http://archive.aweber.com/smartministrySmart Ministry newsletterMon, 13 Feb 2012 08:38:26 -0500http://archive.aweber.com/smartministry/BzvYg/h/Leadership_strengths_and.htm If you're having trouble reading this, open it in your browser. combining timely and timeless Now reaching thinking Christians in 29 countries! February 13, 2012 What's New? Preaching Unleashed members, check out our 2-part sermon series on Building a Stronger Family. The sermons will take your people From House to Home and From Chaos to Calm. Do you need a substitute preacher, special spiritual session (or what they used to call a revival), or interim pastor? See http://preachingunleashed.com/pulpit-supply Finding your leadership forte Every leader has a forte, and effective leadership requires knowing your forte and using it in the right place and at the right time. [continue] Teaching communication In one of those classic, made-for-television-movie moments, Marty Guise headed the soccer ball perfectly into the goal. Unfortunately, this moment was more of a television sitcom moment--it was the wrong goal. [continue] Virtual 'Town Hall' meeting slated by Commission on Accountability and Policy for Religious Organizations | Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability The public and media nationwide are invited to participate in the 90-minute event, which will begin at 1 p.m. EST and be broadcast from The National Press Club studios in Washington, D.C...[continued] Charitable giving jumps nationwide by Bill Hethcock | Dallas Business Journal Charitable giving in the United States jumped 7.5 percent in 2011, with Texas seeing some of the strongest growth at 9.3 percent, according to a report from Dallas-based Atlas of Giving... [continued] Churches' racial openness 'practice for heaven' by David Roach | Baptist Press The relationship between First Baptist and the Franklin campus reflects God's desire for racial unity in the body of Christ, Harris said, noting, "It's practice for heaven because we'll be together in heaven...[continued] New FRC report finds 162 reasons to marry by Brittany Smith | Christian Post According to Dr. Patrick Fagan, director of the Marriage and Religion Research Institute, marriage is the foundational relationship of society because all other relationships stem from what children see displayed by their parents... [continued] Free app to help people 'count their blessings' during Lent | Christian Today Christian Aid has launched a free android app designed to help people remember everything they've got to be thankful for this Lent. The 'Count Your Blessings' app provides daily reflections and practical suggestions for giving to people in need... [continued] 'Conservative' movies make more money than 'Liberal' movies by Paul Bond | The Hollywood Reporter This year's report concludes that seven of the top 10 films of 2011 scored high on Movieguide's index and therefore qualify as films with "strong or very strong Christian, biblical, moral and redemptive content."... [continued] California Proposition 8 same-sex-marriage ban ruled unconstitutional by Robert Barnes | The Washington Post A federal appeals panel in San Francisco ruled Tuesday that California's Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage, is unconstitutional, a decision that could lead to the Supreme Court's consideration of the controversial social issue... [continued] Valentines for Vets | BCN Generation Opportunity, a rapidly growing organization with over 2.3 million Facebook fans that is mobilizing young adults through a strategy based on social media and ground operations, is proud to announce its new "Valentines for Vets" initiative for Valentine's Day 2012... [continued] New church strives to put new face on worship by Fran Farlow | Gaston Gazette Myers, a former youth and student pastor, says the church was named "Revolution Church" since not only was Jesus a revolutionary, but also the word 'revolution' means the church today calls for a drastic change in the way the Gospel is presented, in the bold way things need to be done, in a religious revolution... [continued] Copyright © 2012 BP Resources, LLC. All rights reserved.Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:38:26 -0500http://archive.aweber.com/smartministry/Jp1Mw/h/Memorable_messages_and.htm If you're having trouble reading this, open it in your browser. combining timely and timeless Now reaching thinking Christians in 29 countries! February 6, 2012 What's New? Preaching Unleashed members, check out our 2-part sermon series on Building a Stronger Family. The sermons will take your people From House to Home and From Chaos to Calm. Do you need a substitute preacher, special spiritual session (or what they used to call a revival), or interim pastor? See http://preachingunleashed.com/pulpit-supply Making your sermons more thingy The virtual nature of so much of our culture is making us hungry for more tactile, more iconic, more multisensory experiences. Sermon points are often conversation stoppers--"things" can be conversation starters. [continue] Getting the most from your people You can informally use the valuable and beneficial aspects of performance reviews to strengthen your staff and lay leaders. Here are 10 ideas you might want to try (although you might want to avoid the term "performance appraisal"). [continue] Tattoos no longer taboo for Christians by Jeff Horseman | The Press-Enterprise Christian tattoo artist and owner of Devoted Ink Matt Laster, stands with his Holy Bible that he has on the front counter for anyone to read at his shop in Temecula...