Sundays at All Hallows (Sunday, June 15, 2025) Is Now Online

Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.

This Sunday, the first Sunday after Pentecost is, in the tradition of the Western Church, called Trinity Sunday. Unlike the other festivals of the Christian Year, it does not celebrate an event in the history of salvation. Instead, Trinity Sunday celebrates a core belief of the Christian faith. For a helpful explanation of this belief, I recommend Matt Perman’s article, “Understanding the Trinity: A Christian Core Belief,” on the CRU website.

This Sunday’s message unpacks Romans 5:1-5, the epistle reading appointed for Trinity Sunday.

Readings: Proverbs 8: 1-4, 22-31; Romans 5:1-5; and John 16:12-15

Message: The Reason for Our Hope

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2025/06/sundays-at-all-hallows-sunday-june-15.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.

Saturday Lagniappe: 'What Is The Minimum For A Church To Be Viable?' And More

What Is The Minimum For A Church To Be Viable? with Sam Peters (Ep 104)
“If the neighborhood does not realize that the church is alive, the church must begin to reengage and develop connections by going outside its walls."

Looking forward to surprising transformation
As a 26-year-old often referred to as “the lady pastor” by the community I serve, you might expect that my story would be about a young pastor sent to a rural church that is declining, and that continued to decline. Surprisingly, this is not one of those stories. The Sunday before I arrived at my placement there were 25 people in the pews, and this last Sunday we had 98. We have had around 70 consistently participating in worship, and somehow this rural United Methodist church a mile away from four other Methodist churches continues to thrive.

Leatherwood Church: The Pull
Situated in northwestern New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Leatherwood Church is surrounded on three sides by farms. The rural location inspired Pastor Doug Henry to come up with a new outreach centered on something almost everyone in the area has: a tractor.

The Latest: 'No Kings' protests spread across US as Trump gets military parade
A massive military parade in Washington DC had not been originally planned as a part of the US Army's 250th birthday celebration.

Also See: Most Americans Don’t Want Their Tax Dollars Spent On Trump’s Military Parade

California pastor says apparent immigration agents waved a weapon at her in church parking lot
The Rev. Tanya Lopez says a masked man pointed a weapon at her while she was filming a group of unidentified men detaining a man in her church's parking lot.

Pope Leo's first US bishop takes action against Trump migrant crackdown
The first U.S. bishop appointed by Pope Leo XIV has called for priests, deacons and parish leaders to accompany migrants to court and stand in solidarity with them. Rev. Michael Pham, who was named bishop of San Diego, California, by Pope Leo in May, wrote a letter about the action on Wednesday, along with Rev. Felipe Pulido and Rev. Ramón Bejarano, both appointed by the previous pontiff, Pope Francis.

Donald Trump is building a strange, new religious movement
"But President Donald Trump is trying to create a new religious right, one that is not just illiberal but fundamentally different and opposed to traditional religion as we’ve known it. The faith of the MAGA movement is not one in which the state conforms to the church, but one in which the church is bent to the will of the strange beast that is American nationalism — the belief that the American project is an exercise in freedom and prosperity like the world has never known, but also the sole possession of those who are white, heterosexual, and unquestioningly loyal to the nation."

Zoning board rejects Episcopal church’s request to operate a homeless shelter
Christ Episcopal Church in Toms River, New Jersey, is considering its options after the town Zoning Board of Adjustment refused June 12 the parish’s request for a variance, which would allow for a 17-bed overnight shelter on its campus. The parish and the diocese are considering whether to appeal the 5-2 decision to the Ocean County Superior Court. The church’s attorney, Harvey York, predicted during his closing argument to the board that a no vote would prompt an appeal.

Dioceses, parishes across The Episcopal Church to mark Juneteenth with events and celebrations
Activities marking Juneteenth – June 19 – are set to take place in churches and dioceses across The Episcopal Church in the coming days, ranging from helping to restore a historically Black cemetery to concerts, worship services and speakers.

Understanding the Trinity: A Christian Core Belief
The doctrine of the Trinity is foundational to the Christian faith. It is crucial for properly understanding what God is like, how He relates to us, and how we should relate to Him. But it also raises many difficult questions. How can God be both one and three? Is the Trinity a contradiction? If Jesus is God, why do the Gospels record instances where He prayed to God? While we cannot fully understand everything about the Trinity (or anything else), it is possible to answer questions like these and come to a solid grasp of what it means for God to be three in one.

Pastors faring worse than others in relationships and well-being but most don’t get help
Despite faring worse than practising Christians and US adults in general in their relationships, physical, emotional and mental health, most pastors don't get professional support. A majority of them also appear to be unaware that these are the areas of their lives where they have the greatest need, according to a new Barna "State of the Church" report.

Deal-Breakers: 8 Ways God May Tell You to Leave Your Pastorate
Long-term pastorates are almost always good for the church and the pastor. But some situations let you know it's time to go.

How Technology Can Help Candidate Screening
Our search firm has completed over 3,500 searches for churches and religious organizations over the years, and it still amazes me how much verification needs to happen to make sure a person applying for a job really is who they say they are. If tech is the reason so much disinformation exists, it can also be the remedy for it. So, what tech solutions can a search committee use to help with background checks? Here are two tangible steps to take when hiring for church staff. You’ll find, l’m sure, that a little bit of legwork upfront can save you a lot of heartache later.

A Censorious Spirit
In what is arguably one of the most important books ever written, Charity and Its Fruits, Jonathan Edwards sounded the theological alarm about a censorious spirit being contrary to Christian love. In the course of his sermon on this subject, Edwards set out three ways "wherein a censorious spirit or a disposition uncharitably to judge others consists"....

Friday's Catch: 'Who’s in Charge?: Outreach Rarely Happens If No One Owns It' And More

Who’s in Charge?: Outreach Rarely Happens If No One Owns It

Here’s the problem: If you ask many pastors, “Who leads your outreach ministry?” they will say something like, “We don’t have a leader, and we don’t really have an outreach ministry right now.” Or they might say, “In our church, everyone is expected to do outreach and share their faith,” which usually means they have no leader and do very little outreach.

