The Case for Lent

The Case for Lent

Aaron Damiani, writing for Pastoresources.com One of the common beliefs among evangelical pastors is that Lent is legalistic. The word “Lent” conjures associations of petty and pointless acts of self-denial, like giving up chocolate or meat while conspicuously wearing...
The Vital Role Of Elderly in Church Growth

The Vital Role Of Elderly in Church Growth

In at least some ways, we are probably all guilty of telling ourselves that in order to best grow our church and impact the community, we need to be focusing on the younger generations and future generations to come. It’s this focus that affects our sermon topics, our...
50 Shades of Flourishing

50 Shades of Flourishing

The last “Fifty Shades” film grossed more than $500 million worldwide, despite horrible reviews and weak word-of-mouth scores. And now the newest installment in theaters this month may drive the Fifty Shades dynasty into its seventh digit. As Christians, we know God...
Encouraging Authentic Prayer

Encouraging Authentic Prayer

Though it’s been the better part of eighteen years, I can still recall vividly the day I received a phone call at work from the secretary at the church my wife and I had recently joined. As much as I was confused at how she knew the phone number she had reached me at...
Gossip in the Church

Gossip in the Church

Have you ever played the gossip game? This game has been around for a long time—probably because of how well it illustrates the effect of gossiping. I remember a particular Vacation Bible School when the youth class played this game. The teacher began by whispering...