Monday, March 18, 2024

Monday's Catch: 'The One Unexpected Question That Reveals the Heart of Your Church' And More


The One Unexpected Question That Reveals the Heart of Your Church
“What gets your church most excited?” Or if you want a personal perspective, “What gets you most excited about your church?”

5 Characteristics of Church’s that Demonstrate Strength and Stability
Dan Reiland identifies 5 characteristics that help churches cultivate and demonstrate strength and stability.

Baptists are body and blood related to Mary Magdalene
Baptists may also be guilty of giving little thought to the role of Mary Magdalene.

3 Parts of the Law: A Case for Continuity of the Moral Law
What should Christians do with the Old Testament law? Is it still binding on us? If so, which parts? And how do we know?

Worthy of the Gospel
While I see Marli Scarboruh's point, she makes an artificial distiction between how we conduct ourselves and the way we live. The two are connected. A changed way of life is not only expressed in chaged attitudes and ways of thinking but also i changd ways of behaving.

How To Lead Volunteers Who Are Older Than You
Dale Hudson offers advice on working with older volunteers.

How to Become a Do-Something Preacher (Part 1)
Jesus was a do-something preacher. He didn’t want people to just listen to what he said. He wanted them to do something as a result of what he taught them.

Becoming a Do-Something Preacher (Part 2)
As a preacher, it’s never enough just to communicate information. God didn’t call us to be seminary professors or entertainers. God called us to be do-something preachers. He expects us to preach for transformation.

Big churches sound alike. Little churches are the 'Wild West' of music, study finds.
Step into a big Baptist church on Sunday morning and chances are you’ll hear the same popular worship songs played at other big churches around the country. But show up in a small church, and you never know what you’ll find — anything from “How Great Thou Art” to “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”

‘Be Careful’ With Worship Music From Bethel, Hillsong and Elevation, Says Ministry Leader Allen Parr
“Some of the most popular worship songs that you’re probably listening to right now more than likely need to be removed from your worship playlist,” said author, speaker and ministry leader Allen Parr on his podcast, “THE BEAT by Allen Parr.”

Church Revival Can Begin in Your Very Own Youth Room
Church revival is a hot topic these days. And it doesn’t always involve adults. Discover why teens in your youth ministry can serve as catalysts for widespread revival.

6 Ways Churches Can Support Children Suffering Acute Trauma
As you seek to support children who’ve experienced trauma, equip yourself and your church with these tools for ministry
.

Saturday, March 16, 2024

Sundays at All Hallows (Sunday, March 17, 2024) Is Now Online


Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.

This Sunday, the Fifth Sunday is Lent, is known as Passion Sunday. In today's reading we find Jesus and his disciples on their way to Jerusalem where Jesus will suffer and die on the cross. Although Jesus explains to his disciples why he must go to Jerusalem, they do not appear to grasp quite what he is saying. It does not fit with what they have been expecting Jesus as the Messiah to do.

In many ways we are like the twelve. What Jesus tells us is often not what we want to hear. We wish Jesus to say something else. When that happens, we may be tempted to imagine him saying what we want to hear. But to be a true disciple of Jesus we must follow his teaching and example and not the imaginings of a deceitful heart.

Reading: Mark 10: 32-45

Message: What Did Jesus Teach about Leadership?

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2024/03/sundays-at-all-hallows-sunday-march-17.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:

-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: 'Poll: Most Americans say religion’s influence is waning, and half think that’s bad' And More


Poll: Most Americans say religion’s influence is waning, and half think that’s bad
There is also growing concern among an array of religious Americans that their beliefs are in conflict with mainstream American culture.

Thousands of churches will likely close down. What happens to all that real estate?
A new book called 'Gone for Good' looks at the ways that churches could be reused for the public good in the future.

Full-time ministry drains too many clergy and church budgets. Part-time pastors can help.
The happier, healthier future of ministry is in part-time clergy.

The Hallmark of Genuine Christianity
What is the hallmark of genuine Christianity? What is the outward sign that a person is truly Christian, or that a community of Christians is the real thing? What is the inevitable fruit of obeying the gospel?

One Downside of Listening to Online Preaching
The ability to hear any text online from any teacher raises the temptation to be a lopsided listener. A lopsided listener is someone who finds their pet topic and listens exclusively to that topic. Or it is someone who listens exclusively to a certain style of preaching. This lopsided listening can have detrimental effects.

Kids Dn't Get Anything Out of Church. And You Don't Have to Either
The trouble with looking to “get something out of” worship is that it is fundamentally mis-ordered; it places us, and not God, at the center of our worship. It indicates that we are thinking about worship as a show directed at the audience, and not a sacrifice offered to the glory of the one who calls us to worship in the first place.

Fulfilling the call to make disciples
Westminster Chapel saw church leaders and Christian organisations from across the UK gather for the annual Ekklesia Church Leaders Conference on Wednesday. Pastors Chris Frost and Mark Waterfield delivered the keynote address introducing the theme for this year's conference 'In but not of' taken from John 17:14.
How can your church have such a tremendous, positive impact on the community that if it disappeared during the night, it would be sorely missed?
What Two Raw Vegans Taught Me About Sharing Jesus
They say the best salesperson is a satisfied customer. These people were “selling” raw veganism with a capital RV.

