Our Conference theme for 2021 is Real Church. It only seemed appropriate to remind ourselves of what it truly means to be the church as we begin to walk through (what we hope is) post-pandemic. What we learned over the past year and more is that the church is not the building, it is not…
Real Church (Part One)
Our Conference theme for 2021 is Real Church. It only seemed appropriate to remind ourselves of what it truly means to be the church as we begin to walk through (what we hope is) post-pandemic. What we learned over the past year and more is that the church is not the building, it is not…
Why You Should Stay
Church attendance was already in decline before COVID, but the pandemic accentuated the trend. Tom Rainer predicts that most churches will be down 20 – 30% in post-covid worship gatherings. The reasons for the decline are numerous. Some have gotten used to doing church in their pajamas. Some have found another church. Others are simply…
Three Reasons You’re Tired
Many of us are tired. Too often we work too many hours and try to do too much on our own. We think busy means we are important and believe our lack of margin indicates an increase in our worth. Sadly, without realizing it, we can become burned out physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. LET’S…
Sharpen Your Axe
We’ve all heard it said, “Work smarter, not harder!” Too often we are so busy getting things done we fail to take the time to learn and grow. The Bible says that it is wise to stop and and take time increase our skills. “If the axe is dull and the blade unsharpened, more strength must…
Trust
Trust has always been essential for human relationships. It’s the way God designed us. The dictionary defines trust this way: “an assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something.” When we trust each other we give one another the benefit of the doubt. The chaos of the last eighteen months…
Bad Advice
We all have heard it – “Follow your heart!” On the surface, that may seem like good advice, but in reality, it’s the worst advice we can give. Someone said it is as good as telling a person to cross a busy street blindfolded. LET’S TALK So why is following our heart so dangerous? Our…
The Benefits of Consistency
Most of us have COVID fatigue. We are tired. One person said, “The quicker we get rid of these masks, the better.” I get that! I think we are almost there! Through all the ups and downs of this past year, one verse keeps coming back to me, “Therefore put on the full armor of…
Change and Conflict
You’ve heard it said, “The only one who likes change is a wet baby.” Change is always challenging, but is it necessary to move forward in our lives and ministry! Sadly, I have never seen significant change without conflict. The reason is that change involves a different direction. Simply put, If someone doesn’t agree with…
Standing Against Racism
Yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of George Floyd’s death. This tragedy forced us to look at the reality of racism and injustice in our world and our personal lives. None of us should be quick to deny our biases, but humbly allow God to expose our prejudices and allow Him to change our hearts and…
Listen!
Many people assume they are good listeners. But, the fact is, listening does not come naturally. We tend to be preoccupied with our own agendas and feelings. In our rush to get things done, we fail to truly listen. LET’S TALK The Bible says that we are to be “quick to listen, slow to speak…
3C Living
This week is our annual Pastors and Spouses’ Retreat at Newport. It is so good to be with one another. One thing you can’t replace online is worshiping together (Thank you to the two Brians from New Hope for leading us in worship!) And, yes, the weather is great too. LET’S TALK Our guest speaker,…