Keep Young Adults Engaged
“You can’t manufacture connection,” says Quint Firestone, worship director at SUMMIT Church in Estes Park, Colorado. “Be flexible as you create space for Gen Z to connect with one another.” Here are a few ways to do that.

Trump's Big Bill Would Let Him Expand His L.A. Immigration Crackdown ‘Everywhere' 

Donald Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" wouldn't just force millions of poor people off their health insurance and food assistance to help pay for more tax cuts for the rich. The Trump tax bill would steer tens of billions of dollars to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for detention capacity, employee bonuses, and to hire new agents. It would supercharge ICE's ability to conduct raids, and allow the administration to expand the campaign of terror it's waging on immigrants in Los Angeles to blue cities around the country.

Also See: Tensions rising in GOP over Trump border plan as Rand Paul squares off with Stephen Miller

Trump administration says it will deport abused and neglected children 

The federal government can now deport abandoned, abused and neglected children even if they have been granted Special Immigrant Juvenile status. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced the change June 6, the same day it went into effect. The action is designed to comply with President Donald Trump’s executive order launching his ongoing mass deportation policy.

Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ to make wealthy even richer and punish poor
Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” will hand thousands of dollars to the rich and leave poorer Americans worse off, a US spending watchdog has warned. The top 10pc of households will get a windfall of $12,000 (£8,800) per year from the Bill’s tax cuts, while the bottom 10pc will see a net loss of $1,600 per year because of benefits cuts, according to analysis by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).

Kenyan Women Pay High Price amid USAID’s Exit
Kenyan women and girls in remote villages are some of the people to bear the brunt of the exit of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Some have begun to trek, as they used to do in the past, for up to 10 kilometers (6 miles) to gather water for drinking and other domestic uses.

Florida sheriff warns protesters ahead of nationwide rallies: ‘We will kill you dead’
A Florida sheriff issued a stark message to protesters planning to demonstrate this weekend against increasing ICE arrests nationwide. Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey warned in a press conference Thursday that if any protesters “throw a brick, a firebomb, or point a gun,” they will be killed.

It is in the best interest of 'No King' protestors to police themselves and keep their demonstrations and rallies peaceful so as not to play into the hands of individuals who are only too willing to resort to violence themselves to suppress dissent and to adopt and implement repressive measures against the freedom of speech in the United States. They should particularly be on the lookout for provocateurs seeking to infiltrate their ranks and to encourage violence for purposes that run counter to theirs, for example, turning public opinion against the 'No King' protests.

Antisemitism is from both sides, now
With apologies to Joni Mitchell. Let’s see the hatred from wherever it emanates.

SBC Constitutional Amendment Banning Female Pastors Again Fails To Achieve a Two-Thirds Majority
The so-called “Law Amendment,” which Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) messengers failed to add to their constitution at their annual meeting in Indianapolis last year, failed in its new iteration to gain the two-thirds majority needed to move forward with being added to the SBC Constitution. The amendment, now known as the “Sanchez Amendment” after the pastor who has taken it up, would have added to the constitution a stipulation that only men can be pastors or elders.

What Should I Do After Getting Fired from a Church?
One of the most challenging parts of ministry is the rejection of getting fired by a church. Josh and Sam discuss the immediate next steps pastors can take to begin the healing process.

Should Pastors Use AI in Sermon Preparation?
AI is here to stay. It has become a fixture of modern life, and ministry is no exception. With just a few prompts, AI can generate sermon outlines, summarize commentaries, draw parallels across Scripture, and even suggest applications and illustrations. For pastors and seminary students, this is both a gift and a challenge. The question is not merely can we use AI in sermon preparation, but should we?

The Attitude of Worship Vital for Any Worship Team
Healthy culture isn’t something that you can fabricate, it’s something that you “are.” Worship team culture isn’t just something to talk about, it’s who we are. It’s the attitude of worship.

Are You Too Old to Lead Worship?
There’s not a worship team on earth that hasn’t had to address this question. The tension is alive. What is the lifecycle of a worship leader or a musician? How old is too old to lead worship? How young is too young? Does a multi-generational worship team work? What are the best practices?

Technology in Church Ministry – How Much Tech Is Too Much?
When it comes to technology in church ministry, here are five important principles I’ve learned....

First Father’s Day in Heaven: Minister to Children Coping With Loss
The first Father’s Day in heaven can be difficult for children of all ages. For most families, Father’s Day is a time of celebration, with barbecues, silly cards, and hugs. But for some kids, Father’s Day brings sharp pain, not joy. These are kids whose fathers have died, especially those experiencing their first Father’s Day without Dad. For them, the day can be complicated, emotional, and confusing.

Father's Day can be a painful time for children who have no positive father-figure in their home, whose home is a frequent scene of domestic violence, and/or who are themselves physically or emotionally neglected or abused or sexually abused by the father figure in the home.

Thursday's Catch: 'Christian share of global population shrinks despite remaining largest religious group: study' And More

Christian share of global population shrinks despite remaining largest religious group: study
A new Pew Research Center report shows that although Christianity continues to be the world’s largest religious group, its share of the rising global population has fallen over the last decade, mainly due to people walking away from the faith.

In LA, faith leaders protest to stand up for the detained and keep the peace
At one demonstration, faith leaders spread out in front of the line of officers, held hands and occasionally burst into song.

Also See: LA vigil rallies faith community in peaceful protest of ICE raids, federal policy

Trump’s actions in LA are popular only with Republicans
Nearly half of Americans are opposed to the deployment of U.S. Marines and National Guard troops to Los Angeles to quell protests against President Donald Trump’s mass deportation campaign.

Troops and marines deeply troubled by LA deployment: ‘Morale is not great’
California national guards troops and marines deployed to Los Angeles to help restore order after days of protest against the Trump administration have told friends and family members they are deeply unhappy about the assignment and worry their only meaningful role will be as pawns in a political battle they do not want to join.