Friday, March 15, 2024

Friday's Catch: 'Dying to Live' And More


Dying to Live
God has a fantastic plan for the local church, but it seems like people continue to block or distort that plan for their own needs and personal preferences. If your local church is going to live, it will have to commit to a greater vision, commit to each other, and commit to an extraordinary God.

The Power of Small Church Outreach
' Kevin Harney shares three lessons he learned from two small churches that he pastored, lessons that he believes will encourage and help small church leaders in a wide variety of settings.

5 Ways to Equip Women for Ministry in Small Churches
Budgets may be less for smaller churches, but women in small churches still need to be equipped and trained for leadership.

If It Were Me, I'd Try Not Helping the Christian Nationalists
A lengthy article but Jake Meador has a point.

Forced marriage of Christian women becoming 'concerningly common' worldwide
Persecution watchdog Open Doors has released its annual Gender Report revealing that forced marriage is becoming a "concerningly common practice" impacting Christian women worldwide.

Egypt officials abet kidnappers of Christian college student; Muslim Brotherhood behind abduction
Authorities in Egypt have abetted the kidnapping and forcible conversion to Islam of a Coptic Christian woman, according to a widely published expert on the Middle East and Islam.

Who Is Listening to You?
Your congregation is always changing. So, keep repeating yourself.

Jesus, Children and the Kingdom of God
One of the enduring images of Jesus in the minds of many is of Jesus surrounded by children, some sitting on his knees with his arms around them. It may raise eyebrows in our ‘safe space’ world, but it captures an attractive aspect of the Jesus we meet in the Gospels. But if Jesus’ disciples had had their way, it would not have happened.

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Thursday's Catch: 'God Has You Here for This Generation' And More


God Has You Here for This Generation
You were born for THIS generation. At this moment. And there has never been a greater time to be involved in the ministry of sharing Christ and his Kingdom values with the world around you.

4 Questions to Better Understand Your Nonreligious Neighbors
Around 1 in 4 Americans are nonreligious, so some people far from God are near your church. What do you need to know about your nonreligious neighbors?

Familiarity Blindness in your Church: 7 Ways to Cure It
Familiarity blindness is a malady that infects us all. It happens when we become so familiar with something that we no longer consciously see it. In fact, the brain does this all the time so it doesn’t have to work as hard...Familiarity blindness is common in many churches today. In this post I give 7 ways to cure it.

What Can You Do to Prevent Your Congregation from Being Scammed?
Scammers are doing a better job of impersonating people, so it’s getting harder to spot a fake email from a legitimate one. With the power of AI, voice cloning could be the next way a scammer might target your congregation.

How Do Our Kids Stay Christian? 
How do our kids stay Christian? Some version of this question has animated both scholarly and pastoral discussion over the last several years, especially as the great dechurching marches on unabated. This is not merely an academic question, but one that has kept younger parents anxious as they watch more and more of their peers turn away from the faith.

3 Difficulties in Starting Groups After Easter
Allen White shares the ways he discovered to to sustain 80 percent of new spring groups in the fall.

Image Credit: Wesley Bolin

Thursday Evenings at All Hallows (Thursday, March 14, 2024) Is Now Online


Welcome to Thursday evenings at All Hallows.

In his teaching Jesus put a special emphasis on how his disciples are to treat other people and one another. They are to be known for their compassion, forgiveness, and kindness. While other people might harbor strong feelings of anger and dislike for a person for a lifetime, they are to take the path of reconciliation, finding a way to become friends with those with whom they had a misunderstanding. In a world which encourages people to feel hatred and ill-will toward each other for the slightest reason and to get even for the smallest offense, Jesus’ disciples are to stand out from the crowd for the love they show not only toward each other but also toward all people.

Reading: Ephesians 4: 1-16

Message: Good Communication—A Must for Good Relations Between Christians

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2024/03/thursday-evenings-at-all-hallows_14.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:

-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, March 13, 2024

Wednesday's Catch: 'How to Manage a Constant Complainer in the Church' And More


How to Manage a Constant Complainer in the Church
The grouchy grumbler. The negative naysayer. The gloomy pessimist. Complaining has many forms. Not every complaint is toxic. Sometimes, a complaint is warranted and can help to identify problems. Additionally, everyone needs to vent from time to time. But many churches have at least one person who complains about everything.
For a better understanding of constant complainers, I recommend Marshall Shelley's Well-Intentioned Dragons: Ministering to Problem People in the Church (Bethany House, 1994).
It wasn’t your imagination: New study proves divisions created in churches by COVID
A new study exposes the stress and pain clergy endured during the COVID-19 pandemic as divisions over public health restrictions transformed many churches into culture-war battlefields.

New book offers help for churches and civic leaders on how to transition church properties
Congregations facing closure or downsizing must think about more than maximizing profits from the sale of facilities and other assets, social entrepreneur and church finance expert Mark Elsdon said.

7 Steps: How to Do an Inductive Bible Study
Learning to read and study Scripture is an important part of the Christian life. And while pastors and teachers are essential gifts of Christ to his church, individual Christians should also be able to pick up any passage and read it with basic understanding and application. How do you do that? The inductive Bible study method is one reliable way.

7 Ideas for Teaching Children in Your Church About Missions
It’s never too early to begin teaching children about missions. How can your church prepare children to believe and share the gospel?

