are brand-new Christians with a heart for kids.
Salt, Light and the Third Way
The early Christian church had a nickname that many Christians are unaware of. It was known as the “Third Way.” This title appeared as early as the second century. It was a reference to how some religious expressions catered to culture by co-opting and reflecting it, while others isolated themselves from it. As Gerald Sittser has written, the first would have “undermined the uniqueness of their belief system and way of life,” and the second “would have kept them safe on the margins—safe, … but irrelevant.”
The False Hope of ‘Rebrand Yourself!’ Identity Shifts
...the identity-shift method has gained traction in recent years because of how the concept of identity has been reshaped by the internet. And because Christians are very much shaped by these digital dynamics too, we can be just as tempted toward the identity-shifting mindset.
The Strengths of Smaller Healthy Churches
The majority of churches in the world are small, and many of these small churches are very healthy. This article is not about why some churches remain small while others explode in number. What I will say is that I know lots of evangelistic, dynamic, healthy, outwardly focused churches that are glorifying God, growing believers, reaching the lost—and most of these churches are not on the fast track to becoming a megachurch.
With this in mind, here are a few reflections on some of the strengths a small church exhibits.
6 ways to gain credibility in our gospel witness
The gospel message itself always has been a big ask for much of the world to accept: an unmarried virgin’s conception, Jesus’ myriad supra-science miracles, the atoning death, the bodily resurrection. It is for this very reason the Apostle Paul calls it a “stumbling block” to some, and to others, “foolishness.”
Yet, what if there are other factors besides the claims of the gospel itself that are making it hard or impossible for the unbelieving world to accept? What if, instead of disputing the credibility of the gospel, it is the credibility of the followers of the gospel that many are simply having a hard time looking past?
7 Ways Satan Brings Attacks on the Church
Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. 1 Peter 5:8 I’m not a pastor who is constantly looking for Satan behind everything that goes wrong. I concentrate my attention on Jesus and encouraging others to follow Jesus and not to focus on the defeated one. Yet, I’m fully aware that Satan loves to destroy, or attempt to destroy, a church. Obviously Satan is a limited being and God’s church is secure, but there are such things as attacks on the church. The gates of hell shall never overcome what God started, but Satan certainly loves to disrupt what God’s church is doing.
New Jersey mayor abandons effort to seize Episcopal church’s property to build a park
Toms River Mayor Daniel Rodrick on Aug. 27 unexpectedly dropped his plan to seize Christ Episcopal Church’s land for a public park.
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Minneapolis Episcopalians Respond to School Shooting
Episcopalians responded in grief and anger over a shooting at South Minneapolis’ Annunciation Church and School during a celebration of the Mass on August 27, which resulted in the death of two schoolchildren, ages 8 and 10. Another 17 people were injured, 14 of whom were children ages 6 to 15.
Also See: Bishop Urges Prayer After Minneapolis Shooting
England’s cathedrals enjoy post-pandemic revival as attendance and engagement grow
New figures from the Church of England show that cathedrals across the country are experiencing steady growth, with worship, music, and civic activities drawing in more people than in previous years.
Weekly attendance rose to nearly 32,000 in 2024, up 11 per cent from 2023.
Despite Trump’s words, most Americans believe racism is widespread
Despite the MAGA campaign to rewrite American history to deemphasize racism, a supermajority of Americans still believes racism against Black people is widespread in the United States.
The latest Gallup poll finds 64% of Americans saying racism against Black people is widespread, tying with the previous reading, in 2021, as the highest recorded in Gallup’s measurements since 2008.
Warnings escalate about Trump and RFK Jr.’s threat to public health
President Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are “threatening the lives” of the American people, according to the head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control work on immunizations who resigned this week.
“I am unable to serve in an environment that treats CDC as a tool to generate policies and materials that do not reflect scientific reality and are designed to hurt rather than to improve the public’s health,” said Demetre Daskalakis, director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
He called Trump’s CDC “a political weapon, not a scientific institution.”
Also See: Health experts warn 'highly contagious' Covid variant has unique symptom; The Risks of Trump’s Turn Against mRNA Vaccines; Opinion: The quiet collapse of America’s pandemic preparedness; Vaccine skepticism crisis spills over as students return to school
Higher Prices Are Coming for Household Staples
U.S. companies have an unwelcome message for inflation-weary consumers: Prices are going up.
Companies including Hormel Foods, J.M. Smucker and Ace Hardware said this week they would raise prices for reasons ranging from higher meat costs to tariffs. Large retailers like Walmart, Target and Best Buy said some tariff-related price increases are already in place. More are on the way.
This is not good news for US community food banks and church food pantries as well as US households. They will be faced not only with an increased demand for emergency food assistance but also greater difficulty in stocking their shelves.
Season of Creation begins Sept. 1 amid worrisome data on climate change
Episcopal congregations and individuals wanting to observe the Season of Creation can make use of some new resources this year, even as data shows the increasingly devastating effects of climate change.
The Season of Creation is a worldwide ecumenical Christian observance that begins with the Day of Prayer for Creation on Sept. 1 and ends with the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology, on Oct. 4. This year’s theme is “peace with creation,” with a dove carrying an olive branch bringing life to the garden of peace as the symbol.
Welcome to Thursday Evenings at All Hallows.
As the day draws to a close, it is a good time to pause from the business of our lives and to seek God in prayer.
In this evening’s message we reflect upon the advice that the author of Proverbs gives us in Proverbs 3:5-7.
Reading: Proverbs 3: 1-26
Message: Oh for Grace
Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2025/08/thursday-evenings-at-all-hallows-august_28.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:
-It is recommended that after reading or hearing a lesson to take time to reflect on what you read or heard during the period of silence which follows the lesson. It is also recommended that you do the same thing after reading or hearing the message.
-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.
