A lady called some weeks ago saying that her church was in deep trouble. No surprise here — many churches are “in deep trouble” for various reasons. She said the pastor decided to fire the part-time music director who had…
A recipe for blended worship
By Bob Burroughs I prefer to call the “worship wars” by another name: “worship preferences.” This, to me, better describes the situation in the vast majority of churches in our country today. We are really not at “war” over worship…
The stress of the movable Sabbath
Someone at church once asked me, “When is your day off?” I replied, “Friday.” “Wow.” He said. “I wish I could have Friday’s off. Must be nice.” “Well, I don’t get many Sundays off. That must be nice to have…
Is giving an offering — as an expression of worship — dying?
With online giving through a congregation’s web site, or texting a contribution, or bank drafts, or offering boxes in a corner of the worship space or narthex, or discouraging visitors from giving an offering at seeker services, or giving through…
Learning from monks
Recently, I spent a few days at Mount Saviour Monastery and it was an incredible time of reflection, prayer, and spiritual enrichment. I also instituted a social media blackout. I must admit, I didn’t know what to expect. My friend and follow pastor David…
Fifty years from now
What might it mean to be a Baptist Christian at the mid-point of the 21st century? I’m hesitant to try and answer such a question. In my experience, actual developments over time usually take unanticipated forms. If someone 50 years…
Managing time in worship
By Bob Burroughs Recently, I’ve been thinking about time, specifically issues concerning “time” leadership in the church. Time is the 21st century’s new currency. Think about it. People most often these day do not ask, “How much will this cost?”…
‘iFaith’ explored at Baylor symposium
By Ken Camp Social media may link people across the globe, while at the same time segmenting them generationally, one of American’s foremost scholars on technology and the church told an April 29 gathering at Baylor University’s George W. Truett…
Young musician: Church organ thriving
By Jeff Brumley South Main Baptist Church organist Daryl Robinson is tearing it up in the music world, winning awards and dazzling venues both sacred and secular. “Daryl brings freshness and excitement to the hymn singing” and “is equally strong…