Seriously, How Do You Overcome Social Media Idolatry?
Social media engagement can easily turn into enslavement. How can you overcome its idolatry and enjoy the reality of Christ?

Christians face harassment in over 160 countries as restrictions reach record levels: Pew study
In an alarming trend, Christians experienced harassment in 160 countries in 2021, according to a comprehensive study of 190 countries published by the Pew Research Center, which revealed that government restrictions on religion also reached an all-time high.

Indian State Moves to Criminalize Praying for the Sick
A proposed ban on “magical healing” is the latest government initiative targeting Christian practice and evangelism in Assam.

Poll shows slight dip in US support for LGBTQ rights across religious groups
A strong majority of Americans, and majorities of many religious groups, still broadly support LGBTQ rights.

England's NHS to stop prescribing puberty blockers for kids: 'Not enough evidence'
The National Health Service of England says it will stop providing puberty-blocking drugs for children with gender dysphoria, save for when the drugs are part of a clinical trial. NHS England made the announcement on Tuesday, following several months of research and a review of evidence provided by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Tuesday' Catch: "A ‘First Aid Kit’ for Churches' And More


A ‘First Aid Kit’ for Churches: Why Churches Must Be Concerned about the Hurting. An Interview with Eddie Moody
Thom welcomes Dr. Eddie Moody, Executive Director of the National Association of Free Will Baptists, for a special series on the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs faced in today’s society. They discuss how the “First Aid Kit” provides pastors and laypeople with the tools and knowledge needed to help the hurting. In this first part, they discuss why individual Christians should be concerned about helping others.

Get Your Church to Love the Community by Helping the Community: An Interview with Eddie Moody
Thom welcomes Dr. Eddie Moody, Executive Director of the National Association of Free Will Baptists, for a special series on the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs faced in today’s society. They discuss how the “First Aid Kit” provides pastors and laypeople with the tools and knowledge needed to help the hurting. In this second part, they discuss why churches should be concerned about helping their communities.

Practical Ways Churches Can Use a ‘First Aid Kit’ to Help Others: An Interview with Eddie Moody
Thom welcomes Dr. Eddie Moody, Executive Director of the National Association of Free Will Baptists, for a special series on the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs faced in today’s society. They discuss how the “First Aid Kit” provides pastors and laypeople with the tools and knowledge needed to help the hurting. In this third part, they discuss how churches can be ready to help others.

Are the People in Your Pews Good Theologians?
Our children’s teachers, adult teachers, deacons, and every person in our churches need to be good theologians.

10 practices to help us cultivate a Jesus worldview
It’s one thing to confess, “I believe in Jesus.” It’s another thing to learn and live by a Jesus worldview. Cultivating a Jesus worldview is the heart of discipleship. In a world filled with diverse ideologies and beliefs, cultivating a Jesus worldview can provide a compass for navigating life’s complexities. Here are 10 key practices to help you foster and deepen this perspective....

Reading the Bible Through a “Jesus Lens”
Followers of Jesus around the world recognize the importance of the Bible to our faith. Whether in daily devotions, Bible studies, or church services, the assumption is that the Bible is a book worthy of reading – and reading often. While there is broad agreement that the Bible ought to be read, there is often less reflection on how it is meant to be read.

Small Groups, Mental Health & A Few Good Men
As you may well know, mental and relational health issues are at what experts believe to be an all-time high in our world. Therapists, counselors, life coaches and psychiatrists routinely have waiting lists for clients who are mentally, emotionally and spiritually desperate to see them.

White evangelicals stand out again in survey of immigration attitudes but other surveys show more openness to a solution
White evangelicals outpace other Christian groups in assuming the worst about immigrants and immigration, Pew Research Center found in a new study. The March 4 report also found Christians overall have more negative attitudes about immigration than those who claim no religious affiliation.

Monday, March 11, 2024

Monday's Catch: 'The Death of the Baby Boomers: 7 Things That Will Take Place in Your Church' And More


The Death of the Baby Boomers: 7 Things That Will Take Place in Your Church (A Church Answers Research Article)
While the implications of the death of this generation go far beyond church life, we who lead and love churches should prepare for this unavoidable reality. Here are seven brief reminders of which we are reasonably certain from a simple demographic perspective.

Recognizing Generational Values That Could Divide Your Church
As you minister to a mix of generational values and beliefs, remember they all need Jesus. Love them. Listen to them. Lead them.

The Beauty in People Building
Death has a way of putting life in perspective. It helps you to see more clearly that the seemingly “ordinary” life can be extraordinary when you live it for something that will outlast you.

Pets Aren’t People
Animals are one of the best gifts God bestowed on us. But they aren’t people.

Trump’s vaccine rhetoric sends chills through public health circles
Public health advocates are watching in growing alarm as former President Trump increasingly embraces the anti-vaccine movement. “I will not give one penny to any school that has a vaccine mandate or a mask mandate,” Trump said in a recent campaign rally in Richmond, Va.

Trump mocks Biden’s stutter again, drawing outrage
Former president Donald Trump mocked President Biden’s stutter at a campaign rally in Rome, Ga., on Saturday, the latest in a series of insults he has hurled at his rival but one that disability advocates regard as a demeaning form of bullying.

Trump and the Top Ten
Andrew Manis argues in this opinion piece that Donald Trump's evangelical supporters have elevated him to divine status and equate him with God, thereby violating the First Commandment against making idols and worshiping other gods.

