“Then he [Jesus] said to them, “I can guarantee this truth: Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3-4 God’s Word).

But Paul said, “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, thought like a child, and reasoned like a child. When I became an adult, I no longer used childish ways” (1 Corinthians 13:11 God’s Word). Read more…

While reading blogs restores me many times, at others I feel depleted. When I read how bloggers suffer personal trauma, spiritual upset caused by religious people and face lack of respect for the way God works in others, I no longer have my cyber escape route from those very things in my part of the world.

So, I muster what strength I can to bid peace and hope to those who have become friends through the gift of the internet. Read more…

Over the years I have heard many stories about how parents compelled their children to behave “in church”. Anything from a little pinch on the bottom, taking them out for a good “talking to” and including threats made at home about what will happen if they don’t behave.

I do wonder. Read more…

Has your congregation ever searched for a pastor?

In many denominations the search includes building a profile or description of the congregation, the community it serves and writing a job description. These things can take as long as months before being approved.

Then the position is advertised. Applications are assessed. Interviews follow. The pastor may be invited to “preach for the call” or committee members may travel to where the pastor now serves to critique worship and report back to home base. Read more…

Over the past three years three people have invited us to their “church”. All three meant well. But there are three problems. Read more…