“What’s in a name?” the guest preacher asked as the sermon began. The message was taken from the Lukan account of the Gerasene man suffering from demon possession, the man who was called Legion. The reverend addressed the biblical significance…
Usually traditional, NYC church takes different approach on Good Friday
Good Friday services at Madison Avenue Baptist Church are traditional in many ways. Participants are reminded, through music, prayer and scripture readings, of the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. Themes of sorrow and grief are experienced in an ornate…
Thinking of church membership in new ways, thanks to ‘cyber hospitality’
The way Susan Sparks sees it, congregations are missing a huge opportunity to share the gospel by not livestreaming their worship services. “We represent a messiah who used every available opportunity he had to reach out,” said Sparks, pastor at…
‘G-O-D’ is trademarked
This blog was also featured by Huffington Post All rise. Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye. All persons having business before this honorable trademark court draw nigh, give your attention and you will be heard. Docket No. 1A-4-6 is now…
Church adds a little beer to Bible to soften Baptist reputation
By Jeff Brumley As a pastor, Susan Sparks has been intent on findings ways church members can get to know each other outside of Sunday worship services. As a moderate Baptist, she’s been intent on modeling the kinder, gentler side…
In sermon and blog, preacher laments ‘lily white’ Jesus
By Jeff Brumley As both a writer, comedian and a pastor, Susan Sparks knows how to work an audience and a congregation. And whether on stage or behind the pulpit, she also knows how to raise eyebrows and a temper…