From the Council of Nicaea to the Feast of Creation
While Christians worldwide grapple with devastating hurricanes, wildfires, and floods that seem to arrive with increasing frequency, an unexpected theological anniversary offers profound wisdom for our environmental crisis. This year marks 1700 years since the Council of Nicaea gathered in 325 CE—and its ancient affirmation of Trinitarian doctrine provides the essential theological foundation for a new liturgical movement taking shape across global Christianity.
The 1700th anniversary of Nicaea provides more than historical context for creation care—it offers the Trinitarian theology that makes the emerging Feast of Creation not merely environmental activism, but authentic Christian worship of the creating and sustaining God.
Declaration of friendship between Scottish Episcopal and Catholic churches to be signed
The signing of the Saint Ninian Declaration between the Scottish Episcopal Church and the Catholic Church in Scotland will take place in Edinburgh on Sept. 16 – the Feast of St. Ninian.
The declaration supports a deepening relationship between Episcopalians and Roman Catholics in Scotland, allowing both to work more closely together while acknowledging that there are distinct differences between the two churches.
Active Clubs are white supremacy’s new, dangerous frontier
A growing international network of fitness-focused clubs for men is the newest iteration of the white supremacy movement.
10 Things the Only Woman in the Room Wants You to Understand
Women in church leadership often find themselves as the lone woman at a conference table. Here are a few things that woman wants men to know.
Stop Ignoring the Dark Side of Productivity: 9 Warning Signs
You’re productive. But is it toxic?
In this video, I unpack 9 subtle warning signs your productivity is doing more harm than good—hurting your health, your leadership, and your relationships.
If you’re overwhelmed, this is your warning—and your invitation to find a better way.
The sin of sloth takes a deadly turn
One of the seven deadly sins of Western Christianity is the sin of sloth. It often is characterized as “laziness,” which some aim at certain racial or economic groups using terms like “lazy” or “shiftless” to characterize their character. In other words, the “undeserving” poor. Now that’s a sin!
But the original meaning of the sin was called by the name acedia, literally “no-caring.”
Why is Jesus the only way?
Many young people today are searching for meaning. You don’t have to look far to see it. A recent YouGov survey revealed that among 18–24-year-olds, 37% express belief in a God.
This shows a spiritual openness, but also a tension. While many are curious about Jesus and willing to hear the gospel, they often see Him as just one option among many possible and equal pathways to God.
And so, the honest, pressing question arises: Why only Jesus?
Pastors should preach less
Let’s just start with what I hope is obvious: preaching is really important. The Word of God is the lifeblood of the local church. It is the means by which we come to know and love our God and saviour, Jesus Christ. It is the means by which we come to understand what he wants for us and from us. It is the means of growth for God’s people. So, before we go any further, I am not arguing for less preaching here or less Word-ministry. This is not any sort of denigration of preaching.
However, I do think pastors should preach less. Let me explain what I mean. I think there are three primary reasons why pastors should preach less: (1) legacy; (2) sustainability; (3) pastoral necessity. Let me briefly explain each one.
What Does Davidic Worship Teach Us About Modern Worship?
Have you ever reflected on what Davidic worship means for us as modern worship leaders and worshippers? The story of King David dancing in 2 Samuel 6, when the ark of the covenant is brought into Jerusalem, offers a vivid glimpse of a heart fully surrendered in worship. David’s joy overflows into passionate celebration. Davidic worship provides us with valuable lessons on worship.
Things I Didn’t Know the First Time I Ever Attended Church
I suspect some of these memories may seem hard to believe to folks raised in church, but below are some things I just didn’t know when I went to church for the first time....
Simple Yet Stellar
When people hear the term “church planting,” their minds typically jump to images of expensive facilities, a professional launch team and a large budget. Phrases like “find the right guy” or “we need a building” are often thrown around, creating an intimidating picture of what it should look like. This traditional view makes church planting feel unattainable.
But what if it didn’t have to be that way? What if it could be simpler, more organic, and not bound by the weight of financial constraints? This is the quiet revolution we’re seeing unfold in the microchurch movement.
10 Ways to Make a Big Impact on a Small Church Budget
The next time an outreach opportunity comes your church’s way, instead of automatically passing it up because “it’s not in the budget,” check out these proven ideas churches are using to juggle their resources.
What Type of Churches Attract Catholics? America, Australia and Beyond
Ten years ago after, returning from a trip to the USA, I wrote an article looking at the characteristics of a few prominent churches that attract a high proportion of Roman Catholics. These conclusions were based on my personal observations and anecdotes; the phenomenon of growing churches reaching a significant number of people from a Roman Catholic background warrants further consideration and study.
The Coming Church Split (It's Not What You Think)
Is there a split in the future church ahead?
Unfortunately, I think the answer is yes
Trump supporters are wired differently, researchers report
There are social and psychological reasons supporters of President Donald Trump show less empathy toward the minorities and enemies he targets, according to new research.
Also See: Malevolent vs. benevolent dispositions and conservative political ideology in the Trump era;
No Wonder Trump Supporters Think Empathy is "Toxic"
Is Christianity Failing Its Own Moral Standards? Does character even matter anymore for Christians? If you look at the moral failure happening among pastors and the current culture politically, you'd think not. But the truth is your character matters far more than you think, and it's what the next generation is looking for.
In this episode, I explore the critical role of character in leadership, especially within Christian ministry. I debunk three dangerous myths about character and competence, emphasizing that character is essential for effective leadership.
Plus, I share personal insights and stresses that character impacts relationships, legacy, and overall leadership effectiveness.
Africa Statement on the Prosperity Gopel and Word of Faith Theology
"A cursory glance at local churches on the African continent reveals that this teaching has crept into many congregations and become their functional doctrine. Even churches that boast very solid statements of faith have become infiltrated by this health-and-wealth doctrine so as to undermine their very own stated beliefs. It is becoming harder and harder to trust that just because a congregation bears the name ‘Presbyterian’ that it will adhere to the doctrines set forth in the Westminster Confession. Just because a congregation bears the name ‘Anglican’ does not mean it adheres to the Thirty-Nine Articles. Just because a congregation bears the name ‘Baptist’ does not mean that it conforms to statements such as the 1689 London Baptist Confession, the New Hampshire Confession, or others like it...."