[continued] Church keeps the faith with four-lane bowling alley by Katie Drews | Chicago Sun-Times For some people, St. John's Lutheran Church and School is a place of worship. For others, it's a place to bowl. A four-lane regulation bowling alley tucked in the basement of the Northwest Side church since the Depression era is one of the few remaining "church alleys" in Chicago... [continued] Megadeth star takes thrash metal and seminary on tour by Tim Townsend | USA Today David Ellefson was an honest-to-God founding member of the legendary thrash metal band Megadeth. Ellefson's studies at Concordia illustrate why distance-learning seminary programs are increasingly popular nationwide as the convenience of online education brings new candidates to divinity schools who don't have to uproot their lives to attend...[continued] Suit challenging Nevada marriage religious test to continue by Steve Green | Las Vegas Sun A federal judge has refused to dismiss an American Civil Liberties Union lawsuit challenging Nevada's "religious test" for officials to perform marriage ceremonies. U.S. District Judge Philip Pro, in a ruling signed last week, indicated there may be merit in claims by ACLU attorneys that the religious test is unconstitutional... [continued] A miniature Christian bookstore in the palm of your hand by Kay Campbell | Religious News Service God may hold the whole world in his hand, but persecuted Christians can now hold an entire seminary library on a fingertip... [continued] Barbershop patrons stir a church plant by Tobin Perry | The Baptist Press "There's this huge generation of people who just have never heard the Gospel in a language they can understand," Sean Boone said. So Boone started a church, New Beginnings Christian Fellowship, three years ago to reach people no one else was reaching -- the kind of people who frequented his barbershop. Now a North American Mission Board church planter working bivocationally, he is one of a handful of church planters engaging metropolitan St. Louis with the Gospel in new and fresh ways... [continued] Pro-life activists take to National Mall for annual march by Meredith Somers | The Washington Times Some arrived with fellow parishioners, others with classmates or alongside family members, but the thousands of pro-life activists who rallied Monday on the National Mall to mark the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade all came to support the same goal: life... [continued] Law firm fights to restore 'God' banners to California classrooms by Stoyan Zaimov | The Christian Post A nonprofit law center has taken up a petition with the Supreme Court over a controversial case involving a California math teacher who had patriotic banners with Christian messages removed from his classroom - while displays related to other faiths were allowed to remain on campus... [continued] House bills promote religion at war memorials | CBS News The House on Tuesday passed two bills endorsing the use of religious symbols at military memorials. One writes into law the propriety of displaying religious markers at war memorials while the other orders that the Interior Department add to the World War II Memorial in Washington a plaque with Franklin Roosevelt's prayer to the nation on D-Day... [continued] Copyright © 2012 BP Resources, LLC. All rights reserved.Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:44:03 -0500http://archive.aweber.com/smartministry/ISduA/h/Improving_message_results_.htm If you're having trouble reading this, open it in your browser. combining timely and timeless Now reaching thinking Christians in 29 countries! January 30, 2012 What's New? Did you know that many of our articles are contributed by church leaders just like you? If God has shown you something you think would be of value to others, drop us a line at info@preachingunleashed.com and add to our free ministry of being a clearinghouse of ideas among the parts of Christ's body. Do you need a substitute preacher, special spiritual session (or what they used to call a revival), or interim pastor? See http://preachingunleashed.com/pulpit-supply Better message retention through involvement Perhaps you've realized that if your congregation took a more active role in your messages, there's a very good chance they'd both remember and apply the teaching. Try one or more of these ideas to help your congregation be prepared and involved in your preaching. [continue] Man Alive Note: Read this review to find out how you can get a free copy! The best-selling author of The Man in the Mirror and leader of the online Bible study of the same name has put out a new book summarizing the seven keys to a fulfilled life in men. Should you buy it? [continue] Job bias claims at record level, as religion complaints increase by Associated Press | The Washington Post Federal job discrimination complaints rose to an all-time high last year, led by an increase in bias charges based on religion and national origin...[continued] Church keeps the faith with four-lane bowling alley by Katie Drews | Chicago Sun-Times For some people, St. John's Lutheran Church and School is a place of worship. For others, it's a place to bowl. A four-lane regulation bowling alley tucked in the basement of the Northwest Side church since the Depression era is one of the few remaining "church alleys" in Chicago... [continued] Megadeth star takes thrash metal and seminary on tour by Tim Townsend | USA Today David Ellefson was an honest-to-God founding member of the legendary thrash metal band Megadeth. Ellefson's studies at Concordia illustrate why distance-learning seminary programs are increasingly popular nationwide as the convenience of online education brings new candidates to divinity schools who don't have to uproot their lives to attend...