Everyone wants to belong - to be recognized - for someone to know his or her name - to be understood. From 1982-1993 there was a popular sitcom called Cheers and the words to the theme song were not only catchy but insightful. Wouldn't you like to get away? Sometimes you want to go Where everybody knows your name, and…
We often define churches by their size, music quality, architecture or notoriety of the pastor. Elaborate facilities. Multiple staff members. A plethora of programs. Is this how we define church? Is it about all of these things? The answer can be “yes” and “maybe,” if these things are contributing to the main thing. The main thing is not bringing a…
Okay, sing along with me, “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine, oh…” Perhaps you remember singing this song as a child in Sunday school or maybe at camp, but what does it really mean? In Matthew 5:14 Jesus said, “You are the light of the world” and in verse 16, “Let your light so shine…
Most of us can quickly define the dichotomy between a “Christian” and “Secular” worldview, but what about the difference between “Christian” and “Christian?” What does it mean to live “counter-culturally” within the mainstream church today? We as Christians have tried to define ourselves so as to be easily distinguished from the “world” and defend our faith. But while we were…
Women who faithfully serve in Youth Ministry are the heart and soul of reaching and discipling students. They play a vital role and their contribution to the cause of Christ will only be measured in eternity. As a consultant to Local Churches, I have the privilege of working alongside great Student Ministry leaders who are having a global impact. Some…
This is the third and final post in the Four Erroneous Youth Ministry Philosophies series. Sections three and four represent ministry approaches based on program and personality. Youth ministries need a program as well as leadership with personality; however, both function best when founded on Biblical principles. Section Three: “All Dressed Up and Nowhere to Go – Buttoned Up and…
What is truth and how has it been affected by postmodernism? In his book Truth & the New Kind of Christian, R. Scott Smith addresses this as well as the emerging effects of postmodernism in the church. He evaluates and confronts postmodernism both in secular society and within Christianity. I appreciated his diligence in defining terms that we often use…