Level 3:16 recently put out this video titled “Tell ‘Em”. They could have left out the verbal banter at the beginning of the video, but they were trying to set the stage for the content of this song, which is amazing! The conversational style of this artist’s rapping really pulled me in and clearly points to Jesus.
Read MoreReturning home from a short-term mission or spiritual retreat can be difficult. On the one hand, you have this odd desire to keep travelling, embracing a nomadic servant leadership lifestyle as a permanent gig. On the other hand, you crave the comforts and security that come with getting home to family and friends.
Read More“It was like she was hanging on every word! She was smiling and nodding her head as the intern explained all the tests and trials that Joseph faced.” This woman could relate. After so much pain and loneliness, this young woman finally had validation for her suffering. “God’s plan is so perfect!”
Read MoreWhen I was a youth pastor, I led a group of students from conservative, semi-rural Alaska on a missions trip to Seattle, WA and Vancouver, BC. The first part in Seatlle was fairly familiar for them, but Vancouver was a different story. Considering their home environment, our students received the full brunt of religious, ethnic, and socioeconomic culture shock!
Read MoreAs I toured the facilities with the pastor, I started to realize how grim the situation was. It would take way more than a summer work team to turn this church around. It was a large property that resembled a ghost town of sorts; like time stopped a decade prior, when a large group of families just walked away all at once. The property was left to take care of itself. However, the facility wasn’t the problem.
Read MoreBob is a true evangelist! I had an opportunity to hear him speak at Creationfest years ago, and his message still resonates with me. During his presentation, he suggested that the church should be doing a better job of evangelizing to youth and children. I don’t think anyone in the crowd disagreed. However, we were all further compelled when he laid out the reasons why.
Read MoreGoal-setting is so important! When I was a youth pastor, taking trips was a key part of the ministry. Before we left, we would have an evening of spiritual preparation; a group session to discuss the spiritual goals for the experience. Goal setting can be a great addition to any conference or mission experience, to increase the impact of the trip.
Read MoreWe need to take a deep, hard look inside ourselves and get to some honesty. If we have no desire to strive whatsoever, if we feel no compulsion to proclaim Christ, teach or admonish each other in any way, we have got some serious work to do in our hearts.
Read MoreWe have to face the reality that there are a number of people who did not have any type of get-together with family or friends this past week. Nor will they have an opportunity to take part in the many festivities planned throughout this next month. The question is, what will we do about that? How will we make a difference out of our abundance?
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