[continued] Suit challenging Nevada marriage religious test to continue by Steve Green | Las Vegas Sun A federal judge has refused to dismiss an American Civil Liberties Union lawsuit challenging Nevada's "religious test" for officials to perform marriage ceremonies. U.S. District Judge Philip Pro, in a ruling signed last week, indicated there may be merit in claims by ACLU attorneys that the religious test is unconstitutional... [continued] A miniature Christian bookstore in the palm of your hand by Kay Campbell | Religious News Service God may hold the whole world in his hand, but persecuted Christians can now hold an entire seminary library on a fingertip... [continued] Barbershop patrons stir a church plant by Tobin Perry | The Baptist Press "There's this huge generation of people who just have never heard the Gospel in a language they can understand," Sean Boone said. So Boone started a church, New Beginnings Christian Fellowship, three years ago to reach people no one else was reaching -- the kind of people who frequented his barbershop. Now a North American Mission Board church planter working bivocationally, he is one of a handful of church planters engaging metropolitan St. Louis with the Gospel in new and fresh ways... [continued] Pro-life activists take to National Mall for annual march by Meredith Somers | The Washington Times Some arrived with fellow parishioners, others with classmates or alongside family members, but the thousands of pro-life activists who rallied Monday on the National Mall to mark the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade all came to support the same goal: life... [continued] Law firm fights to restore 'God' banners to California classrooms by Stoyan Zaimov | The Christian Post A nonprofit law center has taken up a petition with the Supreme Court over a controversial case involving a California math teacher who had patriotic banners with Christian messages removed from his classroom - while displays related to other faiths were allowed to remain on campus... [continued] House bills promote religion at war memorials | CBS News The House on Tuesday passed two bills endorsing the use of religious symbols at military memorials. One writes into law the propriety of displaying religious markers at war memorials while the other orders that the Interior Department add to the World War II Memorial in Washington a plaque with Franklin Roosevelt's prayer to the nation on D-Day... [continued] Copyright © 2012 BP Resources, LLC. All rights reserved.Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:11:43 -0500http://archive.aweber.com/smartministry/9tkOQ/h/Are_your_people_hearers_not.htm If you're having trouble reading this, open it in your browser. combining timely and timeless Now reaching thinking Christians in 29 countries! January 23, 2011 What's New? Did you know that many of our articles are contributed by church leaders just like you? If God has shown you something you think would be of value to others, drop us a line at info@preachingunleashed.com and add to our free ministry of being a clearinghouse of ideas among the parts of Christ's body. Do you need a substitute preacher, special spiritual session (or what they used to call a revival), or interim pastor? See http://preachingunleashed.com/pulpit-supply Why they are hearers, and not doers No doubt you know several believers who can quote the Bible extensively, yet their lives show Scripture has had little life-changing impact. They're just as carnal as someone who doesn't know Scripture. [continue] If life is good... why? SUV's, designer purses, overpriced coffee, and a bumper sticker proclaiming "Life Is Good" come as a stark contrast with the realities of life in South Africa. What do we communicate about why life is good? [continue] American Lutheran reinvents church night by Beth Rickers | Worthington Daily Globe At Worthington's American Lutheran Church, the staff recently introduced a new kind of "church night," incorporating informal worship, fellowship, confirmation classes, rehearsals, service projects and more into one action-packed evening. It's called SEEDS: Spirituality, Explore, Enrich, Dinner and Service...[continued] Super Bowl provides super outreach opportunity by Jason Ellerbrook | The Baptist Press This year, the NFL has given its blessing for churches to broadcast the Super Bowl, relaxing a previously restrictive policy and allowing public showings of the big game on TVs larger than 55 inches. Churches can now legally have a Super Bowl party without violating the league's copyright... [continued] The church and social media by Ben Stroup | Church Executive Church leaders who embrace social media will create new opportunities to engage with others, expand their reach and ultimately build community in a much more systematic and sustainable approach. The question is not if your church will venture into social media, but when. The real learning begins when we put down books, articles, podcasts, and seminars about social media and start doing social media...[continued] Evers pushes school prayer bill by Louis Cooper | Pensacola News-Journal State Sen. Greg Evers is backing a proposed law that would legalize prayer at special school events such as graduation... [continued] Church changing lives a step at a time by Blake Herzog | The Desert Sun Hundreds of pairs of shoes laid out neatly on the ground, a fraction of about 4,000 pairs collected since October by Church212°, a congregation that meets in the Desert Christian Academy auditorium. The used and new shoes were being boxed up at a Bermuda Dunes home to be shipped to Haiti by an Alabama-based nonprofit organization, Soles 4 Souls... [continued] NH House Votes to Cut Funding to Planned Parenthood by Alex Murashko | Christian Post The New Hampshire House of Representatives voted Wednesday to eliminate state funding intended for Planned Parenthood or any other agencies providing elective