Veterans Affairs needs an overhaul, and churches can lead the way in veteran care reform—only if they work together. I’ve wondered how the church would respond to wounded veterans’ needs. In communities across the country veterans return attempting to fight…
Jesus on strategic planning
By Bill Wilson Building a congregation’s life around a clear vision and purpose is an easy thing to believe in. Aligning that purpose with biblical teaching and witness is an agreeable notion. I seldom encounter a leader or leadership group…
Jesus on strategic planning
By Bill Wilson Building a congregation’s life around a clear vision and purpose is an easy thing to believe in. Aligning that purpose with biblical teaching and witness is an agreeable notion. I seldom encounter a leader or leadership group…
Jesus on strategic planning
By Bill Wilson Building a congregation’s life around a clear vision and purpose is an easy thing to believe in. Aligning that purpose with biblical teaching and witness is an agreeable notion. I seldom encounter a leader or leadership group…
Bringing the love back
“I love you.” It takes a relationship to a deeper level like no other three words can. Where were we when we first said the “L word?” Often couples remember this moment in their dating time together more than any…
The parable of the vineyard from the margins
By Miguel De La Torre One early morning, a certain vineyard owner sets out to hire laborers. He goes to the local bodega where laborers usually wait to be hired, negotiates a fair day’s wage and sends them to his…
Sustainable friendship a gift from God
Throughout the seasons of life, most human beings are going to be engaged in dynamic human relationships. Home, the classroom, the workplace, recreation, and church all present diverse opportunities for acquaintance and interaction. Among the thousands of people we encounter,…
Spirituality on the margins
Spirituality on the margins
By Bill Leonard Around 2 p.m. on May 26, West Virginia serpent handler/preacher Mark Randall “Mack” Wolford was bitten by a rattler at a service in the Panther State Forest. Resisting medical treatment, he returned home, surrounded with prayer. As…
Feeding body and spirit
I was in a hurry to get my 3-year-old daughter home before the backseat whining turned into a full backseat tantrum when I decided to cut through an alley and sneak my way into traffic. In doing so, I noticed…
Reading Scripture is like rock climbing
By Mimi Haddad In a recent interview with the New Voice Media Group (which includes Associated Baptist Press), I used rock climbing as an analogy for interpreting Bible passages about the role of women. Whether climbing a steep rock or…
Contemporary worship no salvation for all
By Mark Wingfield Here’s an underreported factoid: Throwing out tradition and trying to “go contemporary” has failed in as many or more established churches as it has succeeded. That’s right, contemporary worship hasn’t saved every church that has given…