Presiding bishop’s letter responds to Trump’s travel ban, immigration crackdown
Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe released a letter to The Episcopal Church on June 11 responding to a series of Trump administration policies on migration and immigration, including the use of the military for crowd control at protests.

Also See: Nebraska bishop issues letter following ICE raid on Omaha meatpacking plant; ICE Raids Statement from Bishop Julius Trimble, Church and Society 

Church Leaders Respond as Travel Ban Hits Largest Diocese
Haiti, the most populous country in the Caribbean, is a majority Christian nation, with up to 94 percent of Haitians identifying as Christian. The Episcopal Diocese of Haiti is the largest in the Episcopal Church, with nearly 100,000 baptized members. The diocese also has a significant footprint in Haitian life, running more than 250 schools, along with hospitals and institutions of higher education.

Keep Calm and Resist: Be a Peacekeeping Protester 

The time is now, and the need is great. The need, however, isn’t merely for more bodies in the streets protesting the current federal administration’s inhumane policies and practices. The greatest need is for Jesus’s followers to practice the proclamation and peacemaking that are most effective means to subvert the drive to turn the United States of America into an authoritarian empire.

Also See: How I’m preparing for No Kings Day

What will happen to food assistance under Trump's tax cut plan? A look at the numbers
President Donald Trump's plan to cut taxes by trillions of dollars could also trim billions in spending from social safety net programs, including food assistance for lower-income people. The proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program would make states pick up more of the costs, require several million more recipients to work or lose their benefits, and potentially reduce the amount of food aid people receive in the future.

Also See: Nutrition program for Americans on food stamps at risk in GOP bill

Episcopalians join other faith leaders, lawmakers, in DC rally against budget bill
Religious leaders are ramping up pressure on lawmakers to reject the Republican-led budget bill currently before the U.S. Senate, arguing proposed cuts to health care benefits and food assistance programs as well as provisions involving public education will disproportionately hurt low-income Americans.

United Methodists Witness to Compassion, Humanity in Demonstrations
As demonstrations against the Trump Administration's proposed budget and immigrant raids increased across the country, United Methodists also increased their involvement in protests. In addition to Los Angeles, secular media outlets reported protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in Seattle and Spokane, Wash.; Chicago, Las Vegas and New York City.

Vote to bar churches with women pastors fails again at SBC meeting 

The issue of women staffers who have the title of pastor in SBC churches has been up for debate repeatedly in recent years.

Also See: Here’s what didn’t happen at this year’s SBC meeting; SBC motion to ban female pastors fails with over 60% support

A field guide to ‘accelerationism’: White supremacist groups using violence to spur race war and create social chaos
A scholar of right-wing extremism provides an overview of some of the key white supremacist groups that pose significant threats to public safety.

100 years ago, the Social Gospel movement pushed to improve workers’ lives – but also to promote its vision of Christian America
How has white Christian nationalism changed since the Gilded Age? A religion scholar compares the Social Gospel with the Christian right today.

5 Ways To Develop a Preaching Calendar
A preaching calendar safeguards pastors from picking their favorite soapbox sermons or dodging difficult passages.

Image Credit: Religion News Service

Thursday Evenings at All Hallows (Thursday, June 12, 2025) Is Now Online

Welcome to Thursday Evenings at All Hallows.

This week, the week that follows the Feast of Pentecost, is known as Whitsuntide, or Whitsun Week. It is a good time to reflect on what it means to follow Jesus.

In this evening’s message, we take a look at a conversation Jesus had with three different individuals and what he said means for us.

Reading: Luke 9:51-62

Message: “Foxes Have Dens….”

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2025/06/thursday-evenings-at-all-hallows_12.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.

Wednesday's Catch: 'Reclaiming evangelism: Sharing good news with hospitality and hope' And More

Reclaiming evangelism: Sharing good news with hospitality and hope
In those final moments of Jesus’s time with his disciples, Jesus gave them a promise. He told them power would come, not for dominance or control, but for witness. He invited them to be bearers of the good news, starting where they were and moving outward to places they never imagined.

Conservative churches also need to reclaim evangelism. Indeed, both conservative and progressive churches need to reclaim authentic Christianity, a faith grounded firmly in the teaching and life of Jesus Christ.

Creatively Engaging Your Community While Remaining True to Who You Are
Vital churches find new and creative ways to engage their neighbors. But that doesn’t necessarily mean abandoning the best of what your church has always been. Paul Nixon explains how churches can adapt their strengths to engage their neighbors in authentic ways.

Is Your Church as Volunteer-Friendly as You Think?
...why is it still so common for churches to struggle with a lack of volunteers? Maybe it’s because our churches aren’t as volunteer-friendly as we believe they are. Let’s examine three ways we can foster a more welcoming and effective volunteer culture.

Lack of Focus on Clean and Well-Supplied Restrooms: The Unforced Error Series
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. Thom and Jess examine one of the most common unforced errors in this podcast: lack of focus on clean and well-supplied restrooms.

Also See: Lack of Guest-Friendly Signage and Markers: The Unforced Error Series

Faith leaders, lawmakers argue GOP bill benefits the ultra-wealthy by hurting the poor
‘May your will be done, and may this bill be killed,’ said the Rev. Teresa Hord Owens, general minister and president of the Disciples of Christ.

Also See: Trump’s 'big, beautiful bill' is a huge, ugly disaster; Iowa bishop responds to senator’s comments, asks her to serve all people as she would serve Jesus

Bishops in California’s six Episcopal dioceses issue statement on immigration protests
The diocesan bishops of the six Episcopal dioceses in California issued a statement on June 10 responding to the federal immigration raids in Los Angeles and subsequent clashes between protesters and law enforcement, as well as the Trump administration’s decision to send soldiers to the area against the wishes of California leaders.

Politics of Hate shows how groups use faith, Scripture to justify attacks on the ‘other’
Jesus told his disciples to love their neighbors and even their enemies and “those who persecute you.” But today, some of Jesus’ politically active followers have defied that command and “darkened America’s political soul by constructing a biblical justification for hate,” argues a new book.