abortions... [continued] Presbyterian group breaks away over gay clergy by Barbara Liston | Reuters Presbyterians opposed to gay clergy split from the church on Thursday, announcing in Orlando a new denomination called the Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians... [continued] Religious People Have Higher Self-Esteem But Only In Some Countries, Study Shows by Rebecca Searles | The Huffington Post Are religious people happier? Studies have shown that God-fearing folks tend to have higher self-esteem than nonbelievers, but new research published in the January issue of Psychological Science adds some nuance. It shows that religious belief is linked to high self-esteem only in countries that emphasize religious belief.... [continued] Church groups offer guidelines for evangelizing by John Longhurst | Winnipeg Free Press What is the proper way for people of faith to try to evangelize others? A coalition of three of the world's largest church groups has come up with Christian Witness in a Multi-Religious World: Recommendations for Conduct... [continued] Copyright © 2012 BP Resources, LLC. All rights reserved.Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:09:19 -0500http://archive.aweber.com/smartministry/GikAQ/h/Reconciliation_Smart.htm If you're having trouble reading this, open it in your browser. combining timely and timeless Now reaching thinking Christians in 29 countries! January 16, 2011 We remember your courageous Christian leadership Imagine PEACE There are five giant problems that affect people everywhere on our planet. At Saddleback we call them the Global Giants: spiritual emptiness, self-serving leadership, extreme poverty, pandemic diseases, and illiteracy. [continue] Reconciliation and The Other In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we are reprinting Paul Borthwick's excellent article on reconciliation. Whether we're talking about Jews and Palestinians, white Americans and African Americans, or old-style worshippers in our churches vs. new-style worshippers, reconciliation needs to be becomes genuine, life-changing, and transformational in our local and global society. [continue] Court: Judges cannot get involved in church dispute by Jesse J. Holland | Yahoo News In a groundbreaking case, the Supreme Court on Wednesday held for the first time that religious employees of a church cannot sue for employment discrimination...[continued] Younger Christians care less about church by Setrige Crawford | The Christian Post The Barna Group has released a study of what American Christians experience in their hearts and minds during their time in church, revealing the gaps in experiences regarding denomination and age... [continued] Judge upholds school voucher law by Associated Press A judge upheld Indiana's school voucher law on Friday, rejecting opponents' arguments that the largest such program in the nation unconstitutionally uses public money to support religion...[continued] Evangelical leaders launch young voters' outreach by Les Coleman | Public News Service - FL Melanie Santiago is director of Young Adult Ministries for the Spanish District Assembly of God Churches in the southeastern states. "We have a generation that's rising up - that is determined to just win this world, do whatever it takes outside the four walls of the church - and I'm ready for that... [continued] After losing a lawsuit, taking their appeal to God by Sharon Otterman | The New York Times They have tried letter-writing, petitions and a lawsuit, all to no avail. So now the Christian congregations that are weeks away from expulsion from New York City's public schools are focusing on more-religious tools in their arsenal: prayer, fasting and repentance... [continued] Popular pastor leaves megachurch to work on new TV show by Niraj Warikoo | Detroit Free Press Rob Bell, the founding pastor of the Mars Hill megachurch near Grand Rapids, is moving to California, where he will continue writing books and work on a TV show for ABC with the producer of "Lost."... [continued] Religious freedom petition to be handed to North Korean embassy | Christian Today A petition calling for religious freedom is to be presented to the North Korean embassy in London later this month. The Release International petition has amassed 48,000 signatures and is a response to the dire human rights situation in North Korea, where Christianity is banned and Christians face torture, imprisonment and even death for their faith... [continued] EVOLUTION: Pastors split on earth's ageby David Roach | The Baptist Press When asked to respond to the statement, "I believe God used evolution to create people," 73 percent of pastors disagree, with 64 percent strongly disagreeing and 8 percent somewhat disagreeing. Twelve percent each somewhat agree and strongly agree. Four percent are not sure... [continued] Czech govt approves compensation for religious groups | The Washington Post Churches were seized, priests jailed or executed and those who were still allowed to lead religious services did so under the watchful eye of the secret police. More than 22 years after the fall of Communism, the Czech government agreed Wednesday to pay billions of dollars in compensation for property seized by the former totalitarian regime... [continued] Copyright © 2012 BP Resources, LLC. All rights reserved.Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:28:32 -0500http://archive.aweber.com/smartministry/5Jo4M/h/What_do_people_think_your.htm If you're having trouble reading this, open it in your browser. combining timely and timeless Now reaching thinking Christians in 29 countries! January 9, 2011 What's New? Did you know that many of our articles are contributed by church leaders just like you? If God has shown you something you think would be of value to others, drop us a line at info@preachingunleashed.com and add to our free ministry of being a clearinghouse of ideas among the parts of Christ's body. Do you need a substitute preacher, special spiritual session (or what they used to call a revival), or interim pastor? See http://preachingunleashed.com/pulpit-supply What do people think your church is? The contemporary church has unintentionally twisted the meaning of many important words. It's a theological impossibility to say you go to church, because we are the church. One Web site equated "church" with a rock band immersed in lights, and a little preaching from one person thrown in. [continue] Great church Web sites Web site design has dramatically changed since its early days just a few years ago. The secular world has created new expectations of good Web experiences, but most churches haven't kept pace. [continue] Christianity still the numbers champ by James D. Davis | South Florida Sun-Sentinel Christians have tripled in number from the estimated 600 million in 1910, Pew reports. But the real news is where they are: in more than 200 nations, 24 percent of them in sub-Saharan Africa and 13 percent in Asia and the Pacific...[continued] No surprise to pastor religion tied to community engagement by Aaron Couch | LJWorld.com Forty percent of Americans are actively involved in some form of religion, and that might be a good thing for the 60 percent who aren't. That's because religiously active Americans are more likely to be involved in their communities than their nonreligious peers... [continued] Growing social trend for 2012: Artificial Reproduction? by Brittany Smith | The Christian Post Glenn Stanton says one of the most significant social and cultural trends for 2012 could be one that no one is watching. Scientists call it Artificial Reproductive Technology. Stanton has another name for it: disembodied procreation... [continued] Assemblies of God starts a church a day by Adelle M. Banks | The Washington Post The Assemblies of God, one of the nation's largest Pentecostal denominations, opened more than a church a day last year. In all, 368 new churches opened in 2011, the denomination said. That total marks the second highest number of church starts since it began keeping reliable statistics in 1965... [continued] More Latinos expanding their religious horizons by Amelia Hadley | USA Today While the Catholic church is still the principal religion for Latinos, a growing number are bucking tradition and moving toward evangelism -- particularly among the younger generation... [continued] Vatican launches Catholic home for frustrated U.S. Episcopalians by David Gibson | Huffingtonpost.com American Episcopalians upset with their denomination's acceptance of gay and female clergy can now convert to the Roman Catholic Church while keeping many cherished traditions in a special new U.S. diocese that was established on Sunday by Pope Benedict XVI... [continued] Science can help church keep its young folk by Gary B. Sherman | UMC.org This nationwide study found evidence that for too many young folk, "Churches come across as antagonistic to science." The study found "three out of 10 young adults with a Christian background feel that churches are out of step with the scientific world we live in... [continued] Minister writes spiritual guide to nutrition, healthby Julie Robinson | The Charleston Gazette Willis decided it was time for a wake-up call from the pulpit for his congregation, especially those who were sedentary and plump. One Sunday morning in 2008, he told them they had a moral obligation to take care of the bodies they were given... [continued] Church takes no-frills approach by Denise Baran-Unland | The Herald-News The church, which opened in July on the site of the former Community Life Church, offers a streamlined, unified, no-frills approach to worship, hospitality and Bible study while offering seminary opportunities to those called to formal ministry... [continued] Copyright © 2011 BP Resources, LLC. All rights reserved.Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:04:20 -0500http://archive.aweber.com/smartministry/AHMnc/h/Priorities_and_organization.htm If you're having trouble reading this, open it in your browser. combining timely and timeless Now reaching thinking Christians in 29 countries! January 2, 2012 What's New? Did you know that many of our articles are contributed by church leaders just like you? If God has shown you something you think would be of value to others, drop us a line at info@preachingunleashed.com and add to our free ministry of being a clearinghouse of ideas among the parts of Christ's body. Do you need a substitute preacher, special spiritual session (or what they used to call a revival), or interim pastor? See http://preachingunleashed.com/pulpit-supply Revisiting priorities We're entering 2012 as a different country, a different people, and a different church. What are we doing in ministry that appropriately deals with these changes? Are we living out the principles that we're preaching to our congregations? [continue] I'm going to get organized someday Face it. You've thought, If I can just get through Christmas and New Year's, I'll get better organized and make some more time for myself. Yeah, right. Before you know it you'll be preparing for Easter and busier than ever. [continue] Membership of Pentecostal Church, Jehovah's Witnesses Up, Protestant Down By Dan Harris | ABC News According to a report by the National Council of Churches, the biggest losers are the mainstream Protestant churches -- the Presbyterian Church, Methodists and Lutherans are all showing a dip in membership...