No, the U.S. Constitution is not based on the book of Deuteronomy
In addition to calling for a Coca Cola-sponsored decapitation of Donald Trump’s political opponents to be broadcast live for children to watch, Turning Point USA CEO Charlie Kirk is making headlines again, this time claiming the United States government was formed based on the book of Deuteronomy.

Saturday, March 09, 2024

Saturday Lagniappe: '3 Signs of Biblical Revival' And More


3 Signs of Biblical Revival
Is the Holy Spirit moving? Here’s how you can tell.

3 Ways To Make the Local Church Feel More Like a Family
...here are three simple things your local church can do to feel more like a loving family and less like a stuffy institution.

‘In the name of the Mother, Daughter and Holy Spirit’: Catholic women advocate change
Women meeting in Rome this week to promote female leadership in the Catholic Church are challenging the hierarchy’s resistance to change and its theological emphasis on ‘natural’ gender divisions.

Preaching on Mental Health: Sermons to Demystify and De-Stigmatize
Stress and anxiety seem to be the daily bread for many and the need for a compassionate and understanding approach to mental health in sermons has never been more crucial. We as pastors have the opportunity to create a safe and supportive environment for our congregants to seek healing and understanding through sermons that address mental health with empathy and insight. Here are some strategies to consider....

Why Christians are returning to learning lists, Latin, literature and the liberal arts: the astonishing revival of classical education
Schools have become a political battleground on both sides of the Atlantic in recent years and are often perceived to be hostile to faith. Increasingly, Christians are responding by choosing a very different kind of education for their children. Parents are motivated by research that suggests graduates of what's known as 'classical education' are more likely to grow up to be practising Christians, show tolerance and kindness, and succeed in important areas of life such as family and career.

6 Habits of a Healthy Group Leader
... several characteristics do distinguish a successful healthy group leader. These differentiating factors relate to what a person does as a part of his or her typical weekly lifestyle. It has nothing to do with personality, background or how long one has been a Christian. Instead, healthy cell leaders have incorporated certain habits into their lives. You can join them.

7 Reasons Groups Resist Starting New Ones
Broaching the topic of starting new groups can be painful. If Christians are to go and make disciples, why do groups resist starting new ones?

Sundays at All Hallows (Sunday, March 10, 2024) Is Now Online

 

Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.

This Sunday, the Fourth Sunday in Lent, in The Church of England, The Church of Ireland and The Methodist Church in Britain is Mothering Sunday. In England and Ireland in the past apprentices and servants were customarily given the day off so they could visit the church where they were baptized or their parish church or the cathedral of the diocese. Apprentices and servants would use this occasion to visit their mothers and other members of their family and to bring them food and money. In the present day Mothering Sunday is used to honor mothers.

The Fourth Sunday in Lent is also known as Laetare Sunday, or Refreshment Sunday, so named as it at one time served as a break from the fasting and other austerities of Lent. The Simnel Cake, a type of fruit cake topped with marzipan, or sweet almond paste, was baked for this particular Sunday.

Reading: John 9:1–41

Message: The Dangers of Spiritual Blindness

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2024/03/sundays-at-all-hallows-sunday-march-10.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:

-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.

Friday, March 08, 2024

Friday's Catch: 'The 3 S’s of Re-Building Community' And More


The 3 S’s of Re-Building Community
Welcome to the next normal in which people are more disconnected and more polarized than in previous generations. And more lonely. Yet the need for belonging is at an all-time high. That’s why I have been exploring what I call the 3 S’s of Re-Building Community: being social, being spiritual, and being of service.
Also See: The Hidden Healing Power of Serving Others and Spirituality is the Key to Re-Building Community.
The little known story of Spurgeon's preacher sister
Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the world famous Baptist preacher, had a sister who was also a popular preacher in her day. This is the story....

Gospel-shaped hospitality: witnessing to God’s grace in our ordinary spaces
...how do we structure or center the lives we live in our homes around the gospel? Or what might distinguish the home of a Christian from the home of their secular or Muslim neighbour?

As Trump support merges with Christian nationalism, experts warn of extremist risks
Suddenly, it seems, the term “Christian nationalism” is everywhere. News reports about a rising conservative think tank express concerns about its ties to the movement. A high profile documentary asks whether a new wave of believers will wash away democracy in America. And Donald Trump, the presumptive GOP nominee, is increasingly embracing the narrative that he has been chosen by God — that only he can save America from Satan.

Christian Petition Accuses Texas Republican of Attack on Religious Freedom
A large Catholic community is defending an El Paso-based migrant shelter against serious allegations made by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Chaplains and religious leaders mount campaign against school chaplain bill in a dozen states
A growing coalition of faith-based and civil rights groups has launched an opposition movement to bills in more than a dozen states that seek to replace school counselors with untrained chaplains.

How Contemporary Worship Music Is Shaping Us—for Better or Worse
The main value of Singing the Congregation is its thorough description of the world that contemporary worship music has created.

10 Tips for Choosing Worship Songs
Have you ever wondered how worship leaders choose which songs they use? Have you ever wondered how YOU should choose the songs you bring to your church?

Thursday, March 07, 2024

Thursday's Catch: 'The Roadmap to Renewal' And More


These steps could help your church refocus on the mission that God has called your local church to.