Public Support for Same-Sex Marriage Stalls
Most Americans approve of same-sex marriage, according to Gallup, but support has stopped growing, mirroring a similar plateau among pastors.

What Churches Need to Know About Smart Glasses
Unfortunately, the key features of these glasses that are enhancing lives in one demographic can be exploited by others with harmful intent.

Discipling Our Children in the Gospel
Children's ministry plays a vital role in discipling our children. See how we can entrust the treasure of the gospel to the next generation.

Senior Summer Suggestions for Youth Ministry Leaders
Senior summer is what comes after graduations galore. Once the pomp and circumstance fades away, students are still in a waiting space for the future to arrive. Sure, graduates have stuff to do, like jobs, missions trips, vacations, and maybe camp. But they’re in a waiting game to leave home and start “adulting.”

Long-tempered?
It’s a peculiarity of the English language that, although we identify people as short-tempered, we have no equivalent “long-tempered.” Yet this, read literally, is the very thing that 1 Corinthians 13 identifies as the first quality of love. Most modern translations capture this as “love is patient,” but older versions, with their translation “love suffereth long” (e.g., ASV), provide a more literal translation of the original. Love, Paul tells us, is “long-tempered”—it bears with; it endures.

Questions You Should Ask Before Going on a Mission Trip
Short-term mission trips are often framed as noble acts of charity, yet behind the feel-good narratives lies a deeper question: Are we truly helping, or mostly serving our own sense of purpose at the cost of those we intend to aid?

Tuesday's Catch: 'What does a welcoming church really look like?" And More

What does a welcoming church really look like?

There has long been a theological conversation about how people come to faith in Jesus Christ. For some, it happens through a powerful spiritual encounter. For others, it’s through hearing a sermon, reading Scripture, or witnessing a friend’s transformed life. But a recent report by the Evangelical Alliance highlights something beautifully simple and often overlooked — people come to Christ through the experience of a welcoming church.

Four Common Reasons Most Churches Aren’t Breakout Churches
What stops a church from having a breakout? Thom and Sam discuss four primary reasons they often see in their consultations and research.

A word of caution about the 'Quiet Revival' in the UK
Watching from afar it is not easy to ascertain what is going on, but then distance - and experience - also gives a wider perspective which I hope will be helpful.

Why religious communities are rallying behind the protest message of 'No Kings'
The world's great faith traditions reject temporal leaders who present themselves as objects of veneration and fear.

Stifle!
Gregory P. Magarian discusses 3 ways the government can silence opinions it disagrees with, without using censorship.

In evangelical churches, a rift over Trump’s immigration policies
Historically one of President Donald Trump’s most loyal demographics, evangelicals are divided over just how far to go with immigration crackdowns.

United Methodists Respond to ICE Raids, Unrest in Los Angeles
A United Methodist clergywoman who participated in a demonstration against deportation raids in Los Angeles June 8 said the protests were peaceful until law enforcement and National Guard instigated attacks on the demonstrators. The area's United Methodist bishop condemned the raids and called on United Methodists to defend immigrant families.

From votes to violence: Trump’s betrayal of Latino loyalty
What began as a peaceful protest in downtown Los Angeles quickly spiraled into a full-scale federal crackdown — rubber bullets, flash grenades, tear gas and a federally activated National Guard descending not on an enemy nation, but on American citizens. The spark? Resistance to the latest ICE operation that swept up 118 individuals, many at courthouses and clinics, violating the trust of sanctuary spaces. But the most jarring irony isn’t just the brutality — it’s that this violence erupted in neighborhoods where Latino voters helped Donald Trump reclaim the presidency in 2024.

Los Angeles diocese says 14 church members detained in immigration raids that sparked large protests
Fourteen members of the Diocese of Los Angeles were detained, the diocese said, in immigration enforcement raids late last week that sparked a weekend of intense protests and an escalating government crackdown after the Trump administration ordered the California National Guard to respond. The immigration raids “wreaked havoc and terror throughout Los Angeles communities, targeting working-class, immigrant families at work, school and home,” the diocese said June 8 in an email newsletter supporting the 14 Episcopalians who were detained. “These actions, and the level of militarization involved, are unconscionable and we condemn them entirely.”

Anti-ICE mayhem explodes in Texas as cops confront protesters
Protesters in two of Texas' largest cities clashed with police on Monday night to show solidarity with demonstrations in Los Angeles against President Donald Trump's sweeping deportation raids. As Trump mobilized 700 Marines to deal with the mayhem in LA, tensions quickly escalated in Dallas and Austin at anti-Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) rallies.

Why Trump’s move toward using the military on US soil is so fraught
The country hangs on a hugely significant precipice, as President Donald Trump moves toward making good on his long-running suggestions of an extraordinary step: deploying the military on US soil.

Trump’s war on international students could hurt private schools too
The Trump administration’s war on blocking international students from U.S. higher education could affect not only the Ivy League but even small Christian schools and Southern Baptist Convention seminaries. While Harvard University has drawn the most attention and headlines in the president’s attempt to curtail international student enrollment, a little-known fact is this: International students have been growing as a percentage of enrollment at all American colleges and universities. The national average of international students at all U.S. universities is 6%.

It will also hurt campus ministries to international students

GOP Cuts to Food Assistance Would Hit Rural America Especially Hard
Billions in cuts to federal food assistance are looming as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a major tax and spending package that would slash federal spending on domestic programs to extend tax cuts passed during President Donald Trump’s first term. U.S. House Republicans passed the package in a 215-214 vote, and it’s now before the Senate. Cuts to SNAP would affect residents of every state in all types of communities, but advocates fear the fallout could especially hit rural people, who are more dependent on food stamps, the largest anti-hunger program in the nation.

As Trump's tariffs slow the economy, causing more layoffs and higher prices and curtailing food imports, community food banks and church food pantries will not be able to keep pace with the demand for emergency food assistance. We can anticipate growing food insecurity and hunger in those segments of the US population most affected by these tariffs and the resulting economic slowdown.