By ‘focusing on the family,’ James Dobson helped propel US evangelicals back into politics – making the Religious Right into the cultural force it is today
For Americans who do not follow evangelical Christian media, James Dobson may not have been a household name. Yet the views he promoted shaped US society for more than 50 years.
'Pilgrimage is having a moment,' says church leader as new routes launch
Britain’s ancient tradition of pilgrimage is being rediscovered, with new walking and cycling routes opening this summer and a national event set to bring thousands together in September.
Most Countries Have a Christian Majority
Though the number dropped recently, Christians were a majority in 60% of all countries and territories in 2020.
Right questions for building an operating budget
Many pastors and other church leaders are tempted to think of budget preparation for the new year as a burden. Instead, this crucial task is an opportunity to remember the spiritual foundation that undergirds your budget. This approach helps to keep God’s calling for your church at the forefront. Wise pastors use this time to engage church leaders in pivotal conversations about mission, values, and especially the next faithful step God has for your church.
There’s a Place for Everyone to Serve in the Church
There’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to where people serve in the local church. But everyone is called to steward their giftings.
What is your church doing to help church attendees to get plugged into serving? What else could it do?
How Your Building Shapes Your Ministry: The Baptist T – When Building Design Limits Ministry - Part 1
Sam is joined by Todd Brown and Isaac Brown of Brown Church Development Group, who are “The Church Facility Experts.” The design of your church might be shaping your culture more than you think. Building styles reflect ministry priorities–but if the building doesn’t adapt, those priorities can become limitations. In this first episode, they explore the ‘Baptist T’ (a common church layout from the 1960s to 1980s) and how it was built for a ministry model that no longer fits.
Also See: How Your Building Shapes Your Ministry: Five Ways the Baptist T Still Shapes (Limits) Your Ministry - Part 2
Anglican congregations in the United States are particularly prone to place form before function in the designing and construction of new buildings, resulting in buildings that cost more than they need to cost and which are essentially a monument to the 19th century Cambridge-Camden movement's obsession with medieval Gothic architecture and the medieval Gothic church, rather than a tool for mission in the 21st century.
Don’t Waste Your Church Gym
Your church gym is perhaps one of the best locations for ministry. Don’t miss the opportunity to utilize it for community and gospel seeds.
VOICES: 10 wrong views about the Church
In today’s hyper-individualistic and consumer-driven culture, many believers hold views about the Church that are shaped more by modern convenience than by biblical truth. These misconceptions are not just theoretical; they influence how Christians live, serve, relate, and grow in Christ. As a result, we are witnessing a disconnection between professing believers and the body of Christ — the very Church Jesus died for and is coming back for.
To recover a biblical understanding of the Church, we must confront ten common erroneous views..
The people of God deserve better than what they are hearing in church today.
What I’ve Learned About the Power of Music
Music is the number one positioning factor in your church. No music reaches everyone, but every style of music will reach someone. The kind of music you use will greatly impact who you reach.
So will the quality of the music you use. Visitors will use it to gauge how serious your church is about worshiping God.
Why Churches Need Counter-Catechesis
Working among college students, I get a firsthand look into the trends that dominate the cultural landscape at any particular moment. Over the years, I’ve witnessed fashion fads like the “man bun,” wearing winter hats on top of your head and in no way covering your ears, skinny jeans, and jeans with a crazy number of holes. Popular songs by Taylor Swift or the latest Disney movie sung at random. Even slang that’s necessary for relational capital, like “that slaps,” “fire,” “that’s gas,” and hearing female students call one another “bruh.”
Some of trends items are innocuous, but many convey the subversive vibe that dominates our Western milieu. And it’s not just college students. We all engage in practices that shape who we are, how we think, and what we love. The world is catechizing us, whether we realize it or not.
Go Into All the World: Embracing the Mission Mandate of God’s Covenant
It is often said that the Reformed doctrines of election and God’s covenant with believers and their children discourage or even impede missions and evangelism. Though those claims are erroneous, the reality is that many Reformed circles have often inadvertently given them credibility by neglecting evangelism and maintaining a self-focused church culture that produces what C. John Miller called “the ingrown church.”
But that need not be so.
5 Principles for Building an Evangelistic Culture in Your Church
For the Great Commission to be your church’s priority, it must be a part of your church’s culture.
Louisiana diocese commemorates 20 years since Hurricane Katrina devastated, transformed Gulf Coast
Hurricane Katrina, which made landfall 20 years ago on Aug. 29, where the Louisiana-Mississippi state line meets the Gulf Coast, forever altered the communities it ravaged — both the region’s physical landscape and its collective identity.
The Diocese of Louisiana was my former diocese. I rode out Hurricane Katrina with my mother and her younger sister in Angie, Louisiana. The two elderly women refused to evacuate. While we were on the weaker side of the hurricane, the area receivd a lot of damage from the high winds and heavy rain. All the pecan trees that lined the street in front of my aunt's house were uprooted. The oak tree in her front yard split in half and one half fell on her truck. Miraculously the truck was undamaged. My older brother, however, lost his house in Katrina. It was the shortage of affordable housing in the area where the hurricane struck that caused me to relocate to Kentucky where I had eventually planned to retire. The stress and strain of hurricane recovery would shorten the life of then Bishop of Louisiana Charles Jenkins and lead to his early death. May he rest in peace.
10 Ways to Scare Off Young Adults From Your Church
We don’t mean to alienate young adults from the church, but blind spots can quietly signal, “This isn’t for you,” causing them to drift away.
Three Questions Pastors Must Ask In A Post-denominational World
Working with dozens of denominations I've had the chance to see the positives and negatives play out in real time.
The Four Faces of the Nones: What Ryan Burge’s New Research Reveals
Ryan Burge does it again.