How Best to Use Overflow Worship Space on Easter
Tom Berlin describes strategies for encouraging your regular attenders to worship in overflow spaces outside the sanctuary when additional seating is needed on Easter so that visitors will feel welcome and have a quality worship experience.

12 Questions Your Church Needs to Ask About Ministry to Women
Women’s ministry is effective in the church, but there’s room for improvement. Pastors need to be asking these 12 questions.

5 Delegation Lessons for Church Leaders
A balanced delegation of tasks may necessitate doing fewer activities and doing better discipleship training. Drawing on his own experience, Karl Vaters offers five delegation lessons for church leaders including: leave guilt at the door, adapt to suit your size, stop activities that are without leadership, do nothing without two leaders, and assess and hone your delegation skills.

‘Baptism Now Saves You’ The Meaning of a Misunderstood Text
Throughout church history, 1 Peter 3:21 has proved to be one of the more challenging texts to interpret in all of Scripture. Not only does the verse appear in one of the more puzzling paragraphs in the New Testament (1 Peter 3:18–22), but Peter seems to depict baptism as actually being salvific. How does baptism save us?

How many types of Jesus are in the Old Testament?
"How many types of Jesus are in the Old Testament? What is typology in the Bible?" Dr. Mitchell Chase answers in Honest Answers, Episode 102.

How to Lead a Bible Study for Men
There are many good reasons to start a Bible study for men. They include growth in understanding and applying the Bible, mutually encouraging relationships, and ultimately lives pleasing to God that have an impact for his glory. In short, getting men into fellowship around Scripture has implications for what God is doing in the world—building his church and fulfilling the Great Commission.

How I Learned to Share My Faith on the Pickleball Court
Half our congregation is made up of new Christians we met at pickleball.

Thursday Evenings at All Hallows (Thursday, March 7, 2024) Is Now Online


Welcome to Thursday evenings at All Hallows.

The State of Theology survey conducted by LifeWay Research and Ligonier Ministries in 2020 revealed that many US Christians are confused on a number of basic theological issues. Their views on these issues mirrored those of the broader US population. Among the issues on which they were confused was salvation. In this evening's message, "A Faith That Is Alive," we take a look at this issue.

Reading: Romans 10: 4-13

Message: A Faith That Is Alive

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2024/03/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:

-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, March 06, 2024

Wednesday's Catch: '5 Reasons Your Church May Need a Podcast' And More


Creating podcast content that encourages spiritual growth in your church is an effective way to connect with people we minister to on Sundays.

The Christian case for democracy
There is a Christian case to be made for real democracy; it’s just that we’ve forgotten it or rejected it.

Politics and Parenting: Guiding Our Children Through 2024
...most parents and caregivers don’t view their political engagement as an opportunity to help their children know who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him. But as Christian parents and caregivers that exactly what it is!
In the region of the country in which I live, I hear a growing number of reports of school children acting out the animosity their parents feel toward those who do not share their political views and support their preferred candidate for President of the United States. The hatred and ill-will the parents feel toward such individuals are being directed at their children.
My Experience of Post-Christianity
Based upon his own experience, Tyler Been suspects that with the exception of those actively engaged in clinical pastoral education (CPE) and those who have gone through it recently, the Episcopal Church is widely out of touch with what people experience in CPE.

Tips on the Selection and Use of Contemporary Worship Songs in Services of Public Worship
This is the most recent article that I have written for my companion blog, Methodists on Mission. The tips given in the article are applicable to choosing and using contemporary worship songs in Anglican and Episcopal worship services as well as Methodist ones.

One of My Biggest Regrets in Ministry
Chuck Lawless shares one of his biggest regrets: he did not invest in college students well.

8 Things That Keep Young People in Church
It’s no secret that many college-age students who were raised in church drop out once they’re on their own. On the other hand, some churches have done a good job of keeping and reaching this group. Here’s what Chuck Lawless sees that keeps young people in church.

Be the Church Member You Want Your Church to Have
"I’m convinced that more can be accomplished by consciously pursuing the things that God calls you to be in the church, than by complaining about what others may be lacking," writes Jacob Crouch.

Tuesday, March 05, 2024

Tuesday's Catch: 'Does Your Church Have Churchgoers With Unfulfilled Needs?' And More


Does Your Church Have Churchgoers With Unfulfilled Needs?
More than 1 in 4 church switchers say they changed because they had unfulfilled needs in the church (29%).

3 Strategies for Doing Church Online
Heidi Campbell, who has studied online churches since the early days of the internet, describes three online church strategies that emerged during the pandemic. The most common strategies mirror or modify the aspects of normal worship. But she sees the greatest promise in strategies that reimagine worship to take advantage of the unique possibilities of digital technology.

‘Loving the City’ of Seguin, Texas
An hour outside of San Antonio, nestled in beautiful Texas Hill Country, Seguin is a vibrant and growing community. Benefiting from the growth of the Sunbelt in recent years, Seguin’s population has increased by over 16 percent in the last decade. At the center of this dynamic city stands St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.

Political Homelessness Is a Good Start
We ought to remain pilgrims in a time of partisans.

7 Leadership Bottlenecks to Avoid
There are leadership bottlenecks all leaders need to avoid.

Find the Edge in Your Preaching
We’re chefs in the kitchen, taking the ingredients of God’s Word and whipping up a nourishing meal for people in need of growth in holiness.