[continued] Church collection plates may go empty as electronic giving rises by Susan Schept | Reuters The tradition of passing the church plate might become a relic of the past, as a majority of Americans pay bills electronically and move away from using cash or writing checks.Despite concerns about commercializing something so personal, electronic giving to churches is growing... [continued] Churches bring custom apps to their flocks by Emily Glazer | Wall Street Journal App developers say more than 150 churches across the U.S. have had customized smartphone and tablet apps created to connect with their members. The church apps are a relatively new twist on the broader influx of technology into religious life that includes popular apps for prayer and even making confessions... [continued] Religious Americans are just as geeky by John P. Mello Jr | PC World The theory that gadgets and God are mutually exclusive has been shot down by a new study released by the Pew Research Center's Internet and American Life Project. According to the 34-page study authored by Jim Jansen, Americans who are members of religious groups are engaged with core technology at levels similar or higher than the overall population... [continued] Battling anew over the place of religion in public schools by Erik Eckholm | New York Times It has been nearly 50 years since the Supreme Court ruled that officially sponsored prayer in public schools violated the separation of church and state. But battles over the place of religion in schools continue... [continued] Marriages at record low | Baptist Press A sociologist at Johns Hopkins University told The Post that in the 1950s marriage was mandatory but now it's culturally optional. Just last year Pew found that more than four in 10 Americans under 30 consider marriage old-fashioned... [continued] Ultimate purpose and meaning: Some pursue it, others don't by Chris Turner | Lifeway.com A recent LifeWay Research study found that Americans with even a slight curiosity about an ultimate purpose to life are more likely to participate in worship services, while half of those who never attend church never wonder about life's ultimate purpose... [continued] Military wives turn to Bible for marriage advice by Kristin M. Hall | Associated Press Faced with long periods of separation and worry over the next combat tour, a group of wives mostly in their late 20s and early 30s are drawn together weekly to seek spiritual support to bolster the strength of their marriages... [continued] Drive-thru prayer service for those on the go by Brittany Smith | The Christian Post Volunteers for the service stand out in front of the church waving a small red flag with signs that read: Drive Thru Prayer Today. Cars can drive up to the church underpass and volunteers will take prayer requests and pray with them through their car window - in true drive-thru fashion... [continued] Copyright © 2011 BP Resources, LLC. All rights reserved. Mon, 02 Jan 2012 06:04:03 -0500http://archive.aweber.com/smartministry/KlYpc/h/Will_your_Christmas_impact.htm If you're having trouble reading this, open it in your browser. combining timely and timeless Now reaching thinking Christians in 29 countries! December 26, 2011 What's New? Did you know that many of our articles are contributed by church leaders just like you? If God has shown you something you think would be of value to others, drop us a line at info@preachingunleashed.com and add to our free ministry of being a clearinghouse of ideas among the parts of Christ's body. Do you need a substitute preacher, special spiritual session (or what they used to call a revival), or interim pastor? See http://preachingunleashed.com/pulpit-supply Closing the giving gap Many pastors have won a Purple Heart at the Battle of Budget Hill. But the budget isn't just the church's guide for tracking income and outgo; it's also an opportunity to teach members about stewardship. How? By utilizing their gifts and skills. [continue] The real measure of impact Suppose you pulled into your church's parking lot and noticed something unusual--the church had disappeared. You start driving around town asking people if they'd seen a church that morning because you'd somehow misplaced one. What response would you get? [continue] Ten Commandments Scroll Goes On Display In A New York City Exhibit by David Gibson | Huff Post Religion A rare exception is being made this holiday season as the 2,000-year-old "Ten Commandments Scroll" goes on display through Jan. 2 in a New York City exhibit dedicated to the Dead Sea Scrolls...[continued] Bondi offers fix for flawed Fla. religion proposal by Bill Kaczor | Florida Wires Attorney General Pam Bondi on Tuesday agreed with a judge's proposal to fix the flawed ballot summary of a proposed state constitutional amendment that would repeal Florida's ban on financial aid to churches and other religious organizations... [continued] Study: Christianity grows exponentially in Africa by G. Jeffrey MacDonald | USA Today With 2.18 billion adherents, Christianity has become a truly global religion over the past century as rapid growth in developing nations offset declines in Christianity's traditional strongholds, according to a report released Monday... [continued] Pastry-chef-turned-pastor opens cupcakery for Florida church by Michael Gryboski | The Christian Post Gonzalez, who oversees Casa Del Alfarero's contemporary service Saturday Night Café, explained that the idea of opening a bakery came from the Café worship model. "Instead of pews we have round tables and chairs where you can sit and have a cappuccino and a pastry," said Gonzalez. "From there we get into worship and then the word."