11 Leadership Traits of Highly Effective Pastors
The role of a pastor is more than preaching sermons or officiating services. It is a calling that demands integrity, wisdom, emotional strength, and spiritual depth. Those who demonstrate effective pastoral leadership consistently display traits that inspire, guide, and empower their congregations toward growth in Christ. As churches face modern challenges, the qualities of a strong leader become even more essential. Here are eleven key traits that define highly effective pastors and set them apart in both their calling and their leadership.

Intentional Simplicity
The worship of God in song is a glorious thing. Biblically speaking, it can be accomplished through heavenly choirs (Rev 5) or the mouths of children (Matt 21:16). It can be through choirs on the walls of Jerusalem (Neh 21:31) or women on the shores of the Red Sea (Ex 15). The music can be the simple voices of disciples leaving the first Lord’s Supper (Matt 26:30) or the full orchestra of Psalm 150. It can be through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Col 3:16), old songs (Rev 15:3) and new songs (Rev 5:9). Knowing that there are many faithful ways to pursue biblical worship, we have made a decision at our church to pursue an intentional simplicity. I want to commend that to you.

Common Courtesies: 5 Small Group Guidelines to Follow
There should always be small group guidelines that everyone can agree upon. This helps people know what to expect from others and what others will be expecting of them. It also promotes give-and-take interaction and encourages a sense of equality among group members, so no one person becomes more or less important than another.

Image Credit: St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Medina, Ohio

Monday's Catch: 'Smartphones Have Devastated the Mental Health of Our Young People' And More

Smartphones Have Devastated the Mental Health of Our Young People
When you hear that depression among teenage girls has increased by 145% and that suicide attempts have risen by 188%, it does more than catch your attention—it grips your soul. These aren’t dry statistics. These are lives. Sons and daughters. Grandchildren. Students. Members of our churches. What happened? The answer, in part, is as close as your pocket. The smartphone.

The Mass Trauma of Porn
These days we talk a lot about trauma. We worry about the impact of words, we agonize about our parenting, we inspect every inch of our childhoods. But one trauma being tragically ignored, potentially lasting trauma, changing the minds and souls of children, is porn.

‘Toxic empathy’ isn’t our problem; hardness of heart is This ‘order of love’ is the death not only of global charitable work but of Christian missions.

Jennifer Lyell, SBC abuse survivor and former Lifeway executive, has died
Lyell was once one of the highest-ranking women in the Southern Baptist Convention, but her life fell apart after she reported alleged abuse by a former SBC seminary professor.

What is Pentecost Sunday and why do churches mark it?
Pentecost is often called the birthday of the Church but why is that? This is the story....

Also See: What is Pentecost Sunday? And why do some churches celebrate and others don't?

What does the Bible say about the Holy Spirit?
Pentecost is the perfect time to pause and reflect on the Holy Spirit, perhaps the most mysterious Person of the Triune God. Many Christians, even seasoned theologians, admit some difficulty in fully explaining who He is. Rather than attempt a definitive answer, this article turns to the one place that speaks clearly and consistently about Him: the Bible.

Also See: The three symbols of the Holy Spirit in the Bible and what they mean

What was Whit Monday and why was it important?
The day after Pentecost Sunday is called Whit Monday and it played an important part in culture. This is the story....

Pentecostal not Provincial
To be provincial is to be narrow minded. It is to think just of your little province, your little corner of the world. To be Pentecostal is the opposite. It is to have an expansive view of the church and to be on mission to the whole world. At Pentecost Jesus sends the church out the door not just to Judea, but to Samaria and to the ends of the earth.

VOICES: Dear Brandon Lake, Bubba ain’t as dumb as you think
Imagine inviting someone over who's never seen The Lord of the Rings trilogy but only showing them the trailer because “they aren’t ready for the whole movie.” After all, the movie has strange languages and names and lots of backstories to learn to make sense of what you’re seeing. That’s what we’re doing to Bubba.

Preaching
Christian preaching does not merely reference Christ; it offers him. It presses all that Christ is, all that he has done, and all that he will do into the minds, hearts, wills, and consciences of our hearers.

10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Quitting Children's Ministry
If you have served in children's ministry for very long, there are days that you have considered quitting. But before you quit, whether it's from a staff role or a volunteer role, there are some questions you need to ask yourself. Let's look at 10 questions you should ask yourself before quitting children's ministry.

Win the Church Lobby: Tips for a Next-Gen Resource Wall
The next-gen resource wall is the physical connection between your church staff and its families, equipping families for discipleship.

7 Ways to Prepare Your Heart for Worship Each Sunday
Worship is more than a Sunday morning routine—it’s a sacred appointment with the living God. When we gather together with other believers, we’re not just singing songs or listening to a message. We are responding to the invitation of the Lord to enter His presence with thanksgiving, reverence, and joy. But meaningful worship doesn’t happen by accident. Like fertile soil before the seed is planted, our hearts must be readied to truly encounter God. Understanding how to prepare for worship is a key step in deepening our spiritual lives.

Sundays at All Hallows (Sunday, June 8, 2025) Is Now Online

Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.

This Sunday is the Feast of Pentecost, a very important day in the life of the Christian Church. It recalls the day on which the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and the others gathered in the upper room as Jesus had promised and the Christian Church was born. Like Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, it is one of the most momentous occasions in the history of salvation. Jesus created the Christian Church to carry on his mission of reconciling God and humanity.

In this Sunday’s message we look at what the gift of the Holy Spirit means for us.

Readings: Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, and John 14:8-17, 25-27

Message: A Promise Kept: The Gift of the Holy Spirit

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2025/06/sundays-at-all-hallows-sunday-june-8.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.

Saturday Lagniappe: 'Summer Rhythms: Intentional Ministry in a Disruptive Season' And More

Summer Rhythms: Intentional Ministry in a Disruptive Season
Ministry doesn’t stop when summer rolls around. It just looks different. And instead of pushing against the changes, we can lean in and let God use this season to recharge us, deepen relationships, and prepare us for what’s ahead.