Immaturity and Inconsistency Are Not Hypocrisy
Yes, there are hypocrites. But no, not everyone who is called a hypocrite is a hypocrite. Someone growing in Christlikeness, struggling and stumbling but still pressing forward, is not a hypocrite.

Reaching the Nations Starts with Loving the Local Church
God’s strategy for accomplishing his redemptive purpose is through the ordinary means of grace in local churches.

Monday, March 04, 2024

Monday's Catch: 'The CHRINO: Christian in Name Only' And More


Nearly seven out of ten (69%, Cultural Research Center) of American adults self-identify as a Christian...But how many of those people are really Christians?

The Deconstructed Christian: Navigating Faith and Doubt
In recent times, the term “deconstructed Christian” has gained significant attention. This concept refers to individuals who embark on a journey to critically examine and evaluate the tenets and doctrines of the traditional Christianity they embraced in their youth.

Church Planting with Great (Realistic) Expectations
False expecations can turn into real disappointment. What can you expect in the difficult and rewarding task of church planting?

Unpacking “No Creed but the Bible”
This article is part of the Unpacking Culture series in which we examine a well-known axiom and weigh any true or positive aspects of it against any negative or misleading connotations of the phrase.

When Leading Means Disappointing People (and Other Fear of Man Issues)
As women leaders, we find ourselves grappling with the fear of man, eager to foster unity but often realizing that true leadership requires choices that might be met with resistance. If you are finding yourself on an endless cycle of doubt, insecurity, and second guessing, here are a few reminders to help you navigate the tension and move forward.

9 Things I’ve Learned About Leadership From My Family
Leadership starts at home. How you love and lead at home has a dramatic effect on how you love and lead in the church. That’s not always an easy truth to embrace, but it’s undeniable.

Facts About the Bible: A Guide for Beginners
The Bible stands as a cornerstone of faith and history. It’s God’s words, captured and preserved in human writings. It’s not just a spiritual guide but also a historical and cultural artifact, filled with fascinating facts that intrigue believers and skeptics alike.

Fostering a Small Group Mindset in a Small Church Setting
When small churches keep it simple and focus on the basics, they can foster a small-group mindset in their church.

Christians Should Long For Giftedness
When was the last time you prayed for spiritual gifts? Spiritual gifts can only come from the Spirit, and so prayer is the best way to pursue them.

Forgive Others: The Bible Path to Healing and Peace
To forgive others is a cornerstone of God’s action toward humankind and Christian teachings, deeply embedded in the fabric of the Bible. It’s a theme that not only offers solace but also commands us to mirror the grace and mercy extended to us by God. Through various passages and teachings, the Bible elucidates the importance, methods, and divine command of forgiveness, guiding believers towards a life of compassion, understanding, and peace.

Saturday, March 02, 2024

Saturday Lagniappe: 'Church’s free music lessons transform the community' And More


Church’s free music lessons transform the community
What can your church leverage to expand its footprint in your community?

Fresh Expressions movement offers hope
It sounds strange, but nowadays a brew pub or a website may be a more effective place to seek God than a church.The stakes to that idea are high for The United Methodist Church, whose membership in the U.S. has been aging and drifting away for decades, along with other mainline Protestant denominations.

New Study Finds Christian Nationalism in All 50 States
The replacement of the United States' existing form of government with a pseudo-religious authoriarian state is not going to advance the cause of the gospel. Indeed, it is likely to have an extremely negative effect on that cause.

7 Blessings Older Saints Offer the Church
Christians who are growing old have the opportunity to teach younger believers how to keep the faith and finish the race well.

Sunday School Strategies for Every Grade
How can we shape our children’s programs to nurture kids who understand the full breadth of Scripture?

4 Keys to Small Group Friendships
...the experience of many is that we’re in a pronounced decline when it comes to experiencing friendships. This makes small group friendships even more important in todays world.

9 Healthy Ways to Respond to Criticism
The truth is, if we are going to faithfully persevere in our ministries, we will have to learn how to rightly respond to criticism that is sure to come our way, fairly or unfairly. So, let’s consider several of these....

Why You Can Bring Anything to Jesus
Fact: You can’t out-suffer Christ—which makes Him the ultimate empathizer.

Sundays at All Hallows (Sunday, March 3, 2024) Is Now Online


Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.

In calling us to follow him, Jesus calls us to be counter-cultural, to embrace a way of life and a set of ideas that are completely different from those which may be accepted by our family, kin, and neighbors. Jesus calls us to be his representatives in our community and the larger world and embody what he taught and exemplified.

Reading: John 2:13–22

Message: What Are We to Make of Jesus’ Cleansing of the Temple?

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2024/03/sundays-at-all-hallows-sunday-march-3.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:

-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.

Friday, March 01, 2024

Friday's Catch: 'Seeing Red' And More


Seeing Red
...God gave us the emotion of anger for a reason. What are we supposed to do with it? What did Jesus do with it?

How to Have an Honest Conversation (that might be uncomfortable)
Honesty, candor and being frank, all easy in a Christian environment, right? Not always. Why are we tempted to hold back?

Training and Community Critical for Churches Ministering to Problem Gamblers
While gambling has surged in recent years, churches have largely remained on the sidelines, leaving problem gamblers in need of help.