... [continued] Composer tunes hearts to Scripture memorization through song by Samantha Allgood | Bethel University The gift of song provides a powerful weapon in the "fight of faith," and Scott Jamison '90 is putting that weapon to good use. Jamison is the originator of the Fighter Verse Song Project, a Scripture memorization tool. Jamison is "creating songs with the complete and unedited words of Scripture set to melodies that are catchy and memorable," he explains... [continued] Greek church promises to boost charity meals as poverty deepens | Associated Press The leader of Greece's Orthodox Church on Thursday promised to boost its campaign to provide free meals to the poor and homeless, amid the country's deepening financial crisis... [continued] Holiday season abuzz with anonymous giving by Jared S. Hopkins | Chicago Tribune Reports of unidentified people covering the costs of layaway goods at Kmart and other chain stores are popping up across the country. Others find that their rent has been paid. And then there are the gold, silver or rare coins -- not to mention diamonds -- left each year in Salvation Army kettles. What compels people to donate anonymously? [continued] Christians are under fire in the historic Holy Landby Steve Huntley | Chicago Sun-Times This Christmas weekend we'll see many newspaper and broadcast accounts of Christian pilgrims flocking to sacred places in the Holy Land. The unhappy counterpoint to that is the reality that Christians are increasingly relegated to the role of pilgrims in the Middle East and not natives of the region... [continued] UN adopts resolution on religious intolerance by Eric Young | Christian Today On Thursday, the inter-governmental body adopted the "Resolution on Combating Intolerance and Violence against Persons Based on Religion or Belief," calling upon UN states to adopt measures and policies to promote the full respect and protection for places of worship and religious sites, and to take measures in cases where they are vulnerable to vandalism or destruction... [continued] Copyright © 2011 BP Resources, LLC. All rights reserved.Mon, 26 Dec 2011 06:03:40 -0500http://archive.aweber.com/smartministry/9vUMs/h/Ministry_tipping_points_and.htm If you're having trouble reading this, open it in your browser. combining timely and timeless Now reaching thinking Christians in 29 countries! December 19, 2011 What's New? Did you know that many of our articles are contributed by church leaders just like you? If God has shown you something you think would be of value to others, drop us a line at info@preachingunleashed.com and add to our free ministry of being a clearinghouse of ideas among the parts of Christ's body. Do you need a substitute preacher, special spiritual session (or what they used to call a revival), or interim pastor? See http://preachingunleashed.com/pulpit-supply Ministry tipping points and their tippers Social epidemic" is the $10 term Malcolm Gladwell uses in his book Tipping Points for what you regularly hope is the outcome of your preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and parish leadership: You want your people to become infected with the gospel and spread it with such intensity that it will become a gospel epidemic! [continue] What is a servant leader? Servant leaders aren't stereotypical leaders. They know that by intentionally and consistently demonstrating a servant's attitude, they help create a culture of humility and servanthood that permeates the entire church. [continue] Advent a make-or-break chance for churches, visitors by G. Jeffrey MacDonald | USA Today Unless they start engaging the types of people who visit only at the holidays, aging mainline churches will have virtually no one in them in 30 years, according to Scott Thumma, a sociologist of religion at Hartford Seminary...[continued] Churches 'Essential' to Fighting Child Homelessness, Expert Says by Michael Gryboski | The Christian Post Dr. Ellen L. Bassuk, president and founder of the National Center on Family Homelessness, said that churches serve an important role to combating poverty "at the grassroots level."... [continued] Anglican Fever: Youth Flock to New Denomination by Heather Sells | CBN News For decades young people have flocked to seeker-friendly churches that feature culturally relevant services and a casual environment. Now, a new denomination that emphasizes tradition and centuries-old sacraments and practices is drawing them in... [continued] Top 10 Religion Headlines of 2011 | Oregon Faith Report The death of Osama bin Laden--which spurred discussions among people of faith on issues of forgiveness, peace, justice and retribution was voted the No. 1 Religion Story of 2011 by the nation's leading religion journalists. The 2011 survey of Religion Newswriters Association (RNA) members marks the 30th year the professional organization of religion beat specialists has conducted the poll... [continued] Churches, city hall join in festivities by Tara Bannow | Iowa City Press-Citizen Mission trips, which are annual for youth, cost about $500 per person. The groups have traveled to several areas in the U.S., including Rockford, Ill., last summer, Montana and the Appalachian Mountains. Most of what they do on missions is build homes, Harder said" Never again can you live such a totally selfish, self-centered, me-oriented life," Williams said. "It's kind of ruined for you. You always want to be giving and generous and making a difference in the world."