GOP-proposed budget is one big betrayal bill
This bill is such a betrayal of Christian faith, churches must oppose it — and a growing number are.

Afghan Christian refugees facing deportation still in limbo; advocate rejects claim it's safe to return
A woman advocating for around two dozen Afghan Christian refugees facing deportation who attend her North Carolina church has pushed back against the Trump administration's assertions that conditions in Afghanistan have improved enough for them to return and is still looking for someone in Washington to champion their cause.

Sanctuary Churches Cope with Changing Policies
The state of sanctuary cities across the United States is in flux, and the church continues to ask how it might show compassion to immigrants in need.

Why MAGA Christianity should fear the new pope
Pope Leo’s election also offers hope, because he reminds the world that religious conviction need not serve nationalist power.

John Lennox warns of dangers of AI in the wrong hands
Christian apologist and Oxford mathematician, John Lennox, has warned of the possible danger of AI technology being used to create a totalitarian society.

What’s the State of Your Soul? Embodying Peace in an Age of Burnout
...many leaders still feel stretched to the breaking point. Burnout is so commonplace it feels inevitable. But it doesn’t have to be.

The Most Important Quality in Your Church Musicians
What are you looking for in a church musician? There are a lot of things that come into my mind. What’s the instrument? How skillful are they? What is their work ethic like? How available they for practice? And while these things are important, I think there is one quality that is infinitely more important. If this quality isn’t met, then all the other qualities are irrelevant. So what is it?

Facing the Midlife Spiritual Plateau
For those who’ve been following Jesus for years, it’s not uncommon to hit a spiritual plateau, often in midlife.

Friday's Catch: 'The Future of Church Security' And More

The Future of Church Security
The modern church is no longer just a place of worship. It’s a community hub, a refuge and, unfortunately, a potential target for threats ranging from theft to active shooters. For ministry leaders, the challenge of ensuring safety can feel overwhelming. The pursuit of security is relentless, from crafting emergency operations plans to dealing with lost children, medical incidents and even embezzlement. But in today’s world, simply having a strong risk management program isn’t enough.

‘No vouchers, no cuts’ rally opposes ‘big beautiful bill’
A coalition of education and religious freedom groups rallied near the U.S. Capitol urging senators to defeat a Republican spending plan that would create a federal school voucher program and impose deep cuts to social service programs like Medicaid.

Sen. Joni Ernst Labeled ‘Callous’ for Faux Apology Video That Mentions Jesus
Days after telling attendees at a town hall that everyone will die, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) doubled down in a video that turned into a plug for following Jesus. Some people called her message callous and cruel, while others said it symbolizes what has happened to Christianity under President Trump.

BJC leader calls Trump’s new travel ban ‘dangerous and discriminatory’
President Donald Trump’s new travel ban against nationals from a dozen countries is “dangerous and discriminatory” and is a significant threat to religious freedom, according to Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty. BJC Executive Director Amanda Tyler said the ban, which goes into effect June 9, is an effort to demonize citizens from those nations rather than to protect Americans from terrorism as the administration claims. “Cloaked in national security language, it continues a pattern of singling out individuals based on their faith, race and national origin. It is not a genuine security measure. It is state-sanctioned discrimination.”

Divorce leaves lasting scars on children, major new study finds
A new study has revealed that children who experience parental divorce face significant long-term consequences, including lower income, increased mortality risk, and a higher likelihood of teenage pregnancy. The research, conducted by economists Andrew C. Johnston, Maggie R. Jones, and Nolan G. Pope, tracked children born in the US between 1988 and 1993, and examined their lives across key indicators like income levels, college enrollment, incarceration rates, and mortality.

Five Key Tips to Teach Your Church to Tithe
Sam received a message from a friend recently. His question was simple: How many people typically give in a church? Statistically, about 75% of people will give in a typical church. In his case, only 50% of the church was giving regularly. Josh and Sam discuss some ways to teach church members about the importance of tithing. The 10% mark can be controversial, but committing to give regularly should not be.

Pentecost and the Image and Mission of God
During my time as a missionary in Islamic contexts, I often encountered the question “When did Jesus ever say that he is God?” The most common rebuttal is when Jesus said, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). And read the next few verses: the Judeans “picked up stones again to stone him … ‘for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God’” (31, 33). Jesus also says, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). Who can forget “before Abraham was, I am”? (John 8:58).

The Abuse of Unchecked Celebrity: Lessons for the Church
Over the years, various Christian leaders, musicians, and public figures have left behind a trail of wounded victims and a tarnished witness to the gospel. Every time such a scandal emerges, the church is forced to wrestle with difficult questions: Why does this keep happening? What can we do to prevent it? How should we respond?

The Ministry of Prayer: A Call to Love, Encourage, and Persevere
We can't minimize the importance and impact of the ministry of prayer: a call to love, encourage, and persevere.

Why It’s Good for Youth and Children’s Ministers to Be Trained to Do Family Ministry
Cameron Cole shares five reasons why training for family ministry can radically improve the ministry of any youth or children’s pastor.

Mission Trip Volunteers You Need: 5 Essential Adults To Take Along
Are you always searching for mission trip volunteers? Then check out this wisdom from veteran youth minister Darren Sutton. Learn the 5 types of adults you need for taking trips with teens.

Father’s Day Event Filled With Fun Family Outreach Ideas
For a Father’s Day event combined with outreach, invite all families (including those without fathers) to a special picnic. This works great after worship on Sunday or even the day before Father’s Day, depending on your schedule.

Thursday's Catch: 'David Kinnaman: Deconstruction Demystified' And More

David Kinnaman: Deconstruction Demystified
The rise of personal stories from Christian (or ex-Christian) influencers reassessing their beliefs has made “deconstruction” seem like a viral trend. And it is fairly widespread: Overall, 42% of all adults say they have deconstructed the faith of their youth. Barna’s research on the spiritually open reveals deeper insights from those who have gone through this soul-searching experience. Here are five key findings that shed light on why some stay rooted in faith while others walk away.

