I’ve done it as a listener, and you probably have, too. By time Monday rolls around and the week cranks up, you’ve already forgotten the sermon from the day before.
A family of four dies unexpectedly on the highway. A routine visit to the doctor’s office reveals a terminal illness. A late Friday afternoon meeting
I pastor a small church in the country — 45 minutes or so from the closest stop light. We average about 25 people in worship.
For generations, Baptists have affirmed religious freedom as a sacred gift from God — not a privilege granted by governments.
Demeaning insecurities often plague us when trials invade our lives. We wonder if God still loves us. We worry that our pain is the direct result of our sin. We grieve what we perceive to be the absence of God in our lives.
We’re living in a time when people don’t automatically trust institutions — especially churches and ministries. Scandals, political polarization, social media outrage and overpromising have left many audiences skeptical before you ever open your mouth.
“I have never felt the flames melting the skin off my veins, but I’ve been through hell in my mind. I’ve had the long sleepless nights, felt the breathless despair in the fight. I’ve laid on the ground crying for help. I’ve felt the rush of anxiety’s waves, and the guilt that won’t wash away, and the deep dread of hopeless days.”
Less than 10% of all congregations are soaring with faith and are on a God-empowered spiritual strategic journey to live into their full Kingdom potential.
For many, images of glowing lights, nostalgic carols, bountiful tables and family gatherings are synonymous with Christmas. Yet, amidst our celebrations is a dark underbelly that, though suppressed, competes for our attention every December.
I’ll start with a confessional. Sometimes, Christmas music gets on my nerves. But before you call the grinch squad on me, I’ll explain. I will use The Little Drummer Boy as a jumping off place.
Our mission is to serve the Church through trustworthy journalism.
As a nonprofit Christian news ministry, we seek to provide grace-filled, trustworthy reporting from a Christian worldview while keeping our content freely accessible online.
Support from readers and ministry partners allows us to continue equipping churches, informing individuals, and providing ministry resources at affordable rates. Would you prayerfully consider supporting this work?
