It can be ok that that other church or denomination is more successful in our town; we don’t have to find fault with them or let jealousy steal our hearts. It can be ok that, in the past, our groups have had significant conflict; not all inter-group conflict is resolvable, and sometimes we just have to lay down our weapons and move on, seeking first God’s kingdom and righteousness.
I think what we’ve missed is that some matters of church life and spirituality aren’t a matter of right and wrong. To be certain, some matters are quite clear, but it’s not as common as we think. In some cases, we’re dealing with a continuum that might include a wide range of possible answers. In other cases, there’s ambiguity as to which position might be right.
Ever been disfellowshipped? If so, you know some of the pain that can be there. Despite its positive foundation, it is a way that Christian behavior mirrors some of the most damaging and painful tendencies of our modern world.
I have heard the prayers of a person with dementia after someone prayed with them and, although to our ear it may be difficult to understand, the Lord knows their heart inside and out. It is such a beautiful thing to witness. The Lord's Prayer is often familiar to those with a spiritual background and can bring a sense of peace.
Before we were, He was and is already in the womb… that sacred place where nothing is hidden, unseen, unknown, unspoken, or unloved from Him. God’s presence in our created being is described as being with us in our innermost parts; woven together; the way we think and feel; knit together in an unformed body; put together.
I am a professional spiritual care giver, and it is an honor to provide that relational presence to folks whose condition often leaves them vulnerable and isolated. I have learned to honor family members' choices about how best to interact with their loved one. And occasionally, I have provided emotional support to those trying to cope with the grief that comes with having a family member suffering from dementia.
Authenticity is not only seen in big, dramatic moments. More often, authenticity is found in the small, daily decisions that have earned your credibility. It is not about being liked; it is about being trusted because of your consistency and clear values.
I’ve been thinking about the faces of those who have sat at my table. After reading this Matthew 9:10-13, a few questions settled in my heart: What do they look like? What’s their story? What questions of faith are they asking? Do they know Jesus?
Hi everyone, Amanda Box here, back to share my adventures as a communication evangelist. I’ve recently worked with two different clients who asked me to help with some extremely challenging conversations. Both situations required significant planning and preparation. This article contains a breakdown of what this looked like.
It must be said from the outset that the “protagonistés” (main character) of this parable is the father who embodies God’s forgiving love for sinners.
You don’t need to prove that you’re healed. You don’t need to rush into another assignment. You need only to sit at the feet of the One who carried you through it all and hear Him whisper, “Well done.”
Ministry can sometimes feel like sailing into the wind—navigating competing needs, weary congregations, complex situations, and quiet pressures. And in a world enamored with metrics, driven by measurable outcomes and focused on the correct formula for success, it is easy to forget that the kingdom of God does not advance in this way. It advances by the breath of the Holy Spirit.
An overlapping quartet of books made it through my reading list over the past year. The lessons in these books are applicable for individuals but also for churches, as both people and organizations go through life cycles that require adaptation to changing circumstances.
You can even begin just by acknowledging the seemingly tiny things that spark a smile, or lift your spirit even the smallest bit. Recognize these as glimmers in your day. Each positive moment collected contributes to a more fulfilling life.
Books make good conversation partners with one another; they may vivify the scripture you have been reading lately or connect to this season of life.
When we believe, we share in his death through baptism. We live in community, partaking of his body and blood when we assemble together. But life is still hard. Jesus himself reminded his followers that they would have trouble in this world—but to take heart because he has overcome the world.
We always have the choice as to how we see another person. We can resist evil, reject unrighteousness, and even contend for the faith without losing sight of the image and likeness of God in our conversation partner, our opponent, our enemy.
In ministry, conflict is inevitable—but it doesn’t always have to be combustible. One of the most effective ways to prevent misunderstandings from escalating is to build and maintain credibility. When people trust your character, believe in your competence, and know you’re consistent, they’re far more likely to give you the benefit of the doubt in tense moments.
For Jesus, the concept of neighbor transcends ethnic, social, religious and economic differences. His teaching is a challenge to each of us because we are reluctant to help others, especially when they are not connected in any way to us.
Barnabas showed us that encouragement is not soft – it's bold, visionary, generous, and healing. Encouragement isn’t always flashy, but it builds the church. It is leadership at its finest.