An Old Testament Theology of Prosperity
In this article Danson Ottawa seeks to show how having a better understanding of the Bible’s overarching redemptive story—and covenants—is an important corrective to the prosperity gospel.

Know Your Heresies: How Not to Be a Heretic
What is heresy? While this term is often casually thrown around in the many wars of words on social media, it does have a historic technical usage in the context of Christian theology. Simply put, we can define heresy as the deliberate affirmation of a belief that subverts a central doctrine of the faith.

Lessons from the Classroom: How Pastors Can Draw Inspiration from Teachers
Pastors can learn how to enliven their sermons from teachers who engage their students through stories and interactions.

Four Benefits of Inviting Evaluation of Your Preaching
...if a pastor cannot, and perhaps should not, rely on his own people to supply constructive feedback, where will he get it?

7 Habits of Highly Effective Church Communicators
The digital age is changing the way information is received. Habits of highly effective church communicators must take into consideration the increased noise level of communication and the reduced attention spans. As a protection mechanism, to field the messaging bombarding them, people screen the information by ignoring it (not listening or daydreaming while physically present).

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Thursday's Catch: 'Rumblings of Revival Among Gen Z?' And More


Rumblings of Revival Among Gen Z?
As Trevin Wax surveys the landscape, he sees signs of hope and renewal that strike him as unexpected and remarkable.

The threat of Christian nationalism in all 50 states, illustrated in eight charts
Robert P. Jones shares his insights from the largest survey of Christian nationalism conducted to date, which was released by PRRI on February 28.

Jesus and Nationalism
...Jesus knew that the Kingdom of God was so much more than the kingdoms of men. And so should we.

Evangelicals Back Immigration Reform, Increased Border Security
While most want immigration reform to secure the border, evangelicals also advocate for a path to citizenship for those already in the U.S. The issue of immigration gives all the signs of dominating the upcoming presidental election.
What one study found to be the single biggest motivation for the January 6 insurrection may explain why immigration will be the number one issue of the upcoming presidential election.
The Long View of Preaching
...it often takes the long view to see the effectiveness of preaching. Moreover, that long view may even extend out of our own lifespan on this earth.

Preteens on Track to Abandon Biblical Christianity in Record Numbers
America’s preteen children are following in the spiritual footsteps of their parents and according to new research released by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, not only is there massive resistance by young people to traditional biblical teachings, the foundational beliefs held by today’s 8- to 12-year-olds have them on track to abandon biblical Christianity in record numbers.

Evangelism-Training Sermon Series
Pastors and youth leaders: If you’re looking for an ideal sermon series or curriculum to inspire your congregation and teenagers to share the Gospel, I have great news: There’s one sermon series that’s free, easily accessible, and works every time. That sermon series is you.

Thursday Evenings at All Hallows (Thursday, February 29, 2024) Is Now Online


Welcome to Thursday evenings at All Hallows.

In the Bible the phrase “Kingdom of God” is used in three different senses. While all three senses hold importance for followers of Jesus, the sense that may be most important for those who seek to follow Jesus in this day and age is the sense of the phrase as Jesus used it in the Gospels.

Reading: Matthew 13: 31-35; 44-46

Message: The Kingdom of God

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2024/02/thursday-evenings-at-all-hallows_29.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:

-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, February 28, 2024

Wdnesday's Catch: 'Next Generation Evangelism: 3 Approaches and a Way Forward' And More


Next Generation Evangelism: 3 Approaches and a Way Forward
Though the practice of sharing their faith is much more challenging for young people in an increasingly secularized society, young Christians do evangelize. Taking a broad look, there seem to be three primary approaches that young people today seem to take towards the practice of evangelism.

How Faithful Diversity Testifies to the Gospel
A diverse and faithful church can function as a powerful defense of God’s presence among his people.

8 Strategies for Reaching and Developing Gen Z
How can congregations build meaningful connections with young adults? Brandi Nicole Williams, Director for the African American Church Evangelism Institute, offers eight practical strategies for bridging the generational gap and fostering relationships with Gen Z to build a more relevant church community.

Think Outside the Box: What Would God Plant?
Planting “teaching” services where people sing and get preached to is a good thing, but doing church in the traditional way may not be good enough in the mission context in which we are all living.

Overcoming Divisions in the Church
God loves unity and hates division. How can we be faithful peacemakers in Christ who contribute to more unity and less divisions in the church?

7 Qualities of an Easy to Follow Leader
Are you easy to follow as a leader? In other words – are you followable?

The Biggest Problem in Worship Education
Invest in worship ministries, not worship services

5 Compass Points Guide Character Formation and Lifelong Discipleship for Youth
The Fuller Youth Institute’s “Faith Beyond Youth Group” research initiative explored character as the vehicle for both faith longevity and faith vibrancy throughout the week. Their research yielded five compass points to guide the formation of character in young people — cultivating trust, modeling growth, teaching for transformation, practicing together, and making meaning.

“New Approaches to Help Youth Form Lasting Faith” featuring Brad Griffin How can your youth ministry cultivate a faith that stays with a young person as they mature through adulthood? We speak with Brad Griffin of the Fuller Youth Institute about five compass points that can guide an impactful youth ministry. The approach emphasizes building trust and relationships while teaching in transformative and experiential ways that help young people make meaning of their faith and life experiences.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Tuesday's Catch: 'The little known story of the first Anglican female preachers' And More


The little known story of the first Anglican female preachers
The Church of England first appointed female preachers during the First World War. This is the story....