If you’ve followed his work, you know he has a way of blending rigorous research with clear, relatable explanations. This time, he partnered with Tony Jones on a grant-funded project from the John Templeton Foundation’s Spiritual Yearning Research Initiative. The centerpiece? A massive survey titled Making Meaning in a Post-Religious America.
A Sanctifying Space
Though not an official mark of the church—locality is missing from the Nicene belief in “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church”—place is nevertheless an integral aspect of the church’s nature and mission.
I Miss the Pews: Why Uncomfortable Togetherness Mattered
Proximity was nonnegotiable in the pews. They reminded you, I’m here, and they are too.
We’ve traded the slow, formative friction of community for the fast comforts of individualism.
September Creation Tips: Who Are You?
The “Community of All Creation” is first in the United Methodist Social Principles. It affirms that you are part of the Beloved Community with a sacred calling to care for all creation.
Here are ways you can....
Celebrating 250 years of the Manx Bible
2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the Manx Bible. This is the story....
Two Mistakes the Disciples Made—and We Still Make—About the Kingdom of God
In the first chapter of Acts, during the transitional period between his resurrection and his ascension into heaven, we find Jesus involved in one central task, that of teaching the disciples, especially about the kingdom of God.
The need that the disciples still have for a great deal of instruction about the task that lies ahead of them can be seen from their question in Acts 1:6: “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”
Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.
When Jesus walked the earth, what he did and what he said did not make everyone happy. Those who became his disciple saw the hand of God in what he did and heard the voice of God in what he said. They may not have realized it at first, but it stirred something within them and drew them to him. Others like the leader in charge of the synagogue in this Sunday’s New Testament reading reacted differently. What Jesus did and what he said rubbed them the wrong way. It did not fit with their own beliefs and practices.
Even in our time there are those who, while they identify themselves as Christian, are not happy with Jesus’ teaching and example. It does not fit with their beliefs and practices either. Unhappy with Jesus of the Bible, they follow a Christ of their own making.
Now I am not singling out any particular group. Indeed, we ourselves may be susceptible to this temptation. Jesus said, “love your neighbor as yourself.” We think. He cannot mean those folk, not them. But Jesus call us to give up our own way, take up our cross, and follow him. No “I’ll follow you here, Jesus, but not there.” No picking and choosing.
In this Sunday’s message we unpack this Sunday’ New Testament reading, Luke 13:10-17, and its meaning and implications for modern-day followers of Jesus.
Readings Isaiah 58:9-14; Luke 13:10-17
Message: Jesus Heals a Crippled Woman
Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2025/08/sundays-at-all-hallows-august-24-2025.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:
-It is recommended that after reading or hearing each lesson to take time to reflect on what you read or heard during the period of silence which follows each lesson. It is also recommended that you do the same thing after reading or hearing the message.
-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.
The Changing of the Evangelical Guard
"What I fear is arising is a belief that the goal of evangelical institutions is to protect western civilization from the decay of the woke mind rot by promoting the family and Christian values in our nation. The gospel is preached, but in practice, it’s often relegated to of secondary importance compared to fighting the culture war against wokeness."
Wikipedia Cofounder Larry Sanger Has Decided To Join the Anglican Church in North America
Dr. Larry Sanger, the Wikipedia cofounder who made headlines this year for announcing he has gone from being a skeptic to being a believer in Jesus Christ, has decided to join the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). Sanger, who has his Ph.D. in philosophy, has appeared on various Christian podcasts in recent months to discuss his journey of becoming a Christian.
Shared Curacy Program Helps Small and Large Churches
In 2026, the Diocese of Northern California will launch a pilot program to address the clergy needs of its 63 parishes and missions across 26 counties. The three-year initiative, aims to strengthen larger parishes in need of additional clergy and provide stable leadership for smaller congregations without a long-term priest.
The Diocese of Kentucky was doing something along similar lines in Purchase District when I moved to western Kentucky in 2007. An assistant rector of th region's largest church served as the priest-in-charge of two smaller churches. The retired rector of the same church served as the priest-in-charge of a third church. At the time the church in the small college town where I live had its own priest who also doubled as Episcopal campus minister at the local state university. From what I have seen, it did not work. Only one church now has a full time priest. The other three churches must secure a supply priest, often a retired priest living in another diocese, to celebrate Holy Communion. Otherwise, they celebrate Morning Prayer on Sundays with either a lay preacher or a video of a sermon. The oldest church in the region was a preaching station when I first arrived but I do not know its present status. A sixth church disbanded its congregation and closed its doors the year before I relocated to Kentucky.
An Invite Culture That ACTUALLY Grows Your Church w/ Rich Birch
UnSeminary's Rich Birch returns to the podcast to talk about what growing churches are doing right now, the first 100 days of a new attender's journey at your church, whether to live stream or not live stream your services, and how to create a compelling invite culture at your church.
If you're looking for a conversation about practical church growth, this is it!
How do I get my church congregation to invite? Welcome to this Church Fuel series on how to get your congregation to invite! I’m Ryan Wakefield, part of the team here at Church Fuel, and we’ll be sharing the top ideas to help your church develop a culture of invitation!
If you’d like our team to send you all the materials from this series just text the word Invite to 816-844-3306.
What follows are five videos describing what a number of churches have done to encourage attendees to invite people to church.
How do I get my church congregation to invite? Nathan Teegarden
Welcome to this Church Fuel series on how to get your congregation to invite! Pastor Nathan Teegarden shares a preaching framework he likes to use when inspiring your congregation to invite.
How do I get my church congregation to invite? Pastor Ryan Brooks
Welcome to this Church Fuel series on how to get your congregation to invite! Pastor Ryan Brooks, part of the Coaching Team here at Church Fuel, shares his top idea to help your church develop a culture of invitation!
How do I get my church congregation to invite? Ashley Coffman
Welcome to this Church Fuel series on how to get your congregation to invite! Ashley Coffman, Director of Member Resources, shares how a church can use social media as a place for invitation conversations.
