Our local association newsletter had a section recently that listed six secrets of a turnaround church. Thom Rainer, president of Lifeway Christian Resources, conducted a survey of churches that were in decline and experienced a great turnaround. From that survey these six things were evident in every church that made a turnaround: They became highly…
Ronald Reagan said, “All great change in America begins at the dinner table.” America is a nation made of families. The God ordained institution of the home is the fabric that knits America together. I have often said that as goes the family so goes the church and as goes the church so goes the…
I have heard of pastor’s who have the attitude that they do not visit people because that is the deacon’s job. I have heard of pastor’s who get angry when someone tells them that they should visit someone. This, I believe, is a lack of having a pastor’s heart and perhaps even having a calling…
We talk a lot about the need to grow spiritual. We encourage one another to read our Bibles everyday and to engage in a meaningful prayer life. We challenge one another to be involved in the work of the church. We put a strong emphasis on witnessing and engaging our community. But, what if…
Around this time in the month of January, churches across America has a special emphasis on the Sanctity of Life. On January 13, 1984 President Ronald Reagan made a proclamation that proclaimed Sunday January 22, 1984 as Sanctity of Life Sunday. From the time of President Reagan’s proclamation Sanctity of Life Sunday has been…
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” The purpose of man is doxological. The reason for our existence is to bring glory to God. Everything that God does for us is ultimately that He may be glorified. This is also the…
The most consequential election of our time has come to an end. God has heard our cry. With the election of our new President and a more conservative house and senate, the opportunity has been given for America to return to its roots as a God-fearing nation. The possibility of ending the holocaust known as…
I have been reading an amazing book from our church library by Henry and Richard Blackaby called, Hearing the voice of God. There are many ways that God speaks to us. He speaks to us through the scriptures, the Holy Spirit, prayer, circumstances, people, and the church. Many times, however, we fail to…
As a Pastor I often find myself focusing on the big picture. One of my greatest passions is to cast a vision and develop plans and strategies to fulfill that vision. However, seeing the big picture means nothing without careful attention to detail. In life, there are many problems and trials that can be avoided…
The ninth and final trait of an outward focused Christian, according to Thom Rainer, is: I will make a difference. Every Christian has a calling. There is something that God wants you to do. He is calling you to get involved and to be an active part of the life and ministry of the church.…
