
6 takeaways from church hospitality research
Earlier this year, Lifeway Research released the results of a study on how Protestant churches welcome first-time guests. The results, as they say, speak for themselves.
Earlier this year, Lifeway Research released the results of a study on how Protestant churches welcome first-time guests. The results, as they say, speak for themselves.
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If you’re pastoring a mid-sized church, you’ve likely felt that slow undercurrent of change that’s harder to name than it is to feel.
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The first seven years of C. H. Spurgeon’s ministry in London were accompanied by a surprising revival. No one could have expected it. Through a nineteen-year-old country preacher, a dying congregation was revitalized, and hundreds—perhaps thousands—were converted under his ministry during those early years. Though only a few dozen were in attendance when Spurgeon first arrived at New Park Street in 1853, by 1861 membership was at 1,473, with thousands more regularly attending.
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An “unforced error” is a term borrowed from sports, especially tennis, meaning a mistake made due to one’s own lapse rather than being forced by an opponent. In everyday language, it refers to an avoidable mistake or misstep, typically resulting from a lack of attention or care rather than external pressure.
The early church experienced explosive growth because of a conviction to evangelize which led to a culture of evangelism. When confronted and threatened, they did not pray for their safety but for greater boldness.
Some years ago, I was on a follow-up visit with a friend, and we were visiting a gentleman who had recently prayed to receive Christ. The man had not yet been baptized, and we were going to talk with him about doing so.
ALEXANDRIA, La. (BP) – In 2012, Elvis Presley’s Bible sold at an auction for $94,600. Among other markings, Luke 9:25 was underlined. According to the King James Version, the verse says, “For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” On another page, Elvis wrote in the margin, “To judge a man by his weakest link or deed is like judging the power of the ocean by one wave.”
When there is a culture of evangelism, we are always praying and watching to see where the Spirit is at work – while believing He is at work!
“It can happen to anyone.” Have you heard this expression before? You may have said it to someone or maybe, someone said it to you when you made an uncharacteristic mistake, misunderstood someone’s direction, or overlooked something that was literally right in front of you.
Culture. My state, Louisiana, is known for it. Our food. Our celebrations. Our hospitality.
LAFAYETTE, La. (BP)–Much has been written, and no doubt will continue to be written, about the final report to be presented from the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force to the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Orlando. One can read about the strengths and weaknesses of the recommendations from far more knowledgeable — and for […]
LAFAYETTE, La. (BP)--Every October my already messy desk and busy calendar become a little more chaotic as I try to lead our church staff and budget planning team through formulating a new budget for the coming year.