>How do I get my church congregation to invite? Pastor Brad Wicks
What if every person in your church invited three people to church? That may be easier than you think with the Month of Hope Campaign.
Welcome to this Church Fuel series on how to get your congregation to invite! Pastor Brad Wicks, part of the Coaching Team here at Church Fuel, shares his top idea to help your church develop a culture of invitation!
In this video, Pastor Brad Wicks will walk you through a campaign they did called The Month of Hope! These invite challenges are one of the many ways we help Church Fuel Members reach more people.
How do I get my church congregation to invite? Molly Pelic
Looking for a creative approach to equip your congregation to make it fun and easy to invite people to church? In this video, Molly Pelic will walk you through a fun approach they use at Mile City Church.
Teaching Others to Sing Sweetly
One person can make a difference to a church.
Going Deeper: The difference between Bible reading and Bible meditation
This is an adapted excerpt from David’s new book: How to Read the Bible.
Reading the Bible is not a race in which the reader' goal is to reach the finish line as quickly as possible. Rather it is like a leisurely ramble in the countryside in which one frequently pauses to look at one's surroundings, listen to its sounds, and smell its odors; to ponder what one sees, hears, and smells; and to savor even the smallest thing--a wild flower, a birdsong, the fragrance of honeysuckle.
Open Homes in a Closed-off World: The Gift of Hospitality
When Abraham welcomed weary travellers into his tent on a hot summer afternoon, he had no idea he was about to encounter angels—or that, through this simple act of kindness, his life would change, that his heart’s longing for an heir would be a promise to hold onto. The simple gesture is a powerful reminder that hospitality is never just about food or shelter. It’s about making room for God to move in ways we cannot begin to think or imagine.
Evangelism in a Hostile Culture with Kevin Palau
Kevin Palau, President of the Palau Association, talks about how to do ministry in a deeply post-Christian and post-modern culture like Portland.
Kevin discusses how to build relationships between evangelicals and the LGBTQ+ community, and what his father, Luis Palau, taught him about staying passionate when sharing the Gospel in a hostile or indifferent culture.
The Overwhelming Truth About Evangelism in Churches TODAY
Only 1% of pastors say their churches are very effective at evangelism. Yet, 72% of people say they are open spiritually.
In this episode, Barna CEO David Kinnaman and author Mark Matlock join me as we continue the 2025 Church Trends series and discuss the current divide between church and culture, the surprisingly dismal state of evangelism in the church today, and the missed opportunity of unchurched people's surprising spiritual openness.
5 Reasons Evangelism is on Life Support in the US Church
1% of pastors say their church is “very effective” at evangelism.
Did you catch that? 99% of pastors admit that their church isn’t ‘very’ effective at reaching out to unchurched people.
That means evangelism is on life support. Have church leaders given up? Perhaps not entirely, but we can’t fix the problem if we don’t fully understand it.
So, in this video, I'll discuss five reasons that explain how the US church got here.
100X Your Church's Evangelism Effectiveness
Only 1% of US pastors say their church is ‘very effective’ at evangelism.
Evangelism is on life support in the American church.
The question is, what should you do about it?
In this video, I’ll share the five key things church leaders can do that can exponentially improve the outreach effort at your church.
The Single Best Way to Kickstart Evangelism at Your Church
How do you reach new people with the Gospel if only 1% of your congregation says they have the gift of evangelism and only 1% of pastors say their church is ‘very effective’ at evangelism?
Here is the single best way you can kickstart evangelism at your church.
Sharing Jesus with Your Friends
The miracle story in Mark 2 is a powerful one. Jesus confounds his critics and confirms his divinity when he tells a paralyzed man to take his mat and walk home. Each time I read this story, I am struck by the humor—Jesus is teaching and all of a sudden, the roof opens up. The crowd that made it impossible for the men to get to Jesus apparently had no problem stepping aside to let him walk out. However, the most stunning element is the activity of the friends who carried the man to Jesus. I think there are three evangelism principles we can learn from these brave, unnamed individuals.
Why Are So Many Young People Talking About Miracles Now?
In Part 5 of our Revival series, JP Pokluda brings firsthand accounts of how God is moving in college stadiums.
He shares the Gospel with your Uber driver, server, and other people you meet, what's different about Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and why God is moving so powerfully now.
Helping Christian Students Keep Their Faith in College
Well, it just happened for the third time. This past week, I dropped off my last child at college. As might be expected, there were lots of emotions. Excitement, nervousness, fear. And that was just me! My wife Melissa wrote a wonderful post about seeing your last child graduate high school which you can read here. Bring a box of tissues.
Right now, as colleges are cranking up for the new year. thousands of other parents are experiencing the same thing all around the country. And as hard as it is to drop off a child, there can be something harder: worrying about them after they’re gone. For Christian parents, we particularly worry about how they will do spiritually while they begin a new life at secular university. How will they handle the barrage—no, tsunami—of intellectual challenges that will come there way?
Majority of college students say they will be affected by Trump’s new tax bill: ‘Honestly, I’m cooked’
With Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” set to alter how families and students finance higher education starting in July 2026, a new survey suggests the majority of college students expect to be affected by the bill.
As predicted, Trump’s deportation policies are damaging US economy
The U.S. economy already is showing signs of stress due to President Donald Trump’s deportation and border policies, new economic research shows.
Also See: Paul Krugman Warns This Trump Policy 'Will Hurt More Than People Realize’; 'This is going to end us': Florida growers warn Trump he's 'killing farming'
NYC faith leaders look to coordinate as federal cuts strain pantries and soup kitchens
With federal funding cuts impacting food pantry resources across the nation, faith leaders in New York pledge new collaborations to sustain the city’s food banks and soup kitchens.
Ex-pastor at Pete Hegseth’s church calls for public executions and says Bible backs Ice raids
The US defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, has repeatedly endorsed the Reformation Red Pill podcast, and has appeared on four episodes. But the former pastor who hosts the show, and who attends Hegseth’s theocratic church, has voiced a range of extreme positions in recent months on issues including Ice raids, capital punishment, the racist “great replacement” theory, adultery and neo-Nazism.
