Category: Church Life
Looking in From the Outside
Have you met the Jones family? They’re fairly new to the church. In fact, they are always new to one church or another. They just can’t seem to find a place where they fit in. The churches always seem welcoming enough, and the doctrine and preaching...
Looking For a Church? Here’s What to Look For
My list doesn’t include a gymnasium or a youth group that does a lot of fun things, since the Bible doesn’t require a church to have these amenities. Here are a few items, however, that are absolutely critical for your consideration: A resolve on the part...
I Wish You Hadn’t Said That! : Guidelines for Speaking Correctly in Small Groups
I know you’ve been there. It’s prayer request time in your small group meeting and someone says something that makes you squirm. “I think we should all be praying for Jane. She’s been on my heart lately. She told me confidentially . . . “ “We...
Hospitality for Gospel Advance
I occasionally travel around the country in order to teach the Bible in various settings, typically staying in the home of a pastor or church members. Looking back over several years of these experiences, I can confidently say that joyous hospitality is a boon to my...
Extra Innings: When a Preacher Goes Long
It’s the bottom of the ninth with a runner on third. Your team is down by two runs and the pitch count is 3 balls and 2 strikes. As the batter enters the box, you slide forward on your seat, waiting. The pitcher dips his head...
Four Miles from Church
How important is faithful church attendance for the Christian? One man who understood its importance was the father of 19th century missionary John Paton. Living four miles from their church in Dumfries, Scotland, Paton writes, . . . during all these forty years my father was...
Creating a Culture of Hospitality
Church doesn’t just happen on Sunday morning and Wednesday nights. We all know that. In our busy and self-isolating culture, we have to make intentional, personal contact with each other if we want to be a real community. But how do we do it? Let me...
Better Prayer Meetings and Prayer Groups: Less Confusion, More Communion
Most of us have experienced both “good” and “bad” prayer meetings. Eventually we may find out that the “good prayer meeting” which seemed to go very well was actually tainted. Those who prayed sounded spiritual, but they were full of pride. And Peter tells us, “God...
Church Going Downhill?
Was your church meeting disappointing this week? Do you find that there seems to be little life in the church? Are there troubles stirring? Are there way too many parking lot conversations? What can you do as a member to make things better? Here are a...
Churches on Fire: What Goes Up and What Comes Down
“I’m of John Piper!” “I’m of John MacArthur!” “I’m of R. C. Sproul!” “I’m of Allistair Begg!” It wasn’t so bad that the Corinthian people appreciated the leaders that had come through their city (Apollos, Cephas, and even Paul himself), but that their affections moved their...
