What do a Czech duke from the 10th century, the first Christian martyr, a British public holiday, and a crazy rush to return unwanted gifts to the store... have in common? They all happen on the day after Christmas! Known for his unusual charitable lifestyle as a wealthy man, “Good King” Wenceslas went outside on …
Continue reading Wenceslas, Stephen, Boxing Day, and Gift Returns
A pastor challenged me recently on whether it was true that new churches tended to engage more unchurched people than did older, established churches. In a study published two months ago, in fact, nearly half of the people attending new churches were non-attenders in the past. What was the most common pathway into the church? …
Social media is evolving, but it's not disappearing. I heard a comedian announce a future merger between YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook to create a new social media: YouTwitFace. Mmm... I hope not! The changes are profound. Whether I like it or not, people are using social media to make personal anouncements and plan meetings. They …
My original title for this blog was: using facebook to do relationships, tell your story, promote your passion--and to do it without being obnoxious and without falling into narcissism... or getting fired... or something like that. :-) But I decided that was a little long. Plus, Facebook is not the only channel in the social …
Continue reading On Using Social Media (Part 1): 7 Ways to Damage Relationships through Facebook
Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind toward one another… Romans 15:5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus… It happens more and more. My wife and I will turn to each other with the same thoughts -- and often the same …
Six years ago I had the privilege of joining other ministerial alumni of Blue Mountain College (http://www.bmc.edu) in honoring Dr. James Travis. Retired after teaching for 36 years, Dr. Travis influenced several generations of young pastors through his faithful, enthusiastic friendship and instruction. He was the first mentor many of us had in ministry. In …
Romans 16:16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 1 Corinthians 16:20 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 2 Corinthians 13:12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 1 Thessalonians 5:26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. 1 Peter 5:14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Do you remember your …
Romans 15:7 Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God. It's happening on playgrounds all around our country today… and it happens in churches too. Groups get ready to choose up sides and someone is chosen last. "Arrrggghhh!" as Charlie Brown used to say -- what a terrible …
Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another. Her words have stayed with me for all of my adult life. I was 18 years old. As a second-time guest at a Bible study, the youth pastor's wife introduced me to several other kids by saying, …
Who gets in? Who gets left out in the cold? The door man decides. Several years ago, The Los Angeles Times entertainment website unveiled a cover story on the city’s club scene. Profiling door men who screen entry intoexclusive establishments, the article explains that success is attached to what you wear and who you are …
EquippingSaints.com 