Two great divides
... the First Great Divide is between the fantasy world of TV commercials (plus much of social media) and the actual world of war, floods and fires, and the cost of living. Awareness of that divide reminds us that, contrary to appearance, everything is not OK.
The Second Great Divide is between those who support the president’s policies and those who do not. The above polling data show Trump a solidly minority president.
Why the Christian right are preaching that empathy is a sin
Empathy is usually regarded as a virtue, a key to human decency and kindness. And yet, with increasing momentum, voices on the Christian right are preaching that it has become a vice.
Dark personality traits flourish in these specific environments, huge new study reveals
A massive new study suggests that growing up in a society marked by corruption, inequality, poverty, and violence may influence how willing people are to behave selfishly—even if it comes at a cost to others. The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provide evidence that aversive societal conditions are linked to the development of personality traits associated with callousness, exploitation, and moral disregard.
Grace in the Church’s Tensions
During the first couple of decades of this century, until I retired four years ago, I took my “share in the councils of the church” (see the Book of Common Prayer ordination vows) by engaging robustly with the ever-evolving theological and ecclesiastical conflict among Anglican Christians. In a taxonomy that might be described by an x axis between conservative and progressive, and a y axis between bridge-building and bridge-burning, I have tended to inhabit the quadrant of bridge-building conservative....
Why Do We Sing in Church? 5 Reasons Why do we sing? Why do Christians, especially as we gather on Sundays for corporate worship, join our voices together and sing to God? Here are five reasons.
10 Things I Did NOT Do That Improved Our Congregational Singing
My congregation sings louder than they did a year ago. I have been their worship leader for just over a year, and I have seen progress in their participation in worship through singing. They sing louder, they sing more heartily and more of them sing than a year ago. This realization occurred to me as I was reading an article on the decline of congregational singing, and it caused me to wonder why we are not a part of the trend.
What Songs Will Our Children Be Singing All Their Lives? ...if we cultivate a taste for only the latest hits and neglect the old songs, we’ll never develop a tradition of song. We’ll have a myopic view of corporate worship, imagining that this year’s songs are the only songs. And we will have no musical heritage to pass down to our children.
The Age of Digital Punishment and the call for trauma-informed nonprofits
The work of justice always has been a struggle against forces that seek to label, condemn and exclude. But in our digital age, a new form of punishment has emerged that clings to people long after their official debt to society has been paid.
Discipleship Is a Priority Without a Plan for Many Churches
Pastors believe discipleship is important but may not have a specific plan for discipleship or a way to measure its effectiveness.
Steven Furtick: Two Simple Secrets for New Believer Follow Up
I get asked all the time how we do discipleship at Elevation. Related to this question, I also get asked how we follow up with new believers. Do we relentlessly call people until they’re in a small group? Do we offer 57 Bible studies for people to grow in their faith? Do we provide a yearlong systematic theology course for new believers? We do have specific and practical things that we do. But when it comes down to it, our philosophy regarding follow up is pretty straightforward and simple....
How to Streamline Your Adult Discipleship Ministries - The Church Revitalization Podcast
Is your church overwhelmed by a maze of groups, classes, and ministries, or struggling to get people engaged at all? On this episode, we break down how to streamline your adult discipleship ministries for greater clarity and real spiritual growth.
Your hosts, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu from The Malphurs Group, bring years of hands-on experience revitalizing churches. Each week, they share practical strategies for church leaders to create healthier, more effective ministries—no matter your church’s size or context.
Welcome to Thursday Evenings at All Hallows.
This evening’s order of service is adapted from the First Order for Evening Prayer from two Anglican service books from “Down Under,” from Australia.
The subject of this evening’s message is the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Reading: Romans 10: 5-15
Message: Jesus Is Lord!
Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2025/08/thursday-evenings-at-all-hallows-august_21.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:
-It is recommended that after reading or hearing a lesson to take time to reflect on what you read or heard during the period of silence which follows the lesson. It is also recommended that you do the same thing after reading or hearing the message.
-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.
Why Are So Many Gen Z Guys Becoming Christian?
In Part 4 of our Revival series, Nicky Gumbel, Al Gordon, and Stephen Foster explain how and why Gen Z men in the UK are becoming Christians in record numbers, how they're seeing generations of church decline reversed, and what America can learn from it.
Why Do Guests Never Come Back to Church?
Why do guests never come back to church? This tiny detail may be what's driving guests away from your church.
Why don't first-time church guests return? This video explores how a single bad first impression, not just theology, can deter church visitors. By understanding the importance of the principles shared in this video, you can discover ways to improve retention within your church and nurture ministry growth.
5 Steps to Help Your Church Be Friendlier to Guests
How can your church be friendlier to newcomers? Karl Vaters believes churches can become friendlier by implementing the G.I.F.T. Plan: Greet, Introduce, Follow up, and Thank. By encouraging intentional, simple actions like greeting newcomers and following up, churches can build genuine relationships and make visitors feel welcome, leading to lasting connections and a more welcoming church culture.
Best Practices for Reaching Young Adults
Congregations with a significant proportion of young adults share distinctive traits. For churches seeking to engage these individuals, Perry Chang shares some “do’s” and “don’ts” drawn from a Faith Communities Today study.
Three Types of Churches That FAIL at Revitalization - The Church Revitalization Podcast
Is your church at risk of failing in a revitalization process? In this episode, we identify the three most common reasons churches struggle with renewal efforts - and none of them involve bad ideas, inadequate resources, or church demographics.
Learn about the "Poorly Pastored Church," where leadership doesn't fully commit to the process; the "Timid Church," where fear prevents necessary changes; and the "Lazy Church," where inconsistent implementation derails progress. More importantly, discover how to overcome these challenges to ensure your revitalization efforts succeed.
