Wednesday’s Catch: ‘What’s Next?! The Best Question to Ask Regarding Guests At Church’ And More
What’s Next?! The Best Question to Ask Regarding Guests At Church
Hopefully, you will meet new people this week. One of the marks of a healthy church is a steady stream of new attendees. They might have come for any kind of reason—an outreach initiative, a special service or time of the year, or maybe just an invitation from a church member. Whatever the cause, they are there. And once they are, there is one, key question you should ask: What happens next?
Jim Ozier says a healthy church culture is critical to the long-term growth and viability of a congregation. He shares a list of attributes that can help diagnose whether your church culture is healthy or in need of change.
Episcopal Church, interfaith partners challenge Trump’s ICE enforcement actions in court
More than two dozen Christian and Jewish organizations, including The Episcopal Church, sued the Trump administration on Feb. 11 for allowing immigration officers to target churches and other “sensitive” places for arrests as part of the president’s promised crackdown on legal and illegal immigration.
Related articles: United Methodists Join Lawsuit Challenging Immigration Raids in Houses of Worship, Faith-based groups challenge Trump orders in two court cases, and 27 more religious groups sue to stop ICE raids at churches
Pope Francis calls US Catholics to listen to Jesus, not Trump, on immigration
Pope Francis issued a clarion call to U.S. Catholics Feb. 10 to reject the anti-immigrant narrative of the Trump administration. He also rebutted Vice President JD Vance’s appeal to ordo amoris to justify the administration’s “America First” policies.
Related articles: Pope Francis’s Stunning Rebuke of JD Vance Exposes MAGA’s Dark Soul and Pope Francis takes aim at Vance’s definition of ‘ordo amoris’ in letter to US Bishops
5 Steps to Your First Sabbatical
If done well, a pastor’s sabbatical will glorify God as they come back eager to be a blessing to their family, church, and community.
Church of England Responds to Reports It Banned Gluten-Free Communion Wafers
The Church of England has released a statement clarifying its stance on whether gluten-free wafers and non-alcoholic wine can legitimately be used for Communion following reports that it had banned both.
Straining gluten-free and non-alcoholic gnats whilst swallowing camels
It was reported a couple of days ago that the Church of England was asked to consider the use of non-alcoholic wine and wheat-free bread as part of the eucharist. The case was made on behalf of those who have a history of alcoholism and those who suffer from wheat intolerances.
A eucharist of sourdough or wafer? What a thousand-year-old religious quarrel tells us about fermentation
A nasty quarrel arose in the 11th century over what kind of bread should be used in holy communion.
AI-pocalypse Now?
The risk of AI isn’t the extinction of humanity, it’s the abolition of man.
Dopamine Media Is a Digital Las Vegas
While most Americans tend to think of substances as addictive—especially those that directly deliver dopamine—new research shows behaviors can be profoundly addictive as well because they release dopamine in the brain.
What Would I Say to a Young Christian Reading John Mark Comer?
I was asked to give a pastoral and general take. Here it is.
Partner With Parents in Youth Ministry: 5 Tips To Empower and Equip
Wondering how to partner with parents and empower them in their important roles? Then check out these insights from youth ministry veteran Brandon Early.
Ending Racism: 10 KidMin Tips To Break Down Stereotypes
Ending racism is an important endeavor, and starting early is key. Learn how you and your children’s ministry can help stop racism before it starts.
Reimagining Discipleship at the Table of Grace
Stephen Handy says Jesus captured the imaginations and hopes of people around a simple table. He says we can nurture discipleship in others by simply breaking bread together and sharing a story of hope.