And of some have compassion, making a difference: Jude 22

Welcome to Alabama Youth Congress.

Dr. Rick Shrader is the editor of Aletheia a monthly publication which helps meet the need for a balanced conservative voice among Baptists.

The FREE place for Independent Baptists to meet the needs of other ministries and Baptists while meeting their own needs to buy sell and barter goods in an ...

North Port Florida (FL)

Regarding Outage

Seeking Pastor

Need: Bi-Vocational, Self-Supported, or Missionary Pastor

Seeking Pastor

What The Bible Says - Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

Seeking a Bi-Vocational, or Self-Supported, Missionary Church Planter for the pastor to teach and help grow the church

Please join us for our daily prayer meeting.

Please join us for our Sunday Services!

Mid-Week Prayer Meeting and Service.

Please join us for our daily prayer meeting!

Please join us for our daily prayer meeting!

Via Eugyppius.com This story has even made it into the Anglophone press, so you know it's a big deal: “German transport minister warns of weekend...Transport Minister Threatens Germans With “Indefinite Weekend Driving Ban” To Meet Mandated Emissions Targets

Via Eugyppius.com This story has even made it into the Anglophone press, so you know it's a big deal: “German transport minister warns of weekend...Transport Minister Threatens Germans With “Indefinite Weekend Driving Ban” To Meet Mandated Emissions Targets

The United Methodist Church's legislative meeting will have an unofficial caucus of LGBT-identified clergy advocating for changes in the denomination's stance on homosexuality.

Have you ever asked yourself why you go to church? There are plenty of scriptures about meeting together, so, maybe it's out of obedience. Or maybe it's tradition, or maybe it's the fear of being accused of not being a good Christian. Maybe you go to church because it's something to do or it feels like a good thing to have some sort of faith-based support. Maybe you've formed good friendships, or you enjoy the programs churches have to offer. Maybe you like being part of a community of like-minded people. Maybe you've just always gone and so you continue to go out of habit or routine.? Everyone has their opinions about church, but does God have an opinion?Today, when churches almost everywhere are broadcasting online, does it really matter if you actually get dressed and head out on a Sunday morning or a Wednesday night? What about a Bible study, does that count? You can read the Bible alone and grow in your faith and you can pray alone and grow in your faith, and you can worship alone and grow in your faith. Yet each one of these faith actions has two sides: personal and inter-personal.? Most people are comfortable with reading the Bible and praying together, but worship is different. Why is that? People are sometimes less comfortable expressing themselves in worship when others are around than they are worshipping alone. But is one “better” or more spiritually beneficial than the other? Photo Credit:©GettyImages/CreativaImages

But experts say it can offer opportunities for leaders and congregations to grow. Conflict had become the norm at Trinity Church in Redlands, California.The lead pastor left in 2022 amid a wave of disgruntled attendees. Following his departure, some church members remained upset at the congregation’s elders. In all, there had been at least a dozen situations that came up over a 14-year period.When Doug Baker arrived as interim pastor, he knew the conflict had to be addressed. Trinity called in Peacemaker Ministries, a group that mediates conflicts from a biblical perspective. Over a weekend in March 2023, Peacemaker held 15 meetings with people embroiled in the church conflict, put together a plan, and peace began to emerge.Healing started. Many conflicts were resolved. Some people forgave. Some left the church. Trinity, which now averages 500 attendees in Sunday worship, began to change.The conflict resolution process revealed that the congregation didn’t feel as if the elders valued their opinions. The elders began to listen humbly, and they have kept listening. Two elders stand at the welcome booth each Sunday to hear people’s opinions about church matters. According to Baker, “conversations have opened back up.”The situation at Trinity has “been better—much, much better,” he said. “There is a peace. There is a graciousness, a unity, a love for each other and for the lost. People are reengaging with ministry. We are seeing specific ministries thriving a whole lot better because people are not worried about the struggle. They are more concerned about the kingdom.”According to church conflict researchers, Trinity illustrates some broader trends. Conflict often provokes pastors to leave their churches or at least consider leaving, researchers ...Continue reading...