Awakening The Sleeping Giant

The Uncomfortable Truth:  My Struggle with Charging for Ministry and What The Holy Spirit Has Asked Me to Do About It. I have a confession to make, one that sits uncomfortably in my spirit, especially given my years of academic pursuit in the realm of ministry. I struggle. I mean really struggle, with the very act of charging people for any form of ministry I offer. This internal conflict presents a genuine challenge. I hold a Master's degree in Ministry and stand on the precipice of completing my Doctorate in Ministry (just that final 5%!). It's not that I subscribe to the misguided notion that those called to full-time ministry should live in poverty. Quite the opposite. I firmly believe that those who dedicate their lives to serving the Lord and His people deserve to have their needs met. However, my deep-seated conviction lies in the how of that provision. I cannot reconcile the idea of directly charging individuals for ministry with what I understand to be the biblical m...

Amidst the Chaos, a Cry for a Savior:  Recognizing Our Deepest Need It's hard to deny the sense of unease that permeates the world today. From conflict and division to a seemingly endless stream of unsettling news, it can feel like we're witnessing a decline in basic human decency. For those who hold onto the belief that humanity is inherently good, recent events offer a stark and perhaps uncomfortable counter-narrative. It appears, with increasing clarity, that self-interest often trumps genuine concern for others. We see it in countless ways. The fleeting allegiances driven by media trends, the rapid shifts in public opinion that seem to lack a foundation in critical thought. One day, a product or idea is lauded, the next it's condemned with equal fervor. This susceptibility to external influence raises questions about our individual autonomy and our capacity for reasoned judgment. Furthermore, the erosion of trust in established institutions is palpable. Once-respected c...

The Thrill and the Terror: Why Our Faith Falters There's a peculiar tension woven into the fabric of faith. It's a feeling that simultaneously excites and terrifies, a push and pull between the known comfort and the unknown possibility. Faith, in its purest form, is a fascinating thing. It exists in that space before the tangible evidence appears, a confident knowing that something will work out, even before you take the first step. Think about it. Until you actually step out in faith, you're operating in the realm of speculation. You might hope, you might wish, but you don't truly know . Yet, when faith takes root, that "knowing" precedes the outcome. It's a conviction that settles deep within, a quiet assurance that transcends current circumstances. So, the question begs to be asked: if this inherent knowing exists within us, why do we so often hesitate? Why do we cling to the shore of the familiar instead of diving into the deep waters of faith? I beli...

  Rethinking "The Gathering": Is Our Church Focus Out of Sync? For many North American churches (NAC), Sunday morning is the pinnacle of the week, the grand event where resources and energy converge, especially during holidays like Easter and Christmas. But is this emphasis on "the gathering" truly aligned with the New Testament model? Brant Henshaw's research sheds light on where church budgets are allocated. A staggering 64% of church funds, primarily through payroll, property, and program costs, are directed towards the Sunday morning service. This demonstrates a clear focus on the public gathering as the central activity of the church. In contrast, the New Testament Church (NTC) saw gatherings as a natural byproduct of discipleship and growth. Acts 2:42-47 highlights unity, gospel proclamation, and relational depth, rather than the gathering itself, as the primary focus. The Greek word "koinonia," often translated as fellowship, reveals a deeper me...

  Beyond the Walls: Unpacking New Testament Church Growth We often talk about church growth, but what did it actually look like in the New Testament? It wasn't about fancy programs or packed auditoriums. It was a movement fueled by action, not just information. Let's dive into the core principles that drove the explosive growth of the early church. Action Over Information: The DNA of the Early Church Knowledge was important, sure. But the New Testament Church (NTC) wasn't a classroom; it was a launchpad. Jesus didn't just want followers who knew the scriptures; He wanted followers who lived them. Think about it: "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people." (Matthew 4:19) This wasn't an invitation to a seminar; it was a call to a life of active discipleship. Jesus expected His followers to go into the world, not just sit in a building. "Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." (Matthew...

Jesus and The Code of Conduct Paradox: When Inclusion Excludes We all know the drill: mandatory Code of Conduct training. It’s a staple in today’s workplace, designed to foster respect and prevent discrimination. And honestly, a baseline of decency is essential. Some people genuinely need a reminder about basic human kindness. But during my recent training, something struck a nerve – a familiar, painful echo of a past experience. Let me preface this by saying this is a personal story I’ve kept close, and shared only with my family and a few close friends. But it’s relevant, and I feel compelled to share it now. A few years ago, I was working at a school when a student requested to be addressed by a name and pronouns that differed from their biological sex. As a Christian, I couldn’t reconcile this request with my deeply held beliefs. I informed the school that I would continue to use the student’s legal name, or they could find another staff member to accommodate the request. Ultimatel...

  The Consumer Church: Are We Buying Faith, Not Living It? We live in a consumer-driven world. It's woven into the fabric of our culture, shaping how we approach everything, even our faith. In North America, this "consumer mindset" has infiltrated the church, often without us even realizing it. The "Come and Hear" Approach: Think about it. We're bombarded with invitations: "Invite your friends next week," "Easter and Christmas are perfect for first-timers!" Pastors are strategizing, saying things like, "We need to give them what they want so we can give them what they need," or "Anything short of sin, we'll risk to bring people closer to Jesus." This echoes a marketing approach, as seen in books like "Connect: How To Grow Your Church In 28-Days Guaranteed." The focus shifts to attracting people through "reach events" – chili cook-offs, carnivals, even Disney movie nights. While well-intentioned,...

  Beyond the Building: Rediscovering True Community The modern North American Church (NAC) has achieved remarkable feats of organization and reach. But have we lost sight of the essence of community that defined the early church? The New Testament Church (NTC) wasn't built on grand buildings or complex programs. It thrived in homes and communal spaces, a network of believers bound by shared faith and radica l love. This organic growth continued until around 330 AD, when Constantine's influence began to reshape the church. From Community to Control Constantine, driven by power and influence, leveraged Christianity for his own ends. What began as a movement of genuine community in Acts became a tool for control and profit. Sound familiar? But what did that early community look like? I got a glimpse during a trip to Israel in 2019. Our visit to Magdala, Mary Magdalene's hometown, was unexpectedly profound. Walking through the preserved ruins, I could picture daily life: a tig...

  Special Effects: When Church Becomes a Blockbuster We love a good show. Explosions, impossible stunts, the hero always winning against impossible odds – it's the magic of special effects. But what happens when these same tactics creep into our churches? In our quest for growth, many churches adopt an "attraction-based" model. Think big stages, dramatic lighting, fog machines, and bands that rival concert performances. It's a spectacle, designed to draw crowds. But at what cost? The Illusion of Reality Think about your favorite action movie. You know cars don't explode from fender benders. You know jumping from a three-story building is a recipe for disaster. But you suspend disbelief, captivated by the spectacle. We crave that "unique inner experience," that thrill, even if it's manufactured. Ed Sikov defines special effects as "any image or element within the image that has been produced by extraordinary technical means…in excess of the ordin...