4 Surprises About America’s Religious ‘Nones’
...taking a closer look at religiously unaffiliated Americans brings a few surprises, upending presuppositions and assumptions of what our friends and neighbors think and how they live.

The Rise of the Non-Christian Evangelical
Some Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists are identifying as Evangelicals. Why?

Why We Must Be Vigilant Against Hypocrisy
Living in repentance is the starting point for removing judgment and hypocrisy from our own lives and encouraging the same in our churches.

The East African Revival at 95
The East African Balokole (saved ones) has been described as Africa’s foremost conversionist and revival movement within Protestant churches. The Christian conversion movement started in northern Rwanda and southern Uganda in 1929 as a response to what was perceived as the deadness and decay of conventional religion, associated with the missionary church. It sought to bring vigor to Christian life.

Leading Worship That Glorifies and Serves
We serve as those who serve by the strength God supplies.

How To Partner With Parents in Your Children’s Ministry Each Week
Brandon Horst makes six suggestions for how to partner with parents every single week.

5 Tips for Facilitating Small Groups Effectively Josh Evans gives give you some tips for help facilitate small groups effectively.

Tennessee passes bill allowing officials not to perform same-sex marriages
A new Tennessee law will allow public officials to refuse to perform same-sex marriages if their religious beliefs make them unable to do so in good conscience.

Monday, February 26, 2024

Monday's Catch: ''Top Evangelical Leader: 'We’ve Lost Our Credibility to the Outside World'”And More


Top Evangelical Leader: “We’ve Lost Our Credibility to the Outside World”
Russell Moore is the editor-in-chief of Christianity Today. In his new book he explores democracy, cynicism, and the state of the evangelical church. Moore joins Michel Martin to discuss the challenges of religious identity and his hopes for future expressions of Christianity in America and beyond.

Anti-immigrant pastors may be drawing attention – but faith leaders are central to the movement to protect migrant rights
Religious beliefs can provide motivation, hope and endurance in the long and often discouraging task of mobilizing people for social change.

Loneliness in clergywomen — its causes and impacts and what we can do about it
While loneliness is a problem for ministers of both sexes, woman in ministry have additional causes of loneliness unique to them.

4 Ways to Create a Culture of Raising New Leaders
Most “movements” die with the original leaders. In the church, however, we must create a culture of raising leaders to carry on the work.

When Bible Reading Becomes a Struggle
To change our current Bible-reading patterns, it’s helpful to see what the Bible proclaims about itself.

10 Reasons the Old Testament Matters to Christians
Jason DeRouchie gives ten reasons why the first word in the phrase “Old Testament” must not mean “unimportant or insignificant to Christians.”

How Not to Apply the Bible
Here are four questions that will help you arrive at reliable applications of any section of the Bible....

Overcoming Your Fear of Praying in Public
In 2012, researchers at the University of Nebraska-Omaha asked 815 college students to identify their three greatest fears. Far more than they feared heights, flying, deep water and even death, the students feared “speaking before a group.” If public speaking is the general population’s greatest fear, praying in public very well may be its Christian equivalent.

Saturday, February 24, 2024

Saturday Lagniappe: '4 Tips for Connecting With Seekers' And More


4 Tips for Connecting With Seekers
...here are four things for pastors and church leaders to remember as they seek to reach unchurched people.

How to Disagree Constructively (in Church)
Jesus often declined to answer questions; he redirected people to the best way to consider an issue.

VOICES: When your preconceived notions collide with Christ
When was the last time you were forced to admit to yourself that your preconceived notions about someone or something had been incorrect? Whenever we are not well-versed in a particular matter, we can easily get it wrong by forming ideas and opinions based on a small subset of factors.

What to Do When People Leave Your Church
Here are five suggestions when people leave your church....

Which Bible Translation is the Most Accurate?
In the vast landscape of Biblepublished, selecting the most accurate Bible translation can be a daunting task. With numerous options available, each boasting its own strengths and translation philosophy, determining which translation best aligns with one’s theological convictions and study needs requires careful consideration.

Understanding and Answering Islamic Criticisms of the Bible
What a Muslim may have been taught about the Bible will vary, but the most common view is that the Bible has been corrupted and replaced by the Qur’an which has been perfectly preserved. In this article we will look at what the Qur’an says about the Bible, why Islamic leaders teach the Bible is corrupted, and how we can move forward.

Are Unhealthy Small Groups Dividing Your Church?
Unhealthy small groups often divide the church into cliques....

Balmer: ‘Once you begin to lust after political power and political influence, you lose your prophetic voice’
The closer faith groups get to approving the ideology of white Christian nationalism, the further they drift from the original teachings of Christ, author and historian Randall Balmer said during a webinar hosted by Faithful America.

Sundays at All Hallows (Sunday, February 25, 2024) Is Now Online

 

Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.

This Sunday, the Second Sunday in Lent, we take a look at a key Christian doctrine—salvation by grace through faith. It lies at the heart of the Christian religion.

Reading: Romans 4: 13-25

Message: Saved by Grace through Faith

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2024/02/sundays-at-all-hallows-sunday-february_24.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:

-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.