Over the last several years during the Advent and Christmas seasons, I have noticed that churches seem to be singing traditional Christmas carols less and less. I’m not sure what all the reasons may be, and I’m certainly not attempting to impugn the motives of those who choose the songs. But I do believe it’s unfortunate for us if we hear familiar carols more in the shopping mall than we do in the local church.
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Most Americans pray, and many pray every day; but what do we pray about? Not surprisingly, according to Lifeway research, 74 percent of Americans pray for their own needs and difficulties. Predictably, most people pray for their own problems, since troubles and challenges are common to everyone.
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Let's face it: Pastoring would be a piece of cake if it weren't for... well, people. As pastors, we're often caught between the ideal of heavenly harmony and the reality of earthly entanglements. Staff squabbles, church member meltdowns, and that one deacon who always insists on singing solo—conflict is as much a part of ministry as potlucks and pews.
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In my 28 years as a pastor, one of my most harrowing and challenging, yet exhilarating, assignments was that of preaching the message of Christmas. How does one even remotely begin to do justice to the mysterious wonder and glorious majesty of God becoming flesh as a baby born in Bethlehem? Though it remains a staggering prospect, preaching strong, text-driven sermons during the Christmas season likely has never been more important than it is now.
Over the last several years during the Advent and Christmas seasons, I have noticed that churches seem to be singing traditional Christmas carols less and less. I’m not sure what all the reasons may be, and I’m certainly not attempting to impugn the motives of those who choose the songs. But I do believe it’s unfortunate for us if we hear familiar carols more in the shopping mall than we do in the local church.
CLINTON, Miss. (BP) — Mississippi College will become Mississippi Christian University, a statement from the school’s board of trustees announced on Nov. 18.
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (BP) – Defending itself against Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noted the nation of God’s chosen people is at war on seven fronts, not only against Iran, but also Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, terrorists in the West Bank and Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria.
DATELINE (BP) – Like all others who have served, Veterans Day holds a special place for Damon Friedman.
NASHVILLE (BP) – See Brandon Lake and Phil Wickham together in live performances captured on screen in “For the One,” returning for an extra night in theaters across the U.S. Saturday, Nov. 2, after an original run Oct. 27-29.
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Middle Tennessee State University experienced a day on campus on Monday, Oct. 28, that you never want to see happen, said Mark Whitt, collegiate ministry specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board.
How did Daniel of the Bible find contentment living in exile? Jesus healed a blind man; why didn't He heal His best friend, Lazarus?
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A coalition of doctors, medical professionals and healthcare policy leaders are urging dignified care for women and calling for accurate information surrounding pregnancy, pregnancy complications and state laws.
NEW YORK (BP) – After a 15-year-old Manhattan boy died attempting to “surf” atop a moving subway car in February 2023, his mother found videos promoting subway surfing in a TikTok challenge on his phone, a lawsuit filed against TikTok alleges.
NASHVILLE (BP) – The latest series on the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) podcast focuses on the topic of mental health.
