Church Life

  • Thumbnail for the post titled: What Kind of a Christian Are You?

    What Kind of a Christian Are You?

    Let me kick this off with a hypothetical conversation. Try to follow along. And that’s about where we lose most people. Most people believe a bunch of stuff when it […]

  • Thumbnail for the post titled: Why Pastors’ Kids Have a Reputation

    Why Pastors’ Kids Have a Reputation

    “Pastors’ kids.” I say those words and what comes to mind? Well, if you’ve grown up in church, probably a lot of things come to mind — and most of […]

  • Thumbnail for the post titled: What is Communion? A Simple Explanation of the Lord’s Supper

    What is Communion? A Simple Explanation of the Lord’s Supper

    Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper, is a common practice in the Christian faith. Biblically, it is an ordinance given by Jesus to the Christian church. It is essentially […]

  • Thumbnail for the post titled: Is it Wrong for Churches to Get Political?

    Is it Wrong for Churches to Get Political?

    In my last article, we opened up the can of worms marked “politics.” In that article, I emphasized up front that the Bible is explicitly clear that Christians are to […]

  • Thumbnail for the post titled: Let’s Talk About Politics

    Let’s Talk About Politics

    “I intend to vote for that missile,” the U.S. congressman said to thunderous applause. He had been talking about the “MX Missile.” For those who may need a refresher or […]

  • Thumbnail for the post titled: How Should Churches Govern Themselves and Make Decisions?

    How Should Churches Govern Themselves and Make Decisions?

    Tonight is our church’s fall business meeting. Baptist churches have a reputation when it comes to business meetings. In fact, they have a reputation when it comes to making church-related […]

  • Thumbnail for the post titled: The Church is Not a Community Service or Social Club–and We All Need to be Clear on That

    The Church is Not a Community Service or Social Club–and We All Need to be Clear on That

    Social clubs are great. Community service organizations are indispensable. But the church is neither of those things. Not as conceived by Christ, our Founder. Does the church offer social opportunities? […]

  • Thumbnail for the post titled: Are You Committed to the “Bond of Peace”?

    Are You Committed to the “Bond of Peace”?

    In his letter to the church in Ephesus, Paul exhorts the Ephesian Christians to “walk worthy” of their calling and to commit themselves to the “bond of peace.” We should […]

  • Thumbnail for the post titled: Why Do We Do “Church”?

    Why Do We Do “Church”?

    This weekend, Olney Baptist Church celebrates our 47th anniversary. When the church started in 1977, it was a mission – not a fully chartered church – made possible by the […]

  • Thumbnail for the post titled: Why Should I Go to Church?

    Why Should I Go to Church?

    One of the books I’m reading (I usually have several books-in-progress simultaneously) is The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them […]