Church & Ministry

“I believe that humor is a gift given to man by God as an expression of our Maker’s innate creativity. Jokes are what we create when we play with words and ideas until they make us laugh and fill our hearts with the medicine of joy (Prov. 17:22).” - 9 Marks

“I’ve sat in Bible study groups (and cringed) when the leader asked the group, ‘What do you want to study next?’ Like preschoolers craving their favorite snack, people tend toward their favorite Bible books or topics.” - Lifeway

“Christians can’t seem to stop singing: in catacombs, in cathedrals, everywhere throughout church history. In Saudi Arabia, the underground churches soundproof the walls and windows, sometimes with mattresses, so they can lift their voices in praise without detection.” - TGC

“trying to recruit church volunteers primarily by making announcements from the pulpit, via email, or within the church newsletter. Here’s why that approach doesn’t work” - Chuck Lawless

Pathway to Pastoral Ministry: First Steps for Young Men is available and The Healthy Pastor: Stewarding Your Personal Life for Long-Term Ministry is expected in early 2025. - Dean Taylor

“it’s time to stop talking about what we’re going to do and take an initial, strategic step of action that puts into place an administrative response to this issue.” - Baptist Press

“Pop culture and the pop style of music in general has infiltrated and reshaped much of the thinking, writing, arranging, and performing of Christian music, even within much of ‘conservative’ Christianity.” - Taigen Joos

“1. Am I Driven by a Concern to Prove Myself, My Church, or My Movement? … 2. Are There People Around Me Who Feel Free to Disagree with Me? … 4. Do I Dismiss Negative Feedback Based on the Person Giving the Feedback? Or Am I Willing to Acknowledge Truth Wherever It May Be Found?…” - 9 Marks

“I asked my friend David Middlebrook, a highly respected attorney who focuses on church and nonprofit issues. Here’s David’s response” - Phil Cooke