Monthly Archives: February 2018
Florida Shooting
When I first heard the news about the Florida High School shooting, my mind was already pondering a few other disappointing news stories of the day. I was thinking about the Lutheran minister in New Jersey who had a name changing ceremony Sunday because she has “transitioned” from female to male. The Lutheran Bishop was glowing about it and the transgender ceremony in the church sanctuary that officially recognized her name change from Rosa to … Continue reading →
The Valentine Story
The St. Valentine story as shared by History.com… “On February 14 around the year 278 A.D., Valentine, a holy priest in Rome in the days of Emperor Claudius II, was executed. Under the rule of Claudius the Cruel, Rome was involved in many unpopular and bloody campaigns. The emperor had to maintain a strong army, but was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. Claudius believed that Roman men were unwilling … Continue reading →
Links to Simple Church
Want to do some more exploring about how others are doing simple church? Let me suggest a couple online visits you can make to explore the concept of house church ministry. The sites I’ve listed below do not imply an endorsement, but they do give some clarity to today’s house church movement. • YouTube video: “What is Simple Church?” • Ed Stetzer on House Church • Francis Chan’s We Are Church • Dr. Randy White on Starting … Continue reading →
Smaller is Bigger
Mega churches are great when it comes to outreach, but drawing a crowd isn’t what a pastor is called to do. Smaller gatherings is where disciples are made and souls are brought to Christ. Any executive can lead a mega church, but only a pastor can lead a small gathering of souls. Hundreds in our world are really wanting to grow their faith in the Lord, but have already ruled-out the traditional church as the … Continue reading →
Starting A House Church
A house church is not a one-size-fits-all or a cookie-cutter singular approach, but rather a zero-budget mission that is developed organically according to God’s leading and your calling. First, start with a call upon your heart. God uses pastors in His ministry and house churches that are led by pastoral care leaders are certainly following the biblical example that best feeds God’s flock. Second, I suggest starting by forming the foundations of beliefs, mission, and … Continue reading →
Being the Church
The word church comes from the Greek word ekklesia which is defined as “an assembly” or “called-out ones” so according to the Bible, the church is the body of Christ—all those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. Our society has benefited from the traditional brick and mortar church building as a beacon of light in its presence and mission. However, we know that today’s lostness is in need of a cooperative partnership of biblical minded … Continue reading →
Prayer Therapy: How to Pray for Problems
In 1994 I had assumed the pastorate of a church where I had the opportunity to sit down with the outgoing pastor to discuss various issues of that congregation. As I was sitting with him in his office talking, he handed me his keys and said, “Oh, I almost forgot, each Wednesday at 11:00 AM you have a counseling session, here in this office, with Mrs. Redford.” Not her real name, but I did ask, … Continue reading →