Whether you're considering church renewal or already in the midst of a revitalization journey, this episode provides crucial insights to help your congregation avoid becoming another statistic of stalled transformation.
Study suggests online religious services may be less effective than in person
On average, people attending church in person had a higher heart rate during the service and experienced more transcendence, according to a recent study.
The 4 Faces of America’s Nones
A major new survey reveals the religiously unaffiliated “nones” aren’t all the same. How should that shape our approach to reaching them with the gospel?
Megachurches aren’t forever
While researching historical data for another article this week, I stumbled upon a list of the largest churches in America in 1983-1984, and before I knew it, I was down the rabbit hole of curiosity.
Hawai‘i congregation still recovering, healing two years after wildfires devastated Maui
Aug. 8 marked two years since a series of wildfires broke out throughout the Hawaiian Islands, killing more than 100 people and destroying more than 2,200 buildings, including Holy Innocents Episcopal Church in Lahaina, Maui.
Episcopal Church removes priest who founded Christian psychedelic society
Hunt Priest was removed from ministry nearly a decade after participating in a controversial study on clergy and psychedelics.
Evangelist Ray Comfort Calls the Sinner’s Prayer ‘Unbiblical’: ‘It’s Not in Scripture’
While discussing lessons he’s learned from 50 years of open-air preaching, evangelist Ray Comfort admitted he’s not a fan of the so-called “sinner’s prayer.” Comfort, founder of Living Waters Publications, spoke to CBN News about ministry insights he’s passing along to the next generation of Christians.
A 3-Step Plan for Mobilizing Your Small Group Outreach
Small group outreach is essential to the health of your church. If you want your small group to be healthy, contribute to God’s mission in the world, and inspire your group members grow closer to Jesus and help others to do the same — then voice the need to reach others with the Gospel! Get your small group thinking about others and sharing their faith. If you don’t take the lead in cultivating an outward-orientation to your group life then it is unlikely somebody else in the group will.
Please don’t call the TheoBros Christians Rodney Kennedy takes a look at a group of online influencers who Southern Baptists and other evangelicals call the TheoBros.
What they’ve gained Every time we report on another atrocity committed by President Donald Trump and his administration, people ask why evangelicals continue to support the cruelty and criminality of Trump’s dictates.
The president isn’t ‘born again’
For the past decade, evangelical pastors like Paula White have sworn to us Trump is a Christian. James Dobson even went as far to say Paula White led Trump to faith in Jesus. It’s time for us to stop buying that lie.
DHS is using the Bible to promote ICE, claiming ‘righteous’ fight against immigrants
The agency refers to Scripture as it seeks to recruit agents who are pivotal in the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
Attendance drops, fear rises in immigrant churches as Trump takes over DC
‘I never thought I had one day to cancel Sunday worship because it is not safe for our Latino siblings to come to church. But here we are … ,’ wrote one pastor on Facebook.
Infants, toddlers should be vaccinated against COVID, AAP says, at odds with RFK Jr.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) said on Tuesday that children ages 6 months to 23 months should receive a COVID-19 vaccine, in contrast with federal health officials.
The recommendations are part of the AAP's annual childhood immunization schedule, which includes guidance for COVID, flu and RSV vaccines for those aged 18 and younger.
Also See: Healthy Returns: New study casts doubts on RFK Jr.'s reasons for gutting key vaccine panel
What Kids Told Us About How to Get Them Off Their Phones
One common explanation for why children spend so much of their free time on screens goes like this: Smartphones and social-media platforms are addicting them. Kids stare at their devices and socialize online instead of in person because that’s what tech has trained them to want.
But this misses a key part of the story. The three of us collaborated with the Harris Poll to survey a group of Americans whose perspectives don’t often show up in national data: children. What they told us offers a comprehensive picture of how American childhood is changing—and, more important, how to make it better.
Multiplication Wins: Why It’s Time to Replace Your Church Scoreboard
Jesus called us to make disciples who make disciples. But the gap between addition and multiplication is a critical divide in the church.
Gen Z's Spiritual Awakening
In my Revival Series opener, Zach Meerkreeb shares the backstory of the Asbury Outpouring sparked by his sermon, which didn't go particularly well.
He explores Gen Z's unique spiritual awakening, the power of humility and confession, and offers guidance for church leaders who want to see revival in their churches.
5 Revival Secrets You Need To Know Before It's Too Late with Jon Tyson
In Part 2 of my Revival Series, Jon Tyson does a deep dive on the history of revival, including a detailed account of what happened/is happening in the Hebrides and in NYC.
He explores how to prepare and preach for revival, how to be sensitive to its dynamics and what to do to get ready personally and organizationally.
Revival Broke Out at Saddleback Church
In Part 3 of my Revival Series, Andy Wood (Lead Pastor of Saddleback Church) and Luke LeFevre (A Gen Z preacher who works with the Gather movement) discuss a prophetic word Luke received about an outpouring of the Spirit at Saddleback church.
They discuss the prophetic word, what actually happened, how God is moving at Saddleback, and the implications for every pastor in America who leads large or small churches.
Russell Moore: Young Men Who Gravitate to Douglas Wilson ‘Become Losers’
On the Aug. 15 episode of “The Bulletin” podcast, Dr. Russell Moore said Pastor Douglas Wilson presents a “really dark and non-Christian view of who God is fundamentally”—and that young men who embrace Wilson’s teachings “become losers” instead of “responsible, faithful men.”
Pastor at Doug Wilson's church plant says married women give up their right to vote
An Idaho pastor linked to self-identified Christian nationalist Douglas Wilson has argued that women forfeit their right to vote when they get married.
Denying women their hard-won right to vote is a step toward the disenfranchisement of other segments of the US population, such a people who do not subscribe to the theological, social, and political views of Doug Wilson's Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC).
Charismatics are having a moment, PRRI panelists explain
The innate yearning to control government and society has propelled charismatic Christianity to prominence in a Trump presidency determined to impose authoritarian rule in the U.S., political science and religion scholars said during a recent webinar.