New U.S. Travel Ban Will Harm the United Methodist Church
President Donald Trump’s announced travel ban will harm members of The United Methodist Church and its far-flung ministries significantly if allowed to stand.

The UMC is not the only denomination affected by this travel ban.

The Dangerous Secret Your Young Men Are Keeping: Neo-Nazi Thought Has Entered the Church
When temptation arrives, it rarely announces itself. Instead, it speaks like a familiar friend. It preys on our vanity, arrogance, and curiosity—buttons it knows how to push only too well.

3 Ways Your Kids Ministry Could Hinder Your Young Adult Ministry
Is your kids ministry holding back your young adult ministry? Every connection point is important in making disciples.

The article would have benefitted from a quick proofreading.

The Nicene Controversies Taught the World How to Think
Few roads have mattered more to the development of Christianity than the Via Militaris, a Roman military highway stretching nearly a thousand miles from Constantinople across the Balkans to Sirmium—modern-day Sremska Mitrovica in Serbia. Along this strategic corridor, where the Greek East faded into the Latin West, emperors marched, legions moved to guard the Danube frontier, and imperial officials carried messages and mandates between Rome’s twin capitals. But in the fourth century, the Via Militaris served also as a theological highway. The Emperor Constantine himself was born in a city along its path, and in the decades following the Council of Nicaea in 325, no fewer than nine major church councils were held along this route, as bishops wrestled with the most urgent and divisive question of the age: the true nature of Jesus Christ.

Shepherds—In This Gospel Work Together
In Scripture, pastors are often called shepherds—those entrusted to lead, feed and protect the flock. But what happens when the shepherds themselves start to get worn out?

The Starting Point for Preaching Truth in an Opinion-Driven Culture
Beginning is often the hardest part of doing anything. We all want to be in better shape, but we never seem to get to the gym. We want to write our novel but never write the first sentence. We want to engage our neighbors and friends with the good news of Jesus, but we can never find a good place to start the conversation. We want to preach the gospel to our lost communities, but how do we start? What’s our opening line?

Brandon Lake suggests overtly biblical worship songs risk alienating non-Christians: 'Christianese'
Brandon Lake, an award-winning Christian music artist who recently swept the 12th annual K-LOVE Fan Awards at the Grand Ole Opry House, drew attention on social media this week for suggesting worship songs threaten to alienate non-Christians if they are too overtly biblical.

Brandon Lake's viewpoint essentially is a denial of the power of the Holy Spirit to use wording taken from the Bible to transform hearts, minds, and lives.

How to Resolve Problems Between the Tech and Worship Teams
Don’t think your church is unique with your own sound problems. I’m here to let you know your church is no different than any other church in this area. So take heart: This isn’t an unsolvable situation. In fact it’s a very common problem, not only in the church sound world but in the secular world of touring professionals.

Are You Reading the Bible the Wrong Way?
Reading God’s Word is insufficient if we don’t rightly understand the context and meaning behind the words we’re reading. It is possible to read the Bible and misunderstand the point of what God is saying. Such misunderstandings can actually be harmful to our lives and our relationship with God. Specifically, we need to steer clear of these dangerous approaches to reading the Bible.

Why and How to Begin Scripture Writing
“Be sure to spend time in the Bible every day.” Every Christian hears this often. We know that it’s important. But we also know that it’s easier in some seasons of life than in others.

The Destructive Power of Porn (and How to Break Free)
We live in a world where pornography is just a click away, and many think it’s harmless. Some say it’s part of growing up. Others argue it’s natural, even healthy. But here’s the truth: Porn distorts your mind, cheapens intimacy, and draws you away from God’s design for love and relationships. In short, pornography destroys, and it does so in multiple ways.

Thursday Evenings at All Hallows (Thursday June 5, 2025) Is Now Online

Welcome to Thursday Evenings at All Hallows.

This Thursday evening is the last Thursday evening of the Easter Season. This coming Sunday is the Feast of Pentecost, also known as Whitsunday or Whitsun. Like Christmas, Easter, and Ascension, it is a important festival of the Church year. It celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus’ disciples.

In England Whitsun and Whitsuntide, the week that followed, were considered the first holiday of the summer and were observed with fairs and parades.

In churches of a number of Christian traditions, it is customary to vest the pulpit-lectern and the communion table with red paraments, clergy to wear red stoles, and the congregation to dress in red on the Feast of Pentecost. The red symbolizes the tongues of fire that burned above the heads of those gathered in the upper room when the Holy Spirit descended.

The topic of this evening’s message is “testing the spirits.”

Reading: 1 John 4:1-6

Message: How to Test the Spirits

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2025/06/thursday-evenings-at-all-hallows.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.

Wednesday's Catch: '9 Things I Love to See When I Visit a Church' And More

9 Things I Love to See When I Visit a Church
This generation has been oversold on everything. We can spot it when you're playing to the crowd.

Also See: Tired of the Show: Why the Church Can’t (and Shouldn’t) Compete with Hollywood

7 Reasons People Leave Your Church
One way Satan will try to discourage your ministry is by convincing you that if people are leaving your church, you’ve done something wrong. Too many pastors feel like they’re a failure when they see people leave...But people leave your church for a variety of reasons — most of which have nothing to do with you as a pastor. For example, here are seven of the biggest reasons people leave.

Failure to Have a Secret Guest: The Unforced Error Series
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. Thom examines one of the most common unforced errors in this podcast: failure to have a secret guest.

Also See: Failure to Remind People About Digital Giving: The Unforced Error Series

Former staffers accuse activist Sean Feucht of ‘potential financial crimes,’ spiritual abuse
The allegations raised questions about Feucht’s use of finances and accused him of ‘spiritual, emotional, and psychological abuse.’

Evangelical Pastors More Likely Than Others To Be Bivocational
A third of U.S. clergy serve bivocational, according to a recent report. Among evangelical pastors, however, 47% report having a second job.