... [continued] Scroll fragments could 'shed light' on O.T. text by Benjamin Hawkins | Baptist Press The potential contribution to Dead Sea Scroll scholarship of nine scroll fragments owned by Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary was underscored when several SWBTS professors discussed their research to date during the Society of Biblical Literature's 2011 meeting in San Francisco... [continued] Anonymous Donors Pay Off Kmart Layaway Accounts by Associated Press| Fox News At Kmart stores across the country, Santa seems to be getting some help: Anonymous donors are paying off strangers' layaway accounts, buying the Christmas gifts other families couldn't afford, especially toys and children's clothes set aside by impoverished parents. .. [continued] Stranger donates $500,000 to churchby Amanda Cedrone | The Boston Globe The man donated $500,000 to Christ Lutheran Church upfront and promised to match up to $1 million more of what the congregation can raise during the next three years, said the Rev. Jeff King, pastor of the church... [continued] The Big Event a huge success by Samantha Gholar | newssun.com The long anticipated Big Event was held Sunday evening and brought in students from all over to hear music and celebrate the love of Christ. Numerous community churches and businesses worked brilliantly together to provide a free, inspiring event for the areas youth... [continued] Copyright © 2011 BP Resources, LLC. All rights reserved.Mon, 19 Dec 2011 06:03:44 -0500http://archive.aweber.com/smartministry/I1YBs/h/Training_and_interviewing.htm If you're having trouble reading this, open it in your browser. combining timely and timeless Now reaching thinking Christians in 29 countries! December 12, 2011 What's New? Did you know that many of our articles are contributed by church leaders just like you? If God has shown you something you think would be of value to others, drop us a line at info@preachingunleashed.com and add to our free ministry of being a clearinghouse of ideas among the parts of Christ's body. Do you need a substitute preacher, special spiritual session (or what they used to call a revival), or interim pastor? See http://preachingunleashed.com/pulpit-supply You are the curriculum Church consultant Bill Easum is often asked,"What's the best curriculum for equipping my people?" When he givs his stock answer--"You are the curriculum"--he gets a blank stare that seems to say, "Yeah, sure, now where do I find the curriculum?" [continue] Ministry candidate interviewing tips Interviews, personality tests, and past experience all play a part in discerning whether someone is right for a ministry role--but one of the best ways to size someone up is to include lunch as part of the process. The simple act of sharing a meal can reveal a lot that you might otherwise miss. [continue] Churches to lose use of school space after a legal push fails by Sharon Otterman | Ney York Times A small Bronx evangelical church on Monday lost the final round of its 16-year legal battle to force New York City to permit religious worship services in public schools, setting the stage for the city to eject dozens of churches and religious organizations that have been using schools for prayer...[continued] East Texas pastors organize Nativity rally by Melanie Torre | KLTV.com The controversy surrounding an East Texas nativity scene is sparking debate all across the United States... [continued] Oak Park Church works to make a difference to end youth violence by Rashad Baadqir | Sacramento Press This is why Wood with the help of other members of the church went to work to host the forum by inviting speakers from a variety of organizations and community professionals to come out and speak on such things as jobs for youth, the dangers of drugs, gangs, drinking and driving, domestic violence, and life behind bars. All of the topics centered upon a keep it real message that struck to the core of what not to do with personal choice... [continued] Gospel singer Andrae Crouch calls his dyslexia a blessing, striding forward with 18th album by Jonathan Landrum Jr | Winnepeg Free Press Andrae Crouch's songs have made him a gospel legend. He's written dozens that he's made classic hits, while others have been sung by the likes of Elvis Presley. But for Crouch, the songwriting process isn't actually about writing because of his dyslexia... [continued] Parents, pastors wrestle with place of Santa at Christmas by Adelle M. Banks | The Christian Century Phil Vischer, creator of the popular VeggieTales characters, has launched a DVD that answers the question, "Why Do We Call it Christmas?" The video, hosted by Vischer and featuring puppets and animation, spends 45 minutes detailing the origins of Christmas traditions, including Santa Claus... [continued] Religion: Strategies to help religion 'stick' to young people by Terry Mattingly | The Republic "At first, there didn't seem to be much an 80-something grandmother could do to help her church's college freshmen wrestle with the trials and temptations of their first weeks away at college. After all, she knew very little about Facebook, YouTube, online homework, smartphones or texting, let alone "sexting."... [continued] Macy's fires Christian worker for not allowing transgender in women's fitting room by Alex Murashko | The Christian Post A Macy's department store employee in San Antonio, Texas, has been fired for not allowing a cross-dressing young man to return to the women's dressing room, according to a law firm that specializes in religious freedom cases... [continued] Rejoicing rises across Zambia as 6,000 churches unite for Gospelby Richard Greene | The Christian Messenger God for My Hope Zambia, a nationwide evangelistic outreach coordinated by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in cooperation with nearly 6,000 churches... [continued] Some atheists embrace religion for kids by Amy Hodges-Rice | Futurity Reported in the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, the study also finds some atheist scientists want their children to know about different religions so they can make informed decisions about their own religious preferences... [continued] Copyright © 2011 BP Resources, LLC. All rights reserved.Mon, 12 Dec 2011 06:06:40 -0500