Jerusalem freezes Greek Patriarchate's finances in latest squeeze on Holy Land Christians
'As an Armenian living in the Old City, it is deeply troubling to witness the gradual erosion of our Christian presence here,' said Levon Kalaydjian, an Armenian Christian activist in Jerusalem.
Western Louisiana Episcopalians support immigrants detained in state’s ICE facilities
Episcopalians in the Diocese of Western Louisiana’s Allies for Immigrants ministry are working to support immigrants who are in facilities throughout the state operated by U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement.
Top scientist issues stark mRNA vaccine warning to U.S.
Rick Bright, the former director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) has warned that Department of Health and Human Services' decision to cut funding for mRNA vaccine development could threaten American national security.
"BARDA wasn't the only government agency making early investments in mRNA research," Bright wrote in an opinion piece for The New York Times. "The Department of Defense and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency had already recognized mRNA's potential for swift action against emerging biological threats, including those that might be weaponized."
What we are witnessing the present administration is a number of serious examples of the Dunning-Kruger effect and the Peter principle. There is a strong likelihood that they will have horrendous consequences for the nation, the world, and ourselves!
Why You Should Use Hymns
These days many worship leaders believe they’re too hip or cool to include hymns in their cutting edge praise sets. It’s their loss – and their congregation’s.
Why We Sing—and Why a Hymnal
From the article: "Curated by award-winning hymn writers Keith and Kristyn Getty, The Sing! Hymnal features timeless hymns to deepen corporate worship and unity among believers. With liturgical readings and a durable cover, this edition is ideal for regular church use."
I have not reviewed this hymnal so I cannot comment on its contents and whether it would be useful for churches to adopt.
What to Look for When Choosing New Worship Team Members
Building a worship team is more than assembling a group of talented musicians—it’s about curating a team that reflects the heart, humility, and spiritual integrity needed to lead others into God’s presence. Worship leadership carries both musical and pastoral weight, and selecting the right people sets the tone for your church’s worship culture. Whether you’re starting a team from scratch or adding new voices and instruments to an existing group, choosing worship team members wisely will ensure long-term unity, excellence, and spiritual effectiveness. This article outlines key factors to consider as you discern who should be part of your worship ministry.
Churches, Don’t Dismiss ‘Brain Rot’
"We know scrolling is terrible for us, but we do it anyway. Calling it brain rot at least gives us the minor consolation of self-awareness."
His state banned phones in class. This Alabama teacher saw an instant change. 'It's magic.'
When Alabama enacted a new law keeping phones out of classrooms for the 2025-2026 school year, one teacher saw an instant change.
“Today, all of my students, 100% of them, took notes in my class, did their assignment, asked for help when they got stuck and turned it in, and then when they were done, they talked to each other,” Jonathan Buchwalter, a Tuscaloosa County High School 11th grade history teacher, said in an Aug. 8 TikTok that reached nearly 2 million views.
“I have been pulling my hair out for like, eight years. Has it been this easy of a solution the whole time?” Buchwalter asks in the video.
Young Pastor's Guide: 5 Shifts to Revitalize Your Traditional Church
So you’re a young pastor, and you lead a traditional church. What are your first moves to help revitalize your church or help it grow, maybe for the first time?
#1 Reason People Don't Attend Church & What You Can Do About It
The number one reason people aren't attending your church may not be what you think. In this video, Carey discusses the reason people have stopped going to church and what you, as the leader, can do to address the issue and grow your church.
Also See: The 3 Reasons You're Losing Church Members
3 Reasons Engagement (Not Attraction) Will Grow Your Church
So, you want your church to grow? Well, if you’re still doing the things churches did fifteen years ago, you’re probably not seeing much growth....
Also See: 7 Strategies + Ways to Grow Your Church; Why Pastors Need to Leave the Church to Grow the Church
Your Church Is Facing a Community Disconnect: Now What?
Many churches naturally drift from their community, creating a church disconnect. Here’s how to address five common disconnects.
10 Principles To Get The Best From Volunteer Church Leaders
Leaders will attend and volunteer at churches where they are honored as people and where their hard work and leadership skills are recognized and valued.
The Silent Crisis in Church Facilities: Understanding the Deferred Maintenance Reserve Ratio
A growing number of churches are facing a silent but critical problem—one that rarely appears in budget meetings or revitalization plans. It’s not theological drift or volunteer shortages. It’s deferred maintenance.
Roof leaks and a failing HVAC system were the death knell of a small church where I served a service leader, a preacher, and a licensed lay reader with pastoral charge of a mission for a number of years. The congregation would eventually disband and sell the aging building.
From atheism to awakening: Gen Z turns back to God
A new poll suggests that Britain may well be in the midst of a spiritual shift, with belief in God among young adults more than doubling in the past four years.
2025 Church Trends UPDATE: The Gen Z Revival is Real (New Data) + The Mental Health Crisis
Major update to my 2025 church trends with stunning new data. Gen Z church attendance has quadrupled (4% to 16%), with young men leading at 21%. US data shows similar revival patterns....
Also See: NEW Data: Is The Decline in the Church Reversing?
Back-Row Christianity Won’t Build Your Faith
In Beyond the Back Row: Rediscovering the Beauty of the Local Church for Your Family, Katie Polski, a writer and Bible teacher, calls for readers to “reconsider the importance of the local church in their own lives so that we might have a deep and abiding faith in Jesus” (4). In an age where church attendance is becoming less common, Polski’s book reminds readers, especially new believers or those disillusioned with the church, that the local church is God’s primary means to form healthy Christians.
The Cost of Using AI: What It Can Do To Your Brain
In this video, we’re talking about the cost of using AI. This isn’t an anti-AI video, I use AI all the time. But, we need to talk about what it can do to our brains.
The secret to living a purposeful life
Are you truly living a purposeful life? Have you discovered the meaning of your existence?