The Best Preaching Habit You Haven’t Started Yet
Pastor, don’t go through a single day without collecting something for a future sermon. Seriously. If you’ll start developing this habit, you’ll save hours in preparation—and your sermons will be richer, deeper, and more effective. I’ve been a collector for decades. Not as a hobby, but as a preaching strategy. Whether I’m reading Scripture, a newspaper, a blog, or even a comment card, I’m always looking for something that might be helpful later. Here’s how you can build your own habit of collecting. 

Secrets to Live Streaming Success
This feature on live streaming originally appeared on TFWM.com, Technologies for Worship Magazine, a resource for house of worship technicians, volunteers and leaders alike. Learn about mixing fundamentals, video formats, mic’ing strategies, camera use, and lighting techniques.

10 Biblical Truths About Evangelism That Every Christian Should Know
Evangelism is a vital part of the Christian life. It’s not just a ministry for a select few—it’s a calling for every believer. Sharing the gospel isn’t about having all the right words or being a professional speaker. It’s about being faithful to the message of Jesus and trusting the Holy Spirit to work through you. The Bible gives clear direction on why evangelism matters, how it should be done, and what it looks like when we live it out. Understanding what the Bible says about evangelism helps us approach this task with clarity, boldness, and compassion.

Tuesday's Catch: 'Most Pastors Lead a Small Congregation, but Most Churchgoers Attend a Larger Church' And More

Most Pastors Lead a Small Congregation, but Most Churchgoers Attend a Larger Church
When thinking about their congregation size, the experience of the average pastor is vastly different from that of the average churchgoer.

Why The Church Must Embrace Its “Long Tail” Of Small Congregations
Small churches are the engine that drives the body of Christ around the world. It’s not that big churches don’t play an important role. They certainly do. But the role of small churches can’t be denied. Small churches are the Long Tail in the body of Christ.

Also See: The Essential Small Church (7 Reasons We’re Needed)

What Churches Can Learn From Hispanic Protestant Trends in the U.S.
Lifeway Research’s report on Hispanic Protestant Churches in the U.S uncovers practical tips for ministry with and to Hispanic neighbors.

Faith leaders, health care advocates arrested while protesting GOP budget bill in Capitol
Capitol police said nine people were charged with 'crowding, obstructing and incommoding.'

What the Nicene Creed Affirms—and Rejects
In our quest to rediscover Nicaea, certain questions may guide us. Why were the council and the creed necessary? What was the nature of this creed? How was the council received in its day, and what was its legacy in later decades? In other words, what kind of identity did Nicaea take on in the immediately succeeding era?

Introducing ‘The Gospel Way Catechism’: A Tool for Spiritual Formation in a Secular Age
The late Tim Keller wrote, “We need a counter-catechism that explains, refutes, and re-narrates the world’s catechisms to Christians....” Trevin Wax and Thomas West have produced a catechism which they believe can help with that.

Eight Causes for a Ministry Slump
No church grows week after week and year after year. Additionally, our spiritual growth has highs and lows. A slump is inevitable in churches and people. Thom and Sam discuss some causes of a ministry slump and what you can do to stop the slide.

4 Signs Your Church May Not Need Small Groups
When it comes to small groups, what works for big churches may not work for small churches.

Bible reading and welcoming churches are key factors in people coming to faith - report
Reading the Bible and experiencing a welcoming church are two of the most common reasons why people become Christians, a new report by the Evangelical Alliance (EA) has found. Its new report, Finding Jesus: Identifying Pathways to Faith in Adulthood, draws on the experiences of 280 adults who came to faith in the last five years.

This study was conducted in the UK.

Monday's Catch: 'How Event Evangelism Helps People Share the Mission' And More

How Event Evangelism Helps People Share the Mission
One of the tools we can use for training people to get comfortable talking with others, inviting them to our weekend worship gatherings, and eventually sharing their faith is through special events. Event evangelism can include the more popular ones like Easter and Christmas, but also can include Parent/Child Dedications, Mother’s and Father’s Day, and the beginning of a new sermon series.

Helping Small Churches Win Guests, with Desmond Barrett (Ep 103)
“If the neighborhood does not realize that the church is alive, the church must begin to reengage and develop connections by going outside its walls.”

How To Make More High-Quality, Low-Cost Resources Available To Small Churches
Small churches should not be an afterthought when we’re creating resources, they should be seen as what they are – an essential ingredient in how God works in the world.

Also see: Why Are We So Bad At Helping Struggling Small Churches?; Quit Blaming Small Churches For Struggling – Help Them Succeed

Debate over park plan turns tense during Toms River Town Council meeting’s public comments
Christ Episcopal Church’s plan to open an overnight shelter on its campus and the mayor’s plan to seize the church’s campus to build a park roiled another public meeting May 28, even though neither plan was on the agenda.

Could a hidden bias toward religion exist among atheists?
A new study led by Dr Will Gervais, Reader in Psychology at Brunel University London, suggests that even committed atheists in some of the world’s most secular societies may intuitively favour religion over atheism.

Three Telltale Signs of “Christianity” Gone South
If you want to quickly spot any form of “Christianity” gone south, watch for three specific telltale signs—a hat-trick of errors that, in whole or in part, characterize virtually every single Christian-sounding group that is off the reservation. When you encounter a group you suspect may be theologically questionable, find out their answers to this trio of key questions. First, “Who or what is your spiritual authority?” Second, “Who is Jesus?” Third, “What must I do to be saved?”

The Priesthood of All Believers
The doctrine of the priesthood of all believers states that all believers in Christ share in his priestly status; therefore, there is no special class of people who mediate the knowledge, presence, and forgiveness of Christ to the rest of believers, and all believers have the right and authority to read, interpret, and apply the teachings of Scripture.

What Have Smartphones Done to Our Young People? 

 I love my grandchildren. I worry about them too. They’re growing up in homes filled with love, stability, and the gospel. They have two parents who are committed to each other and to raising their children with purpose. They have grandparents who dote on them, cheer for them, and pray over them. In short, they are blessed. But even with these blessings, my grandkids are not immune to the challenges facing their generation. Like nearly every other young person today, they carry something in their pocket that may be harming them more than they realize. The smartphone.