FIRST-PERSON: Invite people to follow Jesus
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP) – Sometimes I know the best way to answer a great question about 30 minutes after the conversation is finished. That was the case recently when I was asked about an element of evangelistic preaching known as the invitation.
Pennsylvania churches become all things to win some at Easter
What does it take to fulfill the Great Commission? It’s not that complicated. On a basic level it takes love and compassion, time and a willingness to meet people where they are. For a bonus, toss in a little creativity.
Tennessee church’s kids ‘buy the farm’ for missions
GORDONSVILLE, Tenn. (BP) – New Middleton Baptist Church began a Kids on Mission program in 2017 in an effort to involve people of all ages in the church in missions.
Houston’s First shatters World Mission Offering goal
HOUSTON (BP) – The coalescing factor behind a record missions gift by Houston’s First Baptist church is that it truly was an act of worship by the entire congregation, said Senior Pastor Gregg Matte.
FIRST-PERSON: Lighting an evangelistic passion in any church
AUSTIN, Texas (BP) -- My first pastorate, on a back road through the tobacco fields of Kentucky, had a church building with room for about 12 pews, four Sunday School classrooms and an old graveyard beside the church.
BCNE youth discipleship program grows servant leaders
WORCESTER, Mass. (BP) – When Charlotte Mullane enrolled in Worcester State University in Worcester, Mass., she noticed the school lacked a fellowship and service group designed for Christians.
New Mexico church planter credits mentors, sending church
RAYADO CREEK, N.M. (BP) – A couple of years ago, Jeff Ogata felt God calling him to plant a church. Today, he knows his role as pastor of Rayado Creek Family Fellowship happened because of God’s leading, but also the investment others made in his life and the sacrifice of a small, elderly congregation.
Near Caribbean volcano, Baptist’s bucket of water reaping benefits decades later
KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent (BP) – Pastor Cecil Richards calls it "pure gold" – a missionary's 5-gallon bucket of water that led to his salvation after the 1979 La Soufriere volcanic eruption and yet inspires his ministry decades later as La Soufriere erupts again.
Long Hollow revival steeped in prayer sees 1,000 baptisms since December
HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (BP) – These days at Long Hollow Baptist Church, interruptions aren’t considered bad. The plan isn’t as crucial as the response. Things flow from a position of prayer, ultimately pointing toward Christ.
FIRST-PERSON: Let me ask one question
BENTON, Ill. (BP) – I left the deacons meeting one proud pastor. It had been a tiring Sunday evening filled with meetings and preaching. However, I went home greatly encouraged by how God was at work using our leaders.
