What’s So Good About Good Friday—And How It Makes Jesus’ Victory So Different
Jesus took on death willingly, to defeat it permanently.
What’s So Good About Good Friday—And How It Makes Jesus’ Victory So Different Read More »
Seasonal
To Everyone Who Works During Christmas: A Tribute
If you work on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day so others can celebrate, this is a heartfelt Thank You from all of us.
To Everyone Who Works During Christmas: A Tribute Read More »
Facing The Small Church Easter Sunday Blues
Many small churches prepare for Easter Sunday under an unseen burden.
Facing The Small Church Easter Sunday Blues Read More »
The Importance Of Being Very Literal In Our Easter Sunday Sermons
On Good Friday and Easter let’s get out of the way and let the best story of all stand on its own.
The Importance Of Being Very Literal In Our Easter Sunday Sermons Read More »
The Gospel Of Failure (A Good Friday Reflection)
The gospel was built on failure. The good news started as very bad news. It was never supposed to work. For a long time, it looked like it never would.
The Gospel Of Failure (A Good Friday Reflection) Read More »
I Wasn’t Afraid to Go to Church Yesterday: A Memorial Day Tribute
Yesterday morning, hundreds of millions of people woke up and went to church. In some places around the world, many people risked their livelihoods, their safety, their families and even their lives to worship together. If you live in one of the nations where you can go to church without fear, let’s take a moment today to
I Wasn’t Afraid to Go to Church Yesterday: A Memorial Day Tribute Read More »
What a Rabbi Taught Me About Keeping Christ In Christmas
“Keep Christ in Christmas” is a familiar saying this time of the year. But you don’t expect to hear it from the local rabbi.
For several years I was involved in our town’s Police Chaplaincy. One year, at our December meeting, the Methodist pastor noticed that the napkins had a picture of Santa Claus on them. He slid one across the table to the rabbi from the local synagogue.
“Hey Steve,” he asked, “what do Jewish people think about Santa Claus?”
“Nothing,” the rabbi responded as he picked up the napkin. “Santa is a Christmas character.”
“But he’s a secular figure,” countered the Methodist. “Don’t you even let the kids do presents from Santa so they won’t feel left out?”
“No,” he responded. “We don’t worry about that. In fact I think you Christians ought to keep Christ in Christmas.”
What a Rabbi Taught Me About Keeping Christ In Christmas Read More »
Need a Last-Minute Christmas Presentation? Try This Original, Two-Person Skit
Christmas is a time for traditions. But not all traditions work for all churches.
If you’re looking for an off-beat way to re-tell the Christmas story, here’s an idea.
Need a Last-Minute Christmas Presentation? Try This Original, Two-Person Skit Read More »
Only In a Small Church: The Easter Sunday Blues
The resurrection of Jesus is the greatest event in history. But Easter has an unseen downside for many Small Churches. Right now, all around the world, churches are excitedly preparing for Easter Sunday. Lilies are being arranged, choirs are rehearsing, Passion Plays are being staged, Easter eggs being stuffed and hidden, extra services are being
Only In a Small Church: The Easter Sunday Blues Read More »
How to Free Yourself and Your Church from Easter Insanity
Our church doesn’t participate in Easter Insanity any more. You know what I mean. Churches spend weeks of time and buckets of money for Easter Sunday services. Flyers go out to the neighborhood, ads runs in the “Easter ghetto” of the local newspaper (ask your parents). We hold extravagant musicals, add extra service times, perform
How to Free Yourself and Your Church from Easter Insanity Read More »